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HISTORY 

OF 

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 



AND 



Representative Citizens 



BY 



CHARLES A. HAZLETT 

Portsmouth, N. H. 



All History is Philosophy Teaching by Examph 



PUBLISHED BY 

RICHMOND-ARNOLD PUBLISHING TO 

J. RICHMOND, PHHs.; c. R. AT^NOLD. s' „„;„: 



ARNOLD. Sec. and Treas 

CHICAGO, ILL. 
1915 






PilH4 






PREFACE 



The preservation of such facts, as will be useful to the future historian, 
is of public importance. Those which depend on memory, or have been long 
handed down by tradition, are liable either to be forgotten' or misrepresented. 
They should, tlierefore, be carefully collected from time to time and deposited 
in such archives as are prepared for them. Since the invention of printing 
the best mode of preserving historical facts is by the press. The record of 
them is thereby multiplied, and the knowledge of them extensively com- 
municated. Every one should be acquainted with the origin and progress 
of the society to which he belongs. It is gratifying to the curiosity to learn 
the events of former days in which our ancestors took an active part ; to hear 
of the hardships and perils which they encountered, and the fortitude with 
which they endured them: to see the advances they made in obtaining the 
comforts and conveniences of life, and the state of independence and ease, 
in which they have placed their descendants. For the benefit of the present 
generation, as well as to assist whomever may hereafter undertake to write 
a more connected history, I have endeavored to collect the most authentic 
documents relative to my native town. For this purpose I have carefully 
examined ancient records and papers, within my control, which had any con- 
nection with the subject. I have likewise examined the periodical publica- 
tions which I could obtain. From these I have made many selections and 
quotations. 

The foregoing is as applicable in 1914 as when it was written in 1824 
by Nathaniel Adams as a preface to "Annals of Portsmouth, comprising a 
period of 200 years from the first settlement of the town; with 
biographical sketches of a few of the most respectable citizens." It has been 
neces.sary to condense the material available relating to some of the places. 
Several local historians have issued volumes that, if liberally quoted, would 
make this book of the county too large and bulky. Many long lists of names 
have been omitted, as the volumes containing the details are on the shelves 
of the public libraries in nearly all the towns in the county, or they can be 
drawn by the local librarians from the State Fibrary at Concord. Excellent 
histories of Exeter, Hampton, Ham, .ton Falls and Newfields are available. 

It has been my endeavor to trace the history of the development of this 
section from that period when it was in the undisputed possession of the red 
man to the present, and to place before the reader an authentic narrative of 
its rise and progress. 

That such an undertaking is attended with no little difficulty and vexation 
none will deny. The aged pioneer relates events of the early settlements, 
while his neighbor sketches the same events with totally different outlines. 
Man's memory is ever at fault, while time paints a different picture upon 
every mind. 



6 PREFACE 

I have consulted and drawn liberally from the histories, addresses or 
sketches by Jeremy Belknap, John Farmer, Nathaniel Adams, C. W. Brewster, 
John McClintock, James DeNomiandie, John S. Jenness, Frank B. Sanborn, 
Charles H. Bell, N. P. Hood and numerous authorities in various towns to 
whom credit is generally given. 

I desire to acknowledge my sincere thanks to the editorial fraternity, 
to the town and county and church officials, for much valuable information, 
which has greatly lessened my labor in the preparation of this work ; to each 
and every one who has assisted me in the compilation, and would cheerfully 
make personal mention of each, but it is impracticable. 

Charles A. Hazlett. 

Portsmouth, N. H., April 13. 1914. 



PUBLISHER'S PREFACE 



The aim of the piibUshers of this vokiiiie and of the author of the history 
has been to secure for tlie historical portion thereof fuU and accurate data 
respecting the history of the county from the time of its early settlement and 
to condense it into a clear and interesting narrative. All topics and occur- 
rences have been included that were essential to this subject. 

The reviews of resolute and strenuous lives that make up the biographical 
part of the volume are admirably calculated to foster local ties, to inculcate 
patriotism and to emphasize the rewards of industry dominated by intelli- 
gent purpose. They constitute a most appropriate medium for perpetuating 
personal annals and will lie of incalculable value to the descendants of those 
commemorated. These sketches are replete with stirring incidents and in- 
tense experiences and are flavored with a strong human interest that will 
naturally prove to a large portion of the readers of the book one of its most 
attracti\e features. In the aggregate of personal memoirs thus collated will be 
found a vivid epitome of the growth of Rockingham County, which will fitly 
supplement the historical statement, for its development is identical with that 
of the men and women to whom it is attributable. Sketches not corrected by 
subscribers when submitted to them are indicated by a small asterisk (*). 

The publishers have avoided slighting any jiart of the work, and to the 
best of their ability have supplementerl the editor's labors by exercising care 
over the minutest details of publication, in order to give the volume the three- 
fold value of a readable narrative, a useful \\(irk (if reference and a tasteful 
ornament to the library. 

Special prominence has been given to the portraits of many representative 
citizens, which appear throughout the volume, and we believe that the^■ will 
prove not its least interesting feature. We have sought in this department to 
illustrate the different spheres of industrial and professional achievement as 
conspicuously as possible. To all who have kindly interested themselves in the 
prei)aration of this work, and who have voluntarily contributed most useful 
information and data, or rendered any other assistance, we hereby tender our 
grateful acknowledgments. 

The Publishers. 
Chicago, III, January i, 1915. 



■ /• * 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I 



Geographical and Descriptive 25 

Area and Boundaries — Towns — Rivers. 



CHARTER n 

Civil List 

County Commissioners — Solicitors — Sheriffs — Probate Registers 
and Judges — Registers of Deeds — Clerks of Supreme Court — Repre- 
sentatives Vote for Go\-ernor — Countv Officers. 



CH.M'TF.R in 

Mir,iT.\uv History 33 

First. Secoml. Third. FourtJL Fifth. Sixth. Se\cntli. Eighth, and 
Ninth Regiments. 



rfT\ I 'TER T\- 

Military History. — ( Continued. ) 30 

Tenth, Eleventh, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, Sixteenth, and 
Eighteenth Regiments — Heavy Artillery — Sharpshooters. 



CHAPTER V 

Bench and Bar 43 

Portsmouth — Atkinson — Chester — Deerfield — Derry — Ep- 
ping — Exeter — Greenland — Hampton — Kingston — London- 
derrv — Neumarket — Northwood — Salem — Seabrook — ^A'indham 



CH.\T'TER VT 

Public I'tilities ^5 

The County Farm — Internal Improvements — Railroads. 

9 



10 CONTENTS 

CHAPTER VII 

Portsmouth oo 

Motives of the Colonists — Early Voyagers — ^John Smith — The 
Piscataqua — Thomson's Settlement at Little Harbor — Mason and 
Laconia Patent — The Great House — The 1823 Celebration. 

CHAI'ITiR \T1I 

Portsmouth. — (Continued.) 109 

The Church of England — luirly Rectors and Governors — Settled 
Conclusions — The Laconia Company — Death of Mason — Abandon- 
ment of the Settlement by his Widow — Under the Jurisdiction of 
Massachusetts — Claim of Mason's Heirs — The First Church — Rich- 
ard Gibson — The Cutts Brothers — A New Meeting House — Pews and 
Seating — Early Laws and Rulers. 

CHAPTER IX 

Portsmouth. — ( Continued.) 121 

The Mason Claims — Theological Mo\ements — Early Clergymen — 
Cranfield and Moodey — Imprisonment of Moodey — Dr. Moodey's 
Interest in Hanard College — His Death — The Ministry of Rogers' — 
The Half Wav Covenant. 



CHAPTER X 

Portsmouth. — (Continued.) 138 

Temperance — Use of Tobacco — Church Pews and Customs — Ob- 
servance of Sunday — Cost of Living — Earl_\- Law.s — The Massacre 
at the Plains. 

CHAPTER XI 

Portsmouth. — ( Continued.) 141 

Re-estal)lishment of Episcopacy — Rev. Arthur Brown — Dr. Bur- 
roughs — Rulers until the Revolution — ^Benning Wentworth — Sir John 
W'entworth — Princi])al Names in the Early Settlement — Henry Sher- 
. burn — John Pickering — Sanniel W'entworth — Sir William Pepperell 
— The Siege of Louisburg — Champernowne — Emerson — A Church 
at the I'lains — Absence of the Spirit of Persecution — Witchcraft — 
A New Church — Shurtleff — Clerical Anecdotes — Revival under 
W'hitelield — The" North Meeting House — The Successive Ministry of 
the South Parish. 

CHAPTER XII 

Portsmouth. — ( Continued.) 157 

'i'lie I'our Meeting Houses — The Glebe Land.s — The 1670 Bible — 



CONTENTS 11 

The 1854 Church Building — The Successive Ministry of the Xortli 
Parish. 

CHAPTER XIII 

Portsmouth. — {Continued.) 164 

Churches and Ministers of the Past and of the Present. 



CHAPTER XIV 

Portsmouth. — (Continued.) 171 

The Stamp Act and Tea Party — Association Test — The War of 
The Revolution — Military Record — War of 1812-14 — Ship Building- 
Commerce — Privateerinsf. 



CHAPTER XV 

Portsmouth. — (Continued.) 184 

The Banks — •N'ewspapers — Fires — Architecture — Various Events 
— Famous Inhabitants — Schools — Parks and Playground. 



CHAPTER XVI 

Portsmouth. — (Continued.) J03 

The Public Librar}^ — Cottage Hospital, Societies, etc. — Corpora- 
tions — Portsmouth Navy Yard — The Treaty of Portsmouth. 



CHAPTER XVII 

Atkinson 213 

Early History — Ecclesiastical History — Educational — Military 
Record. 

CHAPTER XVIII 

Auburn 220 

Geographical — Topographical — First Settlers — Ecclesiastical — 
First Congregational Church — Methodist Episcopal Church — Civil 
and Military History — Petition for Incorporation — "West Chester" 
— The Opposition — The Town Incorporated — The First Town-Meet- 
ing — Military Histories — Griffin Library. 



CHAPTER XIX 

Brentwood 224 

Geographical — Topographical — Early Inhabitants — Documentary 



12 CONTENTS 

History — Meeting-House — Ecclesiastical History — Congregational 
Church — Baptist Church — Military History — Public Library. 



CHAPTER XX 

Candia 235 

Geographical — Names of Early Settlers — Bounds of the Town — 
First Town-Meeting — Officers Elected — Documentary History — 
ICcclesiastical History — Educational — Military History — Public Li- 
brary. 

CHAPTER XXI 

Chester 243 

Geographical — Proprietors — Early Voles — Petition for Grant of 
the Town — The ' Royal Charter — Names of Original Grantees — 
Pioneer Mills^ — Pioneer Schools — Ecclesiastical History — Civil and 
Military — Public Library. 



CHAPTER XXII 

Danville 27^ 

Geography — Topography — Petition for Parish — Documentary 
History — Ecclesiastical History — Military History — Public Library. 



CHAPTER XXni 

Dkkrftelt) 276 

( ieiigraphical — Topographical— Petitinn for Parish Licorpora- 
tion — P'irst Town-Meeting — The Revolution — Ecclesiastical — The 
Deerfield .Academy — Attorney.s — Physicians — Early Families — Dele- 
gates to J'rovincial Congress — Public Library. 



CHAPTER XXIV 

-Derkv 283 

Gcograi)hical — The Pinkerton Academy — Adams Female Acatl- 
emy — Bank.s — Post-Offices — Derry Fair — Derry East Village — 
Derry Village — Derry Depot — Mexican War — War of the Rebellion 
— Londonderry Celebration — Pres.s — Town Hall — Taylor Libran,- — 
Ecclesiastical History. 



CHAPTER XXV 

East Kingston 300 

l'";irlv T^istorv — First Settlers — The Churches — Military Record. 



CONTENTS 13 

CHAPTER XXVI 

Epping -^ I - 

Geographical — Topographical — Petition for a i'arish — Petition of 
the Inhabitants of Epping for Men to Protect Them, 1747 — War of 
the Revolution — The Lottery Bridge — Military Record^Soldiers of 
the War of the Rebellion — Ecclesiastical — Native Ministers — Phy- 
sicians — Public Officials — Attorneys — Banks — Population — Origin of 
the Name of the Town. 

CHAPTER XXVII 

Exeter 344 

Geographical — The First Settlement — ^John Wheelwright and 
Others — The Exeter "Combination" of 1634 — Edward Cranfield's 
Despotism — War of the Revolution — The Industries^ — Prominent 
Residents — Firmness of Sullivan — Washington's Visit. 

CHAPTER XXVIII 

Exeter. — (Coutiiutcd. ) 376 

Ecclesiastical History — Churches and Ministers. 

CHAPTER XXIX 

Exeter. — ( Continued. ) 392 

Military Record, i86i-r)5 — The Publishing Interest. 

CHAPTER XXX 

Exeter. — {Continued.) 402 

Phillips Exeter Academy — Robinson's Female Seminary — Manu- 
facturing — Banks — Corporations — Societies — Public Library. 

CHAPTER XXXI 

Fremont • • • • -415 

Geographical — Topographical — Early History — Lxorporation^ — 
Military Record. 

CHAPTER XXXII 

Greenland 4i° 

Petition for Privileges — Petition for a Townshi]! — Documentary 
History — Other Petitions — Taverns — War of the Revolution — 
Action of the Towns — .Annexation to Massachusetts — Civil History 
— Ecclesiastical — Brackett Academy — Week's Library— The Oldest 
House. 



14 CONTEXTS 

CHAl'lEk XXXHI 

HAMPSTIiAl) 434 

Geographical — Topographical — Petition for Parish — Xanies of 
Early Settlers — The First Settlements — Congregational Church — 
Military Record. 

CHAI'TER XXXIV 

Hampton 439 

Geographical — iMrst Settlement — Xames of Early Settlers — 
Documentary History— Witchcraft — Tea Act Resolves — Militarv- 
Record — Ecclesiastical. 

CHAPTER XXXV 

Hampton I'Alls 45^ 

Geographical — Topographical- — I'etition of Hampton Falls for a 
Fair — Grant of a Fair, 1734 — Other Petitions — Council of 1737 — 
Churches — Rockingham Academy — Weare Monument — Military 
Record — The Bound House. 

CHAPTER XXXVI 

Kensington 475 

Early History — Churches — Slaves — Military History — Schools — 
Public Library. 

CHAPTER XXXVII 

KiNG.STON 487 

Geographical — Topographical^Original Charter — Occupations — 
Ecclesiastical — History — The Epidemic — Educational — Ecclesiastical 
— Grantees — Military Record. 

CHAPTER XXXVIII 

Londonderry 503 

Geographical — Name — Emigration — Settlement — First Families 
— First Allotment of Lands — Incorporation — Tories — Currency — 
Schools — Military History — Churches — Libraries. 



CHAPTER XXXIX . 

Newcastle ^26 

Geographical — Topographical — First Settlement — Great Island — 
The Fort of 1660 — Fort \\'illiam and Mary— The Wentworth — 
Military Record — \\'albach Tower. 



CONTENTS 15 

CHAPTER XL 

Newfields -4- 

Settlement — Indian Wars — Incorporation — Roads — Ship-lniild-^ 
ing — Military — Churches — Public Lilirary. 

CHAPTER XLI 

Newington -67 

Geographical — Topographical — Settlement — Indian Troubles — 
The Massacre — Civil History — Congregational Church — Military 
Record- — Langdon Library — Riographicai Sketches. 

CHAPTER XLI I 

Newmarket z,-2 

Geographical — Topographical — Geological — Manufacturers 
— Churches — Banks — Soldiers \\'ar of the Rebellion — Public Library. 

CHAPTER XLIII 

Newton :;8i 

Geographical — Topographical — Petition for Erection of Town — 
Revolutrionary Soldiers — Prominent X^ames — Public Library. 

CHAPTER XLIV 

North H.\mpton 5S7 

Geographical — Topographical — Settlement — Garrison - House — 
Indian Depredations — Petition for Parish Privileges — Organization 
of Parish — "The X^orth Hill Parish" — Incorporation — Petition to be 
Released from Parish Rates — Ecclesiastical History — Military Rec- 
ord — Public Library. 

CHAPTER XLV 

Northwood 602 

Geographical — Topographical — Early Settlements — Names of 
Pioneers — Incorporation — First Town-Meeting — Officers Elected — 
The Revolution — The Association Test — Ecclesiastical History — 
Cole's Northwood Academy — Villages and Hamlets — Physicians — 
Early Families' — Military — Public Lilirary. 

CHAPTER XLVI 

Nottingham 614 

Geographical — Topographical — F'etition for Grant of Town — 
Name — Royal Grant — Original Proprietors — The Sur\^ey — Ecclesi- 



16 CONTENTS 

astical — Indians — Revolutionary — Attorneys — I'hysicians — 
Early Families — Public Library — Tlie Square — Revolutionary — In- 
dians. 

CHAPTER XlAIl 

Plaistow 625 

Geographical — Topographical — Petitions — Early Settlers — Eccle- 
siastical History — Alilitary Record. 



CHAPTER XLVTII 

R.WMONU 632 

Geographical — Purchase of Town — -Settlement — Names of 
Pioneers — Incorporation — First Town-Meeting — Documentary His- 
tory — Early Families — Ecclesiastical History — Educational — Mili- 
tary Record — Public Library. 



CHAPTER XLIX 

Rye O47 

Geographical — Topographical — First Settlement — First Grant — 
Names of Pioneers — The I^^irst Deed — Indian Depredations — Witch- 
craft — "Breakfast Hill'" — Educational — Ecclesiastical History — 
Summer Resort — Boulevard — Public Library — Submerged Forest — 
Military — Gosport — Isles of Shoals. 



CHAPTER L 

S.ALEM 666 

Geographical — Topographical — liarly History — Settling a Min- 
ister — The Meeting-House — The Burying-Ground — Civil History — 
Churches — Military History. 



CHAPTER LI 

S.\NDOWN 678 

Geographical — Topographical — Early Settlement.s — Petition for 
Town Privileges — Incorporation — Names of Early Settlers — 
Churches — Railroad. 



CHAPTER LII 

Seabrook 68 1 

Geographical— Topographical — First Settlements — Indian Depre- 
dation.s — Prominent Citizens — Churches — Civil History — Incorpora- 
tion — Military Record — Public Library. 



CONTENTS . 17 

CHAPTER LIII 

South Hampton -q. 

Geographical — Topographical — Incorporation — Charter — 
Churches — The Association Test — Military Record. 

CHAPTER LIV 

Stkathaii ... , 

/ 1 4 

(.eographical— Petition for Charter — Documentary History — 
Civil History— Church History— Military Record — War of the Re- 
bellion — Public Library. 

CHAPTER LV 

Windham « , , 

Geographical — Topographical — Causes for Settlement — First 
Settlement — First Settlers — Petitions and Incorporation — First 
Town-Meeting — Last French and Indian War — Military History — 
Churches — Libraries. 



INDEX 



Abbott, C. H 1214 

Adams, Benjamin 1279 

Adams, Benjamin F 1280 

Adams, Hon. Edward H 1086 

Adams, Lewis D 1255 

Aiken, Walter 990 

Alexander, Charles 1 1274 

Amen, Harlan P., A. M., Litt. D 739 

Anderson, Col. Henry W 788 

Armstrong, Eugene W 1097 

Austin, George M 1297 

Austin, .John 1297 

Avery, Frank E 1282 

Baclielder, Albert 955 

Backman, Jed S 1264 

Badger, Charles A 947 

Badger, Daniel W 879 

Baker, Dana W 816 

Bakie. Daniel J 764 

Ballard, Rohert J 1151 

Ballard, William M 1151 

Barker, Frank H 877 

Barker, George L 1102 

Bartlett, Albert E 836 

Bartlett, Benjamin T 1089 

Bartlett, Charles : . . . .1195 

Bartlett, G. K 1289 

Bartlett, J. B 1206 

Bartlett, Hon. .John T 947 

Bartlett, William P 1232 

Bates, Arthur W 1239 

Bates, Charles F 913 

Bates, John Kimball 815 

Beaeham, Harry L 889 

Beaeham, Richard H 889 

Beane, Louis C 891 

Beane, Norman H 968 

Beaton, George M 1043 

Beekman, Francis C 1216 

Beokman, Lemuel S 1216 

Belknap,' WUliam H 1059 

Bell, Samuel Kent 1073 

Bellavance, .Joseph A 1164 

Benson, Andrew J 1240 

Benson, William H 1075 

Berry, Hon. Charles P 883 

Berry, George H 815 

Berrv, Joseph F 1244 

Berrv, Otto W 1032 

Bisb'ee, Harlan M 1263 

Blaisdell, Eben H 1235 

Borehers. Charles H 1033 

Bowlev, George W 930 

Bovd,'Daniel il 1145 

Bovd, iJason 1145 



Brackett, Charles H 758 

Brackett, Franklin A 886 

Brackett, Herman A 1282 

Brackett, John H 1010 

Brackett, Thomas J 1010 

Brewster, Charles J 1084 

Brisson, Jofeeph A ^IQOl^^ 

Brown, Ellsworth 1169 

Brown, Fred A 1116 

Brown, Irving W 1018 

Brown, .Tames H 1173 

Brown, .Tohn J .' 995 

Bronn, .Joseph A 1115 

Brown, Joseph B 1229 

Brown, Lincoln L 1*239 

Brown, iloses 1120 

Brown, Moses W 902 

Brown, Otis S 801 

Brown, Warren 1222 

Brown, William 90S 

Brown, Woodbury J 1240 

Buckley, Enoch 1262 

Burbank, Albion 1037 

Burley, Joseph Cilley 807 

Burlingame, William 1180 

Buswell, Albert C, M. D 755 

Buswell, J. Merton 1264 

Button, John E 932 

Buxton, Fred C 1266 

Byington, Charles E 1053 

Call, Everett W 1222 

Campbell, P. M 1209 

Campbell, Cassius S 1203 

CampbeO, Samuel F 1098 

Capstick, Robert 1276 

Carlisle, George A 959 

Carlisle, Jacob 1116 

Carlisle, Jacob A 834 

Carlisle, Walter S 1116 

Carll, John S 1152 

Carr, John H 840 

Carroll, Charles P 1069 

Carty, John D., M. D 977 

Caswell, Andrew 1024 

Caswell, John W 934 

Channell, Charles W 895 

Chadwick, George B 808 

Chase, Charles B 1255 

Qiase, John C 1286 

Chase, Marshall S 908 

Chickering, James E 1293 

Churchill, Almander 1155 

Churchill, Nathaniel 1155 

CiUey, Frank M 1303 

Cilley, Joseph 880 



19 



20 



INDEX 



Cillev, Joseph X 880 

Clark, Herman A 1135 

Clark, Reed Paige 1113 

Clark, KeedP 1104 

Clark, William HOI 

Clarke, George C 1269 

Colby, Frank N 1301 

Cole, Ernest (! 1219 

Cole, Wallace W 1103 

Coleman, Fred B 1073 

Coleman, .Tames W 857 

Coleman, Valentine M 854 

Collins, Clarence M 786 

Collins, Levi D 1296 

Comeau, James P 1290 

Conlon, Hon. John 1019 

Connell, James Robert 916 

Cook, Henry A., Sr 1037 

Corson, John h* 1155 

Costello, Raphael L 827 

Costello, Walter 827 

Cotton, George D 997 

Cowles, Edward S., M. D 857 

Cox, Arthur C 1243 

Crowell, George M., M. D 123(i 

Dana, Col. George H 1141 

Daniels, Albert E 833 

Davis, Burton E 1174 

Davis, Forrest S 925 

Davis, Frank D 1163 

Davis, l'>ank E 914 

Davis, John T 793 

Davis, Samuel Y 1057 

Day, Fred A 809 

Day, Herbert C, M. D 954 

Dearborn, Frank J 8S9 

DeLano, Willard N 978 

De Bochemont, Clarence M 1025 

Dc Rochemont, Frederic W 966 

Dining, William 913 

Dining, William L 913 

Dinsmoor, Joseph W 1187 

Dixim, G.'orge W 1083 

Dodge, John W 990 

1 )odge, Samuel 1265 

Dority, Lewellyn D 941 

Dow, Alfred N 1160 

Dow, Annie L 921 

Dow, George C 1295 

Dow, Jacob F 1195 

Dow, Hon. Moses B 922 

Dow, Winthrop N 1069 

Downs, John O 1165 

Drake, Abram J 956 

Drake. Adams E 1085 

Drake, Albert H 944 

Drake, Charles A 1101 

Drake, Clifford S 1206 

Drake, Francis R 1206 

Drake, Ju.stin E 1186 

Drew, Edward H 821 

Drew, Frederic E 836 

Dryden, William B 853 

Dudley, Arthur W 1229 

Duncan, Charles !•" 829 

Button, Henry H 1129 

Eastman, Hon. Edwin G 1107 

Eastman, Eugene B., M. D 863 

Eastman, Josiah Bartlett 998 



Eastman, Dr. Josiah Calef 998 

Faton, Emery N 1224 

Eaton, John'. 1014 

Edwar<ls, Albert F. B 1148 

Kla, D. Willis 1083 

Elkins, Robert S 1085 

Ehvell, Col. Rufus N 774 

Emerson, Arthur il 1253 

Emerson, Daniel 989 

Emerson, Frank W 989 

Emerson, W. A. & Sons 988 

Emery, John F 1296 

Eno, Alfred J 1298 

Entwistle, Hon. Thomas 869 

Parmer, Walter B 1232 

Kecteau, Theodore 931 

Fellowes, Fred S 1231 

Fellows, George E 977 

Fernald, Fred, M. D 1175 

Field, Mrs. Marv L 1051 

Fink, Karl A . ." 1294 

Finlayson, Archibald 1013 

Fleming, Oliver A 1053 

Plynn, David 922 

FoUansby, Mrs. Ella L 871 

Follansby, William H. C 871 

Folsom, Charles F 859 

Folsom, George F 909 

Folsom, Irvin 897 

Folsom, W. Burt 895 

Foster, Avery M., M. D 1180 

Eraser, William J 1261 

French, John R 955 

Frink, (_'vrus 920 

Frink, Elias 904 

I'rink, William P 904 

Gale, Gen. Stephen H 741 

(iarland, Charles D 1116 

Garland, George L 1131 

Garland, Victor G 792 

Garrett, Freeman R 1033 

Garvin, Clarence N 1164 

(Oilman, Daniel 965 

(ilidden, Frank S 852 

Goodale, Frank R 1049 

Gooding, Rev. Alfred 778 

Goodrich, Preston M 1271 

Goodrich, William S 766 

Goodwin, Arthur O 1166 

Goodwin, Elbridge A 810 

Gordon, Charles H 1220 

Gordon, Howard L 994 

Gosselin, Allen M 919 

(iove, Charles E 1170 

(lowen, Clarence E 877 

Gowen, George E 839 

(ir.-int, Flagg F 960 

(irant, Daniel W 1203 

Grant, George H 1203 

Gray, Charles W 786 

Grav, Fred A., Jr 798 

Grav, William P 1246 

Green, John W. A 1046 

Grcenough, Arthur 1288 

Griffin, Everett E 1265 

Griffin, Michael J 1256 

Grinnell, Herbert L., Jr 1215 

Grouard, John Hanson, M. D 1007 

Grover, John Howard 1236 



INDEX 



21 



Guptil, Ernest L 765 

(iuptill, George H., M. D 943 

Gynan, John F 1249 

) 

Haines. Herbert E 854 

Halev, Charles 1221 

Hall, Arthur C 1158 

Hall, Clarence P 892 

Hall, Clifton S 892 

Hall, George M llin 

Hall, Hon. L. Wallace 892 

Hall. Prescott C 892 

Ham. Charles W 1159 

Hannaford, Charles W.. M. D 907 

Hannaforrl. Richard E 1123 

HanFconi, Justin Van Ness 953 

Hanseoni, William A 1094 

Harrison, Hanson 1079 

Hart, John D 1281 

Harrey, James 1017 

Harvey, Matthew 839 

Haslam, Eer. George K. E 1219 

Hatch, Albert R 859 

Hatch, Chester D 1051 

Hatch, Francis L 1064 

Hatch, Hon. .Tohn 858 

Haves, Albion E., .Sr 1280 

Haves. C. Charles 792 

Tlazlett, Charles A 810 

Head, ,Tay R. V. S 1246 

Healev, George C 968 

Healy, Thomas M 873 

Heath, George W 1230 

Hendrr, Clinton C 1086 

Herrick, Albert .T., D. V. S 1300 

Hett, John A 1279 

HPtt, Josepli F 1147 

friggins, Alfred F 937 

Hi.o-?ins, JIartin A., M. D 1126 

Hill, Clarence B 1032 

Hill, Fred P 885 

Hill, George W 885 

Hill, Walter B 841 

Hii-cock, Jonathan H 974 

Hobbs, Joseiih 770 

Hodgdon, Charles E 1156 

Hodgdon, William A 1187 

Holmes, Edward W 1038 

Hood, Harvev P 1210 

Home, Warren P 113ii 

Horton, Arthur W 1245 

Hovev, Ensign Chas. E., L'. S. N 738 

Hovev. Rev. Henry E 737 

Howard, Thomas E 1270 

Hovt. Benjamin S 877 ' 

Hoyt, Jackson M 973 

Hovt, Hon. Louis G 765 

Hughes, Frank P 937 

Hunt, Leonard D 994 

Hurley, Michael >*'-! 

Inglis, William D.. D. V. S 1299 

Janvrin, Bertram T 125(5 

.Tanvrin, Geo. A '. 1303 

.Tanvrin, John A 1115 

Janvrin, .Joshua 9S7 

.lanvrin, .Joshua N 987 

Jellison, John G 9''1 

Jette, Joas 1 176 

Jewell, Arthur H 896 



Jewell, Asa E 896 

Jewell, David 1114 

Jewell, Fi-ed L 897 

Jones, Hon. Frank 1301 

Jones, Capt. .Josiah N 851 

Julian, Capt. George Naylor 1049 

Keane, Thomas J 926 

Kelleher, Daniel J 1231 

Kelley, A. G 1147 

l-Celly, John D 926 

Kelly, John P. P 1258 

Kelley, John W 779 

Kemp, Dr. Zachariah Willis 824 

Keniston, Chauncey D 1300 

Kent, George Edward 874 

Kent, John E 779 

Kiernan, Willis F 1193 

KimbaU, Charles F 1003 

Kimball, Hon. Edward Pavson 782 

Knox, Fred P ". 864 

Ladd, Harrv W 984 

Ladd, Lewis P 903 

Ladd, S. TOden, M. D 1200 

La France, Alfred 1253 

Lake, Elmer E., M. D 1173 

Lamprey, Charles 1029 

Lamprey, David J 1014 

Lamprey, Howell M 1123 

Lancaster, William E 1199 

Landman, Elbert A.. M. D 1258 

Lane, Albert C 1196 

Lane, Charles A 771 

Lane, George W 771 

Lang, Frank E 1013 

Langdon, Samuel 860^ 

Langdon, Hon. Woodbury 772 

Langley, Orlando S 845 

Leach, Charles E 1186 

Leach, Fred L 1290 

Lear, Robert R 1272 

Leary, John 1188 

Leary, Thomas J 932 

Leavitt, Frank E 771 

Leavitt, Orin B 1101 

Leddy, James A 1057' 

Leddv, John S 1057 

Ledd}', Thomas 1057 

Liteh, Benjamin P 1024 

Little, Adin S 938 

Lit.tlefield, Elmer J. F 748 

Locke, Andrew G 1130 

Loi-ke, John E 1140 

Locke, Reuben .1 965 

Locke, Richard L 949 

Loiselle, Louis C 797 

London, Zelig 807 

Lovett, Fi-ancis S 983 

Lowd, Clifford A 817 

Luce, Horace H 915 

Lvd.ston, Fred W 1093 

Lydston. James C 1090 

McCartli v. James A 1289 

McCoy, M. A 1283 

McDevitt, Henry 1001 

McDevitt, William H 1001 

McDonough, John C 1269 

McGregor, Frank M 1276 

Milntire, Daniel 80] " 



22 



INDEX 



Mclutire, Edward E 1214 

McKeuuey, Nathan A 1136 

MeLaohlan, Donald C, M. D 809 

McLaughlin, Kimball M 1295 

MeEeel, Albert E 1063 

MeWiUiams, Philip T 1039 

Mace, WUmot U 1135 

MacMui-phy, Eev. Jesse Gibson 760 

Mahoney, Denis 933 

Manson, Nathaniel G 880 

Marcello, James 1250 

Marcotte, Eli N 1151 

Harden, Joseph W 1130 

Harden, Newell P 1295 

Marston, Elizabeth B 960 

Harston, Samuel M 960 

Marvin, Hon. William E 777 

Haxwell, Ered 1 1165 

Mayer, Hon. Edward D 777 

Meras, Ralph E 1266 

Merrick, Randolph R 1216 

MerrOl, Charles H 1274 

Merrill, Harry. 1009 

Hifllin, Charles W 1043 

Mitchell, Abrani W., M. D 1034 

Morrison, J. G 1305 

Houlton, Andrew Morse 941 

Moulton, Elmer D 785 

Moulton, Fremont P 1120 

Houlton, Mrs, Helen Smith 941 

Houlton, T. Greenleaf 1199 

Houlton, Warren B 1089 

Howe, Harry P 1285 

Huchemore, Frank P 797 

Murray, George J 1054 

Nasou, Wilfred E 1002 

Neal, John H., M. D 781 

Newell, Dr. C. E 1249 

Newick, John 1002 

Newick, Thomas 1231 

Norris, James D . 909 

Norris, Hon. True L 1284 

Norton, Nelson J 979 

Nowell, Edward E 956 

Noyes, Harry 1 1020 

Noyes, John 878 

Noyes, John H 878 

Odell, George E 943 

Odell, William A 823 

O 'Neil, P. P 1210 

Owen, Thomas P 942 

Packard, Stillman A 972 

Packer, Louis M 1140 

Packer, WUliam C 921 

Page, Hon. Calvin 748 

Page, Walter H 1054 

Pahls, John B 1182 

Palfrey, George R 1273 

Parker, James L 802 

Parrott, Frederick T 903 

Parsons, i^ederick D 787 

Parsons, Hon. John G 1058 

Parsons, John W., H. D 1067 

Parsons, Laugdon B 1123 

Parsons, Thomas J 1124 

Paterson, Edward L 1270 

Patterson, Charles F., M. D 1140 

Payne, Henry P 915 



I'ayne, Wesley W 1273 

I'eabody, Ephraim A 962 

Peak, Walter S 1008 

Peaslee, Luther D 898 

Pender, George E., H. D 1299 

Perkins, Frank B., H. D 1185 

Perkins, Herbert 1010 

Perkins, James G 925 

Pevear, Norris B 1020 

Philbrick, Cornelius O 1098 

Phillirick, (ioodwin E 804 

Philbrook, Harlan L 948 

Philbrook, Harry E 1093 

Phillips, Charles W 1305 

Pickering, George W 1226 

Pickering, Johu Andrew 769 

Pike, Forrest W., M. D 866 

Pillsbury, Capt. Leonard H 1204 

Pillsbury, Rosecrans W 1293 

Plummer, Granville F 1084 

Pollard, George W 1068 

Pollard, Dr. Lewis P 950 

Potter, Frederick E., M. D 791 

Priest, Albert F 1060 

Priest, Albert H 1060 

Priest, Thurman A 919 

Prime, Herbert 1063 

Pryor, Frank L 1029 

Pulver, Willis Du Bois 1223 

Putnam, Edwin 816 

Quimby, David Morrill 1054 

Rand, Blake H 973 

Rami, Charles M 1132 

Rand, Edwin Alonzo 845 

Rand, Edwin J 1205 

Rand, Howard F 959 

Rmu.I, Jonathan J 1124 

Rand, Henry S 1146 

Randall, Donald A .1080 

Randall, Isaac 938 

Randall, John D 1113 

Raujiev, W. H 1226 

Ray, John E 1181 

Reckendorf , Fred 1297 

Redman, Edward E 1119 

Reich, Baldwin A 812 

Romick, Charles M 1246 

Eemick, George G. L 886 

Revnolds, Frederick W 1284 

Rhodes, William 1 1244 

Ric-lnnond, Martm S 979 

Riilf^e, Riouzi 1294 

Rieli. Patrick W 1146 

Rini;, Henry A 901 

Ring, Lemuel C 1165 

Roliie, Rev. Edward, D. D 870 

Robinson, Percy M 910 

Rogers, Charles W 1256 

Rogers, Roderick C 988 

Rollins, George S 1079 

Rollins, Roy E 1250 

Rolston, Irving 828 

Ronald, John R' 996 

Ross, Eugene W 1075 

Eowe, George 848 

Rowe, Jefferson C 1169 

Rowe, Stew art E 753 

Rugg, James A. N 1142 

Rundlett, Amos S 993 



INDEX 



23 



Sacco, Joseph 934 

Sanborn, Daniel 1160 

Sanborn, Elmer A 1185 

Sanborn, John Elmer 980 

Sanborn, John N 845 

Sanborn, Lewis T 1026 

Sanderson, Lynn J 919 

Sawyer, Arthur H 1287 

Scaramon, Hon. John 788 

Sehurman, Arthur W 1275 

Schurman, James W 128] 

Sehurman, Israel M 908 

Scully, James J 1262 

Seavey, Charles E 980 

Seavey, George E 1097 

Seavey, George L 980 

Seavey, John E 866 

Seward, William H 1275 

Shaw, Fred L 890 

Shaw, Simeon A 1 103 

Shaw, Thomas B 1305 

3haw, Wilbur B 1059 

Shepard, Richard 1304 

Sherwood, Clarence 1 1139 

Shute, Henry A 759 

Shute, Richard E 759 

Simes, Hon. Thomas H 873 

Sleeper, John N 1003 

Sleeper, John W 1003 

Sleeper, Stephen G 830 

Sleeper, William H 993 

Smith, Charles Josiah 929 

Smith, Harold M 865 

Smith, .John L 1196 

Smith, Marvin F., M. D 1094 

Smith, Thomas 971 

Smith, Lewis Everett 794 

Sonierby, Joseph W 1070 

Soule, Lewis F., il. D 1245 

Soiile, Nicholas E 780 

Spear, Charles W 1131 

Spinney, Ceylon 812 

Spinney, Frank A 1063 

Sprague, Oscar S 1235 

Stackhouse. Benjamin 1283 

Staples, Lewis E 1040 

Steams, Prank M 1254 

Stearn.-^, William F 1046 

Stockell, Arthur D 890 

Stockbridge, Isaac M 872 

Stockbridge, .lames Elmer 872 

Stoddard, K. Percv 1125 

Sugden, John H 1039 

Sugden, Robert 1 1039 

Swallow, Frank W 851 

Sweeny, Henry L., M. D 842 

Sneetser, John G 802 

(Syrenius, Julius W., D. 996 

Tasker, ('harles E 798 

Tattersall, James H 1044 

Taylor, Frank W 1052 

Taylor, Dr. I>ed K 835 

Taylor, Col. Harvev C 1215 

Taylor, Henry P . ". 1213 

Taylor, Herbert L., M. D 1152 

Taylor, Mathew 1213 

Templeton, John 1306 

Thayer, Rev. Lucius H 967 

Thoin, George W 966 

Thompson, Albert C 1254 



Thompson, John N 1045 

Thurston, John P 1076 

Thyng, Warren M 803 

Tileston, Harry W 1284 

Tilton, Frank 1209 

Tilton, John J 860 

Tilton, Newell S 1272 

Tobey, John G 822 

To|i])an, Christopher S 1125 

Torrey, Hon. Harry K 763 

Toule, Fred 8., M. D 828 

TovTle, George H., Jr., M. D 1089 

Towle, John' E 1044 

Traf ton, George A 1261 

Treat, Hon. Capt. John Sheldon 1020 

Tredick, Charles 822 

Tri'fethen, Ervin T 823 

Ti-efethen, Everett W 1008 

Trefethen, Ralph 836 

Trndel, Edmond G 1253 

True, Almon L 1074 

True, .lohn L 1074 

Trueman, Sidnev S 1093 

Tuck, George A 1026 

Tuck, John Elvin 846 

Tufts, Prof. James A 1064 

Turcotte, Arthur L 929 

XlnderhiU, Charles S 1129 

Underhill, Lieut. .lohn 1126 

Unclerhill, Hon. William B 1126 

Urch, Major David 757 

Vrooiii, .\Ivin M 950 

Wadleigh, John M 1243 

Walden, Ellis G 1104 

Walker, Arthur C 962 

Walker, Harry E 1225 

Walsh, Rev. Edward J 866 

Ward, Stanley M., M. D 984 

Warner, John W 914 

Watkins, Frederick 972 

Weare, Benjamin F 1004 

Weare, Everett A 1017 

Weare, George A 1017 

Weare, Joseph H 1004 

' Webster, Benjamin F 898 

AVebster, Fred S 1285 

Webster, John E 1175 

Webster, John L 830 

Webster, Hon. .John M 1238 

Weeks, John Porter 863 

Weeks, John W 817 

Weeks, William R 788 

Wentworth, Arthur D 885 

Wentworth, Edmund H 1158 

Weston, Edwin B 1174 

Wetherell, Albert S 961 

Wheeler, John W 942 

Whonal, George W 1194 

Whi.lden, Frank L 1244 

White, Herbert A., M. D 1221 

White, Homer A 1194 

White, Philip 971 

WTiittier, David W 1179 

Wliittier, Otis H 1079 

Wiggin, George E., D. V. S 1166 

Wiggin, Howard M 953 

Wilcomb, Arthur H 1181 

Wilcomb, Charles S 1181 



24 INDEX 

Willey, George H 1193 Woodbury, Benjamin C, M. D 1188 

Williams, Abbott 1302 Woodbury, Frank P 1009 

Williams, Harry C 990 Woodbury, Levi 1237 

Wilson, Aaron A 1132 Woods, WilUam F 794 

Wilson, B. F 1286 Wright, John H 847 

Wilson, Frank D 1110 

Wood, James S 987 Yeaton, Hon. Harry B 818 

Wood, Rufus 978 Yeaton, Hon. Henry A 756 




niAKl.KS A. HAZLKTT 



HISTORY OF 

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

NEW HAMPSHIRE 



CHAPTER I 
GEOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE 

Rockingham County lies in the southeastern part of New Hampshire, and 
is bounded as follows : On the north by Strafford County ; on the east by 
the Atlantic Ocean ; on the south by Essex County, Mass. ; and on the west by 
Hillsborough and Merrimac counties, N. H. 

Rockingham is the only county in this state that borders on the Atlantic, 
its coast being about seventeen miles in extent. The population by the United 
States census of 1910 was 52,188. 

As parts of Massachusetts Bay Colony (1641-3 to 1679) the towns of 
Strawberry Bank ( Portsmouth ) , Hampton and Exeter were comprised within 
Norfolk County, which was one of the four shires, viz. : Essex, Middlesex, 
Suffolk and Norfolk into which the Bay Colony was separated from "3d 
month, loth day, 1643." 

The name New Hampshire was first applied to these towns in 1697, as 
a province separate from Massachusetts Bay Colony,- but it remained under 
the same governor, ha\ing a lieutenant-governor of its own until 1742, w-hen 
it was completely separated from Massachusetts, and- Benning Wentworth 
was appointed governor and held the office until 1767. 

During Governor Wentworth's rule the territory was all one, no counties ; 
in his quarter of a century he granted a great many townships in all parts 
of the province and on both sides of the Connecticut River. 

All the courts were held at Portsmouth during his term, so the inhabitants 
of these new towns had to travel long distances, over bad roads, to attend 
courts and transact business with the governor and council and the assembly. 
Of course this caused them much inconvenience and no little expense. As 
early as Januar}^ 1755, a proposition to divide the Province of New Hamp- 
shire into counties was entertained in the assembly. 

The INIerrimac River was to be the dividing line and there were to be 
two counties — Portsmouth and Cumberland. The council rejected the bill 
1 

25 



26 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

because it provided for a court at Exeter as well as Portsmouth, and they 
"could by no means consent to that." The two branches of the assembly 
continued to consider this question in various forms and failed to find grounds 
of agreement as to details until 1769, when the government was under control 
of the younger governor. John Wentworth, who had succeeded his uncle, 
Benning Wentworth. in 1767. The agreement as finally reached. April 29, 
1769, established five counties, subject to the crown's approval of the act, 
which was done March 19, 1771. The county was named in honor of Charles 
Watson Wentworth, Marquis of Rockingham, by Governor John Wentworth. 

In 1776, while John Wentworth was in England, he was appointed governor 
of New Hampshire and surveyor of the king's wood for the whole thirteen 
colonies. He was paying court to the nobles Rockingham. Hillsborough and 
Strafford, and their English friends, for whom he afterwards in gratitude 
named five counties of his native province: Rockingham, Strafford. Grafton, 
Hillsborough and Cheshire. To theiie five have been added as many more 
by division of the older ones; Coos from Grafton in 1803; Merrimac from 
Rockingham and Hillsborough in 1823; Sullivan from Cheshire in 1827; 
Belknap and Carroll from Strafford and Grafton in 1842. 

There are thirty-seven towns and one city in the county, of which two 
were incorporated in the reign of Charles I, one in the reign of Charles II, 
two in the reign of William and Mary, two in the reign of Queen Anne, 
George I, seven. George II, thirteen. George III, eight, and three by New 
Hampshire. 

The present civil sub-divisions and their populations by the United States 
census of 1910 are as follows: 

.\tkinson 440 Newcastle 624 

Auburn 637 Newfields 503 

Brentwood 759 Newington 296 

Candia 993 Newmarket 3-348 

Chester 818 Newton 962 

Danville 517 North Hampton 783 

Deerfield 917 Northwood 1.059 

Derry 5.123 Nottingham 607 

East Kingston 413 Plaistow I.I73 

Epping 1,649 Portsmouth 11 ,269 

Exeter 4.897 Raymond 1.203 

Fremont 622 Rye 1.104 

Greenland 575 Salem 2. 1 1 7 

Hampton i .2 1 5 .Sandown 380 

Hampton Falls 552 Seabrook 1.425 

Hampstcad 796 South Hampton 279 

Kensington 417 Stratham 602 

Kingston 1.015 Windham 656 

I.ondonderrv ^,533 

Rockingham is a shire county, courts being held alternately at Exeter and 
Portsmouth. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 27 

The principal rivers are the Piscataqua, Lamprey. Exeter or Squamscot 
and Pawtuckaway. 

The principal elevations are Pawtuckaway in Deerfield and Nottint^diam 
and Saddleback in Northwood and Deerfield. 

PISCATAQUA RIVER SYSTEM 

The Piscataqua River is fomied by the union of the Cocheco and Salmon 
Falls rivers at Dover. The second, in its whole length, with the Piscataqua, 
constitutes a part of our eastern state boundary. The area of this basin in 
New Hampshire, those towns on the coast which drain directly into the ocean 
being also included in this measurement, is about eight hundred and twenty- 
five square miles, or nearly one-eleventh of the state. 

From East Pond, the source of Salmon Falls River, to the mouth of the 
Piscataqua is nearly thirty-eight miles in a straight line, die course being 
S 20^ E. By the course of the river this distance is thirty-nine miles, the 
length of the Salmon Falls River being twenty-eight miles, and of the Pis- 
cataqua, from the junction of this river with the Cocheco, eleven miles. The 
course of Salmon Falls River in the first twelve miles is nearly south. The 
next thirteen miles to Salmon Falls is nearly southeast ; thence the course 
is south to the mouth of Great Bay, thence southeast about seven miles to 
the ocean, three miles below Portsmouth. This river is affected by tide to 
Dover and South Berwick. 

Between the townships of Durham and those of Greenland and Newington 
is a wide tidal basin, which receives the waters of several rivers. 

Cpon Exeter or Swamscot River, the largest of these, tide extends to 
the Village of Exeter. The area of this estuary, southwest from Dover point, 
including Little and Great Bays, is about nine square miles. 

From Dover point to Portsmouth the Piscataqua is about half a mile wide. 
Below this city it contains numerous islands, the largest of which constitutes 
the Township of New Castle. The basin includes in New Hampshire nearly 
all of Strafford and half of f-Jockingham counties, averaging about eighteen 
miles in wadth and forty-five miles in length, measured from Wakefield to 
East Kingston. 

From the sources of the Lamprey River to the mouth of the Piscataqua 
is thirty miles, from which point the width of this district diminishes north- 
ward, being ten miles at Farniington. 

East P'ond in Wakefield that flows into the Piscataqua River is 499 feet 
above the sea and Bow Lake, Strafford, 515 feet. 

Lovell's Pond, Wakefield, flowing into Salmon Falls River is 550 feet, 
Middleton reservoir supplying Cocheco River, 600 feet. 

Jones' Pond, Raymond, 258 feet and Pawtuccaway Pond in Nottingham, 
supplying Lamprey River, 258 feet and Phillips' Pond, Sandown, flowing 
into Exeter River is 215 feet above the ocean. 



CHAPTER II 
CIVIL LIST 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 

1856, William C. Patten, William S. Hadley, Portsmouth; Josiah W 
James, Deerfield; 1859, Isaac Woodbury; i860, Franklin Crombie; 1861 
Horace P. Watts; 1862, John Hodgdon (2d), Portsmouth; 1863, John J 
Leavitt; 1864, Caleb Moulton; 1865, John Rowe, Candia; 1866, James C 
Brown, Portsmouth; 1867, John J. Leavitt; 1868, Abbott Norris; 1869 
William S. Pillsbury; 1870, John W. F. Hobbs, North Hampton; 1871, Frank 
D. Pollard, Plaistow ; 1872, Frank W. Miller, Portsmouth; 1873, Woodbury 
M. Durgin, Northwood; 1874, Nathaniel H. Brown, Derry; 1875, Frank P. 
Cram, Hampton Falls; 1876, Sewall D. Tilton, Raymond; 1877. Newton 
Johnston, Portsmouth; 1878, Frank P. Cram, Hampton Falls; 1879, Newton 
Johnston, Portsmouth; Wells C. Underbill. Auburn; Joseph C. Burley, 
Epping; 1881, Newton Johnston, P'ortsmouth; Joseph C. Burley, Epping; 
Wells C. Underbill, Auburn; 1886, Newton Johnston, J. B. Clark. Moses B. 
Dow; 1888, G. W. Sanborn, J. F. Magraw, W. J. Dudley; 1893, W. D. 
Cochran, C. P. Griffin, F. R. Garrett; 1897, W. Colby, L. L. DeRochemont, 
G. W. Paul; 1901, J. H. GriffiLn, Ceylon Spinney, J. R. Rowe; 1905, J. P. 
Hardy, Ceylon Spinney, J. R. Rowe; 1906, J. P. Hardy, Ceylon Spinney, 
A. Hilliard; 1909, J. P. Hardy, G. A. Carlisle. W. A. Hodgdon; 191 1 to 1914, 
Norman H. Beane, G. A. Carlisle. W. A. Hodgdon. 



SOLICITORS 

Oliver Peabody, 1789-91; E. St. L. Livermore, 1791-93; John Hale, 
1793-96; Arthur Livennore, 1796-98; William Plummer, 1798-1802; George 
Sullivan, 1802-6; Charles Walker, 1806-8; Daniel French, 1808-12; Samuel 
Green, 1812-19; Ichabod Bartlett, 1819-21 ; Jonathan Steele, 1821-23; 
Samuel D. Bell, 1823-28; John Sullivan, 1828-38; Henry F. French, 1838-49; 
Albert R. Hatch. 1849-56; Charles H. Bell, 18^6-66; William B. Small, 
1866-72; John S. H. Frink, 1872-76; William B. Small. 1876-79; Walter C. 
Harriman, 1879-82; Edwin G. Eastman. 1883-87; Samuel W. Emery. 1887- 
91 ; William H. Paine. 1891-93; Louis G. Hoyt. 1893-1901 ; John W. Kelley. 
1901-5; Charles W. Batchelder, 1906-11; Ernest L. Guptill, 1911-14. 

28 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 29 



The list of sheriffs prior to 1741 is necessarily incomplete. The following 
list is from 1683 to 1883, covering a period of two hundred years : Richard 
Jose, 1683; Thomas I'hips; Theodore Atkinson, 1729; Richard Wibird, 
1732; Eleazer Russell, 1733; Thomas Packer, 1741-71 ; John Parker, 1771- 
91; George Reed, 1791-1805; Oliver Peabody, 1805-10; Josiah Butler, 
1810-13; Silas Betten, 1813-18: Clement Storer, 1818-23; John Bell, 1823-28; 
Clement Storer, 1828-30; Benjamin Jenness, 1830-35; Joseph Towle, 1835- 
40; Samuel Marshall, 1840-45; Stephen W. Dearborn, 1845; Nathan H. 
Leavitt, 1850; Rufus Dow, 1855; John S. Brown, 1855; Joseph B. Adams, 
i860; Joseph P. Morse, 1865; Caleb Moulton, 1870; Samuel Rowe, 1871 ; 
James W. Odlin, 1872; Samuel Rowe, 1874; J. Horace Kent, 1876-87; 
Edward D. Coffin, 1887-95; George \V. Weston, 1895-98; John Pender, 1898- 
1901 ; Marcus M. Collis, 1901-9; Ceylon Spinney, 1909-14. 

JUDGE.S OF PROBATE 

For many years after the settlement of the province the county court was 
the court of probate ; an appeal lying to the court of assessments. Subse- 
quently the governors of the province exercised the powers of judges of pro- 
bate either personally or by substitute. In 1693, Lieutenant-Governor Usher 
acted as judge of probate, as did Lieutenant-Governor Partridge in 1699. 
Prior to 1703, Thomas Packer and Nathaniel Fryer had at different times 
appeared as judges of probate. After 1703 no governor appears to have acted 
directly in that capacity. 

The following is the list from 1(^)93 to 1883: Thomas Packer, 1693-97; 
Nathaniel Fryer, 1697-99; Joseph Smith. 1703-8; Richard Waldron, 1708- 
30; Benjamin Gambling. 1737; Richard Waldron, 1737-42; Andrew Wiggin, 
1742-56: Richard Wibird, 1756-95; John Wentworth, 1765-73; John Sher- 
burne, 1773-76; Phillips White, 1776-90; Oliver Peabody, 1790-93; Samuel 
Penney, 1793-80; Jeremiah Smith, 1800-2; Nathaniel Rogers, 1802-15; 
Daniel Gookin, 1815-26; John Harvey, 1826-38; John Sullivan, 1838-48; 
Ira St. Clair, 1848-57; William W. Stickney. 1857-72; Joseph F. Wiggin, 
1872-76: Thomas Leavitt, 1876-1902; L. G. Hoyt, 1902-14. 

REGISTER.S OF PR0B.\TE 

The following is a list of registers of probate from 1693 to 1883: Wil- 
liam Redford, 1693-97; Francis Tucker, 1697-99: Charles Story, 1699-1716; 
Richard Gerrish, 1716-17: Richard Gambling, 1718-30; Richard Waldron, 
1730-31; John Penhallow, 1731-35; William Parker. 1735-81; William 
Parker, 1781-1813; John J. Parker. 1813-31 ; John Kelly, 1831-32; David 
A. Gregg, 1842-47: j". Hamilton Shapley, 1847-52; William B. Morrill. 1852- 
57; S. Dana Wingate, 1857-65; Thomas Leavitt, 1865-76: Woodbury M. 
Durgin. 1876-87; A. J. Brown, 1887-93; I. M. Heath, 1893-1900; G. F. 
Richards. 1900-9: Robt. Scott, 1909-14. 



'30 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

REGISTERS OF DEEDS 

George Smyth, 1647-53; Renald Fernald, 1654-56; Henry Sherbune, 
1657-59; Elias Stileman, 1659-82; Richard Chamberlain, 1682-87; John 
Pickering, 1690-92; Henry Penny, 1692-93; Thomas Davis, 1693; William 
Redford, 1693-96; William Vaughan, 1697-1702; Samuel Penhallow, 1702-6; 
William Vaughan, 1705-17; Samuel Penhallow, 1719-22; Mark Hunking, 
1722-28; Joshua Pierce, 1729-42; Daniel Pierce, 1743-73; Samuel Brooks, 
1776-1801; Joshua Adams, 1801-9; Seth Walker, 1809-34; Francis D. Ran- 
dall, 1834-40; John Woodbury, 1840-45; Josiah B. Wiggin, 1845; David 
Murray, 1846-50; Josiah B. Wiggin, 1850-51 ; Nathaniel G. Gilmon, 1851-52; 
J. Hamilton Shapley, 1852-54; Thomas Smith, 1854-55; William H. Hills, 
1855-57; Thomas Smith, 1857-58; Benjamin D. Leighton, 1858-60; Alonzo 
J. Fogg, 1860-63; Hiram Smart, Jr., 1863-65; William H. Belknap, 1865-72; 
George W. Weston, 1872-87; G. B. Hoyt, 1887-93; Wm. Morrill, 1893-97; 
J. W. A. Green, 1897-1914. 

CLERKS OF THE SUPREME COURT FROM 1 7OO 

Theodore Atkinson, 1700; Clement Hughes, 1717; John Penhallow, 1729- 
T,J\ Benjamin Gambling, 1737-44; George Jeffrey, 1744-66; George King, 
1767-80; Samuel Sherburne, 1780-81; Nathaniel Adams, 1781-1829; Peter 
Chadwick, 1829-37; Ira B. Hoitt, 1837-53; Albert H. Hoyt, 1853-56; Charles 
G. Connor, 1856-95; C. H. Knight, 1896-1901. Clerk of the Superior Court, 
C. H. Knight, 1901-14. 

REPRESENTATIVES, I913 ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Atkinson. Not entitled. Hampstead, C. W. Bailey D 

Auburn, E. T. Underhill R Hampton, Herbert Perkins R 

Brentwood, John Lake D Hampton Falls, J. Weare R 

Candia, G. E. Brown R Kensington, F. A. Mace D 

Chester, J. M. Webster D Kingston, F. W. Whippen R 

Danville, A. B. Sargent R Londonderry, F. E. Avery D 

Deerfield, E. C. Hoague R Newcastle, C. C. Tarlton D 

Derry, Wm. H. Benson R Newfields, H. W. Smith R 

C. O. Butrick D Newington. Not entitled. 

J. F. Coburn D Newmarket, M. B. Griffin D 

Wm. Neller D G. M. Mathes D 

E. Kingston. F. N. Tilton D C. A. Morse D 

Epping, Daniel Slattery D Newton, G. S. Rowe R 

Exeter. Dana Baker R N. Hampton. F. W. Berry D 

E. G. Eastman R Northwood. C. A. Foss R 

Rufus N. Elwell R Nottingham. C. A. Perkins D 

G. W. Lamprey R Plaistow, J. W. Sleeper D 

Fremont. A. R. Whittier R Portsmouth, 

Greenland, W. P. Holt D 



AXD REl'RESENTATIVE CITIZENS 



31 



Ward I. W. T. Entwistle R 

E. P. Stoddard R 

Ward 2, L. W. Brewster R 

F. T. Philbrick R 

A. 'T. Rutledge R 

Ward 3. W. H. ^Moran D 

S. M. Trueman D 

Ward 4, \\'. I. Cater R 

Ward q, H. A. Clark R 

Raymond. T- H. Eisk D 



Rye, B. H. Rand R 

Salem, A. T. Cowan R 

"B. R. Wheeler R 

Sandown, J. G. Goodwin D 

Seabrook, L. S. Beckman R 

S. Hampton. Not entitled. 

Stratham, C. J. Brewster D 

Windham, F. S. Webster R 

Republicans, 2y. 

Democrats, 24. 



VOTE FOR GOVERNOR, NOVEMBER, 1912 
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 



Towns Rep. 

Atkinson Zi 

Auburn 7- 

Brentwood 65 

Candia 1 1 - 

Chester 86 

Danville 9- 

Deerfield i-2i 

Derry 3-° 

E. Kingston 4^ 

Epping 77 

Exeter 449 

Fremont 82 

Greenland 45 

Hempstead 93 

Hampton 1 5° 

Hampton Falls 67 

Kensington 39 

Kingston "4 

Londonderry ^43 

Newca.stle 33 

Newfields 7 1 

Newington ^9 

Newmarket 60 

Newton I04 

N. Hampton 7^ 

Northwood "7 

Nottingham 95 

Plaistow 69 

Portsmouth — 

Ward I 206 

Ward 2 319 

Ward 3 76 

Ward 4 145 

W^ard 5 no 



Dem. 

33 
48 
55 
85 
56 

21 
78 

474 

52 
200 
249 

30 

49 

45 

lOI 

o '> 
48 
95 
83 
64 
34 
43 
244 
54 

lOI 

84 
74 
35 

186 

247 
195 
124 



Prog. 
20 
23 
13 
33 
45 
18 

35 

151 

8 

34 
168 

14 
26 
28 
55 
13 
12 

42 
49 
18 

14 

5 

137 

54 

12 

31 
10 

72 

"5 

257 

81 

62 

44 



32 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Raymond 88 165 53 

Rye 94 120 49 

Salem 137 58 126 

Sandown 22 36 36 

Seabrook 89 89 26 

S. Hampton 28 zj 9 

Stratham 48 53 43 

Windham 52 2-x, 43 

4,252 3,962 2,084 

COUNTY OFFICERS— 1914 

COMMISSIONERS 

George A. Carlisle, Exeter. 

William A. Hodgdon, Portsmouth. 

Norman H. Eeane. Portsmouth. 

TRE..\SURER 

James L. Parker. Portsmouth. 

SOLICITOR 

Ernest L. Guptill, Portsmouth. 

SHERIFF 

Ceylon Spinney, Portsmouth. 

CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT 

Charles H. Knight, Exeter. 

JUDGE OF PROB.\TE 

Louis G. Hoyt. Kingston. 

REGISTER OF DEEDS 

John W. A. Green, Exeter. 

REGISTER OF PROBATE 

Robert Scott. Exeter. 

.\UDITORS 

John W. Emery, Portsmouth. 
Fred J. Shepard. Derry 

JAILERS 

Ceylon Spinney, Portsmouth. 
Frank O. Tilton, Exeter. 

SUPERINTENDENT OF COUNTY FARM 

Albert J. Trottier, Brentwood. 

CHAPLAIN 

Rev. J. Dodd Mattliews, Brentwood. 

PHYSICIAN 

Dr. Abram W. Mitchell, Epping. 



CHAPTER III 

AIILITARV HISTORY 

The First Rcyiinent — The Second Regiment — The Third Regiment — The 
Fourth Regiment — The Fifth Regiment — The Sixth Regiment — The 
Se^rnth Regiment — The Eighth Regiment — The Xinth Regiment. 

As histories of nearly all the Xew Hampshire regiments have heen pub- 
lished, we shall, give; only an outline of the battles in which the regiments 
were engaged and a few details of the regiments in which men from Rock- 
ingham County were prominent. 

The lightning had scarcely flashed the intelligence to the expectant North 
that Major Anderson and his gallant band had surrendered as prisoners of 
war to the Southern Confederacy, ere the patriotic sons of Rockingham 
were rallying to the support of their imperiled country. Men and money 
were promptly raised, and the record of Rockingham Cuuntv during the 
whole struggle is one in which its citizens may justly feel a patriotic pride. 

Xew Hampshire had no organized militia that could be called into active 
service. The enrollment required by law had been so imperfect tliat no fair 
and equal draft could be made u]Jon her citizens liable to be called into active 
service, in case of insurrection at home or invasion from abroad, and it only 
remained for the governor to call for volunteers to fill the quota of the 
state — one regiment of 780 officers and men — under the call of the presi- 
dent for 75.000 troops for three months' senice. Immediately upon 
the receipt by telegraph of President Lincoln's Proclamation. Ichabod 
Goodwin, of Portsmouth, then governor, issued the following order: 

"St.\te of New Hampshire, 

Executive Department. 

Concord, April 16, 1861. 
"To Joseph C. Abbott, .Vdjutant and Inspector-General 
of the New Hampshire Militia : 
"Sir — The President of the United States having, in pursuance of the 
act of Congress approved February 28. 1795. called upon the State of New 
Hampshire for a regiment of militia, consisting of ten companies of infan- 
try, to be held in readiness to be mustered into the service of the United 
States for the purpose of ([uelling insurrection and supporting the govern- 
ment : 

"I. Ichabod Goodwin, governor of Xew Hampshire, command vou to 

33 



34 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

make proclamation, calling for volunteers from the enrolled militia of this 
state, to the number required, and to issue from time to time all necessary 
orders and instructions for enrolling and holding in readiness to be mus- 
tered into the service of said volunteer corps, agreeably to the aforesaid 
rc(|uisilion. 

"IcHABOD Goodwin, 
"Governor and Commander-in-Chief. 
"By the command of the governor, 

"Thomas L. Tullock, Secretary of State." 

The Legislature was not in session and would not convene, except under 
a special call, until the following June. There were no funds in the treas- 
ury which could be devoted to the expense of the organization and equip- 
ment of troops, as all the available funds were needed to meet the ordinary 
state expenditures. The great confidence of the people of New Hamp- 
shire in the wisdom and integrity of Mr. Goodwin found in this emergency 
full expression. Without requiring time to convene the Legislature so as 
to obtain the security of the state for the loan, the banking- institutions and 
citizens of the state tendered him the sum of $680,000 for the purjxDse of 
enabling him to raise and equip for the field New Hampshire's quota of 
troops. This oft'er he gladly accepted : and averting delay in the proceed- 
ings by refraining from convening the Legislature, he, upon his own respon- 
sibility, proceeded to organize and ecpiip troops for the field ; and in less 
than two months he had dispatched to the army, near Washington, two 
well equipped and well officered regiments. Of this sum of $680,000 only 
about $100,000 was expended. On the assembling of the Legislature that 
body unanimously passed the "Enabling Act." under which all his proceed- 
ings as governor were ratified and the state made to assume the responsi- 
bility. 

The First Nezv Hampshire Regiment was a three-months' regiment and 
the men who began to arrive in camp at Concord on April 24th. were mus- 
tered into the United States service May i, 1861, and left Concord May 
25th under command of Col. Mason W. Tappan. Although the First Regi- 
ment did not have the privilege of inscribing any pitched battles upon their 
banner, they yet rendered arduous and important service. Many re-enlisted 
and served in other New Hampshire regiments with honor and distinction. 
Only a few men were from Rockingham County. The regiment was mus- 
tered out of service at Concord, August 12, 1861. 

The Second Regiment was recruited under the first call for 75.000 troops. 
The men were enlisted for three months, but before the organization of the 
regiment was completed the call came for 300.000 three-years' troops, and a 
large majority of the men re-enlisted for the full term. The regiment went 
into camp at Portsmouth, with Thomas P. Pierce. Esq.. of Manchester, as 
colonel. Upon the re-enlistment of the men as three-years' troops. Colonel 
Pierce resigned, and Hon. Gilman Marston. of Exeter, was appointed colonel, 
with Frank S. Fiske. of Keene, as lieutenant-colonel, and Josiah Stevens, Jr., 
of Concord, as major. 

The regiment left Portsmouth June 20. i86t. and arrived at \^'ashing- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 35 

ton on the 23d, and went into camp on Seventh street. While here the regi- 
ment was brigaded with the First and Second Rhode Island, the Seventy- 
first New York, and the Second Rhode Island Battery, the whole vmder 
command of Gen. A. E. Burnside. 

July i6th the regiment started on its first campaign, and received its 
baptism of fire on the disastrous l>attlefield of Bull Run. Here Colonel 
Marston was wounded in the shoulder by a rifle ball. In this sanguinary 
struggle the Second fought nobly, and was acknowledged to be one of the 
best regiments on the field. Its loss was seven killed, fifty-six wounded, and 
forty-six prisoners. Of the latter, however, many doubtless died on the 
field. 

\\'e next find the regiment on the Peninsula, and in the battle of Wil- 
liamsburg, where it lost eighteen killed, si.xty-six wounded, and twenty-three 
missing. It soon after participated in the battles of Fair Oaks, Mechanics- 
ville, and Gaines' Mill. 

At the close of the Peninsula campaign, in which the .Second had ever 
borne an acti\'e part, the regiment returned to Alexandria, and was immedi- 
ately ordered to \A'arrenton Junction to reinforce General Pope. 

The second battle of Bull Run soon followed, and here the gallant Second 
added fresh laurels to those already won on many a hard-contested field. 
The regiment entered the battle with 332. Of these sixteen were killed, 
eighty-seven wounded, and twenty-nine missing. Ten out of twenty-one 
commissioned officers were killed or wounded. 

Passing over many details in the history of the regiment, our record 
comes to the ist of July, 1863, and the ever memorable battle of Gettysburg. 
In this terrible contest, which has gone down in history as one of the most 
sanguinary struggles of war, the Second New Hampshire played an impor- 
tant part and suffered greater loss than in any of the numerous fights in 
which it was engaged. 

The carnage of those July days is too well known to need es])ecial men- 
tion in this connection. The thin and decimated ranks of the Second at 
the close of the contest showed only too well the fierceness of the struggle. 
Before the battle twenty-four officers and three hundred and thirty men had 
responded to roll call. Of this number nineteen had been shot dead, 136 
wounded, and thirty-eight missing. All the field officers were wounded ; 
Captains Metcalf and Roberts were killed, and Lieutenants Ballard, Dascomb, 
Vickery, and Patch died of their wounds. Captain Hubbard was mortally 
wounded, and was found within the enemy's lines, where he had been buried 
by brother Masons. Lieutenants Perkins and Converse each lost an arm, and 
eight other officers were wounded. Major Sayles was also wounded. The 
total loss of the regiment was 193 out of 354. 

We next find this battle-scarred regiment in the memorable battle of 
Cold Harbor, where it lost seventy either killed or wounded. This was the 
last battle of the original Second New Hampshire, and it was fierce and 
bloody enough to fitly crown three years of active service. 

December 19, 1865. the regiment was mustered out of the service, and 
on the 23d reached Concord. The Second saw severe service, and its his- 
tory is a record of many of the hardest fought battles of the war. 



36 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

The Third Regiment. — The Third Regiment was the second regiment 
raised in the state under the call for three-years' troops. It was organized 
in 1861. and mustered into the United States service between the 22d and 
26th of August, by Maj. Seth Eastman, of the regular army. It rendez- 
voused at Camp Berry, Concord. 

The regimental officers were as follows : Colonel, Hawkes Fearing, Jr. 
He, however, resigned, and Enoch O. Fellows was appointed his successor. 

Lieutenant-colonel, John H. Jackson. 

Major. John Bedell. 

The regiment consisted of 1,047 officers and men, raised throughout the 
state generally, Rockingham County furnishing a few, but no entire company. 
September 3d the regiment left the Cranite Hills and proceeded to Long 
Island, where they went into camp. 

From this time until the close of its term of service the history of this 
regiment is a history of many of the severest battles of the war. It par- 
ticipated in the following engagements: Port Royal, November 7, 1861 ; 
Elba Island, March 7, 1862; Bluffton. March 16, 1862; Jehosse, April 10, 
14, and 17, 1862; James Island, June 8, 1862; Secessionville, June 16, 1862; 
Pocotaligo. October 22, 1862: May River, January 7, 1863: Stone Inlet, 
April 7. 1863; Morris Island, July 10, 1863; Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863; 
siege of \\'agner, July 18 to Sei)tem])er 7, 1863; siege of Sumter, September 
7, 1863, to March i, 1864; Pilatka, April 3, 1864: Chester Station, May 
9, 1864; Drury's Bluff, May 13 to 16, 1864; Bermuda Hundred, May :8. 
1864; Wier Bottom Church, June 2, 1864: Petersburg, June 9, 1864; 
Hatcher's Run, June 16, 1864: Flussell's Mills, August 16, 1864; siege of 
Petersburg, August 16, 1864: New Market Heights, Septemlier 29, 1864: 
demonstration towards Richmond, September 29 and October i, 1864: New- 
Market Road, October 7, 1864; Darbytown Road, October 13, 1864; Charles 
City Road, October 27, 1864; Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865: Sugar-Loaf 
Hill, I-'ebruary 11. 1865; Wilmington, Smith's Creek, and Northeast Ferry. 

During its term of service the regiment had on its rolls 1,818 men. One 
hundred and ninety were killed in battle or died of wounds, 137 died of 
disease. Mustered out July 20, 1865. 

The Fourth Regiment. — This regiment was nuistered into the service 
Septemlier 18, 1861, with Thomas J. Whipple, of Laconia, as colonel: Louis 
Bell, of Farmington, lieutenant-colonel: and Jeremiah D. Drew, of Salem, 
as major. Company H enlisted at Salem. Colonel Whipple resigned in 
1862, and May 16, 1862, Lieutenant-Colonel Bell was commissioned colonel, 
and was killed at Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865. Jeremiah D. Drew, of 
.Salem, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel December i, 1863. George F. 
Towk- of Portsmouth was commissioned major January 3, 1865. 

The I'^ourtli left Manchester. for Washington on the 27th of September, 
under command of Colonel Whipple, and on Monday, the 30th. they arrived 
at tlie i'"ederal capital, and encamped on the Bladensburg road about a mile 
and a half from the city, where they were armed with Belgian rifles, and at 
once [Hit to drilling. 

'i'lu- regiment subsc(|ueutly ])articipate(l in the battles of Drurv's Bluff, 



AND REPRESEXTATIVE CITIZENS 37 

Cold Harbor, the battle of the Mine, and its last memorable battle, which has 
gone down in history as the attack of Fort Fisher. 

The second expedition against Fort Fisher was commanded by General 
Terry, while General Ames, with forces selected from his old division, was 
to do the hard fighting. The regiments chosen were among the best in the 
army, of large experience and unchallenged bravery, prepared for the work- 
by such battles and assaults as Wagner, Morris Island, Drury's Bluff, Cold 
Harbor, and the battle of the Mine. Every man of the Fourth capable of 
doing duty was brought into the ranks, and the regiment was commanded 
by Capt. John H. Roberts. It embarked on the good steamer Baltic, a 
sad renmant of the full regiment which had filled the spacious saloons and 
cabins of the same vessel on the expedition to Port Royal. Once more the 
transports floated before the long line of sandy mounds known as Fort 
Fisher. Gallantly leading his brigade, Colonel Bell had almost gained the 
bridge, when a shot struck him and he fell mortally wounded. A moment 
later and the colors of his own regiment, which he had loved so long and so 
well, were planted on the first mound of the fort. Thus fell the colonel of 
the Fourth New Hamjjshire, dearly beloved and deeply mourned by his 
brigade. Dignified yet genial, brave yet cautious, never sacrificing lives use- 
lessly, ever ready to share danger and hardship with his men, no influence 
or peril could deter him from doing his dut)', or shake a resolution once 
formed. The regiment was mustered out, and arrived home August 2"/, 1865. 

Fifth Regiment. — This regiment was organized in 1861. Edward E. 
Cross, of Lancaster, was colonel ; Samuel G. Langley, lieutenant-colonel ; 
\\'m. \\'. Cook, of Derry, major. The regiment rendezvoused at Concord, 
and October 29th left for the seat of war. The regiment saw severe service, 
and participated in the following engagements : Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, 
Antietam. Charleston, Va., Snicker's Gap, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, 
Brandy Station, Gettysburg. Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, Hatcher's Run, 
Five Forks, and Farmville. The regiment was mustered out July 8, 1865. 
No regiment in the ser\'ice from any state fought better, and few, if any, 
fought oftener. 

The Sixth Regiment. — This regiment was organized at Keene, and mus- 
tered into the service on the 27th, 28th, and 30th of November, 1861. Com- 
pany C was from Rockingham County. December 25th the regiment left 
for the seat of war. and upon arrival at Washington was assigned to Burn- 
side's expedition. The history of the Si.xth is the history of many of the 
severest battles of the war. 

No regiment from the state and none in the army won a prouder name 
or made a more honorable record than the gallant old veteran Sixth. 

The following is a list of battles in which it was actively engaged : Cam- 
den, N. C, April iQ, 1862; Second Bull Run, Va., Augu.st 29, 1862; Chan- 
tilly. V'a., September i, 1S62: South Mountain, Md., September 13. 1862: 
Antietam, Md.. September 17, 1862: Fredericksburg, Va., December 13, 
1862: siege of Vicksburg, Miss.; Jackson. Aliss. : ^^'ilde^^ess, Va., May 6, 
1864: Spottsylvania Court House, Va., May 12, 1864: Spottsylvania Court 
House. Va., May 18, 1864; North Anna R'iver, Va., May 24^ 1864: Tolo- 
potomv Creek, Va., May 31, 1864: Bethesda Church, Va.. June 2, 1864: 



38 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COL'NTY 

Cold Harbor, Va., June 3, 1864: Petersburg, Va., June 16, 1864; Petersburg, 
Va., lune 17, 1864: Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864; Weldon Railroad, 
V^a., July 30, 1864; Poplar Spring Cburch, Va., September 30, 1864; 
Hatcher's Run, Va., October 2J, 1864; Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. 

Besides these the regiment was present at many skirmishes and recon- 
noissances, which are not mentioned as it suffered no loss. In addition to 
these there were many days during the campaign in the Wilderness and for 
nine weeks before Petersburg when the regiment was constantly under fire, 
and suffered heavy losses in the aggregate. The regiment was mustered out 
in July, 1865. 

The Seventh Reijiiiicnt. — This regiment was raised by Joseph C. Abbot 
in tlie fall of 1861, and December r4th same year was mustered into the 
service with the following officers : 

Colonel, H. S. Putnam, re^ilar army. 

Lieutenant-Colonel, Joseph C. Abbot, of Manchester. 

Maior, Daniel Smith, of Dover. 

The first engagement in which the Seventh participated was the unsuc- 
cessful assault on Fort Wagner. This was one of the memorable assaults 
of the war, and during the hour and a half the engagement lasted the gal- 
lant Seventh lost 218 killed, wounded, and missing, with Colonel Putnam 
and four line-officers among the killed. The regiment subsequently partici- 
pated in the battles of Olustee, Lempster Hill, Drury's Bluff, Petersburg, 
Deep Bottom (where Lieutenant-Colonel Henderson was killed). New 
Market Heights, Laurel Hill, Darbytown Road, Fort Fisher. 

The Eighth Regiment. — There were a few men from Rockingham County 
in the regiment, but no organization. The regiment was mustered into the 
service December 23, 1861, in Manchester. The regiment participated in 
various engagements, the most memorable of which was the attack on Port 
Hudson, where it suffered more than any other regiment in the army. In 
December, 1863. the Eighth was changed to "Second New Hampshire Cav- 
alry." It was mustered out in December, 1864. 

Ninth Regiment. — There were a few men from Rockingham County in 
this regiment, which was recruited in 1862, with E. O. Fellows, of .Sandwich, 
as colonel. The regiment participated in the battles of South Mountain, 
Antietani, Fredericksburg, Spottsylvania, the "Mine," Poplar Grove Church. 
The Ninth saw hard service, and suffered severelv. 



CHAPTER IV 

MILITAR\" HISTORY— (Coiuiiulcd) 

The Tenth Rc(iiiiiciit — The Eleventh Regiment — The Thirteenth Regiment — 
The Fourteenth Regiment — The Fifteenth Regiment — The Sixteenth 
Regiment — The Eighteenth Regiment — The First Heaz'v Artillerv — The 
Sh-arpshooters. 

Tenth Regiment. — This regiment was raised during the dark hours of 
1862, when the glamour of mihtary Hfe had passed away, and grim-visaged 
war stood out before the people in all its horrors. It was commanded by 
Col. Michael P. Donohoe, who was subsequently breveted brigadier-gen- 
eral. Rockingham County had one company, "G," in this regiment, which 
was raised in Portsmouth and Greenland. George W. Towle was captain. 

The history of the Tenth Regiment contains nothing which need cause 
any of its members to be ashamed of the organization in which they served, 
while it is a record of brave deeds and heroic sacrifices of which any soldier 
might well feel proud. Other regiments from the state may have been 
through more battles and lost more men, but none ever fought more gallantly 
or discharged whatever duty devolved upon them more faithfully. With the 
Anny of the Potomac at Fredericksburg and Cold Harbor, and the Army of 
the Jaines at Drury's Blufif, Fort Harrison, and all the bloody campaign of 
1864, its history is inseparably connected, and as long as the war for the 
Union and its heroes shall be gratefully remembered by the people in whose 
behalf so much was risked, the story of the Tenth New Hampshire will never 
cease to be of interest. 

The regiment was mustered out June 21, 1865. 

The Eleventh Regiment. — The Eleventh Regiment was recruited and mus- 
tered into the service in August, 1862, with the following officers: Colonel, 
Walter Harriman, of ^^''arner; major, Moses A. Collins, of Exeter; and 
chaplain, Frank K. Stratton, of Hampton. 

There were three companies recruited from Rockingham County for the 
regiment. A, B, and I. The Eleventh Regiment left Concord on the nth 
of September, 1862, and arrived at Washington on the 14th. 

The Eleventh Regiment joined in the grand review of the Second, Fifth, 
and Ninth Corps, Sherman's entire army, and some other troops at Wasii- 
ington on the 23d and 24th of May. It was the grandest spectacle of the 
kind ever witnessed in this country. Two hundred thousand armed \'eterans 
passed the whole length of Pennsylvania avenue, the reviewing officers being 
stationed in front of the president's house. 

The Eleventh was mustered out of the United States service on the 4th 

;5:i 



40 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of June, and immediately started for home, arriving at Concord on the after- 
noon of the -th, meeting with a hearty reception in the state house yard. 
On the loth the regiment was paid off and formally discharged. By order 
of the commanding general of the army, for meritorious conduct in battle, 
the Eleventh Regiment inscribed upon its banner "Fredericksburg, Vicks- 
burg, Jackson, East Tennessee, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, 
Cold Harlxir. W'eldon Railroad, Poplar Grove Church. Hatcher's Run, 
Petersburg." 

Thirtccntli Infantry. — This was the fifth regiment raised by the state, 
in the fall of 1862, under the call of the president for 600,000 troops. 

In its organization of ten companies seven counties were represented, 
Rockingham furnishing two. The first company went into camp at Con- 
cord on the nth of September. The whole were mustered into the United 
States service on the iSth. 19th. and joth of the same month, and on the 23d 
the field officers were also mustered. 

Aaron F. Stevens, E.sq., of Nashua, who had served as major of the First 
New Hampshire, was commissioned colonel : George Bowers, of the same 
city, who had served in Mexico, was lieutenant-colonel; and Jacob I. Storer, 
of Portsmouth, was major. 

On the 5th of October, in the presence of a great assembly, the Thirteenth 
received its colors, at the state house, and on the following day left the capitol 
for \Vashington, fully armed and equipped. 

The Thirteenth Regiment particii)ated in the final movement upon Rich- 
mond, on the y\ of April, 1865. General Devens, commanding the division, 
in a complimentary letter to Governor Smyth, of this state, dated at Rich- 
mond, June _'_'. 1865, speaking of the Tenth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Regi- 
ments, savs, "On the formation of the Twenty-fourth Corps, all these regi- 
ments formed a ])art of the Third Division, to which they have until now 
belonged, and were of the first column that entered Richmond on the morn- 
ing of .\pril 3. 1865. the Thirteenth New Hampshire being the first regiment 
of the army whose colors were brought into the city." The Thirteenth was 
mustered out of the United States service on the 22d of June, and came home 
with the Tenth and Twelfth, under command of Brevet Brigadier-General 
Donohoe. Arrived at Nashua, the officers of the brigade assembled at the 
Indian Head House, and Capt. George A. Bruce, of the Thirteenth, upon 
the staff of General Donohoe, in their behalf, presented General .\aron F. 
Stevens, their old and esteemed commander, a sabre, sash, and belt, suitable 
to his rank. The general accepted the gift in a handsome and feeling speech, 
after whicli he reviewed the brigade, and it appeared so well as to receive 
the warmest encomiums of thousands of spectators who witnessed it. 

Authority was received from the general commanding the army for the 
Thirteenth i-^egiment to inscribe ujion its colors the names and dates of the 
following engageiuents : Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862: siege of Suf- 
folk, Ai)ril and' May. 1863: \Valthal Road. I\Iay 7, 1864: Swift Creek, May 
9 and 10. 1864: Kingsland Creek, May 12 and 13. 1864: Drury's Bluff. May 
14 and iC), 1S64: Cold Harbor, June i and 3, 1864; Battery 5. Petersburg. 
June 15, 1864: Battery Harrison, September 20 and 30, 1864. 

The regiment was paid off and finally discharged at Concord on the ist 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 41 

of July, 1865. Its record while in the service is a better commendation than 
words. 

The Fourteenth Regiment. — This was recruited principally from the west- 
ern part of the state, although a few were furnished by Rockingham County. 
It was mustered into the service in September, 1862, with Robert Wilson, of 
Keene, as colonel. It participated in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Creek, 
etc. It lost by death over two hundred men and officers, seventy of whom 
fell in battle or died of their wounds. 

The Fifteenth Regiment. — ^This was the first regiment raised in New 
Hampshire under the president's call for 300,000 nine-months' troops. 
There were a few men from Rockingham County, and John W. Kinginan, 
of Durham, was colonel, George W. Frost, of New Market, lieutenant- 
colonel. 

The regiment was mustered into the service November 12, 1862, and 
upon arriving at the front was assigned to the division commanded by 
General Sherman. Their first engagement was the assault on Port Hudson. 

On the 26th of July the regiment turned over its camp and ordnance 
stores and started on its way home. It reached Concord on the 8th of 
August, and was mustered out, paid, and discharged on the 13th. When 
the regiment was mustered out of service, though there were thirty-nine 
officers and 702 enlisted men whose names were borne upon the rolls, less 
than thirty officers and not four hundred and fifty enlisted men were fit 
for duty. The siege of Port Hudson and the climate of Louisiana had 
thus sadly thinned the ranks. 

The Sixteenth Regiment. — This regiment was mustered into the service 
in November, 1862, with James Pike, of Sanbomton, as colonel. One com- 
pany (K) was recruited in Rockingham County. Though this regiment saw 
but little hard fighting, it suffered as much from disease, induced by exposure 
and the malaria of southern swamps, as any from New Hampshire had done 
from all causes combined in the same length of time. It was mustered out 
in August. 1863. 

The Eighteenth Regiment. — On the 19th of July, 1864. the War Depart- 
ment issued an order calling for 500.000 volunteers, and under this call 
the state authorities commenced recruiting the Eighteenth Regiment. Charles 
H. Bell, of Exeter, was commissioned colonel, and James W'. Carr. of 
Manchester, lieutenant-colonel, both of whom resigned before being mustered 
into the United States service, and their places were filled by the appointment 
of Thomas L. Livermore. of Milford. and Joseph M. Clough. of New 
London. Company K was principally from Rockingham County. The 
regiment participated in the following engagements : Fort Steadman. 
March 25, 1865 ; attack on Petersburg. April 2. 1865 ; and capture of Peters- 
burg, April 3, 1865. It was mustered out in July, 1865. 

The First Heaz'v ArtiUery was raised in .\ugust, 1864, and was mustered 
into the senice with Charles H. Long, of Claremont, as colonel, and Ira 
McL. Barton as lieutenant-colonel. The following is a list of the officers of 
this company: Captain, George W. Colbath. of Dover; first lieutenant, 
William S. Pillsbur}', of Londonderry: second lieutenant, Joseph H. Flagg, 
of Kingston. 



42 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

On the 2 1st of November. 1864, Colonel Long was assigned to the com- 
mand of Hardin's division. Twenty-second Army Corps, and the command 
of the regiment devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Barton. On the 25th 
Battery A was ordered to Portsmouth Harbor, and in February, 1865. Bat- 
tery B was ordered for duty at the same place. During the winter and until 
the muster out of the regiment it garrisoned a line of works ten miles in 
extent and gained considerable proficiency in artiller}- drill. 

On the i^th of June, 1865. the regiment was mustered out of service, 
and arrived at Concord on the 19th. where it received final pay and discharge. 

Sharpshooters. — New Hampshire furnished three companies of sharp- 
shooters for the army. In the summer of 1861. Colonel Berdan procured 
permission from the war department to raise a force of sharpshooters, and 
a promise that 2,000 Sharpe's rifles should be manufactured for them. 

The result was the First and Second Regiments of United States Sharp- 
shooters, commonly known as Berdan's Sharpshooters, of which the three 
companies from this state formed a part. Colonel Berdan asked the gov- 
ernor first for one, and then for two more companies. They were mustered 
into the L^nited States service on the gth of September, 1861. 

These three companies of sharpshooters contained some of the best rifle 
shots in the state. They participated in more battles and skirmishes than 
the averages of regiments, and probably killed more rebels than the same 
number of troops in any other arm of the .service: while from their having 
been seldom used in line of battle in dense masses, they suffered less loss in 
comparison than many other regiments. 

Rockingham County may justly feel proud of her soldiery as no section 
of our country acted a more prominent or honorable role in the great tragedy. 

Nearly a half century has now elapsed since the close of the Rebellion, 
and we find our country a united and prosperous people. Sectional strife 
is rapidly passing away, and the same hand strews flowers alike on the graves 
of the Blue and the Gray. 

"No more shall the war-cry sever. 

Or the winding rivers be red ; 
They banish our anger forever 

When they laurel the graves of our dead. 
Lender the sod and the dew. 

Waiting the judgment-day; 
Love and tears for the Blue, 

Tears and love for the Gray." 



CHAPTER V 
BENCH AND BAR 

Sketches of Rockiiu/haiii County Lazvyers and Judges 

Among the prominent agencies which give shape and order in the early- 
development of the civl and social condition of society, the pulpit, press, and 
bar are perhaps the most potential in moulding the institutions of a new 
community: and where these are early planted, the school, academy, and col- 
lege are not long in assuming their legitimate position, and the maintenance 
of these institutions secures at the start a social and moral foundation upon 
which we may safely rest the superstructure of the country, the state, and the 
nation. 

The establishment of courts and judicial tribunals, where society is pro- 
tected in all its civil rights under the sanction of law, and wrong finds a 
ready redress in an enlightened and prompt administration of justice, is the 
first necessity of every civilized community, and without which the forces 
and press of society, in its changeable developments, even under the teach- 
ings of the pulpit, the directions of the press, and the culture of the schools, 
are exposed to peril and disaster from the turbulence of passion and conflicts 
of interest ; and hence the best and surest security that even the press, the 
school, or the pulpit can find for the peaceful performance of its highest 
functions is when protected by and intrenched behind the bulwarks of law, 
administered by a pure, independent, and uncorrupted judiciary. 

The Rockingham County bar has from its beginning numbered among 
its members able jurists, talented advocates, and safe counselors. Here many 
have lived, flourished, and died, while others still are upon the stage of action 
who have been prominent in the advancement of the interests of the county 
and figured conspicuously in the councils of the state. 

PORTSMOUTH 

for so many years the important town of the state, and noted for the extent 
of its commerce, wealth, and political importance, naturally maintained an 
able and influential bar, whose members had a large practice, and some of 
whom were known throughout the country from their political as well as 
their legal celebrity. 

Matthezv Lwermorc (son of Samuel) was born in Watertown. Mass., 
January 14, 1703; graduated at Harvard College, 1722, and went to Ports- 
mouth to keep school and study law. He was admitted to the bar in 1731, 
at which time there was no regularly educated lawyer in Portsmouth. He 

43 



44 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

practiced extensively in Maine and New Hampshire. He was attorney- 
general of the province and king's advocate in the Admiralty Court. He 
was afterwards judge of the Superior Court of New Hampshire, and died 
August II, 1762. 

IVilliam Parker was born in Portsmouth, December 9, 1703, and, after 
being for a while at school, was apprenticed by his father to a tanner, but on 
attaining his majority became master of one of the public schools. He then 
studied law, and was' admitted to the bar in 1732. He was clerk to the com- 
missioners selected to settle the boundary line between New Hampshire and 
Massachusetts; was register of probate, surrogate, and judge of admiralty. 
He was a representative in the assembly for several years from 1765 to 1774. 
In August, 1 77 1, he was appointed justice of the Supreme Court, and held 
this office until the Revolutionary war. He was not only a well-read law- 
yer, but an excellent scholar. He died April 21, 1781. 

U'vscman Claggett was born in Bristol, England, in 1721, and came to 
Portsmouth to serve as the king's attorney-general in 1738. He married 
in Portsmouth, 1759, Miss Warner, and died at Litchfield in 1784. As 
king's attorney he was faithful in the discharge of his "duties," but when 
the "Stamp Act" was promulgated he was one of the earliest to remonstrate. 
His father was Wyseman Claggett, a barrister at law in Bristol. Mr. Clag- 
gett was renowned as a classical scholar. In the war of the Revolution 
he took sides with the people at the risk of very much of his property, then 
within the power of the British government. 

Samuel Liverniore was born in Waltham, Mass., May 14, 1702 (O. S.). 
He taught school in Chelsea Hall College, N. J., graduating in September, 
1752. .^fter teaching for a while he studied law with Judge Trowbridge, 
and was admitted to the bar in June, 1756. Commencing practice at Walt- 
ham, he removed to Portsmouth in 1757; thence, in 1764, he removed to 
Londonderry, which town he represented in the Legislature in 1768. He 
was commissioned attorney-general in 1769, then again living at Portsmouth. 
In 1775 he removed to Holderness. In 1776 he was again made attorney- 
general. In 1779 he was a delegate to the Continental Congress, and also in 
1781. June 21, 1782, he was appointed chief justice of the Supreme Court. 
In 1790 he resigned his judgeship. In 1789 he was representative to Con- 
gress. In 1793 he was chosen United States senator, and again in 1798. He 
resigned the latter office in 1801. He died May, 1803, aged seventy-one. 

John Samuel Sherburne, the son of John and Elizabeth (Moffat) Sher- 
bune, was bom in Portsmouth in 1757, and died in that town August 2, 1830, 
aged seventy-three. After reading law he began practice in Portsmouth. He 
was a representative in Congress from 1793 to 1797; attorney for the United 
States for the district of New Hampshire from 1801 to 1804; judge of the 
District Court of the United States from May, 1804, to the date of his death. 
In the war of the Revolution he served with distinction, and lost a leg in 
battle. He married Submit, daughter of Hon. George Boyd, in October, 1791. 

John Pickering was bom in Newington in 1738; graduated at Harvard 
College in 1761; was chosen United States senator in 1789. In August of 
1789 he was appointed justice of the Supreme Court, and chief justice in 
July following, serving until 1795. Was then appointed judge of the United 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 45 

States District Court, and served till 1804. He was noted for his strength 
of character, learning, and personal excellence. He died April 11, 1805. 

Charles Story was appointed judge of the Court of Admiralty for New 
Hampshire in the fall of 1696. He sailed from England for Portsmouth late 
in the same season, and reached that town in January, 1697. On the 19th 
of January he presented his commission to the president and council, and it 
was read, approved, and recorded. In 1699 he was appointed register of 
probate, continuing in office till his death. His last record bears date 
December 11, 1714. In 1712 he was attorney-general of the province, and 
was engaged in many prominent suits. His residence was at New Castle. 

Jonathan Mitchell Sczvall was born in Salem, Mass., in 1748, and read 
law with Judge John Pickering in Portsmouth. He began practice at Haver- 
hill, N. H., and was register of probate for Grafton County in 1773. Pre- 
vious to 1787 he removed to Portsmouth, where he was register of the Court 
of Admiralty. He was admitted to the bar of the Circuit Court of the United 
States, November 20, 1790, and held high rank as a counselor in the courts 
of the states. His poetic writings have to some extent survived him. He 
wrote an address presented to President \\'ashington on his visit to Ports- 
mouth, and an oration delivered July 4, 178S. He was the author of the 
oft-quoted lines, — 

"No pent-up Utica contracts your powers, 
Btit the whole boundless continent is yours." 

Mr. Sewall died March 28, 1808, aged sixty years. 

Daniel Humphreys was the son of Rev. David Humphreys, of Derby, 
Conn., and graduated at Yale College in 1757. He became a lawyer and a 
teacher of the Sandemanian doctrines. He came to Portsmouth in' 1774, 
and was United States district attorney from 1804 to 1828, and was a mem- 
ber of the convention to frame a new constitution in 1791-92. He was in 
considerable practice, and was a man of unblemished character. 

Joseph Bartlett was noted for his eccentricities and wit. He was born 
at Plymouth, Mass., June 10, 1762, and graduated at Harvard College in 
1782 with a high rank in scholarship. He studied law first at Salem, Mass., 
then went to England. Returning, he was a captain of volunteers raised by 
Massachusetts to put down Shay's rebellion. After this he resumed his legal 
studies and was admitted to the bar. He practiced at Woburn and Cambridge. 
In 1803 he removed to Saco, Me., where he had a good practice. After 
losing his influence and a large share of his business in Saco by the prose- 
cution of a protracted libel suit, he for a while lived in Branch, and came to 
Portsmouth in 1810. He died in Berlin, Oct. 27, 1827. He published an 
edition of [joems dedicated to John Quincy Adams, and while in Saco edited 
a paper called the Freeman's Friend. July 4, 1805. he delivered an oration 
at Biddeford. He was a fluent, and at times elociuent, speaker, abounded in 
wit, which was at ready command, but his habits of life and a lack of fimi- 
ness of purpose prevented his attaining a position at the bar which he 
otherwise might have filled. He married Ann Witherell, of Kingston, 
Mass.. but left no children. 



46 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Edward St. Loe Livermore was a son of Hon. Samuel Livermore, 
and born in Portsmouth in 1762. He studied law and practiced his pro- 
fession in Portsmouth, and was United States district attorney for the 
District of New Hampshire from 1789 to 1797. Mr. Livermore was a 
member of the convention chosen to revise the Constitution of the State 
of New Hampshire, which assembled at Concord on the 7th of September, 
1791. His father was president of the convention. He was justice of 
the Superior Court of New Hampshire from 1797 to 1799, and subsequently 
removed to Massachusetts. He died, aged eighty years. 

Jeremiah Masoii, one of the ablest members of the Rockingham County 
bar, was born at Lebanon. Conn., .\pril 2j, 1768. He was a descendant of 
John Mason, captain in Oliver Cromwell's army, and who came from England 
in 1630, and settled at Dorchester, Mass. After graduating at Yale College, 
Mr. Mason studied law in Connecticut, and was admitted to the bar in 
New Hampshire in 1791. He began practice at Westmoreland, and removed 
thence to Walpole, from which place he removed to Portsmouth in 1797. 
He was appointed attorney-general in 1802, which office he resigned in 
three years. In June, 1813. he was chosen a senator of the United States, 
and served with distinction until his resignation in 1817. He also served 
in the Legislature of New Hampshire, and was president of the United 
States Branch Bank at Portsmouth. His law practice was extensive, and 
in his office were many students-at-law'. Mr. Webster has said of Mr. Mason 
that "his great ability lay in the department of the common law. In his 
address to the court and jury he affected to despise all eloquence and 
certainly disdained all ornament, but his efforts, whether addressed to one 
tribunal or the other, were marked by a degree of clearness, directness, 
and force not easy to be equaled." He was the most adroit and successful 
in the cross-examination of witnesses of any lawyer ever seen at the bar 
of the state. 

In 1832, Mr. Mason removed to Boston, in which city he died October 
14, 1848. While a resident of Portsmouth, Mr. Mason's practice extended 
throughout the state, and he was retained in the most important cases upon 
the dockets of the various counties of New Hampshire, and enjoyed a 
reputation as one of the leading lawyers of the country. 

Daniel Webster, whose fame is world-wide, lived the earlier half of 
his life in New Hampshire. The son of a Revolutionary patriot. Capt. 
Ebenezer Webster, and of New Hampshire descent for four generations, 
he was born in Salisbury, January 18, 1782. A feeble constitution pointed 
him out as fitter for education than for the sturdy labors of the farm, and 
with self-denial on the part of his parents, and struggle on his own part, 
he accomplished his wishes, and graduated at Dartmouth College in 1801 
with honor. His legal studies he completed under the direction of Hon. 
T. W. Thompson, of Salisbury, and Hon. Christopher Gore, of Boston, 
where he was admitted an attorney in 1803. He took up his residence at 
once in Boscawen, and remained two years a close student of his pro- 
fession and of general literature. In 1807 he made Portsmouth his place 
of abode, and lived there until 181 6, when he removed to Boston. While 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CTTIZENS 47 

a resident of New Hampshire he served two terms as representative in 
Congress. 

Mr. Webster acquired a high reputation as a lawyer and a statesman 
(for he never was a politician) before he quitted his native state. When 
he went to Portsmouth, at the age of only twenty-five years, he was a 
mature man, armed at every point for the battle of life. Mr. Mason, then 
in the prime of his unrivaled powers, describes his first encounter with 
Webster. He had heard of him as a formidable antagonist, and found on 
trial that he was not over-estimated. Young and inexperienced as he was, 
Webster entered the arena with Mason and Sullivan and Bartlett, and bore 
away his full share of the honors. And before he quitted his New Hamp- 
shire home his reputation as a lawyer and ks an advocate of eloquence 
and power ranked with the very highest in the land. 

Those who heard his addresses to the jury in his early prime testify 
that none of his later great efforts surpassed them — if, indeed, they equaled 
them — as examples of earnest, impassioned forensic oratory. There was 
a youthful brilliancy and bloom. about those earlier productions that is not 
found in the stately works of his maturer years. 

In those days, when practitioners made reputations by special pleading 
and sharp practice, Mr. Webster relied little upon mere technicalities or 
adroit management. He tried his causes upon their merits, and with his 
logical power and eloquent tongue made short work of trumped-up claims 
and dishonest defenses. Many traditions attest his commanding influence 
over court and jury at this period of his career. Without being authentic 
in all particulars, they all concur in demonstrating that on no legal prac- 
titioner of his time was the popular confidence and admiration so universally 
bestowed as on Webster. 

The events ■ in the life of Mr. Webster from the time he re-entered 
Congress from Massachusetts are too familiar to require special repetition 
here. He continued in public life, with the exception of very brief intervals, 
up to the time of his decease in 1852. He was a senator in Congress for 
seventeen years. Pie was twice Secretary of State, and died in possession 
of that office. Every public position that he held he adorned and dignified 
by eminent, patriotic services. 

Now that nearly a generation has passed since Mr. Webster's death, 
his character is beginning to be estimated more justly, and the value of 
the work he did for the country has been tested. We see that his sagacity 
and foresight were far beyond those of his time ; that his apprehensions for 
the safety of the Union were well founded; that his exhortations to his 
countrymen to stand by the flag were honest, necessary, and vitalizing to 
the patriotism of the people. 

The petty assaults that secured temporarily to obscure his fame have 
had their brief day, and posterity will recognize the true grandeur of the 
man, and value at their just worth the great deeds of his life-time. As a 
statesman and a diplomatist, as a vindicator of the Constitution, as a lawyer 
and an orator, and, most of all, as a patriot, the country will be fortunate 
if the future shall furnish his peer. 

Nathaniel A. Ha^'cn. Jr.. was born in Portsmouth. N. H., January 14, 



48 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

1790, and was a son of Hon. Nathaniel A. Haven, and a grandson of 
Rev. Samuel Haven, D. D. He graduated at Harvard, and studied law 
in the office of that eminent jurist, Hon. Jeremiah Mason. He was admitted 
to the bar in 181 1, and commenced practice in his native town. High as 
was Haven in his profession, he had not given to a single science a mind 
that coj-dd conipass the circle of them. He had a decided taste for literature, 
and from 1821 to 1825 was connected editorially with the Portsmouth 
Journal. He also contributed articles for the North American Review. 
He was a member of the Legislature in 1823-24. He died June 3, 1826. ■ 

Peyton Randolph Freeman was the son of Hon. Jonathan Freeman, 
of Hanover, and born November 14, 1775. He graduated at Dartmouth 
College in 1796, and began the practice of the law in Hanover in 1801. 
Previous to this he was principal of an academy at Amherst. X.. H. He 
came to Portsmouth and established himself in practice in 1803. He was 
deputy secretary of state in 1816-17. clerk of the United States Courts 
from March, 1817, to May, 1820. Mr. Freeman's strong point was his 
familiarity with the law concerning real property. He was of the old 
school, and any departure by the courts from the ancient rules of law 
concerning real estate was a horror to him. He was severely painstaking 
and careful in all Ijusiness he undertook, such as the investigation of titles, 
drafting of wills, creating trusts, life estates, etc. Indeed, he was so much 
absorbed in following the intricate phases of cases and titles that his clients 
after experience in this direction were apt to prefer a man of more practical 
turn of mind. He was never married. He died March 27, 1868, in the 
ninety-third year of his age. 

Edivard Ciitts, son of Edward Cutis, was fiorn in Kittery, Me., and 
was a descendant of Judge Edward Cutts. He graduated at Harvard College 
in 180T. He studied law with Jeremiah ^lason, and after his admission 
to the bar began practice in Portsmouth in 1807. At the May term, 1809, 
he was admitted as an attorney and coun.selor of the Circuit Court of the 
United States, at the same time with Daniel \\'ebster, and continued in 
large practice in the state and federal courts until his death, August 22, 
1844, at the age of sixty years. 

Mr. Cutts neither sought nor attained political honors. He was a safe 
counselor, and devoted himself exclusively to the practice of his profession. 
He was at one time president of the United States Branch Bank in Ports- 
mouth, and afterwards a director in the Rockingham Bank. He married 
Mary Huske Sheafe, daughter of Jacob Sheafe, a prominent merchant of 
Portsmouth, but left no children. His widow is remembered for her munif- 
icent legacy left to improve Richards Avenue, a fine street leading to the 
South Cemetery in Portsmouth. 

Jl''illia)ii Claggett was the son of Hon. Clifton Claggett. and grandson 
of Wyseman Claggett. He was born at Litchfield, April 8, 1790; graduated 
at Dartmouth College in 1808: was admitted to the bar in Hillsborough 
County in 181 1, and soon after began the practice of his profession in 
Portsmouth. He was representative in the State Legislature in 18 14. and 
was several times re-elected to that office. He was clerk of the State Senate 
in 1820; senator from District No. i in 182,; clerk of the United States 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 49 

Circuit and District Courts from 1820 to his resignation March 5, 1825; 
and nayal officer of the port of Portsmouth from 1830 to 1838. His first 
wife was Sarah F.. daughter of George Plumer, who died in 1818. His 
second marriage was with Mary Thompson, daughter of Col. E. Tliompson : 
she died in 1863. 

Mr. Claggett at one time had a large practice in Portsmouth, but when 
he too often became his own client his business diminished and finally dis- 
appeared. In 1 81 2 he gave a Fourth of July oration in Portsmouth, Daniel 
Webster making one at the same time in another part of the town. He 
was for many years an ardent democrat, and subsequently became a free 
soiler, and wrote extensively for the press in Portsmouth and Concord 
after that party's formation. He died on the 28th of December, 1870, at 
Portsniouth, leaving one son, ^^'illiam C. Claggett. then a merchant in New 
York City. 

Ichabod Bartlett was born in Salisbury. He graduated at Dartiuouth 
College in 1808, and studied law in the office of Moses Eastman in his 
native town. He practiced law after his admission to the bar at Salisbury 
and at Durham, and in 1818 removed to Portsmouth. The same year he 
was appointed solicitor for Rockingham County. 

He was chosen clerk of the Senate for 1817 and 1818. He was a 
representative to the General Court from Portsmouth in 1820 and 1821 
(being speaker of the House of Representatives for 1821), and also served 
as representative in the years 1830, 1838, 1851. and 1852. He was a 
delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1850, was representative in 
Congress in 1823. 1823. and 1827, and was for many years engaged in 
many of the most important lawsuits throughout the state. As a lawyer 
he had few equals : in ready wit and keen satire he was unsurpassed ; as 
public speaker, as an advocate of the bar. and a legislator he maintained a 
prominent position for very many years. He died at Portsmouth, October 
17, 1853, aged seventy-seven, and was unmarried. 

C harlcs IV. Cutter, son of Jacob Cutter, was born in Portsmouth, grad- 
uated at Harvard College in 1818, and studied law with Jeremiah Mason, 
and commenced practice in his native town. He was admitted to the bar 
of the Circuit Court of the United States in October, 1825, and appointed 
clerk of the Circuit and District Courts ]\Iarch 13, 1826, positions he held 
for fifteen years. In 1841 he was appointed naval storekeeper, and after- 
wards was navy agent at Portsmouth. He for several years edited the 
Portsmouth Journal, and was an effective public speaker in political cam- 
paigns, but never devoted himself with much zeal to the practice of his 
profession. He died August 6, 1856, aged fifty-six years, and unmarriefl. 

Tiinotliy Farrar practiced law in Portsmouth from 1814 to 1822, and 
from 1834 to 1836. He was admitted to practice in the Circuit Court of the 
United States, October term. 181 7. and subsequently removed to Exeter. 

Charles B. Goodrich. This eminent lawyer was born at Hanover. N. H., 
in i8r2. He was graduateil at Dartmouth College, and after a course of 
study, it is believed, in his native town, he was admitted to the bar. Coming 
to Portsmouth in 1826, he continued in practice for ten years, winning high 
reputation in his profession. His talents found a wider field of action at 



50 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Boston, whither lie removed, anil where he at once took rank as a leader. 
Till his death, in the summer of 1878, Mr. Goodrich had few equals at 
the Suffolk bar in all that constitutes a learned and skilled practitioner 
His duties called him not infrequently to Washington, where he was regarded 
as one of the ablest members of the bar from New England. In 1853 he 
published "The Science of Government as Exhibited in the Institutions of 
the United States of America,"' — a course of lectures delivered at the 
Lowell Institute in Boston. In private life Mr. Goodrich was genial and 
warm-hearted. He married, March 11. 1827, Miss Harriet N. Shattuck, 
of Portsmouth, who survived him. 

Levi Woodbury was the son of the Hon. Peter Woodbury, and born at 
Francistown, on the 22d of December, 1789. He was of the oldest Massa- 
chusetts stock, being descended from John Woodbury, who emigrated from 
Somersetshire in England in the year 1624, and was one of the original 
settlers of Beverly, Mass. Peter Woodbury removed from Beverly to Fran- 
cistown in 1773. His son Levi entered Dartmouth College in October, 1805. 
After his graduation with honor in 1809, in September of that year he 
began the study of law at Litchfield, Conn., pursuing it at Boston, E.xeter, 
and Francistown, and in September, 1812. commenced practice in his native 
village. He soon attained a high rank at the bar, with an extensive business. 
His first public service was upon his election as clerk of the Senate of 
New Hampshire in June, 1816. In December of the same year he received 
the apijointment of judge of the Supreme Court of the State, and in the 
discharge of the duties of this position were seen the inherent force of his 
abilities, aided by his constant and never-ceasing habits of application. 

In June, 1819, he married Elizabeth W. Clapp. of Portland, Me., and 
removing to Portsmouth soon after, except when absent on public duties 
resided in that city. In March, 1823, he was chosen governor of New 
Hampshire, and re-elected in 1824. 

In 1825 he was chosen one of the representatives from Portsmouth in 
the Legislature, and elected speaker upon the assembling of the House of 
Representatives. This was his first seat in any deliberative assembly; but 
his knowledge of parliamentary law, aided by his dignity and urbanity of 
manner, served to enable him to fill the office in a commendable manner. 

.\t the same session he was elected a senator in the Congress of the 
United States. His senatorial term was completed in March, 1831, and 
in that month he was chosen state senator from his district, but before 
the Legislature assembled he was, in May, 183 1, appointed secretary of 
the navy, and resigned the senatorship in June 4th of that year, and served 
till June 30. 1834, in the secretaryship. 

In July, 1S34, Governor Woodliury was ajipointed secretary of the 
treasury, and served until the election of General Harrison to the presidency. 
He was again elected a senator in Congress for the term of six years, com- 
mencing March 4, 1841. Tie served until November, 1845. During that 
year President I'olk had tendered Governor Woodbury the embassy to the 
Court of St. James, but the appointment, for domestic reasons, was declined. 

Upon the death of Mr. Justice Story. Mr. Woodbury was commissioned 
an associate justice of tlu' Supreme Court of the United States, and after 



AND RErRESEXTATIVE CITIZEXS 53 

subsequently entering upon the duties of this high office continued therein 
until his death, which occurred September 4, 185 1. 

Judge \\'oodbury. in the various public jiositions he was so constantly 
called to fill, showed himself abundantly capable for the discharge of their 
duties. As a legislator he was painstaking and industrious, as a judge 
studious and indefatigable in his labors, and as a cabinet minister compre- 
hensive and yet exact in his knowledge of details. His life was one of uninter- 
rupted work, and his death at the age of sixty-one deprived the country 
of an upright judge and an eminent pul>lic man. Of his children, his only 
son, Charles Levi W'oodbury, was a prominent lawyer in practice in Boston. 
One daughter was the wife of Hon. Montgomery Blair, who was postmaster- 
general under President Lincoln, and another was the wife of Capt. Gustavus 
V. Fox, formerly of the United States navy, who rendered to the country 
such signal service by his practical knowledge as assistant secretary during 
the late war. 

Jrilliani Henry Young Hackctt. — One of the last survivors of a school 
of lawyers .who were at the bar when Jeremiah Mason and Daniel Webster 
appeared of counsel in important causes was William Henn,- Young Hackett, 
who, at the ripe age of seventy-eight, died at Portsmouth, August 9, 1878, 
after a continuous practice of more than fifty-two years in duration. Mr. 
Hackett was born at Gilmanton, N. H., September 24, 1800. His ancestor 
was Capt. William Hackett, of Salisbury, Mass. After receiving an educa- 
tion at Gilmanton .\cademy, Mr. Hackett studied law in his native town 
and at .Sanbornton Square. \n April. 1822. he came to Portsmouth, and 
entered the office of Ichabod Bartlett. He was admitted to the bar in 
January, 1826, and soon acquired a good practice, which he steadily main- 
tained u]:) to the time of his decease. He tried many cases to the jury, was 
retained of counsel l)y corporations, and later in life was largely employed 
in the management of trust estates. He had an instinctive knowledge of 
how to apply legal principles, and a knowledge, too, of huiuan nature. As 
a counselor, though he warmly espoused the cause of his client, he was 
jirudent anrl inclined to discourage litigation. He had an excellent memory, 
and knew what had been decided in the New Hampshire courts and in 
those of the New England States generally: but he is not to be termed a 
learned lawver. He favored the extension of equity practice in New Hamp- 
shire, aufl he lived long enough to see some of his views in this regard 
adopted. In 18511 '1*? declined a seat upon the bench of the .'Supreme 
Judicial Court. 

Portsmouth sent him repeatedly to the Legislature, where he rendered 
important service as chairman of the judiciary and on other committees. 
In 1861 he was chosen president of the Senate, of which body he had been 
assistant clerk in 1824 and clerk in 1828. He was eminently successful in 
the management of a bank. As early as 1827 he was made director of the 
Piscataqua Bank. Whtn the Piscatacpia Exchange Bank was organized in 
1843 he became president, and held that office till 1863, when the bank 
became the First National Bank of Portsmouth, the presidency of which he 
assumed and held till his death. He was also president of the Piscataqua 
Savings-Bank, as well as a director in railroad and other corporations. 



54 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Mr. Hackett had some literary accomplishments, and excelled in writing 
brief biographies. A memoir of Andrew Halliburton, and a sketch of 
Charles W. Brewster, author of "Rambles about Portsmouth'' (the latter 
being prefixed to the second series of that work), are from his pen. All his 
life long Mr. Hackett was public-spirited and devoted to the interests of 
the town. His name has thus been identified with the history of Portsmouth 
for more than half a century. A memoir of Mr. Hackett (written by his 
son l'"rank \V.) was privately printed in 1879, and a copy sent to various 
libraries in New England. 

Albert Riiyter Hatch was l)orn in Greenland on the loth day of October, 
181 7. He entered Bowdoin College when quite young, and graduated in 
1837. The late Governor John A. Andrew, of Massachusetts, was one of 
his classmates. 

He immediately came to Portsmouth, and pursued the study of law 
with the late Ichabod Bartlett, who was then known all over the state as 
a great lawyer. Here Mr. Hatch, under the direct oversight of Colonel 
Bartlett, saw a great deal of practice and hard work, and here he laid the 
foundation of those habits of industry and close attention to his chosen 
profession which for the past quarter of a century have made him one of the 
foremost, lawyers of our state and a model practitioner. 

In 1 84 1 he was admitted to the bar, and was soon in active practice. 

In 1S47 ^"d 1848 he was a member of the House of Representatives 
from Portsmouth, then a town, and in 1848 was appointed solicitor for 
the county of Rockingham, and also clerk of tlie United States Court for 
New Hampshire. 

Mr. Platch was in no sense a politician. He was a democrat from 
principle, and could never yield his convictions of duty for the sake of 
policy or of temporary advantage. He preferred to be right rather than 
hold office. Had the democratic party been in power in this state he would 
have been a governor and a senator, but though his party was unable to 
bestow upon him the honors he deserved, it never ceased to respect and 
esteem him, and his advice and counsel were always heeded. 

In 1864 he was a candidate for presidential elector, and in 1868 he was 
a member of the Democratic National Convention. 

In 1873 his extensive law practice, which had steadily increased, required 
all his attention, and he resigned his position as clerk of the United States 
Court, having held it for twenty-five years. He then began to devote him- 
self wholly to his profession, to which he was so firmly attached, but his 
friends urged him to accept again an election to the Legislature, and 
against his own judgment he was induced to yield to them, and that year 
he was a member of the House, and being again a member in 1S74 he was 
elected speaker, which position he filled under very trying circumstances 
to the general acceptance of all. He was again a member in 1875 and also 
in 1876. At the same time he was a member of the Board of Aldermen 
and of the Pligh School Committee of this city, and taking a deep interest 
in city and school affairs he was scarcely ever absent from their meetings. 
Pic was a hard worker everywhere he w-as placed. The various Masonic 
bodies of which he was a member also received a share of his time and 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 55 

attention, and he soon found himself overwhehned under the accumulating 
burdens imposed upon him. 

He was an active member of all the Masonic bodies, and to show the 
esteem in which he was held among them it is only necessary to say that 
he was elected and served as commander of DeWitt Clinton Commandery 
of Knights Templar for twenty-five successive years. 

He was a director of the Portsmouth and Dover Railroad, the Ports- 
mouth Bridge Company, and the Athenasum, and was held in great esteem 
by his associate directors. He was a vestryman and prominent member 
of the Episcopal Church of this city, and one of the trustees of the new 
Christ's Church, in the erection of which he was greatly interested, and 
to which he gave much time. 

In public life no man ever accused him of fraud, wrong, or dishonor. 
As a lawyer he was learned, ready, fortified at every point, cjuick to perceive 
and cjuick to apply, and of incomparable industry. He was ever true to 
his client, and no man employed him who did not receive the benefit of 
every faculty that he possessed as well as having every point in his case 
presented in the best shape. 

As a scholar he was superior, and his knowledge of books and the best 
literature was remarkable. He had a large miscellaneous library of the 
choicest works, and his studious habits and retentive memory had made 
him familiar with its contents. 

In social life he was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. Digni- 
fied in his bearing, he may have appeared to those who did not know him 
well cold and indifferent, but to those who really knew him he was a delight- 
ful companion, a man to whom one could not fail to be attached, and 
from whom one always parted with reluctance. He had many friends, 
and those who could call him a friend had no need to go farther to find 
the truest friend that ever drew breath. He died March 5, 1882. 

Samuel Ciishman was born in Hebron, Me., July 21, 1783. His father 
was Job Cushman, a descendant from Robert Cushman, who joined the 
Plymouth colony in 161 2. After an academic education, he studied law 
under the tuition of John Holmes, of Alford, Me., and was admitted to 
the York County bar in 1807, and began practice of the law in Maine, v.'here 
he was a postmaster during Madison's administration. In May, 1812, 
Mr. Cushman was married to Maria J., daughter of John Salter, of Ports- 
mouth, and in 181 6 he removed to that place, where he resided up to the 
time of his death. May 22, 185 1. He filled numerous municipal positions 
in Portsmouth Ijetween the year 1824 and the time of his death. He was 
for five years county treasurer, and for two years a member of the Executive 
Council. He was a member of the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth 
Congresses from New Hampshire, in the years 1835 to 1839, was postmaster 
under the Van Buren administration, and navy agent from 1845 to 1849. 
In March, 1S30, he was appointed police justice of the City of Portsmouth, 
being the first magistrate under the new city charter. This ofiice he held 
up to the date of his death. Mr. Cushman was at one time associated in 
the practice of the law with the late Charles B. Goodrich. He was con- 
scientious in his profession. He discouraged litigation, and oftentimes filled 



56 ' HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

the position of paciticator rather than that of advocate. He was noted for 
his urbanity of manner, his kindness of heart, and his undeviating integrity. 
Tlie foregoing are sketches of lawyers who have been prominent in 
profession or pohtical position. There were many of them of perhaps 
less celebrity as lawyers, but of whom we can only make mention; of them 
were R. Cutts Shannon, clerk of the Federal Courts from May i, 1804, 
to 1814: Leverett Hubbard, at one time judge, who died in 1793: Samuel 
Hale, Oliver Whipple, wiio at one time lived in Maine; George Pierce, 
who died after a short practice; John Hale; Henry S. Langdon, afterwards 
a bank cashier; George \V. Prescott, clerk of the United States Courts from 
1814 to March, 1S17, and who died in 1817; Isaac Lyman, who also prac- 
ticed in York; John P. Lord, in practice from 1809 to 1819; Thomas L. 
Elwyn, who practiced but little from 1813 to 1816; James Smith, Jr.. who 
lived in Portsmouth and Nevvington, and was more or less in practice from 
1820 to 1869; Hampden Cutts, who removed to Hanland, Vt. ; Ichabod 
Bartlett Claggett, son of William Claggett, who graduated at Dartmouth 
College, read law with Ichabod Bartlett, and died March 12, 1861 ; Horace 
Webster, son of Hon. Samuel Webster, of Barnstead, who graduated at 
Dartmouth College, read law with Albert R. Hatch, and died August 7, 1867, 
and John Scribner Jenness, son of Richard Jenness, who graduated at 
Harvard College, was a student in the office of Ichabod Bartlett, practiced 
a few years in Portsmouth, removed to New York, and died in Portsmouth. 
.August in, 1870; John Hatch, S. \\'. Emery, and John \\'. Kelly. 

.\TKINSON 

JoJui Kelly. — Atkinson's only lawyer was John Kelly. He was a native 
of the neighboring town of Plaistow, the son of Deacon Simeon Kelly, and 
was bom July 22, 1796. He was educated at Atkinson and Exeter academies, 
and at Amherst College, where he graduated in 1825. He began the prac- 
tice of the law in Plaistow in 1829. In 1832 he took the charge of the Atkinson 
-Academy, and retained it till 1838; thence he removed to Derry, and was 
principal of the .Adams Female Academy for nearly four years. In 1841 
he i^emoved to Chester, and resumed the practice of his profession until 
1845, when he returned to Atkinson, and there resided until his death, in 
January, 1877. 

Mr. Kelly was a lawyer of good capacity, but had none of the enthusiasm 
for liis i)rofession that would have led him into the contests of the courts. 
He preferred teaching, and was a good deal employed, especially in later 
life, as a land surveyor, in which he greatly excelled. He was a genial 
man. fond of social intercourse, and possessed a fund of entertaining anec- 
dotes. He was also passionately fond of music, and entered into the spirit 
of it with his whole soul. Honest and upright in all his dealings, he deserved 
and won the sincere respect and trust of the coniniunit\-. 



John Porter, a graduate of Dartmouth College in the class of 1787, 
practiced law in Chester from 1790 Id 17<)3. and then removed to Canada. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 57 

Arthur Lh'crmorc was the second lawyer of Chester. He was the son 
of Judge Samuel Livermore, and was born in Londonderry about the year 
1766, came to Chester about 1793, and remained there not far from five 
years. He was a representative from Chester in the General Court in 
1794 and 1795. and was appointed solicitor for the County of Rockingham 
in 1796. In the latter part of 1798 he was made a justice of the Superior 
Court, and about that time removed to Holderness, to which place his 
subsequent history belongs. He held other important offices, civil and 
judicial, and died July i, 1853, at the age of eighty-seven. 

Judge Livermore's mental endowments were of a high order, and must 
have been so regarded by his contemporaries to have placed him in the 
positions of trust and responsibility in which a large share of his active life 
was spent. And this is the more apparent from the fact that his manners 
were not of a popular character, and he took little pains to ingratiate himself 
with the people. He was a man of keen wit and quick temper, but he w-as 
honest, and endeavored to discharge his official duties acceptably. He 
belonged to a family which long took a distinguished part in public alTairs 
in the state. 

Daniel French was born in Epping, Eebruary 22, ij^c), a son of Gould 
French, a farmer there. He received his education at Phillips' Exeter^ 
Academ)-, and after studying law with Hon. W. K. Atkinson commencgQ 
practice at Deerfield, but after two years removed to Chester, as successor 
to Arthur Livermore on his appointment to the bench. In June, 1808, he 
was appointed solicitor of the county, and in February, i8ij, was com- 
missioned attorney-general of the state, which office he resigned in 181 5. 
He held the office of postmaster thirty-two years, from 1807 to 1839. In 
addition to his legal pursuits he took considerable interest in agriculture. 

Mr. French was a man of talents and ample professional learning, and 
manifested no small share of skill and tact in the management of his busi- 
ness. He was faithful to the interest of his clients, even to the extent, as 
was the fashion of his time, of being sometimes pretty sharp to his adver- 
saries. He was the father of a large and most respectable family of children. 

Amos Kent -was born at Kent's Island, in Newbury, Mass., in October. 
1774. He was fitted for college in part under the celebrated Master Moody, 
of Byfield Academy, and graduated at Harvard College in 1795. He read 
law with Hon. William Gordon, and was admitted to the bar in 17Q8. The 
next year he opened an office in Chester, where he continued to reside until 
his death in 1834. 

Mr. Kent was gifted with a fine personal appearance and excellent jx)wers 
of mind. He is said to have been a good counselor, but was not successful 
as an advocate. He was much fonder of active, outdoor employments than 
of the practice of his profession. A born athlete, he was much given to 
rough, boisterous sports, shooting matches, etc. He had some aptitude for 
political life, and was chosen to the State Senate in the years 1814 and 
181 5. But he gave much more time to his farm and to the promotion of 
agriculture than was good for his law Inisiness or profitable to his pocket. 

Samuel Pell was the son of Hon. John Bell, of Londonderry, where he 
was born I'-ebruary 9, 1770. He was employed upon his father's farm until 



58 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

the age of eighteen, and then commenced his classical studies. Afterwards 
he attended the academy at New Ipswich, under the tuition of Hon. John 
Hubbard. From Dartmouth College he received his bachelor's degree in 
1793, and then pursued his law studies under the direction of Hon. Samuel 
Dana, of Amherst, whose daughter he subsequently married. He rose early 
to distinction in his profession. 

In 1796 he began practice in Francestown, and in 181 2 he removed to 
Chester, which afterwards was his home. A large part of his life he passed 
in public employment. In 1804 he became a representative in the State 
Legislature, and the two following years was speaker of the House. In 1807 
he received the appointment of attorney-general of the state, but the salary 
attached to the office at that time was so inadequate that he declined it. In 
1807 and 1808 he was a member of the State Senate, and both years president 
of that body. In 1816 he was appointed a judge of the Superior Court, 
and so continued till 181 9, when he resigned the place to accept the office 
of governor of the state, which he held by successive elections until 1823. 
So fully were the people satisfied of his ability and integrity that on his 
fourth election to the gubernatorial chair he received in a vote of nearly 
twenty-four thousand all but about one thousand of the whole number of 
ballots cast. While he held the office of governor, Bowdoin College con- 
ferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Laws. 

Upon quitting the office of governor Mr. Bell was elected to the United 
States Senate for six years, and upon the expiration of that term re-elected 
for a like term. Upon leaving his seat in the Senate he retired from public 
life, and passed his remaining years upon his farm in Chester, where he 
died December 23, 1850. 

Mr. Bell was a man of good natural powers, cultixated with fliligence, 
and accompanied by scrupulous integrity. The long-continued and honorable 
public positions conferred upon him are the best proof of the confidence 
reposed by his fellow-citizens in his honesty and capacity. He was a tall, 
erect, and slender man, of a naturally delicate constitution, which he forti- 
fied by e.xercise and temperance. His manners were dignified and impressive. 
His professional learning was ample, and his judgment in public afTairs 
was regarded as peculiarly sound. It was he to whom Mr. Webster, just 
before he delivered his celebrated reply to Hayne, applied to know if the 
sentiments which he proposed to enunciate in that speech were in accord 
with the views of his party at the North. Senator Bell assured him that 
they were. "Then, by the blessing of God," replied Mr. Webster, "the 
country shall know my views of the Constitution before this day is over." 

Saiiiuel Dana B-cIl was the son of Hon. Samuel Bell, and was born Octo- 
ber 9, 1798. He graduated from Harvard College in the class of 1816, read 
law in the office of Hon. George Sullivan in Exeter, and commenced practice 
in 1820. He lived in Chester from 1820 to 1830, and thence removed to 
Exeter, where he held the office of cashier of the Exeter Bank till 1836, and 
in 1839 he established himself in the growing town of Manchester, and there 
remained until his decease, July 31, 1868. 

\\'hilc a resident in Chester he twice represented that town in the General 
Court, and in 1823 was api^ointed solicitor for Rockingham County, which 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 59 

office he filled until 1828. In 1830 he was appointed one of the commis- 
sioners to revise the statutes of the state, and afterwards received a similar 
appointment in 1842, and again in 1867. He was commissioned a judge 
of the Court of Common Pleas in 1848, and justice of the Superior Court 
in 1849. He held the latter position till 1859, when he was elevated to the 
chief justiceship, which office he resigned in 1864. In 1854 he received from 
Dartmouth College the degree of Doctor of Laws. 

Judge Bell possessed a sound understanding and unwearied patience and 
industry. He acquired not merely the learning of his profession in a degree 
rarely surpassed, but he made himself thoroughly conversant with every 
branch of useful knowledge. It was difficult to broach a subject of prac- 
tical importance which he had not studied and had not at his tongue's end. 
It was a common remark of those who met with him that his information 
was inexhaustible. 

He was notably instrumental in promoting education, good order, and 
good morals in Manchester, which he saw grow up from a village to a large 
and populous city. He was the professional counsel and adviser of the great 
companies that built up the place; his recommendations were always heeded 
by them, and were productive of much advantage. 

Judge Bell was deeply interested in historical studies, and contributed 
some valuable papers on the early persons and events of New Hampshire. 
Pie was a constant and stanch supporter of the New Hampshire Historical 
Society, of which he held the office of president, and collected much material 
for the work upon the history of the courts and bar of the province and 
state. 

David Pillsbury, son of Benjamin Pillsbury, was born at Raymond, 
February 17, 1802, graduated from Dartmouth College in 1827. studied law 
with Hon. Henry Hubbard and Hon. Samuel D. Bell, and began practice 
in Chester in 1830, and remained there till 1854, when he removed to Con- 
cord, where he died May 25, 1862. He was representative two years from 
Chester in the Legislature of the state, and was police judge of Concord. 
He had a taste for military affairs, and rose to the rank of major-general 
of the militia. 

He was a man of fair talents, of industry, and of considerable learn- 
ing in his profession, but lacked acquaintance with human nature, and 
though he prepared his causes carefully, was very liable to be out-generaled 
before a jury. He was a bachelor, and was sometimes made the butt of 
waggery, as is not unfrequently the case with those in like forlorn circum- 
stances. 

Mood\ Kent was born in Newbury, Mass.. in the year 1779, graduated 
at Harvard College in 1801, read law with Hon. William Gordon and 
Hon. C. H. Atherton, of Amherst, was admitted to the liar in 1804, and 
the same year settled in practice in Deerfield. He remained there until 
1809, when he removed to Concord, in which place and in Pembroke he 
spent most of the remainder of his life. He died unmarried February i, 
1866, leaving the bulk of his large fortune to the New Hampshire .\sylum 
for the Insane. 

Mr. Kent acquired scholarship and great general information, and was 
s 



60 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

industrious, metiiodical, and sagacious. He was a sound lawyer, but did 
not practice for many of the later years of his life, his time being occupied 
by the care of his large property. 

DEER FIELD 

Pliiiieas Hoive was a native of Hopkinton and the son of Deacon Jotham 
Howe. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College, in the class of 1798, 
and afterwards was a teacher in Deerfield for five years, studied law, and 
opened an office for a short time in Weare, but returned to Deerfield in 
1805, and continued in the practice of his profession there until 1S09, when 
he returned to Weare. He is believed to have lived afterwards in jVIaine, 
and in the State of New York, where he died. He is understood to have 
shown capacity and some literary taste. 

Jesse Merrill was a native of Atkinson and a graduate of Dartmouth 
College in 1806. He studied law and was admitted in 181 .2. and com- 
menced practice in Deerfield immediately, but remained there but a short 
time. He lived afterwards in Bradford, Vt.. and died there in 1864. at 
the age of seventy-five. 

Josiah Butler was a son of Nehemiah Butler, of Pelham, and was born 
there December 4, 1779. He graduated from Harvard College in 1803, 
and pursued the study of the law under the direction of Hon. Clifton 
Clagett. and afterwards in the State of Virginia, where he was admitted 
to practice in 1807. He then returned to his native town and pursued his 
profession there until i8og, when he removed to Deerfield. He began his 
pf'litical life the same year as representative in the State Legislature from 
Pelham. In 1810 he was appointed sherift" of Rockingham County, but in 
1813, when the opposite political party attained the ascendency, he was 
remo\'ed by address from the office. This loss was naturally well made 
up to him by his political friends when they afterwards came into power. 
iHe was appointed clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in 1815 and 1816 
he was chosen a representative from Deerfield to the State Legislature, 
and in 181 7 he was elected a representative in the Congress of the L^^nited 
States, where he continued by successive re-elections until 1823. In 1825 
he was appointed an associate justice of the State Court of Common Pleas, 
and held the office until 1833, when the courts were remodeled, and after- 
wards he received the commission of postmaster of Deerfield, which he con- 
tinued to hold until his death, October 29. 1854. 

Judge Butler was possessed of superior abilities and of honest purposes ; 
he was true to his party, of uncjuestioned integrity and usefulness. As a 
lawyer he was attentive to his business, faithful, industrious, and persever- 
ing. As a citizen he is spoken of in terms of the highest commendation 
by those who knew him best. 

Frederic H. Davis was a native of Boston, and was said to have been 
educated at the Roman Catholic College in Baltimore. He practiced in 
Salem in 1813. ;md came to Deerfield the next year, Init remainetl only a 
year or two. 

David Steele. Jr.. was a native of Peterborrjugh. and graduated from 



AXD REPRESEXTATI\-E CITIZENS 61 

Dartmouth College in 1S15. After reading law with Hon. James Wilson, 
he commenced practice in Deerfield in 1818, but remained only a short 
time, removing to Gaffstown, where he passed the residue of his life. 

^ Josiah Houghton studied law^ at the Connecticut Law School and in the 
office of Hon. Boswell Stevens, of Pembroke, and on being admitted to the 
bar in 1820 set up practice in Deerfield, where he died in 1833. He was 
a respectable practitioner and an estimable citizen. His death was the 
result of excitement and exposure, caused by the search for a child who had 
strayed away from his home. 

Ira St. Clair was born in Xew Hampton, August 9, 1796, read law with 
Stephen Moody, Esq., of Gilmanton, and S. C. Lyford, Esq., of Gilford, 
and began practice in his native town in 1824. The next vear he changed 
his residence to Deerfield, where he remained for the rest of his life. In 
1848 he received the appointment of judge of probate for the county of 
Rockingham, and held it until 1857. He was a lawyer of competent learn- 
ing, with a good deal of old-fashioned prudence and caution, and was in 
many ways well fitted for the responsible office which he held. His character 
was excellent, and he was much respected by the communitv. He died 
April 5, 1875. 

Horatio Gates Cillcy was a son of Hon. Horatio G. Cillev, of Deerfield. 
and was born No\-ember 26, 1805. He graduated from Dartmouth College 
in 1826, and pursued his law studies under the direction of Hon. George 
Sullivan, commencing his professional life in Deerfield in 1830. He was 
a lawyer of respectable learning and capacity, and was chosen a representa- 
tive of Deerfield in the General Court for the years 185 1 and 1852. Xot 
long afterwards he left the state and removed to Lewiston, 'Me., where he 
passed the remainder of his life. His death occurred March 13. 1874. 



John Porter was liorn in Bridgewater. Mass.. February 2(). 177^1. He 
completed his college course at Dartmouth in 1803, and studied law with 
Aaron Hutchinson, Esq.. of Lebanon, and in 1806 began to practice in 
Derry (then Londonderry). He represented that town in the State Legis- 
lature for five years, and the town of Derry for ten years. He was also a 
member of one of the commissions to revise the statutes of the state. 

Mr. Porter's education and capacity were quite above the average, and 
he was esteemed an able and learned counselor. He w-as engaged in many 
contested causes in the courts, tliougli he lacked confidence in his jiowers 
as an advocate, and the most important of them were argued to the jury 
bv other counsel. He gained the confidence of the community in an unusual 
degree, and there is no doubt that he conducted his legal business w-ith 
prudence and uncommon skill, and was faithful to the interests of his clients. 

He was a tall, impressive-looking man, deliberate in movement and speech, 
but with a thorough appreciation of all that was bright and humorous. 

James Thout was born in Londonderry, August 14, 1784, graduated from 
Dartmouth College in 1805. studied his profession with Hon. George Sulli- 
van, and was admitted an attorney in 1808. making Exeter his first resi- 



62 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

dence. While there he edited a paper calkd The Constitutionahst, besides 
attending to his law business. In 1815 he changed his residence to his 
native town, and remained there till his death, November 27, 1852. He 
was a representative in the Legislature for several years, and took a lead- 
ing part therein. About 1828 he was instrumental in obtaining the charter 
of a bank in Derry, and became its cashier, after which he gave little time 
to his profession. 

He was a bright, ready man, of popular manners, and sang a good song 
in the old-fashioned convivial assemblies of the bar. He was public-spirited 
and took much interest in every movement for the benefit of his town. Few 
men have passed through life with the more general esteem and regard of 
all parties than Mr. Thom. 

David Aiken Gregg, a native of Londonderry, was born March 12, 
1788, and died at Derry, May 15, 1866. He was a graduate of Dartmouth 
College in 181 1, and began the practice of law in Londonderry in 1814, 
removed to Salem in 1817, and returned to Londonderry in 1820. In 1832 
he was representative in the State Legislature, and state senator in 1840 
and 1841. He was also postmaster of Derry, and register of probate from 

1842 to 1847, during which time he resided in Exeter. 

Mr. Gregg manifested no little of the sagacity and wit which character- 
ized his Scotch-Irish ancestors. He was never largely engaged in the courts, 
but conducted a quiet, useful business to the satisfaction of those who 
employed him. 

Thornton Betfon, a son of Hon. Silas Betton, was born in Salem in the 
year 1800, and died there September i, 184 1. He graduated from Dart- 
mouth College in 1820, studied law with James Thom, Esq., and set up in 
his profession in Salem, from which town he was sent as representative to 
the General Court for two or three years. In 1830 he changed his resi- 
dence to Derry, and that town also he represented in the Legislature. 

Mr. Betton possessed talents, and during his rather brief career made 
something of a figure. It is believed, however, that his judgment and bal- 
ance were not equal to his enterprise. 

Edward Pinkcrton Parker, son of Rev. Edward L. Parker, was born 
in Londonderry, April 18, 181 6. Graduating from Dartmouth College in 
1836, he taught in the Pinkerton Academy and studied law for two years, 
and was admitted to practice in 1839, establishing himself in Derry. From 

1843 to 1847 he was principal of the Adams Female Academy there, and 
then removed to Merrimac, where he formed a connection in business with 
Hon. James U. Parker. In 1853 he bade adieu to the law and engaged in 
manufacturing. He died in Merrimac. 

Joseph A. Gregg was the son of Hon. David A. Gregg, of Derry. He 
studied law in his father's office, and commenced practice in Derry about 
1842. In 1850 he was a member of the convention to revise the constitution 
of the state, and the youngest of that body. He was a man of promising 
talents, and had he been spared gave every indication of rising to eminence. 
He died September 9. 1854, at the early age of thirty-one. An obituary 
notice mentions the fact of his holding the office of postmaster, and being 
one of the prominent and enterprising citizens of his town. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 63 

John Porter, Jr., was a son of John Porter, Esq., of Londonderry. He 
studied law under the direction of his father, and entered practice in 1837 
at Bedford as the partner of Jonas B. Bowman, Esq. Two years after- 
wards they removed to Manchester. Mr. Porter at a later date entered 
into trade in Manchester. Afterwards, about 1858, he returned to Derry 
and resumed his law practice. He was irregular in his habits, and his law 
business dwindled, and at length, without notice to his friends, he went to 
Enfield and joined himself to the Society of Shakers there. He became 
a leading member of the sect, and was for several years engaged as their 
business agent, acciuitting himself quite to their satisfaction. He died among 
them in 1875. 



Ullliaiii Phiiiicr filled no small space in the legal and political history 
of the state. His native place was Newbury, Alass., where he was born 
June 25, 1859, but when he was but nine years of age his father, Samuel 
Plumer, became a citizen of Epping. in this state, where his son ever after- 
wards resided. 

William attended the schools of the neighborhood while assisting his 
father on the farm until he was seventeen, after which he had no instructor 
except while acquiring his legal education. But he was a great reader, and 
had an active mind and a retentive memory. His first essay in life was 
as a preacher of the Baptist denomination when he was just reaching his 
majority: but before long his opinions changed, and he resolved to study 
law. His instructors were Hon. Joshua Atherton, of Amherst, and Hon. 
John Prentice, of Londonderry, though he gave little credit to the latter. 

Mr. Plumer was admitted to practice in 1787, having previously served 
in the ofiice of selectman of Epping and representative in the State Legis- 
lature. The latter office he held for eight years, and was speaker in 1791 
and 1797. In 1798 he received the commission of solicitor for Rocking- 
ham County. In June, 1802, he was chosen to fill the vacancy in the Senate 
of the Lmited States caused by the resignation of James Sheafe, and held 
his seat until March, 1807. 

He was chosen a State Senator in 1810 and 181 1, and presided over the 
Senate both of those years. He was elected governor of the state in 1812, 
and again in 1816. 1817, and 1818. This was the end of his public service, 
though he survived until December 23, 1850. For the remainder of his 
life he lived in retirement on his farm, surrounded by his family, and 
deriving great enjoyment from his large and well-selected library and from 
his literary labors. He wrote and published various essays of a historical, 
practical character, and prepared and left in manuscript a series of valuable 
biographical sketches of .\mericans of note of his own and earlier times. 
These would have been given to the public had not the various biographical 
dictionaries and works of a similar character occupied so fully the field of 
his labors. 

As a lawyer Governor Plumer was diligent, careful, and sagacious. He 
won his laurels among no mean competitors, the bar of Rockingham and 



64 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

Stratfurd Counties during the period of his active practice containing some 
of the foremost lawyers 'of their time in the country. In all the relations 
of life he was respected, even by those whose sympathies were, by reason 
of political disagreement, turned most widely in other directions. 

U'illiaiit rimiier, Jr., son of the preceding, was born in Epping, Febru- 
ary 9, 1789, was a student in Phillips' Exeter Academy and in Harvard 
College, whose diploma he received in 1809. He completed his legal studies 
under the tuition of his father in 181 2, and was admitted to the bar, but 
he never could be styled an active practitioner. He was essentially a student, 
and was far more interested in literary work and in public questions than in 
the pursuits of his profession. 

In 181 6 he was appointed United States commissioner of loans for the 
State of Xew Hampshire, and as such resided in Portsmouth for above a 
year, and until the office was abolished. In 1818 he was chosen a repre- 
sentative in the State Legislature, and the same year was elected a repre- 
sentative in the Congress of the United States, where he remained by suc- 
cessive re-elections for six years. In 1824 he was chosen, on the part of 
the Xew Hampshire Senate, United States Senator, but the House failed 
to concur. In ^^s2^J and 1828 he was a member of the XTew Hampshire 
Senate, and in 1S27 he declined the appointment of United States district 
attorney. After this Mr. Plumer appeared seldom in public, though he 
occasionally took part in popular meetings and on occasions of unusual 
interest. He lived in much domestic happiness at his home in Epping, and 
emploved himself in reading and in literary composition. Several poems of 
his were published, and others privately printed for distribution among his 
many friends. He also prepared a valuable biography of his father. His 
last public labors were in the State Constitutional Convention of 1850-51, 
and he died three years later, September 18, 1854. 

Hiram Osgood was a native of Loudon, and commenced the law busi- 
ness in Epping about 1823. After remaining there about a dozen years, 
during which time he sustained a highly respectable character, he emigrated 
to Michigan, where he died in 1840. 

Enoch Bartlett was a son of Hon. Bradbury Bartlett, of XTottingham, 
and commenced practice in Epping about 1845, but remained there only a 
couple of years before he went to Lawrence, Mass., and opened an office. 
He was quite a successful practitioner, and was elected mayor of the city, 
but died in 1855. 

James ]\IcMurph\ was a partner of the preceding, and continued in busi- 
ness in Epping after Mr. Bartlett's departure until his death, about 1855. 
Mr. ]\IcMurphy was a man of decided ability, had gained a respectable posi- 
tion as a lawyer, and was a growing man at the time of his decease, which 
occurred while he was only in middle age. 



Nicliolas Ferryman. The first educated lawyer in Exeter was Nicholas 
Ferryman, a native of Devonshire, England, born December 24, 1692, He 
came to this country young, after the death of his parents, married Joanna, 



AXD REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 65 

daughter of Stephen Dudley, about 171 7, and was in practice in Exeter 
between 1720 and 1730. His name appears pretty frequently in suits after 
that date, and he did much of the conveyancing of his time. In 1744 and 
1746 he appeared in behalf of Exeter in divers contested matters wherein 
the town was interested. He was evidently a leading man, and took a promi- 
nent part in the affairs of the communitv. 

He had several children, only one of whom arrived at maturity. Joanna, 
who married Noah Emery, Esq. Mr. Ferryman died August 9, 1757. 

Xoah Emery was a son of Daniel Emery, of Kittery, I\Ie., and was born 
December 2^, 1725. He studied law with Nicholas Ferryman, Esq., whose 
son-in-law he became, and was in practice in Exeter before 1769. Dur- 
ing the Revolutionary war he occupied important and confidential positions 
in the new government. He was repeatedly chosen delegate from Exeter to 
the Frovincial Congress, and was made clerk thereof, and acted on the 
committee to draw up a form of government for the colony. He was 
appointed clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in 1776. and continued to 
hold the office till 1787, near the time of his death, and was succeeded in 
the office by his son, who bore the same name. 

U'illiaiii Parker. Jr., was the snn of Hon. \Mlliam Parker, of Ports- 
mouth, an eminent jutlge of the Superi(jr Court. He was born in 1731, 
graduated from Harvard College in 1 73 1 , and was admitted to the bar in 
1765. Commencing practice in Exeter, he succeeded his father as register 
of probate in 1776, and discharged the duties of the office until his death 
in 18 1 3. He was also appointed a judge of the Court of Common Fleas 
in 1790, and served in that capacity until 1807. 

Judge Parker was respectably learned in his profession, and through 
his long life did much business in it, but on account of constitutional diffi- 
dence appeared little in the courts. It is said he never argued a cause to 
the court or jury, but he was an excellent conveyancer and a safe and 
judicious counselor, and found abundant professional occupation outside the 
courts. He was a man of bright parts and unbending integrity, and though 
he looked after his clients' interests faithfully, was very easy towards his 
own debtors. He died June 5. 1813. 

. Oliver Peabody, eldest son of a farmer of the same name, was born in 
Andover, ]\Iass., September 2, 1753, graduated at Harvard College at the 
age of twenty, studied law with Hon. Theophilus Parsons, of Newbury, 
Mass., and settled in Exeter about 1781. He was soon brought into public 
notice. He received the appointment of solicitor August 6, 1789, was 
elected state senator in 1790. and the same year was constituted judge of 
probate for the County of Rockingham, which office he filled until June. 
1793. In 1793 and 1794 he was again a member of the State Senate, and 
in the latter year president of that body. Being chosen state treasurer 
he resigned the office of senator, and continued in the former office for nine 
years. In 1805 he was appointed sheriff of the County of Rockingham, 
and discharged the duties of the position for five years. In 1813 he was 
again chosen to the Senate, and was its presiding officer, and the same year 
was made a justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the Eastern Circuit, 
holding the ppsition until 181 6. Three times he was chosen an elector of 



66 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

President of the United States, viz.. in 1796, 1800, and 1808. He died 
August 3, 183 1. 

Judge Peabody was gifted witl: excellent natural advantages, improved 
by study and cultivation. In all the various official positions which he sus- 
tained he exhibited the capacity and qualities needed for their satisfactory 
administration. He was not a contentious lawyer, and rarely took part in 
the trial of causes in court, but he drew many writs and conducted a large 
office business to the contentment of his clients. He was formed by nature 
for popularity. Handsome in person, graceful in manner, with a mild 
temper and a social disposition, he won the regard and conciliated the good 
will of all. He could not have an enemy. His name naturally suggested 
itself for new positions of trust, and while few objected, he attracted warm 
friends and zealous partisans, who easily carried his election or appoint- 
ment, so that a large portion of his active life was spent in the service of 
the public. He was the father of an interesting and gifted family, on 
whose education he spared no expense, and in whose society he enjoyed the 
chief happiness of his later years. 

Nathaniel Parker, son of Judge William Parker, Jr., was born in East 
Kingston, October 22, 1760, and studied law in the office of his father, 
settling in practice at Exeter. He represented that town in the Legislature, 
and after performing the functions of deputy secretary of state for some 
years was then made secretary in 1809. He died in 181 2, leaving no 
descendants. 

George Siillh'aii. a native of Durham, and a son of Gen. John Sullivan 
of the Revolution, was born August 29, 1771, and was a graduate of 
Harvard College, of the class of 1791. He prepared himself for his pro- 
fession under the tuition of his father, and made Exeter his home. He 
was appointed solicitor for Rockingham County in 1802, and held the office 
till 1805. In 181 1 he was elected a member of Congress for two years, and 
in 1814 and 181 5 he w-as chosen to a seat in the New Hampshire Senate. 
Before this time, in 1805, he had received the appointment to the state 
attorney-generalship, — which for three generations has been held long and 
creditably in the Sullivan family, — and occupied it for two years. After- 
wards, in 1815, he was reappointed and administered the office for twenty 
years more. He resigned the place in 1835, on the passage of a law increas- 
ing the salary but prohibiting the incumbent from engaging in practice in 
civil causes. Mr. Sullivan's services were in too much demand by suitors 
to allow him to confine his attention solely to the criminal business. He 
died April 14, 1838, highly respected throughout the state. His private, 
professional, and public character were alike unblemished. His intellectual 
capacity, his legal acquirements, and his honorable course of practice placed 
him in the foremost rank of New Hampshire lawyers, while the charms of 
his sweet voice, his graceful gesticulation, and his eloquent periods gave 
him a great advantage over his less favored competitors. Though of ardent 
temperament, and never shunning a contest, he was as ready to forgive as 
to take oiTense ; the only unpardonable sin in his eyes was mean and under- 
hand flealings. He was abo\-e all tricks and artifices. The traditions of 



AXD REPRESEXTATIVE CITIZENS 67 

his career that yet ling^er in tlie bar are all as creditable to his high sense 
of professional honor as to his mental force and moving eloquence. 

Solon Stn'cus, born in Charlestown, October 3, 1778, graduated from 
Dartmouth College in 1798, read law with Hon. Benjamin West, and settled 
in Exeter in 1804. He remained there but a few years, when he removed 
to Boston, and soon returned to his native town, where he died August 
29, i8og. 

Jcreiuiah Siiiith, a son of William .Smith, was born in Peterborough, 
November 29. 1739. He entered Harvard Cullege in 1777. and about the 
same time served for two months in the army, being present and wounded 
at the battle of Bennington. He afterwards migrated to Rutgers College, 
in Xew Jersey, and graduated in 1780. He was for a time engaged in 
teaching, and then studied law, entering the bar in 1786, and establishing 
himself in his native town. He was sent as representative to the Legisla- 
ture in 178S, 1789. and 1790, and as delegate to the State Constitutional 
Convention in 1791-92. In 1790 he was cho.sen representative in the Cnited 
States Congress, and served until he resigned his seat to accept the a])point- 
ment of United States district attorney for Xew Hampshire in 1797. The 
same year he changed his residence tc Exeter. In 1800 he was commis- 
sioned judge of probate for Rockingham Count}-, and discharged the duties 
of the position about two years. In iSoi he received from President .\dams 
the appointment of United States circuit judge and entered upon its duties, 
but in a few months the law which estaljlished the court was repealed and 
hi-; office terminated. In 1802 he was elevated to the dignity of chief 
justice of the Superior Court of the State, and administered the office with 
eminent ability until his resignation, on account of ill health, in 1809. The 
next year he was elected governor of Xew Hampshire, and held the office 
for one year. He was replaced as chief in 1813 upon the bench of the 
highest state court, and continued as such until 18 id. when a radical change 
of the judicial system of the state resulted in the removal of all the judges. 

Eor a few years after this Judge Smith returned to the bar, and then about 
1S20 retired from acti\e practice. The honorary degree of Doctor of Laws 
was conferred upon him l)y Dartmouth College in 1804, and by Harvard in 
1807. He continued to live in Exeter till 1S42, and then removed to Dover, 
where he died September 21st in the same year. 

Judge Smith's intellect was vigorous, his learning great, and his per- 
ceptions keen. He was an admirable lawyer, and enjoyed a large and lucra- 
tive practice in four counties for some years ; but he studied and trained 
himself for the judicial office, and there he shone conspicuous. He had 
abundant professional learning, patience, and sound sense, besides fine dis- 
crimination and a sense of justice that was rarely at fault. Some of his 
opinions have been recently published in a \olume. and, though mere skele- 
tons and without revision, they constitute a valuable addition to the juridical 
literature of the state. 

Many anecdotes of Judge Smith's ready wit are told by those who 
remember him. It was keen as an arrow, but left no sting behind. As a 
citizen and a neighbor his society was greatly valued. He manifested an 
interest in everything that made for the benefit and credit of his town. He 



68 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

was a trustee and treasurer of the Phillips Academy for many years ; he 
was active in promoting the formation of a lyceum, and prepared lectures 
for it ; he delivered an interesting and valuable historical discourse on the 
occasion of the two hundredth anniversary' of the settlement of Exeter. 
Few men have left the record of a long life so unsullied. 

Joseph Tilton was born in East Kingston in August, 1774, and graduated 
at Harvard College in the class of 1797. Studying law with Hon. Jeremiah 
Smith, he commenced practice in Wakefield soon after 1800, and removed 
to Rochester about 1805. In 1809 he opened on office in Exeter, where 
he thenceforward resided. For nine years in succession, from iSi=; to 
1823, inclusive, he represented Exeter in the General Court, a fact which 
is significant of the trust reposed in his ability and honesty by his fellow- 
citizens. He practiced his profession in the days of Mason and \\'ebster, 
Sullivan and Bartlett, and other men of mark in the law, and maintained 
among them a creditable standing for learning and capacity. He was esteemed 
and respected by all, and his social qualities were highly valued by those 
who knew him best. Judge Richardson, who had a keen appreciation of 
humor, maintained the pleasantest relations with Mr. Tilton, and enjoyed 
many a hearty laugh at his quaint stories and Iiright repartees. Mr. Tilton 
died March 28, 1856, at the advanced age of eighty-one years. 

Jofhaiii Lawrence was a son of Da\id Lawrence, of Epping. He received 
his early education at the Phillips Exeter Academy, which he entered in 
1793, 3nd prepared himself for admission to the bar in the office of Hon. 
George Sullivan. He lived to be the oldest member of the Rockingham bar, 
and died in Exeter, November 6. 1863, aged eighty-seven years. 

Jeremiah Fellozvcs was a native of Exeter, and a graduate from Bow- 
doin College in the class of 1810. He went through his preparatory studies 
under the eye of Hon. George Sullivan, and opened an office in Exeter in 
1813. He was a young man of talents, and was the author of a volume of 
poems of some merit. He became in early life the \ictim of mental disease, 
from which he never recovered. 

George Lauison. a son of Gideon Lamson, of Exeter, was a graduate 
from Bowdoin College in 1812. and began to practice in his native place 
three years after. He became interested in the publication of a newspaper 
and of some law books, and was the proprietor of the Exeter Watchman 
from 1819 to 182 1. He subsequently engaged in the business of a book- 
seller in New York, and died there in 1826, aged thirty-two years. 

IVilliain Smith was a son of Hon. Jeremiah Smith, and was born in 
Exeter about 1800. He graduated from Harvard College in 181 7, and com- 
menced the practice of the law in Exeter in 1S21. He was chosen a repre- 
sentati\-e of the ti)\\n in the Legislatures of 1822, '23, '24, and 1825. He 
was a young man of high promise, of fine literarv- taste, and of many 
accomplishments. He was the author of two pamphlets of merit, one 
"Remarks on the New Hampshire Toleration Act," the other "On the Assas- 
sination of Julius Caesar." His health failed at an early age, and he sought 
for relief in a milder climate, but in vain, for he died unmarried March 
29, 1830. 

Oliver IJ'illiam Bourne Pcabody was a son of Hon. Oliver Peabody. born 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 69 

in Exeter, July 7, 1799, and educated at the Phillips Exeter Academy and 
Harvard College, from which he graduated in 1S16. He was for a while 
a teacher in the academy in his native town, then studied law and entered 
into practice there. He was a representative of the town in the Legisla- 
ture from 1823 to 1S30, eight years successively. In the latter year he took 
up his residence in Boston. In 1835 he was one of the representatives of 
that city in the General Court, and in 1836 was appointed register of pro- 
bate for the County of Suffolk. He afterwards studied for the ministry, 
and was settled over the Unitarian Society in Burlington, Vt., and died, 
unmarried, July 5, 1848. 

He was gifted with uncommon talents, and his literary acquirements 
were of the highest character. He was the author of several poems and 
addresses which were much admired. His character was singularly pure 
and amiable, and attracted to him a w-ide circle of friends. 

John Sullivan was a son of Hon. George Sullivan, of Exeter. He went 
through the course of studies at the academy in his native town, and pur- 
sued his law-reading under his father's direction. On being admitted to the 
bar, about 1822, he chose Exeter as his place of business. In 1828 he received 
his first appointment as county solicitor, and performed the duties of the 
office for two terms (ten years). He was then commissioned judge of 
probate for the County of Rockingham, and so remained till 1848. In 1849 
the appointment of attorney-general for the state was conferred on him, 
and he retained that position as long as he lived. He died November 17, 
1862. aged si.xty-two years. 

Judge Sullivan had a great share of the hereditary talent that character- 
ized his family. He was a sound and careful lawyer, but he was particularly 
distinguished for his power as an advocate before the jury. He argued 
questions of fact with force, and frequently with eloquence, his well-rounded 
periods and musical voice reminding his elder hearers strikingly of his father. 
His feelings were quick and impulsive, but he was honest, honorable, and high- 
minded. The important and responsible offices which he filled for so large 
a portion of his life were ably and impartially administered. No man ever 
justly questioned his truthfulness or his integrity. 

Samuel Taylor Gil man, a son of Hon. Nathaniel Gilman, of Exeter, 
received his acaiieniical education at Harvard College, graduating in 1819. 
After studying law in the office of Hon. George Sullivan, he established 
himself in practice in Exeter about 1826. He deli\-ered a Fourth of July 
address in his native town which gained him much credit : and he was a 
representative in the General Court from E.xeter in 1829. He was a }-oung 
man of fine capacity and amiable character, and the future seemed full of 
promise to him, but death cut short his career when he had attained the age 
of thirty-four years. 

James Bell, a son of Hon. Samuel Bell, was born in Francestown on the 
13th of November, 1804, and graduated at Bowdoin College in 1822. Ha,v- 
ing prepared himself for his profession in the office of his brother, Hon. 
Samuel D. Bell, and at the law school in Litchfield, Conn., he entered into 
practice first at Gilmanton in 1825. After staying there about six years, 
he selected Exeter as his residence, where he continued for fifteen vears. 



70 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAAI COUNTY 

enjoying a large, important, and lucrative practice in Rockingham and Straf- 
ford counties. During this period he was engaged in nearly every cause 
of magnitude which arose in that section of the state. His competitors at 
the bar were strong and learned men, but perhaps none of them — certainly 
none of his years — was his superior in all the qualities that go to make up 
an accomplished and successful lawyer. 

In 1846 he was a member of the Legislature, and in the same year received 
a valuable appointment which caused him to remove to Gilford, of which 
place he continued a resident until his decease. While living there he was 
chosen a delegate to the State Constitutional Convention of 1850, and was 
one of its most prominent and influential members. In March, 1855, h^ 
was chosen a senator of the United States for six years, but he did not live 
to complete the term. His death occurred May 26, 1857. He was a man 
of unblemished character and of high and honorable attainments. 

John Kelly, son of Rev. William Kelly, and born at Warner, March 7. 
1786, was a graduate of Dartmouth College in the class of 1804. After 
studying law he was admitted to practice in 1808, and chose Northwood as 
his home. He was a representative from that town in the General Court. 
In 1814 he resided for a year in Concord, and had editorial charge of the 
Concord Gazette. In 1831 he went to Exeter to live, having accepted 
the appointment of register of probate, which he held until 1842. In 1846 
and 1847 he was a member of the Executive Council of the state. Mr. Kelly 
was for many years the editor of the Exeter News-Letter, and contributed 
to its columns a series of articles of much historical and genealogical value. 
He was distinguished for his antiquarian tastes, and his reputation ranks 
high among the New Hampshire scholars in that department of learning. 
He was a witty writer, and contrived to lend an interest to subjects generally 
to ordinary readers dry and forbidding. He died in Exeter, November 3, i860. 

Amos Tuck was born in Parson.sfield. Me., August 2, 1810; pursued his 
preparatory studies at the academies in Effingham and in Hampton, and in 
1835 graduated from Dartmouth College. He then became an instructor 
in Pembroke Academy, and subsequently the preceptor of the Hampton 
.Academy, and at the same time devoted his leisure hours to law study, 
which he completed in the office of Hon. James Bell at Exeter, and on 
being admitted to the bar became his partner in business. The firm during 
the entire period of its existence enjoyed a large and important business in 
and out of the courts. Mr. Tuck began life as a democrat in politics, but 
came out into the free-soil party in the movement which brought Hon. John 
P. Hale into prominence. In 1847 he was elected to Congress by the whig 
and free-soil voters of his district, and was twice re-elected, serving six 
full years. 

When Mr. Lincoln became president, he gave to Mr. Tuck, an old con- 
gressional friend, the position of naval officer in Boston, and reappointed 
him in 1865. It was an important and lucrative office. Mr. Tuck, after 
Mr. Bell removed from Exeter, had formed a law partnership with Hon. 
William W. Stickney, and subsequently with his son-in-law, Francis O. 
French, Esc|.. but after holding the office of naval officer gave up his law 
business and devoted his attention to other affairs. He received from the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CTFIZENS 71 

directors of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad the appointment of selling 
agent of their lands, and for some years passed most of his time in the west 
in that employment; and he gave much attention to other enterprises away 
from his home. He also traveled in Europe considerably. 

He died in Exeter, December ii, 1879, of apoplexy. Mr. Tuck was of 
an active temperament, and felt an interest in many things. In his town 
he took a prominent part in every movement, religious, educational, and 
political. He was concerned as president of the board of trustees in the 
shaping of the Robinson Seminary, and he served many years as a trustee 
of the Phillips Exeter Academy and of Dartmouth College. He was liberal 
in his dealings, and kind and charitable to the poor and needy. 

As a lawyer he was ready, adroit, and familiar with human nature. He 
was faithful to his clients, and managed their business with sagacity and 
success. In his addresses to the court and jury he spoke pointedly, per- 
suasively, and with effect. From early life he assumed a leading position, 
and throughout his three-score years and ten exerted a large influence about 
him. His death dei)ri\-ed the county of one of its best known and most 
important citizens. 

Saiiiiiel Hubbard Stevens was born in East Kingston, November 20, 
i8o_'. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1830, and after completing 
his professional study began practice in Bristol, and afterwards removed 
to Lawrence, and thence to Exeter, where he was cashier of the Granite 
State Bank from 1849 to 1858. Subsequently he took up his residence in 
Concord, having retired from active business, and made it his home for 
the remainder of his life. 

Timothy Farrar. Jr., was born in New Ipswich, March 17, 1778, and 
was the son of Hon. Timothy Farrar. In 1807 he took his bachelor's degree 
at Dartmouth College, and entered the office of Hon. Daniel Webster as 
a student-at-law. He began practice in Portsmouth about 181 3 as law 
partner of his preceptor, and continued, there after Mr. Webster's removal 
to Boston until 1822, when he went to Hanover to reside. In 1824 he 
was appointed a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and so continued 
until the abolition of that court in 1833. He then resumed his residence in 
Portsmouth till 1836, when he assumed the duties of cashier of a bank in 
Exeter. There he remained till 1844, and then removed to Boston, of which 
city he was a representative in the General Court of 1854. In 1867 he was 
honored with the degree of Doctor of Taws from his Alma Mater. He died 
in Boston, October 2~, 1874. 

It was said of Judge Farrar that he was "pre-eminently a safe adviser." 
He was a man of much learning, general as well as professional. A number 
of works were the product of his pen, chiefly upon legal and constitutional 
subjects. He edited the "Report of the Dartmouth College Case" in 18 19. 
In later life he published a "Review of the Dred Scott Decision." and 
several other minor essays, but his chief work was the "Manual of the 
Constitutional," which has elicited the high commendation of some of our 
most eminent scholars and constitutional lawyers. 

Mclbiirii F. FJdridgc was in practice in Exeter as an attorney-at-law 
from about 1843 to 1849, a part of that time having an office at Newmarket. 



72 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

He then removed to Nashua, and afterwards, it is believed, to Alilford, 
where he continued till his decease, alaout 1854. 

John Sullivan Wells, a descendant of Gen. John Sullivan, of the Revolu- 
tion, was born in Durham, and passed his early childhood there. He first 
learned the trade of a cabinet-maker, and earned enough by it to enable 
him to acquire a fair education. He studied law in Vermont and began 
practice there, but removed to Lancaster, N. H., in 1837, where he at 
once received tlie appointment of county solicitor and retained it for ten 
years. From 1839 to 1842 he was a representative from Lancaster in the 
Legislature, and in 1841 was chosen speaker of the House. About 1846 he 
changed his residence to Exeter. In January, 1847, he was commissioned 
attorney-general of the state, but resigned the position after a few months. 
In I8^'I and 1852 he was a member of the State Senate, and president 
thereof both years. In January, 1855. he was appointed by the governor 
United States senator to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. 
Moses Morris, and occupied his seat until March 4th. He was subsequently 
a candidate for governor of the State and for senator in Congress. He died 
August I, i860, at the age of fifty-six years. 

Mr. Wells was gifted with many of the essentials of a successful lawyer 
and politician. He had a fine person, pleasing manners, readiness and 
iluency of speech, and a most melodious voice. In many of these respects he 
inherited the qualities which gave the Sullivans for several generations 
their prominent standing at the bar. 'Sir. Wells had the confidence of his 
party and of his clients in a remarkable degree. His professional business 
was' large and lucrative, and but for the change that took place in the 
political complexion of the state at the period when his name was put 
forward he would have probably enjoyed more of her highest honors. 

Ehcn Franklin Tucke was a native of Kensington, born February 16, 
1822. He was a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1843, and pursued his 
professional studies with Messrs. Bell & Tuck in Exeter and at the Harvard 
Law School, and began to practice in Exeter in 1846. His abilities were 
excellent, and bis social qualities rendered him a general favorite. The 
later vears of his life were shaded by illness, which put a period to his earthly 
existence May 30, 1857. 

Alva Wood was a native of Georgetown, Alass. He received an academ- 
ical education, and came to Exeter about 1847 ^"<1 made it his lifelong 
home. He studied law in the office of Messrs. Bell & Tuck, and entered 
into practice about 1849. He was active and assiduous, and gathered a 
very considerable business, which continued up to about a year before his 
decease, when his health began to fail He died suddenly, February 17. 
1878. aged fifty-seven years. He was a man of talents, who had made 
his own wav to respectability and competence; was public-spirited and gen- 
erally esteemed. 

Sloscs .Yom.? Collins, a native of Brentwood, born in April, 1820. com- 
pleted his law studies in the office of Gen. Oilman ]\Iarston. and was admitted 
in 1857. He had previously, in 1855, represented Brentwood in the General 
Court. He remained in the same office with General Marston. and subse- 
quently became his partner. The considerable business of the office he 



AND REPRESEXTATIVE CITIZEXS 73 

managed successfully wliile General :\Iarston was absent in Congress and 
in the amiy. In 1861 and 1862 Mr. Collins was a representative from 
Exeter to the Legislature, -and in the summer of 1863 he was appointed 
lieutenant-colonel of the Eleventh Xew Hampshire Volunteers, and proceeded 
to the seat of war. He was .'ihi^t dead in the battle of the \\'ilderness 
May 6, 1864. 

Gilman Marston is a native of Oxford; his ancestors lived in Hampton. 
He took his degree of A.B. at Dartmouth College in 1837: the same institu- 
tion conferred the degree of LL.D. upon him in 1882. He began practice 
in Exeter in 1841. In 1845, 1846, and 1847 he was a representative of 
that town in the State Legislature, and has been so a number of years since. 
He was a member of the Thirty-sixth. Thirty-seventh, and Thirty-ninth 
Congresses of the United States. In 1861 he was commissioned colonel 
of the Second X^ew Hampshire Volunteers, and was severely wounded at 
the battle of Bull Run, In 1862 he received the commission of brigadier- 
general, and served nearly to the close of the war. He died July 3, 1890. 

Hon. William U'cir S'tickncy was born in Enfield, X. H., June' 24, 1801. 
He was the son of Daniel and Sarah i Morse) Stickney, and is a descendant 
in the sixth generation of William Stickney, the emigrant, who came from 
Frampton, Lincolnshire, England, about 1637, to Boston, Mass., and became 
one of the first settlers of Rowley, i\Jass. Daniel Stickney was a farmer, 
a soldier in the Revcilution. enjoyed to a marked extent the confidence of 
the community, and for years was justice of the peace. 

\\'illiam W. received his preparatory education for college at Kimball 
Union Acacleni)-. and entered Dartmouth College in 1819, and was grad- 
uated from that institution in 1823. He read law with Hon. Henry B. 
Chase, of Warner, X. H.. and was admitted to the liar at Concord, X^. H., 
in 1826. After one year's ])ractice of law in Concord, he removed to X'ew 
Market, X'. H., and established himself there as an attorney in July, 1827. 
Here he remained until October, 1847, when he moved to Exeter, X. H., 
and engaged in his profession in company with Hon. Amos Tuck. This 
cop-artnership continued until 1856. Since then he has been alone in prac- 
tice. In his profession no lawyer could have been more diligent, attentive, 
or faithful. During his exceptionally long period of practice he has missed 
attending but one term of court, and that was by reason of illness. 

Mr. Stickney has served four terms as representative in the State Legis- 
lature, — three from Xew ^Market ( 1839, 1840, 1841 ) and one from Exeter 
(i8;4). He was appointed United States district attorney for the district 
of X'ew Hampshire by President Taylor, June 2\. 1849, and held that 
position until the administration was changed by the election of Franklin 
Pierce in 1853. In 1857 he was ap]3ointed judge of probate for Rockingham 
County, and held that office until disqualified by age. He is president of the 
Bar Association of Rockingham County, and has held that position for a 
long term of years, bein.g elected October 19, i860, and is the oldest prac- 
ticing lawyer in this county, if not in the state. He has been connected with 
many business enterprises, is now president of Exeter Machine-\\'orks. was 
chosen director of the Granite Bank in 1848, and was continued as such 
in its successor, the Xational Granite Bank. He has been a member of 



74 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

the Masonic Order since 1829, and now holds membership in "Star in the 
East" Lodge in Exeter. 

Mr. Stickney married November 5, 1850, Frances A., daughter of Clark 
Hough, of Lebanon, N. H. Of their three children two daughters now 
survive. 

In private life Judge Stickney is especially characterized by modest and 
unassuming manners, strong social feeling, and warm friendship for a large 
circle of devoted friends. In public life he has ever been the courteous 
gentleman to all, and a faithful and devoted servant to public interests. As 
a lawyer he is thorough and painstaking, his attainments being rather solid 
than brilliant, and he is well regarded by, and enjoys the esteem of, the 
members of the bar for both ability and thoroughness. In his judicial 
office he was upright and conscientious, just in his decisions, and careful in 
his investigations. 

Charles Henry B-cll was the son of Governor John and Persis (Thom) 
Bell, and the youngest of a family of ten children. He was born November 
18, 1823, in Chester, Rockingham County. After acquiring the benefits 
afforded by the schools of his native town he entered the academy at Pem- 
broke, where, and at Phillips Exeter Academy, he fitted for college, and 
graduated from Dartmouth in 1844. On leaving college he commenced 
the study of law, first with Bell & T.uck in Exeter, and subsequently con- 
tinued with his cousin, Hon. Samuel Dana Bell, one of the most eminent 
lawyers in the state, and who for five years held the office of chief justice 
of New Hampshire. On his admission to the bar young Bell commenced 
practice in his nati\e town of Chester, but the field of labor was far too 
small for a young man at all ambitious, and he began to look about him for 
an opening. He selected Great Falls, where he formed a partnership with 
Nathaniel Wells, a sound lawyer and a successful business man. The firm 
of Wells & Bell enjoyed a fair share of business, which was constantly 
increasing, but after several years' practice at the Straft'ord bar Mr. Bell 
removed to Exeter. Able lawyers were never scarce in E.xeter. and to most 
young men the prospects of success would have seemed discouraging. As 
a student Mr. Bell had profited largely by association with the best lawyers 
of the time. He entered actively into practice, and in 1856 he was appointed 
solicitor of Rockingham County. For ten years he continued to discharge 
the duties of this office, and to manage a large civil business besides. 

Governor Bell first entered politics as a member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives at Concord in 1858, and in his first term was made chairman of 
the Judiciary Committee, an honor that is rarely conferred on new members. 
He was re-elected to the Legislature in 1859. and again in 1860, in which 
latter year he was chosen speaker. 

In 1863 and 1864 he was elected to the State Senate, and during the 
latter year served as president of that body. In 1872 and 1873 he was 
again chosen to the House. Mr. Bell was president of the Republican State 
Convention of 1878. where his address proved the keynote to a successful 
campaign. In 1879 he was appointed United States senator for the special 
session of that year by Governor Prescott, to take the place of Mr. Wadleigh, 
whf)se term of office had expired. He was admitted to his seat April lOth. 






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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 77 

after a long debate on the constitutional right of the governor to make the 
appointment. 

In the Repubhcan State Convention of 1880 the delegates, with an 
unanimity never before equaled, selected him as their candidate for governor. 
Their opponents were preparing for an aggressive campaign with a most 
pojudar nominee for the presidency, and their prospective candidate for 
gubernatorial honors \\as regarded as simply invincible. After a canvass 
probably never equaled for thoroughness on both sides, Mr. Bell was trium- 
phantly elected, receiving the largest number of votes ever polled for any 
candidate of any party at a New Hampshire state election. 

Governor Bell devoted much time to historical research, and especially 
to the history of the state from its settlement. He was the author of a 
"Memoir of John Wheelwright," a work that is the only approach to a 
complete biography of this sturdy old Puritan pioneer yet written, the 
material being collected from every known source of information on the 
subject in this country and England, also author of "The Wheelwright Deed 
of 1629: Was It Spurious?" "Exeter in 1776," "Men and Things of 
Exeter," and "Biographical History of the Bench and Bar of New Hamp- 
shire." 

In the spring of 1871, Mr. Bell assumed editorial charge of the Exeter 
News-Letter, which he retained till 1873, about four years. He has occu- 
pied the grand master's chair of the Masonic fraternity of, this state. For 
a dozen years or more he was president of the New Hampshire Historical 
Society, which has been instrumental in interesting the public in the history 
of the state, and has brought to light many important facts bearing on this 
subject. Dartmouth College at the commencement in June. 188 1, conferred 
upon Governor Bell the degree of LL.D. 

Edzvi)! G. Eastman was born in Statham, N. H., November 22. 1847. 
Graduate of Dartmouth College. Began practice of law at Exeter. N. H., 
in 1876, was associated with Gen. Gilman Marston and became his partner 
in 1878. 

A member of the New Hampshire Senate in i88<:) and Constitutional 
Convention in 1901. Solicitor of Rockingham County four years and 
attorney-general of New Hampshire since 1902. 

GREENLAND 

John Samuel Hatch Friiik was a resident of Greenland with office in 
Portsmouth. Born at Newington. N. H.. November g, 183 1, the son of 
Simes and Sarah Hatch Frink. He prepared for college at Hampton 
Academy and graduated at Bowdoin College in 185 1. He married Lucretia 
Morse Frink m May, 1859. He was admitted to the bar in 1855, was 
county solicitor of Rockingham County in 1874-75. He was appointed 
judge of the Supreme Court in 1871 and again in 1878, but declined both 
appointments. 

He was United States district attorney for New Ham])shire 1885-90 
and president of Portsmouth Savings Bank in 1895-1905. He died August 
31, 1905. 



78 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAAI COUNTY 

At the January, 1906, term of the Supreme Court of Rockingham County 
a lawyer, who was better acquainted with Mr. Frink than perhaps any other 
man, said in part of him "You all know how extensive and varied his prac- 
tice was ; no lawyer ever loved his profession more than Mr. Frink. He 
was wedded to it for better or worse and he never allowed any other busi- 
ness to interfere with his practice. No lawyer ever loved his brother 
lawyers better. His generosity was without ostentation and almost unbounded. 
He was a man of many sides, to be judged by no one of them but taken 
altogether, they made him one of the noblest of men, one of the most 
delightful companions and one of the best lawyers, it has ever been my 
good fortune to know. 

JJ'illiain Pickering, a son of William dickering, was born in Greenland, 
and received his academical education at Phillips Exeter Academy and 
Harvard College, from which he graduated in 1797. He pursued his legal 
studies in the office of Hon. William K. .\tkinson. of Dover, and com- 
menced practice in his native place. He served for a time as deputy 
secretary of state, and was in 181 6 chosen state treasurer, an office which 
he retained until 1828, and again held in 1829. The next year he was 
appointed collector of the United States revenue at Portsmouth, and removed 
to his former home in Greenland. The office of collector he resigned in 
1833, and continued to reside in Greenland until his decease in 1850. He 
also represented that town in the Legislature of the state. 

Isaiah P. Moody originated in York, Me., and in 1820, at the age of 
fifteen, attended the Phillips Academy at Exeter. He took his degree at 
Bowdoin College in 1827, and in 1834 set up practice as a lawyer in Hamp- 
stead. He appears to have remained there until 1841. 

Oliver Whipple practiced law in Hampton from about 1794 to 1806. 
He had previously resided in Portsmouth for more than twenty years, and 
his biography more properly belongs to that place. He went to Maine after 
leaving Hampton, and an interesting account of him is to be foiaid in 
Willis' "Law and Lawyers of Maine." 

HAMPTON 

Ediiiiiiid Toppan was the only son of Hon. Christopher Toppan, a man 
of note in the history of Hampton. He was born September 25, 1777, and 
graduated from Harvard College in 1796. He studied law under the direc- 
tion of Lion. Theophilus Parsons, then of Newburyport. and after a short 
stay at Portsmouth commenced business in Deerfield, his father having 
built him a house there and presented him Avith an expensive library. He 
practiced there till about 1804, when his house and library were accidentally 
destroyed by fire, and then he returned to his native place, and there remained 
until his death in 1849. His business in Hampton was necessarily somewhat 
limited, but he was acceptable to the people, and represented the town in 
the State Legislature. 

Mr. Toppan is said to have possessed by nature rather a brilliant than 
a logical mind. His learning in his profession and generally was consider- 
able, he spoke readily and gracefully, and his manners were courteous and 
attractive. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 79 



Francis Peter Smith, son of Rev. Isaac Smith, was born in Gilmanton, 
August 22. 1795. He read law with Hon. Jeremiah H. Woodman and 
others, and began practice in Boston in 1819. He was in practice in King- 
ston in 1822, and afterwards in Ossipee for ten years. He then studied 
divinity and became a clergyman, having settlements successively in New 
Hampshire. Maine, and Vermont. 

John Edzvard Stanyan was a native of Pembroke; the time of his Isirth 
was May 17, 1816. For two years or more after his graduation from 
Dartmouth College in 1840 he was preceptor of an academy, and then 
studied law. He practiced at Pembroke. Epping. and Kingston, in this 
state, and at Haverhill and Ashl>y, in Massachusetts. He was emphaticallv 
a rolling stone, and though a man of no little ability, was too irregular and 
erratic to acquire and retain the respect of those whose good opinion is of 
value. 

IVilliani Colcord Patten was a Kingston man by birth, education, and 
residence. He was gifted by nature with superior powers of mind and a 
fine and pleasing address. He began life as a teacher and land surveyor. 
but gradually acquired a taste for the law. and prepared himself for' its 
practice. His aptitude for political life gave him rather a remarkable succes- 
sion of official positions. He was a representative in the Legislature of 
1857. state senator in 1861 and 1862, councilor in 1867 and 1868, and 
again representative in 1871 and 1872. He died in Januarv. 1873. at the 
age of about fifty years. 

Mr. Patten entered upon the practice of the law rather late in life, but 
from his experience brought with him much acquaintance with practical 
affairs and knowledge of human nature. His business was conducted with 
promptness and sagacity, and he acquired nmch credit as a practitioner. 
His ambition ran much in the line of politics, where his popularity was 
such that he was repeatedly elected to office by his townsmen when the 
majority was clearly against his party. Had he lived, there was every 
reason for believing that he would have achieved higher political honoi's. 

His death was sudden, and. occurring while he was in the prime of 
life and apparently of sound constitution, caused a severe shock to the 
community. 

LONDONDERRY 

John Prentice, born in Cambridge. Mass., and a graduate of Har\-ard 
College in 1767. read law with Hon. Samuel Livermore. and established 
himself in business in Londonderry, having purchased the place where his 
instructor li\-ed. and erected a large mansion thereon. His wife brought 
him a handsome dowry, and he was thus enabled to live through the period 
of the Revolution when the law business was at a standstill. Having been 
an "addresser of Hutchinson" in Massachusetts, he was not intrusted with 
public business by the friends of liberty, though at their instance or insistance 
he published a complete recantation of his "loyal" sentiments, both in that 
colony and in New Hampshire. 



80 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

But upon tlie return of peace and the revival of ordinary business Mr. 
Prentice began to receive a fair share of professional employment. He 
was by no means a learned lawyer; he was not a student, and his pro- 
fessional library hardly contained fifty volumes; yet in those times an 
accurate knowledge of the law was perhaps less valuable to the practitioner, 
pecuniarily at least, than practical sense and abundant self-confidence. In 
these qualities Mr. Prentice must have excelled, for he occupied for a 
considerable period some of the highest positions in the state, and conducted 
a large and lucrative law practice besides. 

In 1785 he was elected a representative to the State Legislature, and was 
often re-elected. In 1787 he received the appointment of attorney-general 
of the state, and held the office until 1793. The next year he was chosen 
speaker of the House of Representatives. In 1798 he was appointed a 
justice of the Superior Court, but, perhaps conscious that his qualifications 
were hardly equal to the position, he declined it. The same year he was 
elected speaker of the House, and was annually replaced in that position 
until 1805. While holding that place he was supported by his party for 
election to the Senate of the United States, but failed to receive the honor. 

Mr. Prentice had many of the qualities needed for a lawyer of eminence. 
With more application and taste for the learning of his profession, he would 
have led in important causes where he hesitated to trust his own knowledge 
and judgment, and would have avoided many of the obstacles which beset 
his path. But he had an aversion to the use of the pen, and no inclination 
for book-learning so long as he found that his native powers enabled him 
to sustain himself respectably. He was fonder of his farm than of his 
office, and prided himself much on its products. It is a remarkable circum- 
stance that the place where he lived was the home of Hons. Samuel Liver- 
more, Arthur Livermore, and Charles Doe, an extraordinary succession of 
men prominent in the judicial annals of New Hampshire. 

Mr. Prentice died May 18, 1808. 

George Reid was a son of Col. George Reid, of the Revolution, born 
at Londonderry, January 29, 1774, and educated at Dartmouth College, 
graduating in 1797. He studied law, and opened an office in his native town, 
but removed two years afterwards into Massachusetts. He died in Boston 
at the age of seventy- four. 

Frederick Parker was a native of Bedford, who graduated from Dart- 
mouth College in 1828, and after the usual period of study of the law 
established himself, about 1832, in Londonderry, but in a year or two 
removed to Bangor, where it is understood that he became a teacher, and 
died May 19. 1834, at the age of thirty-four years. 

NEWM.\RKET 

Edward Parsons, a .son of Rev. Joseph Parsons, of Bradford, Mass., 
was born in 1747, and received a collegiate education. He had commenced 
the i>ractice of the law in Newmarket as early as 1773. He was a member 
from tliat town of the Provincial Convention which met at Exeter May 17, 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 81 

1775, and afterwards became adjutant of Gen. Enoch Poor's regiment in 
the Continental army. He died at Ticonderoga, it is beheved, in 1776. 

Nathaniel Hitntoon was a native of Sahsbury, and studied his profession 
with Hon. Samuel Greene. About 1802 he started in life at Portsmouth, and 
after remaining there about twelve years changed his residence to New- 
market. But he did not live long enough to accomplish much there, for he 
died about 1816. 

Amos A. Parker was a son of Hon. Nahum Parker, of Fitzwilliam. He 
was a graduate of Vermont University in the class of 181 5. He has led a 
varied and active life. He was settled as a lawyer for a time in Epping, 
then at Newmarket, afterwards at Kingston, and finally in his native town. 
For a year or two he resided in Exeter also. From 1823 to 1825 he was 
the proprietor of the New Hampshire Statesman at Concord. In 1835 he 
went on a tour to the West and Texas, and the next year published an 
account of his trip in a duodecimo volume, which ran through two editions. 
He also issued a volume of poems, and a thick pamphlet of reminiscences 
of Lafayette's visit to New Hampshire in 1824. 

Williani Tenney was the son of Capt. William Tenney, of Hollis, and 
l>orn September 13, 1785. He attended the law school at Litchfield, Conn., 
and was admitted to the bar in Boston in 181 1. He first practiced in 
Pepperell, Ala-^s., then in Salem, N. H., and came to Newmarket in 1815, 
where he spent the remainder of his days. He is said to have been mucli 
interested in political matters, and to have been more ambitious for prefer- 
ment in that line than for professional advancement. In 1823 he was 
assistant clerk of the Senate, and in 1829 he received the commission of 
postmaster of the Lamprey River village. He died in 1838. 

Williani B. Stiiall was a native of Limington, Me., and was born May 
17. 1817. While he was a child his father removed to Ossipee, in this state, 
where William passed his youth. He was a pupil of Phillips Exeter Academy, 
and a student-at-law in the offices of Messrs. Bell and Tuck, at Exeter. 
During his education he taught school to eke out his narrow means, and 
showed himself to be diligent, capable, and independent. He commenced 
practice in Newmarket in 1846, and soon acquired a good position at the 
bar. 

In 1866 he was appointed solicitor of the County of Rockingham, and 
was again placed in the same position in 1875, holding the office up to 
the time of his decease. 

In 1870 he was elected a member of the State Senate, and while such 
received the nomination of representative to Congress, to which he was 
chosen in 1873. 

Mr. Smalf had little taste for political life, but loved his profession, 
and devoted himself to its study and practice. He was industrious, studious, 
and persistent, regarding his clients' interest far above his own convenience 
or comfort. His character for honesty and perfect uprightness was never 
questioned. He prepared his causes with conscientious care, and tried them 
ably and vigorously, and took a high rank as a counselor and an advocate. 
Hi.s death, while in the full tide of his usefulness and power, was regarded 
as a real loss to the community. He died from the effects of a fall, .\pril 7, 
1878. 



82 HISTORV OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

NORTHWOOD 

Abraham B. Story, born in Dunbarton, March 22, 1777, was the son of 
David Story, and graduated at Brown College in 1799. He studied his pro- 
fession with Hon. Charles H. Atherton, of Amherst, and practiced in 1802 
and 1803 in North wood, but then removed to Washington, where he lived 
till about 1830, in which year he died, in his native place. 

Kathanicl Dearborn was a native of Chester, a son of Deacon John 
Dearborn. He completed his legal studies with Hon. George Sullivan, and 
set up in practice in Pembroke in 1806, remaining there till about 1820, 
when he migrated to Deerfield, and afterwards in 1831 to Northwood, 
where he lived ever after. He died September 12, i860. He was an honest, 
painstaking man of fair abilities. 



Silas Bcttoii, a son of James Betton, born at Windham, and a graduate 
of Dartmouth College in the class of 1787, was admitted to the bar in 1793 
and settled in Salem. That town was represented by him in the General 
Court in the years 1797, 1798, and 1799, and in 1810 and 1811. In the 
years 1800, 1801, and 1802 he was a member of the Senate. In 1803 he 
was elected a representative in Congress, and served two terms. In 181 3 
he received the appointment of sheriff of the County of Rockingham, which 
he held until 1818. He died January 22, 1822, at the age of fifty-eight 
years. 

Mr. Betton married a daughter of Hon. Matthew Thornton, one of New 
Hampshire's three signers of the Declaration of Independence. He was a 
man of handsome talents, and much esteemed in the community. He was 
gifted with some literary taste: many of the poems of Rol^ert Dinsmore, 
the "Rustic Bard," were addressed to Mr. Betton. and some poetical epistles 
of his own composition were inchuled in the x'olume of Dinsmore"s pub- 
lished pieces. 

David U'oodburn Dickey was born in Londonderry, December 25, 1792, 
and educated at Dartmouth College, graduating in 181 8. He entered upon 
the practice of law in Londonderry about 182 1. and remained there until 
1833, when he removed to Salem, where he died January 26, 1837. 

SE.\BR00K 

Ebeiiecer French was born in Newton, April 10, 1802. He graduated 
at Dartmouth College in 1824. studied his profession with Hon. Daniel 
French, of Chester, commenced practice in Sutton in 1827, removed to 
Seabrook in 1828, and there continued about twelve years. Thence he 
went to .-Xmesbury and to Boston, and servefl in the custom-house eight 
years. 

WINnH.\M 

Isaac McGaii' originated in ]\Ierrimac, his father's name being Jacob, 
as was that of an older brother, who was a lawver of distinction in Maine. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 83 

Isaac was born May 25, 1785, and completed his college course at Dart- 
mouth in 1807. He opened his law-office first in Bedford, where he con- 
tinued from about 181 1 to 1818, and then took up his residence in Wind- 
ham. There he was chosen a representative in the Legislatures of 1829 to 
1833, inclusive, and of 1838. After a long period of respectable practice 
in his profession he removed to Merriniac, and passed his last years with 
his son-in-law, Edward P. Parker, Esq., and there he died November 6, 
1863. 

IVilliiiin Merchant Richardson was born in Pelham, January 4, 1774, 
and died in Chester, March 23, 183S. He was a graduate of Harvard 
College in 1797. His father was Capt. Daniel Richardson, a soldier of 
the Revolution and a fanner, and William would probably have been brought 
up to the same emplo3-ment but for an injury received to one of his hands, 
which incapacitated him for severe manual labor. After leaving college 
he was employed for a time as preceptor of Groton, Mass., academy, and 
afterwards entered the office of Hon. Samuel Dana here as a student-at- 
law. On being admitted to practice he settled in the same town. In 181 1 
he was chosen representative in Congress, and two years after received a 
re-election. But political life was little to his taste, and in 18 14 he resigned 
his seat and removed to Portsmouth, N. H., and opened an office. 

He was at once recognized as a leading lawyer, and upon the reorganiza- 
tion of the courts in 1816 was apix)inted chief justice of the Superior Court. 
The propriety and excellence of the appointment were at once admitted, 
and never questioned during the twenty-two years of his service on the 
bench. Through his agency the publication of the series of judicial reports 
of New Hampshire was begun. He contributed very largely to many of 
the volumes, and his opinions have always been regarded as admiraljle in 
style and of high authority. 

His professional learning was first-rate, his perceptions were rapid, and 
his honesty and fairness above suspicion. By reason of his quickness of 
apprehension, he was sometimes charged with jumping to conclusions, but 
he had none of the pride of opinion which closes the mind to argument, 
and was always ready, for cause shown, to retract a hasty impression. 

In 1819, Judge Richardson changed his residence permanently to 
Chester. He was a good citizen, kind and public-spirited, and was greatly 
esteemed by his townsmen. His intellectual powers were highly cultivated. 
He was a great reader both in his own and in other tongues. He acquired 
several of the modern European languages after his accession to the bench, 
and the Spanish very late in life. Botany and mineralogy too he made 
himself master of in theory and by practice. He had always a taste for 
poetry. His graduation part at college was the English poem, and through- 
out his life he was accustomed to throw off poetical effusions, some of 
them of much merit. Dartmouth College conferred upon him the degree of 
LL.D. in 1827. 

New Hampshire has been fortunate in having secured for her highest 
judicatory a succession of chief justices of extraordinary learning, ability, 
and integrity, and among these Judge Richardson holds no secondary place. 

The senfor members "of the bar of this county have many of them made 



84 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

up their records; those still left are soon to follow, and the juniors are 
to assume their places at the bar and on the bench ; to them will soon be 
committed these great responsible trusts. The perpetuity of our free insti- 
tutions is committed to the guardianship and keeping of the bar and judic- 
iary of our free country, for the history of the world teaches, and all 
free governments illustrate, this truth, that to the profession of the law 
civil government is indebted for all the safeguards and intrenchments with 
which the liberties of the people are protected, that legislation is shaped, 
constitutions enlarged, amended, and adopted by the enlightened adminis- 
tration of the statesman, both of England and the United States, who have 
been in both, and are in all free governments, educated for the bar, and, 
ascending b}' the inherent force of their disciplined professional life, they 
become the directors of the destinies of states and nations. 

Military chieftains may spring into power, tyrants may for the hour 
dazzle with the glamour of military parade, the pomp of war, an oppressed 
and frenzied people, but they turn as the cannonade dies away to the states- 
manship of the country, and call to the parliaments and congressional halls 
for final debate the arbitraments of the liberties of the people. From the 
days of King John to the present hour the bar and the bench have furnished 
the statesmen who have erected the bulwarks of constitutional law, and 
.extorted from tyrants the Magna Chartas which have secured to the 
oppressed the guarantee of free institutions. Imbued with the historical 
traditions of their predecessors, and tracing the paths they have trod, 
emulating their good example, it should become more and more the resolute 
purpose of the Rockingham County bar to so walk in the light of their 
professional teachings that when they are called to follow them to that 
upper court and file their judgment-roll of the great trial of life with that 
Supreme Judge from whose bar they can take no appeal. — 

"Then go not like quarry-slave at night 
Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained and soothed 
By an unfaltered trust, approach thy grave 
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch 
About him and lies down to pleasant dreams.'' 

Sketches of the present members of the bench and bar are inserted in 
the chapters relating to city and towns. In the biographical section will 
be found sketches of other eminent lawyers. 



CHAPTER VI 
THE COUNTY FARM— INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS 

Railroads — Previous to the establishment of the county farm system, 
the selectmen or overseers of poor of each town had charge of all persons 
needing assistance. At various times the Legislature enacted laws which 
largely increased the number classed as county poor. The system of allow- 
ing each town to care for the poor within its limits led to some evils, was 
expensive, and made it necessary to locate buildings at some central point in 
each county where this large class of unfortunates could be better provided 
for. The county convention at its session in the month of June, 1868, 
authorized the purchase of a farm and the erection of suitable buildings 
to accommodate 250 inmates. The authority to purchase said fann was 
committed to a joint board consisting of a building committee, — John R. 
Reding, of Portsmouth: W. H. Robinson, of Exeter; H. P. Hood, of Derry; 
and I. L. Robinson, of Fremont, — selected by the convention, and the com- 
missioners, James C. Brown, John J. Leavitt. and Abbott Norris, who finally 
selected the Thyng farm, so called, in the town of Brentwood. The farm 
contains about one hundred and sixty acres, and is situated 2 '-2 miles from 
Epping depot, on the Concord and Portsmouth Railroad. The Nashua and 
Rochester Railroad now connects at said depot. 

The first cost of the Thyng farm was S6,5CX), including thirty acres 
adjoining land. The total first cost of the almshouse was $19,632. 

The following year a building for the insane and a large barn was added 
at an expense of $9,487. The same year the county convention authorized 
the commissioners to purchase woodland and pasture, and the farm of 
D. W. Ladd was bought, 160 acres, for $4,500. In 1873 additional build- 
ings for storage were constructed, costing $2,500. In 1874 boiler-house, 
laundry, etc., costing $8,150. In 1875 House of Correction and work-shops, 
costing $12,000. In 1876 new brick asylum for insane, costing $9,000. 
In 1910 a new stable was built costing $4,580; and in 1912 a new jail 
costing $19,686. 

A new courthouse and jail was built at Portsmouth in 1891, and a new 
courthouse and record building at Exeter in 1893. 

INV'ENTORV OF PROPERTY OF ROCKIXGHAM COU.N'TV 1<)13 

Countv farm and buildings at Brentwood $ 90,000.00 

Personal property at fami. as per inventory 25.000.00 

85 



86 HisTOKV 01' i>:ockix(;ham county 

Jail and courthouse lot at Portsmouth 17.500.00 

Jail at Portsmouth 41,000.00 

Courthouse at Portsmouth 39,000.00 

Furniture in courthouse 2,200.00 

Library and book cases in courthouse 1,000.00 

Coal at courthouse 300.00 

Personal property at jail, as per inventory 686.90 

Jail at Exeter 10,000.00 

Personal property at Exeter jail, per inventory. . . 363.00 

Records building and lot 31,562.00 

Furniture in Records building 6.100.00 

Coal in Records building 130.00 

Courthouse and lot at Exeter 50,000.00 

Couilhouse furniture 2,100.00 

Coal in courthouse .- . . -75-00 

Coal shed at Epping 300.00 

$317,416.90 

The net indebtedness of the county is $89,912.00. 

The number of inmates at present is 200. This includes insane, poor, 
children, idiotic, blind, and prisoners. 

The farm constitutes a school district in itself, and three terms of school 
are taught yearly. There is also a chapel-room, provided with organ, etc., 
for services on the Sabbath. Children of sound mind and without parents 
or friends are furnished with good homes by the commissioners. The house 
is heated by steam; comfortable rooms, clothing, and good and abundant 
food is furnished to all, and few, if any, of the inmates ever enjoyed a 
better home. The farm is under the care of the county commissioners. They 
appoint a superintendent and all necessary officers and help. The first super- 
intendent, William L. Philbrick. of Portsmouth, was appointed 1869. The 
farm always has an abundant supply of water drawn by steam-pump and 
two wind-mills. The house is supplied with fire-escapes; also three fire- 
extinguishers and a hydrant to the roof of the house, with plenty of hose 
in case of* fire. 

Total expense of farm $28,237.90 

Divided by number of weeks board, make a cost of 

each one per week 2.74 



STOCK AT COUNTY F.ARM 



/.^ 



0.00 



55 Breeding sows $ 

4 Boars .50.00 

27 Shoats 1 10.00 

54 Small pigs 108.00 

1 Bull 200.00 

2 Bull calves 5000 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 87 

8 2-year old heifers 400.00 

9 i-year old heifers 315.00 

18 Calves 540.00 

48 Cows •. 3,600.00 

8 Work horses 1,850.00 

I Pair driving horses 350.00 

299 Hens 299.00 

23 Cockerels -300 

3 Yoke of oxen 5330o 



), 1 78.00 



CROPS FOR THE YEAR AS FOLLOWS 

Ice 350 tons 

Hay 172 tons 

Ensilage 319 tons 

Oat straw 5 tons 

Rye straw 7 tons 

Oat fodder (green) 28 tons 

Oats 167 bushels 

Potatoes 1 ,423 bushels 

Turnips 225 bushels 

Beets 132^ bushels 

Carrots 350 bushels 

String beans 22i bushels 

Rye 1372 tons 

Shelled beans 36 bushels 

Onions 30 bushels 

Parsnips 5° bushels 

Squash ^.500 pounds 

Cabbage 800 heads 

Lettuce loi bushels 

Peas 35 bushels 

Beet green 36 bushels 

Spinach 60 bushels 

Tomatoes 1 497 pounds 

Apples 41 barrels 

Sweet corn 1.219 dozen ears 

Canning corn -i tons 

Strawberries 140 boxes 

Cucumbers i^* bushels 

Rhubarb i55 pounds 

Radishes 5-' bunches 

Asparagus I09 bunches 

Onions, market bunches 693 bunches 

Celerv 80 heads 



88 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Peppers 6 bushels 

Plums 3 bushels 

Cantaleups 3 dozen 

Mangels 12 tons 

Beef dressed and consumed on farm 5.575 pounds 

Pork 4.528 

Poultry . . . ; 1,205 pounds 

Eggs produced 2,428 dozen 

Pigs sold $1,527 

Cream sold $2,864 

Skimmed milk used on farm 31,690 gallons 

Amount received for labor of prisoners $569 

RAILROADS 

The Boston & Maine Railroad Company controls and operates all the 
steam railroads in Rockingham County. Originally it was a consolidation 
of the Boston & Portland chartered March 15, 1833, the Boston & Maine 
chartered June 2y, 1835 and the Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts 
chartered March 12, 1839. The road was opened through the county to South 
Berwick, Maine, February 23, 1843. 

On the Western Division it passes through the following towns : 

From Boston, Mass., to Miles From Boston, Mass., to Miles 

Atkinson ^7 Newfields 5 — 55 

Plaistow 2 — 39 Rockingham Jet i — 56 

Newton Jet 3 — 41 Newmarket 2 — 58 

E. Kingston Depot 4 — 45 Durham 4 — 62 

Exeter 6 — 5 1 

The Eastern Railroad in New Hampshire, chartered June 18. 1836, and 

opened November 9, 1840. 

EASTERN DIVISION 

From Boston, Mass., to Miles In'om Boston, Mass., to Miles 

Salisbury 39 No. Hampton 2 — 49 

Seabrook 4 — 43 Greenland 3 — 52 

Hampton Falls 2 — 45 Portsmouth 5 — 57 

Hampton 2 — 47 

Portsmouth & Dover Railroad, chartered |ulv 7, 1866, opened February 

I. 1872. 

PORTSMOUTH & DOVER BRANCH 

From Portsmouth to Miles l-'runi Portsmouth to Miles 

Newington 5 Sawyer 2 — 10 

Dover Point — 5 Dover i — 1 1 

Gushing 3 — 8 

The Nashua & Rochester Railroad, chartered June 24, 1868, and opened 

November 24, 1874. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 



89 



WORCESTER, NASHUA & PORTLAND 



From Worcester, Mass., to Miles 

HoUis 40 

Nashua 7 — 47 

Hudson 2 — 49 

Anderson 4 — 53 

Windham Jet 4 — 57 

The Manchester & Linvrc 
November 13, 1849. 



rom Worcester, Mass., to Miles 

Hubbard 4 — 61 

Hampstead 2 — 63 

Sandown 2 — 65 

Freemont 6 — 7 1 

—57 Eppinjj 4—75 

Railnniil. chartered June 3, 1S47. and opened 



I'^riim Manchester ti 
Londonderry . . . 

Wilson's 

Derry 

Windham 



MANCHESTER & LAWRENCE BRANCH 

'rom Manchester t 



Miles 

6 

2— 8 



3- 



Miles 

Canobie Lake 3 — 17 

Salem 2 — 19 

Hampshire Roar! 4 — 23 



The Concord and Portsmouth Railroad was chartered Julv i, 1S43. Built 
to Ramond, September!), 1850; to Concor<l. 1832. 



PORTSMOUTH BRANCH 



From Concord to 

Suncook 

Hooksett 

Manchester .... 

Massabesic 

Auburn 

E. Candia 

Candia 

Raymond 



Miles 



- 
■18 



-26 
-28 



.r:^,^6 



h'roni Concord to Miles 

West Epping 3 — 39 

Epping 5 — 41 

Hedding 3 — 44 

Rockingham Jet 8 — 49 

Stratham i — 50 

Bayside 3 — 53 

Greenland 6 — 55 

Portsmouth 4 — 59 



ELECTRIC RAILROADS 

The Boston and Maine operates the Portsmouth Llectric Railway, which 
opened June 28, 1899. The cars running in Portsmouth to Greenland, and 
from Portsmouth through Rye, to North Hampton, connecting at the North 
Hampton line with the Exeter, Hampton and Amesbury Railway electric 
cars to Hampton Beach, Exeter and to the state line. 

The other Electric roads in Rockingham County are: Ha\erliill Plaistow 
and Newton Railway Company, organized 1901 : Hudson, Pelham and Salem 
Street Railway Company, organized July. 1907: Manchester and Derry Street 
Railway, organized September 19, 1906: Chester and Derry Railroad .Asso- 
ciation, organized June 6. 1901 ; Seabrook and Hampton Beach Street Rail- 
way Company, organized July, 1901 : Amesbury Street Railway organized 
April I, 1908. 

Starting at the Ferry in Portsmouth, the .Atlantic Shore Line runs to 
Doyer and York Beach. 



CHAPTER VII 

PORTSMOUTH 

Motives of the Colonists — Early Voyagers — John Smith — The Piscataqua — 
Thomson's Settlement at Little Harbor — Mason and the Laconia Patent 
— The Great House Portsmouth Named — Celebration in 1823. 

The editor in the chapters relating to Portsmouth has condensed the prin- 
cipal facts from articles on the early church history from the writings of 
Rev. James DeNormandie, and the editor's sketch of the Congregational 
meeting houses delivered at the semi-centennial of the North Church in 1905, 
also from the historical address of Hon, Frank \V. Hackett at the 250th 
anniversary of the settlement of Portsmouth delivered May 28, 1903. 

THE POPULATION OF PORTSMOUTH IN I9IO WAS 11,269 

Several reasons may be assigned for persons leaving the comfort, order, 
luxury, and associations of an old land and an old home. There is in every 
community a class of adventurers of the type of John Smith, men fond of 
the excitement of travel, of novelty, ready to undertake any strange enter- 
prise for the sake of the hazard, for exploration, for science, for notoriety, 
for profit, or for curiosity. The wildness of the new is more inviting than 
the regularity of the old. In all old and wealthy states there is a large class 
of persons, representatives of families of past prominence or departed splen- 
dor or dilapidated fortunes, who in a new' place can maintain a position on 
cheaper terms, or follow with an easy grace employments they would not 
undertake where they are known, or more sons than can be placed in the 
ancestral neighborhood, or sons of wealth for whom many reasons conspire 
to make it better to seek situations elsewhere, as on the continent one con- 
stantly meets with Engli.sh who in humble ]ilaces or at low rates keep up an 
appearance of respectability they could not have at home, and as many from 
New England begin life at the west. 

An old writer says, "If without offense it may be spoken, the multitude 
of patents granted to several gentlemen of broken fortunes hath provided 
an honorable exile or confinement, whither many desen-ing persons of better 
education than fortune were sent to shift for themselves in a foreign land 
without being further troublesome to those nearer home, on whom they had 
their hopes and dependence: yet it must not be denied but that some of the 
undertakers were at vast expenses, casting their bread upon these waters, 

90 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 91 

where none of their friends and relatives have as yet had opportunity to find 
It." And this class of far-seeing, shrewd business men is always ready to 
send others or embark itself, and to bear any danger, delay, or loss in any 
enterprise which promises satisfactorv' returns, and especially questions of 
government and religion, of persecution and freedom, make it grateful for 
many to endure any hardships or abandon any associations for a free rule 
and a broader liberty of worship. It is difficult to analyze all the motives 
which enter into colonization ; perhaps all we have named' do in some degree 
with every settlement, nevertheless each has its prominent characteristics 
easy to be traced ; in the Plymouth Colony the prevailing idea at first was 
religious liberty for themselves, not for anybody else : in the Piscataqua 
Colony it was the spirit of mercantile enterprise. 

EARLY V0V.\GES 

Three hundred and ten years ago two small vessels came into the waters 
of the Piscataqua from the eastward — the Speedwell, a ship of about fifty 
tons, and the bark Discoverer, of twenty-six, or thereabouts. They were 
from Bristol, under the command of C'apt. Alartin Pring, fitted out for 
trade and discovery by the "chiefest merchants of that port." 

Sailing along the coast the youthful navigator (he was but twenty-three) 
had looked into other inlets — the Saco, the Kennebunk and the York. "The 
fourth," he says, "and the most westerly was the best." In all these places 
they "found no people but signs of fires where thev had been." It was the 
Englishman of 1603 upon the track of the Indian. 

Stretched out in front is an irregular expanse of hill and valley. Further 
over there greets him a mass of living green, sentinel to forest and tangled 
undergrowth beyond. At his feet is juniper in profusion. The maple and 
beech are here, and many a stately pine. Close at hand spruce and hemlock 
tell of ledge, and its scanty covering of soil. The eager glance of the Eng- 
lishman spies more than one sturdy oak, destined to give grateful shade to 
coming generations. 

The party were searching for sassafras, thought in that day to be pos- 
sessed of wonderful medicinal qualities. 

From an account of the voyage printed in "Purchase His Pilgrimes," 
(London, 1625), we learn that thirty men and boys were on the Speedwell, 
Edmund Jones (her mate) with Robert Salterne, who appears to have been 
what we should call a supercargo. \\'illiam Brown was the master of the 
Discoverer, with Samuel Kirkland, thirteen men and a boy. They had all 
manner of goods, including looking-glasses and beads, wherewith to trade 
with the savages. They were delayed for a fortnight at Mil ford Haven, 
whence thev sailed on the loth of April. 1603, just after having heard the 
news of the death of Queen Elizabeth. They got back to Bristol in October. 

This is the first printed account so far as yet known of our river ; though 
there is little reason to doubt that more than one English fishing vessel had 
at an earlier date than this sailed into the harbor of the Piscataqua. 

The editor quotes the following from the eccentric John Elwyn's book, 
"Some Piscataway Things and a Good Deal Else." published in 1870, on 
page 59. 



92 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

"The small de ITsles atlas that showed the forgery is in my hut; Capt. 
John Mason, our New Hampshire patentee, he knew the Bay Puritans 
well. Since I wrote this too our cousins of Main have found things out to 
the rage of our others of the bay that told the world there never was no 
kind of Englishmen in New England till the Plymouth Pilgrims : wonderful 
though that one of Gorges' Indian spoke to them in English when they got 
here, and Christopher Levett in Twenty-three stayed a while on Witch ( Saga- 
more) Creek below where my hut is, and says nothing of ours being a new 
plantation, and the Spaniard, Herrera, tells of a English cruiser of three 
hundred tons a hundred years before the Pilgrims of her coming to Puerto 
Rico by the banks of Newfoundland: all afishing already, Englishman was 
coming to fill North America with Englishmen never no Puritan in the world." 

John Smith. — By 1614 the knowledge of our coast had grown more 
definite, and colonization began to assume larger and more permanent direc- 
tions. The zeal for sudden wealth from the riches of mines led to a hasty 
occupation of the South, of Peru and Mexico by the Spaniards and Portu- 
guese, but the English and French came with a tardier pace to the fur and 
fishing trade of the North, and yet found, as we have found in California, 
that the vineyards and pasture lands and husbandry are a surer and greater 
source of wealth than mines of gold or fields of diamonds. In March of this 
year the remarkable adventurer. John Smith, sailed for North Virginia, seek- 
ing a mine of gold and copper, or, failing in that, to fish and trade. He named 
the shoals which had previously been sighted and described Smith's Islands, 
spoke of our river, and on his return drew a quaint map of the coast and wrote 
a history of his voyages, and left it for Prince Charles to christen the new 
realm, so that in 1614 first appears the name of New England. The map 
is printed in J. S. Tenness' "Isles of Shoals." 

The Piscataqua. — It cannot but be interesting to notice the praises which 
the Piscataqua has called forth from the early voyagers and historians. One 
says "that westernmost and best river;" another, "the safe harbor and rocky 
shore of the Piscataqua ;" another, "that famous, brave, and navigable river 
of note, which has been frequented ever since the country was first planted, 
whose channel is very swift and spacious, fit for vessels of great burden." 
And in an old deed, dated 1671, there is a will of one of the early merchants 
which runs thus: "I. Richard Cutt, for y^ love I bear unto W" Vaughan. 
I do give unto him my stone warehouse, situate at Strawberry Bank and front- 
ing upon the Create River Piscataqua." And one of the truest poets of Ports- 
mouth, Albert Laighton, wrote : 

"Like an azure vein from the heart of the main. 
Pulsing with joy forever. 
By verduous isles, with dimpled smiles, 
Floweth my native river. 

"Singing a song as it flows along. 
Hushed by the ice-king never: 
For he strives in vain to clasp a chain 
O'er thv fearless heart, brave river ! 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 93 

"Singing to one as full and free 

As it sang to the dusky daughters, 
When the light canoe like a sea-bird flew 
Over its peaceful waters." 

Thomson's Settlement at Little Harbor. — In 1623 this. spirit of enterprise 
took for us a more definite form, and with results reaching to the present day. 
Among a council of forty noblemen, knights, and gentlemen, to whom King 
James granted a charter for the "planting, ruling, ordering, and governing 
of New England in America," we find two persons conspicuous in energy 
and adventure. Sir Ferdinand Gorges and Capt. John Mason. Gorges was 
an officer of the English navy, intimate with Raleigh, and sharing his dar- 
ing spirit. He had learned from some Indians many particulars of this part 
of the country, its rivers, harbors, islands, fisheries, and products; his enthu- 
siasm to found a colony was not abated by many successive misfortunes, and 
his faith in its final success never died out. 'T doubt not," he writes, "it will 
prove a very flourishing place, and be replenished with many fine homes and 
cities, it being a province both fruitful and pleasant." Mason was a London 
merchant, some time governor of Newfoundland, where he learned in a gen- 
eral and indefinite way of these parts, and became as enthusiastic as Gorges 
to plant a colony, an enthusiasm which appears never to have left him amidst 
all the discouragements and difficulties which beset his attempts. He was 
also governor of Portsmouth, in Hampshire, England. 

Mason and the Laconia Patent. — The tradition that the first settlement 
at the Piscataqua was owing to tlie efforts of Gorges and Mason, or to the 
Laconia Company, of which they were members, has no foundation. From 
"An Indenture of David Thomson," recently discovered among the papers 
of Hon. Robert C. Winthrop, with careful "Notes" in explanation by 
Mr. Charles Deane, of the Massachusetts Historical Society, many of the 
doubts and uncertain dates and confused traditions are dispelled, and it 
appears that David Thomson and three merchants of Plymouth entered into 
an agreement, in pursuance of which Thomson came over in the ship Jonathan 
in the spring of 1623, and settled at Little Harbor, a name which first 
appears in 1655, on the west side of the Piscataqua. 

These three merchants were Abraham Colmer, Nicholas Sherwill, and 
Leonard Pomerie, and with Thomson they were to contribute to the expenses 
and to share the profits. It is provided in the partnership that the colony 
"shall and will use their best endeavors ( by the direction of .said David 
Thomson), with as much convenience as maye be, to find out * * * 
some fitt place to settle & Builde some houses or buildings for habitacons. on 
which they are to begin with as muche expedicon as they maye; to the lymits 
& precincts of which habitacons or buildings soe intended to be there erected, 
there shall be allotted of the lands next thereunto adjoininge. at or before 
the end of five years next ensuing the date hereof, the full i|naniitic of >ix 
hundred acres of land or neare thereabouts." 

John S. Jenness referring to the landing at Little Harbor on page 6 in 
"The First Planting of New Hampshire." says : 
, "The site selected for the settlement was chosen with excellent judgment. 



94 HISTORY 01'' ROCKIXCHA^r COL'XTV 

I'Vuin tile Little liarbur fr(jnting the north side uf the [jroniontory a salt 
water creek runs back so far towards the ocean as almost to convert the 
inclosed point into an island of about six hundred acres area, which was the 
precise amount of land required by the indenture to be allotted to the new 
plantation. The soil is good, and among the rocks on the harbor shore is a 
living spring of fresh water. The harbor is safe and accessible at all times 
.to \-essels of light draught, anil most commodiously situated for the prosecu- 
tion of the fisheries as well as for the peltry traffic with the Indians of Saga- 
more Creek and Piscatacjua River. Above all other advantages in those peril- 
ous times, the Point, rising on every side towards its center and almost sur- 
rounded by water, was easily defensible against the assaults of savages. These 
considerations probably determined Thomson in the selection of this site for 
the new ])lantation, which he named, perhaps, from the Indian appellation 
'1 'ainiaway,' a name which seems, however, not to have survived the jieriod 
of Thomson's own occupation and ownership of the plantation." 

In Winslow's "Good News," published in 1624, describing events appar- 
ently of the preceding summer, we find reference to "on Mr. David Tomson, 
a Scotchman, who also that spring Ijegan a plantation twenty-five leagues 
northeast from us, near Smith's lies, at a place called Pascatoquack, where 
he liketh well." Thomson most likely remained at the Piscata<|ua until 1626, 
and deserves to receive the undivided praise as the founder of this settle- 
ment, while Mason had nothing to do with its beginning. In a deposition 
of several aged persons, including Edward Colcord, taken at Piscataqua 
August 25, 1676, they make oath and affirm that "Capt. John Mason did 
never settle any government nor any people upon any land called the prov- 
ince of New Hampshire, on the south side of l'iscata(|iia River, either by 
himself or any of his agents to this day." 

The earliest trace that w'e have of David Thompson is the record of his 
marriage at St. Andrew's Church, Plymouth, England, July 13. iCn.v His 
wife was Amias Cole, daughter of a resident of Phnnouth. Accor<ling to 
the late R. N. Worth, the historian of Plymouth, who discovered this entry, 
Thompson probably was a stranger at Plymouth, for his name has not been 
found elsewhere in their records. Morton describes him as "a Scottish 
gentleman, a scholar and a traveller." Erom the wording of an early instru- 
ment (Aspinwall papers), we infer that he either had been educated as a 
doctor, or had at least some skill in medicine. 

The Plymouth Council created for planting, ruling and governing New 
England, was established in November, 1620. For a while they appear to 
have employed Thompson as a messenger. Sir Ferdinando Gorges and 
Capt. John Mason stand forth as the two commanding spirits of the asso- 
ciates that formed the council. From a position where he must have made 
himself useful, it is likely that Thompson secured the confidence of both these 
^reat leaders in the settlement of N^ew England. There is a memorandum 
which shows that a patent was made out to Thompson of land in New 
England, in November. 1622. 

More or less sjieculation has si>rung up as to the true character of Thomp- 
son's enterprise. In a vague way it has been understood that he came in the 
interest of Gorges and Mason. There is not space afforded here to pursue 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 95 

tlie iiKiiiiry. It is enough to say that everything points to the fact that the 
venture had the hearty good will of the council. While independent, and 
meant to be confined within a» moderate area, it is reasonably well estab- 
lished that Thompson's coming formed part of the larger enterprise of 
Gorges and Mason and their associates in occupying and developing the 
entire territory covered by their patents. 

Odiorne's Point at Little Harbor was the spot selected for the site of the 
first building erected on the grant. The first settlers w ere sent from England 
by the company in 1623, "to found a plantation on Piscataqua River, to 
cultivate the vine, discover mines, carry on the fisheries, and trade with the 
natives." As the materials of many of the early houses were brought from 
England, it is possible that in the liberal provision made for the plantation, 
those of the Manor House were also. The house was a little north of the 
Ifillock, w hich was between it and the ocean, — and on that elevation there was 
a small fort l)uilt, to protect from savage incursions, b'ishing being one of 
the objects of the settlement, salt works were early erected in connection 
with the establishment. 

A few rods southwest of the fort at Odiorne's Point they erected their 
fish flakes, which gave the name of Elake Hill to the knoll,' which is still 
retained. "During the first few years of the existence of the colony," remarks 
Potter, "the people sufl^ered every hardship, and not being acclimated many of 
them were carried off by disease." The graves of such are still to be seen a 
few rods north of the site of the fort, and is worthy of remark, that the 
moss-covered cobble stones at tiie head and foot of the graves still remain 
as placed by mourners of two hundred and eighty years since, while a walnut 
and a pear tree, each of immense size, and possibly of equal age with our state, 
stand like sentinels, extending their ancient arms over the sleepers below. 
E\-idence is now apparent that a smith's shop w-as erected near the house. 
There were between three and four thousand acres regarded as attached to 
this branch of the plantation. The provisions of the grant were ample for 
the carrying out of the idea of the proprietors, which was to establish a manor 
here agreeably to the English custom — the occupants of the land to be held 
as tenants by the proprietors of the soil. 

A description (and it is the only one we have), of the building erected by 
Thompson at Pannaway, for such was the Indian name of the locality, is 
derived from a sketch written by Samuel Maverick, in 1660. The docu- 
ment, "A brief Description of New England." was drawn up as a report to 
be laid before the King of London after the restoration. It came to light 
some thirty years ago. In igoj Mr. Frank W. Hackett consulted and veri- 
fied the original manuscript in the British Museum. Maverick, who was a 
few years younger than Thompson, was a gentleman of good family, either 
from Devon or Cornwall, a staunch churchman and a royalist. He came into 
Boston Bay in 1624, where he built and fortified (it is said with Thompson's 
help), a house at Winnesimmet, now Chelsea. The site, which was near the 
river, is now comprised within the limits of the grounds of the United States 
Na\-al Hospital. 

Maverick tells us that Thompson Inu'lt a ".Stronge and Large Iiouse and 
enclosed it in a large and liigh Palizardo and mounted gunns and l)cing stored 



96 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

extraordinarily with shot and Ammunition was a terror to the Indians, who 
at that time were insulting over the poor weai<e and unfurnished planters of 
Plymouth. This house and Fforte he built t)n a point of land at the very 
entrance of the Pascataway River." 

Maverick and Thompson were more or less in each other's company. 
Thompson, it seems, went into the bay to live about three years after he 
had planted this settlement at Ordiorne's Point. He selected an island in 
Boston Harbor and built a house there, which island has ever since borne his 
name. 

We have good reason to belie\e that Maverick, though writing so long 
after the event, retained a perfectly clear recollection of the original build- 
ing that Thompson's men erected at Pannaway. Had it been built entirely 
of stone, it would seem as though Maverick would have mentioned the cir- 
cumstance, since a building of this material was a very unusual object along 
the coast. The palisade that he speaks of was not uncommon in those days 
as a necessary protection against attack from hostile Indians. Maverick's 
own house was attacked at one time, he tells us, and the Indians were hand- 
somely repulsed. 

The story of this settlement at Ordiorne's Point is told in a lively narra- 
tive, yet with strict adherence to historical truth, by the late John Scribner 
Jenness, a son of Portsmouth, in a volume, privately printed at Portsmouth 
in 187S, entitled "The First Planting of New Hampshire." Few men had 
a more extensive or accurate knowledge of the early history of this locality 
than Mr. Jenness. His little book brings together every fact that had been 
disclosed up to that time, bearing upon the object of Thompson's landing 
and the step taken by him in beginning the settlement. The picture which 
this pleasing and exact writer outlines is remarkable for its fullness of detail, 
seeing that the material with which he worked was fragmentary and slight. 

Had Mr. Jenness lived to see Maverick's narrative, it is possible that he 
would have hesitated to say positively that the house was built of stone. His 
authority is Hubbard (not always accurate), and a deposition made by Robert 
Pike at the age of eighty-eight. Pike says that the house was commonly 
known as "Captain John Mason's stone house." Perhaps the foundation had 
been carried up higher than usual while the house itself was built of heavy 
timber. At all events the question of whether the Iniilding was constructed 
wholly of stone, may be considered as still unsettled. 

The Council for New England, among other active agencies for promoting 
the planting of settlements, printed in 1622 a pamphlet of thirty-five pages 
entitled "A^Briefe Description of The Discoverie and Plantation of New Eng- 
land." It praised the country, its resources and climate. 'We learn from it 
that more than thirty vessels in 1622 sailed from the western port of Eng- 
land for this coast for fishing and trade. 

A circumstance that connects Thompson with the plans of Mason and 
Gorges is, that late in the autumn of 1623 Capt. Robert Gorges came to 
Pannaway, meeting here Capt. Christopher Levett and Capt. Francis West. 
The object of their meeting was to carry out a plan of the Council for setting 
up a general government in New England. We are told that Thompson was 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 97 

authorized to receive possession of the Province in the name of Gorges and 
Mason from Captain Gorges. 

Levett has left an account of his experience in 1623, in a Httle book pub- 
hshed in 162S, at London, and "sold by Edward Brewster at the sign of 
the Bible in St. Paul's Church Yard." He arrived at the Isles of Shoals in 
November and then came over and stayed a month with Thompson. The 
weather being cold and the snow deep, our visitor did not gain any too favor- 
able an impression of the neighborhood. "In these parts," he says, "T saw 
much good timber, Ijut the ground it seemed to me not to be good, being very 
rocky and full of trees and brushwood. There is a great store of fowle of 
diverse sorts whereof I fed very plentifully. About two English miles fur- 
ther to the East I found a great river and a good harbor called Pascataway. 
But for the ground I can say nothing, but by the relation of the Sagamore 
or King of the place who told nie there was much good ground uj) in the river 
about seven or eight leagues." 

Captain Levett was not the first sailor to speak a good word for the River 
Pascataway. As early as 1614 Capt. John Smith had told his country- 
men that this ri\er furnished a safe harbor with a rocky shore. Indeed, that 
anyone in any century can see this ri\'er and go away and not praise it, is 
incredible. 

Just how long Thompson stayed at Pannaway is not yet within our power 
to determine. He was certainly there as late as 1626, and perhaps for a short 
season after that date. An infant son was born to him, who in his man- 
hood is the John Thompson who petitioned the General Court at Boston in 
regard to Thompson's Island. There is reason to believe that the date of 
John Thompscm's birth was 1626, so he most likely first saw the li.ght of day 
at Ordiorne's Point. If such be the fact, there may be claimed for him the 
honor of having l:)een the first white child born \\ithin the present limits of 
New Hampshire. 

In 1628 settlements along the coast were levied upon to meet the expense 
of expelling Morton from Merry Mount in the bay for sundry offenses, the 
chief of which was furnishing firearms to the Indians. Among the con- 
tributors appears the name of Mrs. Thompson. That her name is used 
instead of that of her husband is an indication that by 1628 David Thomp- 
son had died. Not long after her hu.sband's death the widow, as we know, 
was married to Samuel Maverick. \Vc find a letter written by Amias Maver- 
ick to friends at Plvmouth, England, in relation to her father; and thus, all 
dou])t is dispelled of the identity of the wife of Samuel Maverick with her 
who was originally Amias Cole. 

It was formerly supposed that Thompson had been sent out liy an asso- 
ciation called the Laconia Company. So Doctor Belknap wrote, and in his 
statement he is followed by Mr. Adams, the author of the Annals. .\s a 
matter of fact the Laconia Company did not come into existence until 1629, 
six years later. 

Mr. Hackett gives some more details in reference to the Laconia Patents, 
for an error of so long standing should be corrected whenever opportunity 
offers. 

In 1626, England, alreadv at war with Spain, became engaged in a war 



98 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

with France thai lasted until 1029. An enterprise was set on foot by the 
Canada Company in which Gorges and Mason were interested, to capture 
Canada. This company of private persons — a procedure that seems strange 
at this day — fitted out a naval expedition. David ivirke, in command of 
three ships, succeeded in capturing Quebec, whereupon he brought Champlain 
as a prisoner to England. Upon arrival Ivirke learned to his chagrin that 
peace had already been declared, and that by the terms of the treaty, whai 
they had comiuered was to be restored to France. 

One result of this expedition was that Kirke and his men had gained 
new and valuable information with regard to the fur trade in that region, 
a trade which held out very alluring prospects of gain. Certain members of 
the Canada Company stirred by the hope of turning this information to their 
hnmediate advantage, resolved to launch out into a bold undertaking to this 
end. They were convinced, it seems, that a shorter way could be opened for 
getting to the fur country then by the rivei" of Canada. What is now Lake 
Champlain, then called the Lake of the Iroquois, they imagined could be 
reached by a slight portage from the headwaters of the Pascataway. 

Accordingly, within a few days after the return of Kirke"s expedition 
these adventurers obtained a grant from the Council of all the lands border- 
ing upon the lake and the rivers called the InKiuois, as well as the right to 
select a thousand acres upon the sea coast, where the same had not already 
been disposed of to other persons. The patent provided that the grantees 
could associate others with them, to adventure in "plantations trafi(|ues and 
discouvr\-es." They who associated themselves in this undertaking adopted 
the name of the Laconia Company. Gorges and Mason and seven London 
merchants were thus associated. The scheme on hand was to send over 
cargoes of goods to the Pascataway, thence to be taken up the river in canoes, 
and carried to Champlain to convenient places, where they could be disposed 
of in barter to the Indians, for peltries to be brought liack to the mouth of 
the Pascataway. The company, however, did not take up, as had been con- 
templated, the thousand acres on the coast, as a site for their factory. 

Like many gre-it speculations, this enterprise al^sorbed the capital and 
taxed the energies of its promoters, but came to nothing. Captain Mason 
said, in 1634. that he had never received a penny for all his outlay in his 
plantations in the Pascataway. Had he come over in person, the result might 
have been different. He died in 1633. Though his investment yielded him 
no return. Mason gained an honored name. One may visit today the ancient 
church of Domus Dei. at Portsmouth, England, and behold four standards 
and a tablet, raised in memory of Capt. John Mason, a "faithful church- 
man, devoted patriot and gallant officer. * * * the founder of New 
Hampshire." a memorial gratefully put there in 1874 by five men and two 
women of this Pascataway region, some of them his descendants. 

We thus see not only that Thompson in 1623 had not been sent over by 
the Laconia Company, but that his coming did not widen out to the extent 
of the grand purposes just outlined. It should be mentioned in passing that 
while the fur trade of Canada gave impetus to the movement in 163 1. it 
was the intention of Mason, as one of the company, that the building up and 
developing of a plantation in this neighborhood engaged likewise in the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 91) 

fisheries and other pursuits, should go hand m hand with the carrymg on 
of the great trade that they expected would come here. 

The ambitious design of the Laconia Company, as may well be imagined, 
created a stir and bustle upon our river. In if 130, a bark, belonging to George 
Griffith, one of the Laconia partners, the Warwick of eighty tons and carry- 
ing ten pieces of ordnance, sailed from Plymouth for the mouth of the PascaV 
away. She brought o\-er Cai)t. Walter Neale, a soldier who was to act as 
governor, and .-Vmlirose Gibbons, the factor of the company. 

As soon as the Warwick arrived Neale took up his residence in the house 
built by Thompson. About this time, through some means not as yet clearly 
to be made out, this house appears to have become the property of Capt. 
John Mason, or of the Laconia Company. Neale's orders were to start in 
September to discover a route to the Iroquois country. But some cause 
of delay ensued, and he wrote home that it was too late in the season for 
him to make the attempt. Another ship, the Pied Cowe, came over that 
year. Both vessels returned to England and were ready the next season to 
sail for the plantation. 

The Warwick arrived here in September. 1^:3 1. bringing passengers, the 
most distinguished of whom was Capt. Thomas Cammock, a nephew of 
the Earl of Warwick. After a short stay, the bark sailed for Virginia, and 
went some distance up the river Potomac. She came back to the Pascataway, 
arriving in February, 1(13-'. These details are to be gathered from a journal 
kept by Henry Fleet, her factor, the MS. of which was discovered a few years 
ago and printed. 

In 1632 another ship, the John, was enii>loyed in Ijringing over goods. 
In the years 163 1 and 1632, a number of men, suited to the work of beginning 
a plantation, came over in these vessels ; or. some may have taken passage in 
other vessels of which we have no record. The incoming probal)lv continued 
for two years longer. 

From the Belknap papers we obtain a list of names numbering between 
fifty and sixty men, of the stewards and servants sent by Capt. John Mason 
into New Hampshire. There were twenty-two women, showing that some 
of the settlers brought their wives with them ; no doubt there were children 
not enumerated. A large proportion of this company, to judge from their 
names, came from Devon and Cornwall. There was a sprinkhng of foreigners 
of the laboring class, styled Danes in one account, and spoken of in a later 
record as Frenchmen. They were eight in number, but we do not know 
the name of any one of them. 

Of those that came over between the years 1631 and 1634 (for such is 
the period to which this list of names may be applied), there were not a few 
the descendants of whom, bearing the name, are yet to V)e founrl in this 
neighborhood. We may mention, for instance. \'aughan. Fernald. Johnson, 
Rand, Sherburne, Canney, fioddard. Seavey. Berry, Brackett. Pickering. 

This period marks the l)eginning of a contimious and growing settlement 
here upon the Pascataway. 

I ought to have said that the Pascata\\a\- jiatent coxering both sides of 
the river was granted liv the Council, on Xo\-emlier 3. 1631. to Gorges and to 
Mason. Mention is made in the patent of the "house and chief habitacion 



100 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

at Pascatawav wherein Capt. Walter Neale and the colonie with him 
now doth or lately did reside, together with the garden and corn grounds 
occupied and planted by the said colonie and the salt works already begun." 

Later, Mason divided the territory with his partner Gorges, the former 
retaining the New Hampshire side of the ri\er, while Gorges took that part 
which is now in the State of Maine. 

A portion of the force thus sent over by the Laconia Company went 
up the river about fifteen miles, and settled at Newichewannock (Berwick 
Falls). Others took up their abode on Great Island (New Castle), which 
for many years continued to be the most important, as it was the most popu- 
lous part of the settlement. Here they promptly occupied the northeastern 
projection of the island, known to this day as Fort Point, where they planted 
guns to command the river, — the forerunner of the Castle, of Fort William 
and Mary and of Fort Constitution, as these works were successively named. 

The settlers up the river built a house and surrounded it with palisades, 
meaning that it should be an important post for the projected fur trade. 
They set up a saw mill there, which was kept busy getting out lumber for 
their buildings. They experimented with the planting of vines, but it did 
not prove successful. A little later Mason sent over a stock of neat cattle. 
They appear to have lieen kept at Pascataway. The company also furnished 
shallops, fishing boats and skiffs for the carrying on of a fishery. 

Of these newcomers Renald Fernald was a surgeon; William and Hum- 
phrey Chadbourn were master builders. One of the Chadbourns (I believe 
it to have been William) built at Straw Berry Banke, probably in 163 1, the 
Great House, at the southwest corner of what is now Water and Court 
streets. A letter of instructions from London, dated 5th of December, 1632, 
to Gibbons, who had become discouraged with his work at Newichewannock, 
and who proposed to remove to Saunders Point near Sagamore Creek, 
opposite Great Island, announces the fact that the company had written to 
Mr. Wannerton "to take care of our house at Straw Berry Banke." The 
pleasing name of Straw Berry Banke. as we all know, was derived from 
the circumstance that the river bank commanding that beautiful view from 
what is now Church Hill, was in those early days rich in wild strawberries. 

Unfortunately, our early records were almost totally destroyed by the 
action of the selectmen in 1652, who copied out a few entries from the old 
book into a new book. \\'hat became of the old book nobody can tell, though 
in all probability it was long ago destroyed. \\'e do not know, therefore, 
whether a street or lane was ever laid out to start with. 

The sole memorial that remains to us of an ancient date is the grant 
of the Glebe (May 25, 1640). Nor is this an original. It is an entry in 
the town book made as late as 1664, the selectmen finding the original on 
file nearly worn-out pieces by passing through so many hands. So, they 
had it copied into the records. 

Here is an appropriate place for a word or two upon the subject of the 
term of "Great House," as found in our early records. Two structures 
acquired this name, one the original building put up by Thompson, at Pan- 
naway. This subsequently became known as Captain Mason's house. Being 



AND RKI'RESEXTATIVE CITIZENS 103 

larger than any habitation Imilt for a single family, it naturally took the 
name of Great House, to distinguish it from other and smaller dwellings. 

A like reason accounts for the name applied to the building at the Banke. 
Both these houses were doubtless intended not only to accommodate at the 
outset a large number of inmates but also to furnish a secure place for 
the deposit of stores. Not far distant from the Great House in a westerly 
direction there was a great white rock. It is spoken of, at one ijlace in 
the record, as standing in the field of John Cutt. 

The existence of two buildings each called the Great House has led to 
a little confusion. For in.stance, !\Ir. Adams, under the year 1644, after 
reciting the fact that Sampson Dane succeeded to W'arnerton in the possession 
of the Great House, says of the house itself, "there were attached to it about 
a thousand acres of land, consisting of marsh, meadow, planting and ]5asture 
grounds and mostly under improvement." Brewster follows this authority, 
and also tells us that Richard Cutt occupied the Great House, and that about 
the year 1685 it had fallen down, and the ruins were then \-isible. 

Evidently, the source of information for both these statements is ihe 
deposition of George Walton, given at the age of seventy years, and used at 
the famous case of Allen against \\'aldron. It is printed in the ap|)endix to 
the Annals. Examine this deposition closely, and you will see that Walton 
draws a distinction between the Great House at I'ascatawav, meaning the 
house that Thompson ])uilt. and the Great House at Strawlierry Bank. Of 
the former he says : 

"To the great hiiuse at l'ascata\\a\' aforesaid there were adioinin'j; alunit 
one thousand acres of improveil lands, marsh, meadow and planting grounds, 
which were divided and parcelled out liy the servants of Captain Mason 
and others, the select, or jirudential men (of the town of Portsmouth) as 
they were so-called w ho still eniov the same or their heirs and assigns, whereof 
\\'illiam Vaughan and his limther-in-Iax- ha\'e a large share gi\en them by 
their father-in-law, Richard Cutt. and the said Great House, by the means 
aforesaid, came to decay and fell dnwn tlie ruins being to be seen, out of 
which several good farms are now made." 

What this means, is that at Little Harljor a very large tract of land was 
appurtenant to the Great House, and that the house itself, having been 
deserted, had fallen down, and Walton had seen the ruins. Hubbard appears 
to have learned of this fact, and his language has the same significance. The 
deponent means also that out of the thousand acres or more se\-eral good 
farms had been made. 

On the other hand, the Great House at the Ilanke had land appurtenant 
to it, but there is no authority that we know of for saying that the planting 
grounds were of the extent of "about a thousand acres." Moreover, it is 
capable of demonstration that the house had not fallen in ruins in 1685. 
It is two or three times referred to in records much later than that date. 
In August, 1692, Samuel Penhallow conveys to John Snell a "lot near the 
house in which John Partridge now dwelleth commonly called the Great House 
in the town of Portsmouth" C Rockingham Records VI. p. 151). There is 
no reason to believe that this structure, built as it undoubtedly was. of heavy 
timber, was at anv time ever deserted, or that it ever fell into ruin. 



104 HISTORY OI' ROCKIXCHAAI COUNTY 

It nia\' liave Ijeen burned, uv Ijecause of its size the owner may have 
tlionglit lit to take it down rather than repair it. One who cares to search 
the records mis^jht discover the date wlien it ceased to exist as the Great 
House. 

\A'aIton's deposition, at its close, makes it ])erfectly clear that a large 
part of wh;it is now Portsmouth was orioinall_\- i>lantin.c; grounds and ])asture 
belonging to the Great House on Water street. 

PORTS M or T?I N.VMICl) 

For thirty years from the first settlement, we might roam through forests 
without leax'ing the present limits uf the thickly settled jiart of Portsmouth. 
The growth of the coIoua* was slow, the Great Island portion being more 
rajjid than at the Bank. In i')53 there were but fifty or sixty families in 
the limits of what now comprises Portsmouth, Newcastle. Greenland and 
Newington. In May of that year the inhal)itants petitioned the General Court 
of Massachusetts for a definite townshi]), and the i:)rivilege of taking the 
name of Portsmouth. As this petition, obtained by Rev. Dr. Burroughs 
from the file in the early documents in Massachusetts, has not been placed 
in our town records or annals, we give it here, verbatim, for preservation : 

"To the hon'd Gen'l Court at Boston, this ]>resent month of May 1653. 
The humble petition of the Inhab'ts of the Towne at present called Strabery 
Banke, showeth. That whereas your petitioners petitioned to the last Gen'l 
Court to grant to the P. Inhab'ts, a competent jiortion of land to make us 
a township, whereby we may be enabled to subsist and be useful to the 
church and Common'th. Our desire is, that this liDUor'd Court will be 
pleased to show their favor and good will tdwards us, and willingness to 
accommodate us to the uttermost. And for that purpose have desired the 
honor'd Capt. Wiggins to bring his pattent to tliis present Court. Now it 
may please this hon'd Court to take our case into consideration : and to con- 
sider of our extreme necessities, first in respect of the number of families, 
which are between and 50 and 60, of W'ch some are constrained to remove 
from what of land to accommodate them with their families stocks — secondly, 
the cjualities of the land wee live upon is soe badd, its incredible to beleeve 
except those who have seen it — thirdly the place being 'settled a plantation, 
the first of any in these parts, and our willingnesse in submitting to yr 
government — fourthly, that all the neighboring plantations about us, w'ch 
w-ere settled since wee, have their townships settled and bounded ; onely we 
as yet have none — fifthly, that whereas there is much benefit by saw mills 
in other townes in this river and adjacent townes there is none in this town 
but onely one, w'ch was never perfected no likely to bee. We humbly intreat 
his honor'd Court to take into theire view this necke of land w'ch we live 
upon: w'ch nature itselfe hath bounded with the maine sea and river, as 
may be scene by the draft of the river, w'ch was |)resented to the last Gen'l 
Court, and now presented againe by our dejuitie, w'ch necke of land is farre 
less than any neighboringe towne about us. The desire of yr humble petit'rs 
is. that tliis hon'd Court would grant us the necke of land, beginning in the 
great bay at a place called Cotterill's delight, soe nmninge 'ai the sea according 



AND REl'RUSEXTATIVE CniZEXS 105 

to the former petition. And whereas the name of this plantation att present 
being Strabery Banke, accidently soe called, by reason of a banke where 
straberries was found in this place, now we humbly desire to have it called 
Portsmouth, being a name most suitable for this place, it being the river's 
mouth, and good as any in this land, and your petit'rs shall humbly pray. 
"Brian Pendleton Richard Cutt and 

Renald Fernald Samuel Haines, 

John Sherebourn In behalf of the rest." 

On this petition it was hrst proposed to postpone "because of Mr. Mason's 
claim on the land," afterwards granted 28 May, 1653, allowed to be called 
Portsmouth, "and the line of this township of Portsmouth to reach from 
the sea by Hampton lyne to Wynnacot river, leaving the proprietors to their 
just right." 

The people living here had, about ten years before, put themselves under 
the control of the Massachusetts authorities. Those authorities, however, 
did not create or incorporate our town. They had no power to do that. The 
town had existed previously, with all the rights and privileges that grew out 
of the association into a community, under a "Combination" some time 
prior to 1640. The authorities of the Bay simply recognized that the free 
and independent people here wanted to have the limits of their township 
deiinitely marked out. Besides, they wanted a name that would take rank 
with some of the great names of English towns. Straw Berry Banke was 
pleasing, but Portsmouth was a little grander; and, as they argued in their 
petition, more suitable since it was a safe port at the river's mouth. 

But the other and our real birthday is identical with the date of the first 
settlement of New Hampshire. As yet nobody can point to precisely what 
day of what month this honor belongs. .\11 that we know is that the fateful 
event fell upon a day in the early spring. Let us hope that it was a bright, 
clear, sunshiny morning, with the spring birds singing — when, in 1623, an 
active energetic man, with his young wife and a handful of followers and 
servants, landed upon what is now Odiorne's Point, for many years a part 
of Portsmouth, but now in the town of Rye. 

That day's doings was a plain, business-like procedure, tlutugh of great 
moment from the standpoint of local history. 

I have said that we do not know the precise date of Thompson's landing. 
Ninety years ago, when the spring of 1823 was coming on, our fathers 
cast about to determine what date should be assigned for a grand celebration. 
They fixed upon the twenty-eighth of May as being that which in their 
judgment approached nearest to the anniversary' of the actual time. But 
it having been found for some reason inconvenient to adopt the twenty-eighth, 
they finally settled uix)n Wednesday, a week earlier, as the day for their 
exercises. 

The twentv-first of May. 1823, was a red-letter day in the history of 
Portsmouth. The town was crowded with visitors. 

The Oilman Blues led off as escort. Then came in full force the school 
children, bringing their masters along for company. The Mechanic Associa- 
tion and the Free Masons were also in line. Then followed the orator of the 



106 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

day, accomi)anied by the poet, and sundry distinguished personages. There 
were the clergy, the judges and other civil officers, while the army and navy 
were represented from the fort and navy yard. The procession passed 
through some of the principal streets to the North Meeting House, where a 
brilliant throng of ladies were filling the spacious galleries. 

Nathaniel Appleton Haven, then in the prime of early manhood, delivered 
the oration. One or two original odes, set to music, were finely rendered by 
the Portsmouth Handel Society. 

If the literary feast were ample, so was the dinner, which came off at 
Jefferson Hall, at half-past 2 in the afternoon. More than two hundred 
gentlemen partook of the fare, which, the record tells us, consisted "chiefly 
of fish of all known names and cooked in all possible variety." Among the 
guests of distinction one finds the names of Jeremiah Mason. Daniel Webster, 
Joseph Story, George Ticknor, and John G. Palfrey. In response to a toast 
Webster spoke of his love for his native state, and of his happy associations 
of nine years wath his former home in Portsmouth. 

The festivities of the day were concluded by a brilliant ball in the evening, 
in the hall of the Franklin House. Nearly four hundred were present. The 
sides of the ballroom were covered with pictures of prominent persons who 
had flourished at Portsmouth before the Revolution — the Wentworths, 
Jaffreys, \Valdrons, Wibirds, Pepperrells, Moft'atts, Sherburnes, Sparhawks 
and many another. 

Altogether, it was a great day. Out of these memorable exercises sprang 
into life the New Hampshire Historical Society, which with rare felicity 
dates its organization in Portsmouth from May 21, 1823. 

Every fact, no matter how trivial, which throws light upon the venture 
begun on these shores, in 1623, is of value in the eyes of all who take an 
interest in the early annals of Portsmouth. The sum of our information, 
however, we are obliged to confess, is as yet small and insignificant. The 
figure of the leader of the enterprise is but dimly outlined, though during the 
last fifty years the veil has once or twice been lifted for a moment by the 
discovery of a document or of a record entry thus affording a glimpse that 
was denied to our fathers. 

.\t the initiative stage of our local history nobody appears to have thought 
it worth his while to write down an account of what was going on around 
him in the hope that some day it might prove of interest to a descendant. 
Here and there a stray paper has been preserved, a business letter, a bill of 
goods or a memorandum of work done. .\ few depositions are still on file 
in the court records used as they were in some suits brought many years after 
the events which they mention had occurred. But such a document is not 
explicitly to be relied upon. An old man who is telling what he thinks that 
he recalls as happening half a century earlier, may be pardoned for an occa- 
sional want of precision. 

To Dr. Jeremy Belknap, the historian of New Hampshire, a schoolmaster 
at Portsmouth and minister at Dover from 1767 to 1786, we owe a debt 
of gratitude for the pains with which he hunted up and saved every scrap of 
ancient document that he could lay hands upon. He began none too soon. 
Nathaniel .\dams, the author of the ".Annals of Portsmouth," relied almost 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 107 

wholly upon Belknap in collecting the events of the opening pages of his 
admirable volume. 

Portsmouth must ever hold Adams in grateful remembrance. For many 
years he was clerk of the court, and in that capacity became familiar with 
old records, a familiarity that suggested no doubt his taking the wise step 
to prepare and publish the Annals in 1825, a brief history of the town 
arranged under the heading of the respective years. 

A like sentiment of obligation has been richly earned by the late Charles 
W. Brewster, the author of two volumes of "Rambles About Portsmouth," 
first published in 1859. The dullest reader may not fail to note how large is 
the proportion of interesting material that would have been lost forever had 
it not been for the foresight of this lover of his native town. 

A word of appreciative mention is likew-ise due to the "Portsmouth Guide 
Book," by Miss Sarah H. Foster. The pages of this little book, unpretentious 
but really valuable, breathe an air of refinement as not the least of its literary 
charms. 

The Rev. Charles Burroughs and the Rev. Andrew P. Peabody have 
each left behind them contributions to the history of Portsmouth that I need 
not say are of enduring worth. 

A third historian who dealt with this early period of New England, 
although touching to a slight extent only upon New Hampshire, was William 
Flubbard, the minister of Ipswich, ordained there in 1658. When he died, 
in 1704, he left a JMS. history which was published in 181 5. Doctor Belknap 
placed a greater degree of confidence in Hubbard's narrati\e than local 
historians of the present day are willing to accord. Hubbard, of course, 
labored under many and great disadvantages. Documents discovered since 
show that not a few of his statements are incorrect. Still, his pages are 
profitable when read in the light of our later knowledge. 

On the 22d of April, 1635, Mason obtained for himself, after discourage- 
ments and failures on the part of the prexious company, a grant of the lands 
"between Naumkeag and Piscataqua." which, "with the consent of the 
Council, shall henceforth be called New Hampshire." It seems that after 
this grant Mason had great hopes and plans ; he calls his whole grant on 
the Piscataqua "my country of New Hampshire, or Mannor of Mason Hall;" 
he doubtless had large expectations of some manor hall, with its surrounding 
estates, and of an inflowing fortune, but death put an end to all his dreams, 
leaving to another generation only an inheritance of lawsuits, which, amidst 
the perplexing grants to successive companies and individuals, given with little 
geographical knowledge, disturbed, convulsed, and embittered the settlement 
for many years. It was this high hope and this grand residence in the future 
which formed the only reality of a Mason's or manor hall at Little Harbor. 
There never was any such building. The settlers who came over in the 
Warwick doubtless occupied the houses at Little Harbor which were built 
by Thompson. 

It may be well to advise one not familiar with the facts that much that 
hitherto has been published of the settlement here, and of the character of the 
early planters, should be taken with a grain of allowance. Until recent times 
the earlv history of New England has lieen written almost exclusively by 



108 HISTORY OI" kOCKIN'GHAM COL'NTV 

men who, though no doubt meaning to be fair-minded, were either Puritan 
themselves, or strongly imbued with the Puritan prejudice. 

No one knew more accurately or minutely the facts of our early history 
than the late John Elwyn. The following extract, though caustic, is true 
enough; and I quote it to emphasize the need of the caution just mentioned. 
"The stream of the early history of New England," says Mr. Elwyn, in his 
remarkable sketch entitled "Some Account of John Langdon," "has been 
so corrupted by the subsequently predominant Puritan faction, who troubled 
themselves about nothing that did not go to their own glory, in their phrase, 
the glory of God, that one half the world think this coast was unvisited until 
alxnit the time it was honored by their presence. In all likelihood the English 
came to the Pascataway for fifty years before. Cornish fishermen did not 
])rint their voyages then more than Yankee fishermen do now." (XX N. H. 
State Papers, 850. ) 



CHAI'TER Mil 

PORTSMOUTH— r Continued) 

The Church of Eni/lauil — Early Rectors and Corcrnors — Settled Conelu- 
sifliis — Death of Mason — Aliandonnient of the Settlement by his IVidon: — ■ 
Under the Jurisdiction of Massachusetts — Claim of the Mason Heirs — ■ 
The First Church — Richard Gibson — I'ulfit Supplies — The Cutt Brothers 
— .■/ Nezv Meetinf/ House — Tezes and Seatinj/ — Early Lazes and Rulers. 

The Church of England. — It has lieen charged against the early settlers 
here that they were fishermen, or that they eanie merely for business purposes. 
Many of them doubtless found the fisheries the most profitaljje enterprise, 
and Smith sets forth the importance of that occupation and says. "Honorable 
and worthy countrymen let not the meanness of the word fish distaste you, 
for it will afford as good gold as the mines of Potassie or of Guiana, with 
less hazard and charge, and more centainty and facility." They were fisher- 
men, but there were some very humble fishermen on the shore of the sea of 
Galilee who have played (|uite an important and respectable part in the history 
of the world, and it is true that the reason for the settlement was chiefly 
commercial : the colony, as most of the colonies is Xorth America, except 
Plymouth, were sent over by merchants or came themselves to trade, and 
many of the troubles, the misfortunes, and want of prosperity in this settle- 
ment was owing to the fact that the ])roprietors had so little personal super- 
vision over the settlers. They did not come to establish religious liberty for 
themselves, nor did they make a constant talk about their piety, but there is 
every reason to suppose that their general character was as good as that 
of their neighbors in the Bay Colony. They were, however, supporters of 
the Church of England, and therefore bitterly denounced by the Massachusetts 
Colony. In spite of the assertions which have been handed down generation 
after generation and repeated without examination and without reflection, that 
this was merely a business settlement, a worldly and ungodly colony, while 
the saints were all at "the Bay," it is easy to show that the purpose of the 
founders was to make this a branch of the Established Church of England, 
and that this runs through all the charters. In the one to Gorges, in iCi^Q. we 
find granted to him "full power, license, and authority to build and erect or 
cause to be built and erected soe many churches and chappelles there on to 
the said Sir Ferdinando Gorges, his heirs and assigns shall seeme meete and 
convenient, and to dedicate and consecrate the same according to all the 
ecclesiastical laws of this our realmc o^ England," defining furthermore all 

1 /9 



no HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

his riglits and privileges to be the same tliat the bishop of Durham had in 
the kingdom of England. In the earliest efforts made b)' the city of Bristol, 
the first inducement held out is "to plant the Christian religion," and that 
"the one of traffic, be it never so profitable, ought not to be preferred before 
the planting of Christian faith." One of the first expeditions under Gosnold 
wliich reached our coast carried with it a chaplain. Royal orders and instruc- 
tions were issued requiring religious worship to be conducted as in the Church 
of England. Gorges' son Robert, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1624 to 
take superintendence of the churches to the great dismay of the settlers there, 
brought with him a clergyman of the English Church. One of the Puritan 
writers, referring to a settlement on the coast of Maine, rejoices "that one 
Episcopal colony is terminated, and its anticipated influence to advance the 
interests of the national church on our soil is hastily prevented;" and speaking 
of the settlement at Exeter, "thus the Granite State commenced its existence 
under the auspices of energetic and honorable proprietors, who proposed to 
give it the durable impression of Episcopacy as the efiicient handmaid of 
royalty." In another i)lace, referring to the eiYorts of Gorges at colonization, 
we find "his great preferences to have it done by sons of Episcopacy rather 
than by those w ithdrawn from its protection and rewards." 

Gorges himself, in defending his company against various charges before 
the House of Commons, says, "I have spent £20,000 of my estate and thirty 
years, the whole flower of my life, in new discoveries and settlements upon 
a remote .continent, in the enlargement of my country's commerce and domin- 
ions, and in carrying civilization and Christianity into regions of savages." ' 
All these are testimonies that the aim of the proprietors and settlers was cpiite 
as truly religious as usually characterizes such enterprises. But their religious 
views were Episcopalian, and just at this period bitter strife reigned between 
Puritans and Episcopalians, and the strife in the old country was transferred 
to these shores. All the proprietors interested in the settlement were of the 
Estalilished Church, and it was only natural that all the settlers who came 
out under them should be zealous in that faith. Gorges and Mason, Godfrie 
and Neal. Gibbons and Chadbourne and Williams, and all the names which 
appear on the colonial records were doubtless of this faith, and the colonies 
at the Piscataqua and the Bay were carried on with the same spirit that two 
rival and highly-excited pari.shes would be at the present time, only intensified 
by the more bitter theological hatred of that day. The leader of the Massa- 
chusetts colony even rejoiced at the death of Mason, as a proof of the 
Almighty's retribution upon the Episcopal settlement at the Piscataqua and 
his favor towards them. Governor Winthrop writes, "The last winter Capt. 
Mason died. He was the chief mover in all attempts against us, and was to 
have sent the General Governor, and for this end was providing ships : but 
the Lord in iiiercv taking him away, all the business fell on sleep." Among 
the earliest inventories of the colony's goods we find mention of service books, 

1 In Mason's will we find instructions to convey one thousand acres of his estate 
here for and towards the maintenance of an honest, godly, and religious preacher of 
God's word, in some church or chapel or other public place appointed for divine 
worship and service within the County of New Hampshire, and also provisions for 
and towards the maintenance of a free grammar school for the education of youth. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 111 

of a tiagon, and of cloths for the communion-table, which show that pro- 
visions for worship were not neglected, and of what form the worship was. 

Early Factors, or Governors. Anecdote of Mather. — After the departure 
of Thomson, and until the arrival of those sent out by the Laconia Company 
in 1630, our information about this settlement is slight and indefinite. Then 
came Neal as governor, after his departure Godfrie, with W'arnerton at 
Strawberry Bank, then Williams as governor in 1634. The colony began 
to extend over Great Island and along the bank of the river. A rude fort 
was built on the northeast point of Great I.sland, "aljout a Ijow-shot from the 
water-side to a high rock, the site of the present Fort Constitution." Under 
Williams, who is spoken of as a gentleman, a discreet, sensible man, accom- 
plished in his manners and acceptable to the people, the first attempt at any 
combination for order and defense was made. It is related that Neal went 
on a journey of discovery to the White Mountains and the lakes, and gives 
a somewhat glowing account of them : "The summit w^as far above the clouds, 
and from hence they beheld a vapor like a vast pillar, drawn up by the sun- 
beams out of a great lake into the air, where it was formed into a cloud," 
but their hopes of mines and precious stones were dimmed. .\t another time 
Neal forbade a man who was aliout to liegin a settlement at a point a short 
distance up the river. The dispute which arose was about to be settled by 
the sword, when a wiser thought suggested to each it would be braver not 
to fight, and so the place, known to the present generation as Nancy Drew's, 
was called Bloody Point, not on account of what actually happened, but 
what might have occurred in the event of a duel. Just before Neal left some 
troulile arose between him and the governor of the Massachusetts Colony. 
It was charged against Neal that he did not call to see the governor in 
Boston on his way to England, but Neal urged that he had not been well 
entertained the first time that he was there; that letters he had written had 
been opened in the Bay, and except he were invited he would not call. Win- 
throp says the letters were opened ""because they were directed In one who 
was our ])risoner, and had declared himself an ill wilier to our government." 
But political honor was rather low at that day. and if. even at a later period. 
England's prime minister confessed that he had no scruple in opening the 
letters of a political rival, the conduct of Massachusetts' governor can be 
excused. Yet the incident shows that no papal inquisition ever exceeded the 
scrutiny of all persons or documents which came into the neighborhood of 
the Puritans. W^arnerton seems to have been a wild and dissolute character. 
W'inthrop says he lived very wickedly and kept the Piscatatjua men under 
awe of him, while Warnerton, trying to collect a debt from one of the Bay 
Colony, called him rogue and knave, but added they were all so at the Bay, 
and he hoped to see all their throats cut. Whether he ever did anything worse 
than opening letters does not apjiear, but the incident reveals the general 
feeling that the two settlements cherished towards each other. .Ml the early 
Puritan representation of this colony were in the same strain, and in return 
the bitterness of the eastern settlement against the Mas.sachusetts was quite 
as great. 

A Piscataqua man being in England in iCi^j said of the Massachusetts 
planters, "'They would be a peculiar people to God. but all goe to the Devil: 



112 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

they are a people not worthy to live on God"s earth ; fellows that keep hoggs 
all the week preach there on the Sabbath; they count all men out of their 
church as in a state of damnation." 

John Josselyn, of Black Point, writes of the founders of Boston: "The 
chief objects of discipline, religion and morality, they want. Some are of a 
Linsie-woolsie disposition, of several professions in religion, all, like the 
^thiopeans, white in the teeth only, full of ludification and injurious dealing 
and cruelty, the extremist of all vices. Great Syndics or censors, or con- 
trollers of other men's manners, and savagely factious among themselves." 

Settled Conclusions. — It seems that at this day it will never be possible 
to establish to the satisfaction of the careful historian several dates, and to 
explain several events in the early settlement of the Piscataqua. on account 
of the confusion arising from the first patents, which seriously complicated 
the different ownerships, from the absence of sufficient trustworthy evidence, 
and from statements of the first writers, made without investigation, and 
repeated until they have been believed to have the authority of truth ; l)ut 
enough appears determined from the recovery of the indenture of David 
Thomson and careful research into the conflicting patents to regard it hence- 
forth as settled that the credit of founding the Piscataqua colony belongs 
entirely to Thomson, and that he had nothing to do with the Laconia Com- 
pany: that this colony was permanent, and that the one at Dover was several 
years later; that after the settlement by Thomson passed into the hands of the 
Laconia Company, the efforts and interests of Mason really begin ; that the 
references to "Mason Hall." or "Mason's Manor HaU," which in so many 
records give such a pretentious sound to this settlement, do not apply to any 
building at Little Harbor, and if to any to a house called the "Great House." 
built by Chadbourne in 163 1 at Strawberry Bank, but belong rather to the 
ambitious claims of his descendants at a much later date, and that the ani- 
mosities and invectives \\hich disfigure all early intercourse between the 
Massachusetts and the Piscataqua may be traced first to religious dififerences, 
and next to the overlapping and conflicting demands of successive grants 
given to difl:'erent companies or individuals without any accurate knowledge 
of the boundaries of this new realm. 

Death of Mason. — Mason, however, evidently preserved his faith in the 
ultimate profits from all investments at this place, and on the 226. of April, 
1635, obtained a grant by the Plymouth Council of a very large tract which 
covered both his former charters and was to extend sixty miles from the 
"first entrance of Pascataway Harbor," to take in "the South halfe of the 
Isle of .Shoulds," all which was to be called by the name of .\'ezv Hampshire, 
together with ten thousand acres on "the South East of the River of Sagade- 
hock." to which was to be given the name of Masonia. In the midst of all 
the expectations from the settlement of such vast possessions Mason died, as 
we have seen, in the latter part of this same year, leaving for his heir an 
infant grandson. 

Abandonment of the Settlement by His JVidozv. — For a time Mason's 
widow attempted to carry out her husband's plan in regard to the colonv. and 
evidently with as great a faith in its ultimate success. One Francis Norton 
was sent out in 1638 to look after her interests, but she soon wearied of the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 113 

large and constant expenditures and the deferred income: the settlers so far 
away, and soon conscious that the authority and oversight of the former pro- 
prietor were gone, began to take advantage of their situation to look out 
chiefly for their rjwn interests, to di\'ide the property among themselves for 
their wages, and Mrs. Alason, if she did not alumdon her legal right, evidently 
in despair gave u]) all hope of carrying on the jjlantation. and ceased to pro 
vide for its needs. 

Under the Jurisdiction of the Massachusetts. — The only government which 
appears in this colony from its settlement until the year 1640 was that of 
the stewards, or as they received sometimes the more dignified title of 
governor; such were Neale, Jocelyn, and Norton. There was no idea for a 
long time of any self-governing state, or an}- rule apart from that of the home 
sovereignty: they went on as loyalists and members of the Established 
Church, with perhaps as much quiet and order as other settlements, but as 
their numbers increased, and the resolution to make a permanent colony 
became more fixed, efforts appear towards the establishment of a more formal 
and authoritative government. In this year a combination was entered into 
with Francis \\'i!liams, governor, and Amljrose Gibbons and Thomas War- 
nerton, assistants. But for some time previous to this the way had been 
preparing for the Piscataqua to come under the jurisdiction of the Massa- 
chusetts. The latter colony soon found that the charter of Massachusetts 
Bay was not as extensive as they had supposed, and had hardly become estab- 
lished before they began to reach out towards and covet the lands covered 
by the patent to Mason; the doubtful expressions in which these grants were 
conveyed made it easier to force an interpretation in agreement with their 
desires, and the more flourishing and powerful condition of the Massachusetts 
would have accomplished the purpose e\en earlier were it not for the different 
political and religious sentiments which prevailed at the Piscataqua. For 
several years, amidst all kinds of plottings and quarrelings, ambitious schemes 
and desire for greater protection, efforts at union were made and repelled, 
until it was finally accomplished in 1641, and the Piscataqua passed under 
the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts. Hugh Peters, an agent of the latter, 
after spending some time here, in the spring of that year reported to Governor 
Winthrop that the Piscataqua people were "ripe for our government; they 
grone for government and Gospel all over that side of the country. .Mas ! 
poore bleeding soules." From 1641 for a period of almost forty years, or 
until the commission of Cutt. the first f^rovincial F^resident of New Hami> 
shire, under whom the new government ]3e,gan on the 21st of January. 1679 
or 1680, the sway of the Massachusetts over their settlement was complete. 
But it was not harmonious. It was entered into out of the most selfish con- 
siderations on each side, and preserved amidst constant contentions, opposi- 
tions, and open revolts. In 165 1 the residents at Strawberry Bank openly 
rebelled and attempted to escape from this jurisdiction, and again in 1664. 
There was a constant detestation of the union, which for prudential reasons 
they felt it necessary to abide by. and all the time they saw the influence of 
a party whose faith they bitterly opposed gaining ground among them. 
Their indignation appears in their petitions to their sovereign. In July, 
1665, we find one headed by the distinguished Champemowne. and signed 



114 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

by the leading settlers, which sets forth among other grievances that "five 
or six of the ritchest men of this parish [meaning of course those who had 
become prominent under the power of the Alassachusetts] have swaied & 
ordered all offices both civill and military at their pleasures ; none of yor 
Honos peticonrs. though Loyall subjects, & some of them well acquainted 
with the Laws of England, durst make any opposition for feare of great 
fines or long imprisonment, & for want of estates could not peticon home to 
his Alatie for relief, which the contrary party well knoweth, have kept us 
under hard servitude and denyed us in our publique meeting the Common 
prayer, Sacramts, and decent buriall of the dead, contrary to the Laws of 
England."' They also plead that they have been denied the benefit of free- 
men, that their lands have been taken away from them, and their grants dis- 
owned. Another petition about the same time asserts, "to theire great greife" 
that the sway of the Massachusetts has kept them from the good they 
expected, and so prays that they may be joined to the province of Maine, 
so "that they may be goved by the knowne lawes of England, and enjoy the 
use of both the sacramts wch they have been too deprived of," and they 
particularly mention Joshua Moody, Richard and John Cutt, and a few others, 
who were evidently leaders of the Puritan party and stanch upholders of the 
Massachusetts. By the year 1677, however, the Puritan influence had so far 
overcome the Church of England power that a petition with many names 
and much weight appears against any change, saying that they voluntarily 
subjected themselves to the Massachusetts government, and have not repented 
of it, that it has been a long-enjoyed and desired benefit which they fear to 
lose. "Wee are men yt desire to fear ye Lord & ye King, & not to medle with 
them yt are given to change, as well knowing what confusions, distractions, 
& Damage changes of governmts are not unusually attended with." 

The most efi^ectual petition, however, was probably one from Mason 
and Gorges, praying for a governor for the province of Maine and New^ 
Hampshire, on account of the injustice of the Massachusetts, "their violent 
intrusion and continued usurpation." This petition was received the 9th of 
January. 1677, and, as we have seen, the commission of President Cutt was 
sent out in December, 1679. 

Claim of the Mason Heirs. — While all the intrigues and animosities in 
regard to the rule of the province were going on. another element of dis- 
turbance and angry feeling was thrown into this colony, the claim of the 
Mason heirs. It was. perhaps, the shadow of this impending difficulty which 
persuaded some to seek alliance with the Massachusetts, thinking thereby 
to gain their favor in the courts. Mrs. Mason, soon after her husband's 
death, was discouraged at the constant outlay required by the settlers, and 
gave up the whole enterprise. It was but natural, as she heard of the colony's 
growtii and of a more stable government, to assert her claim to this region, 
and to seek some return for the great outlays Mr. Mason had made. But 
a few years of neglect would inevitably make vast changes in a new settle- 
ment even with the most honorable stewards and laborers, and in the midst 
of such conflicting grants there was easy opportunity for fraud of every kind, 
while the very accumulation of unpaid usages would in a brief period make 
the settlers feel they had earned all the possessions. .\s a matter of history. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 115 

it was fifteen years before we find any protest from the attorney of Mrs. 
Mason against cntting timber on her lands along the Pascataway, and eighteen 
years before the first petition of Joseph Mason to the magistrates and deputies 
of the General Court in Boston, relating the expenses Mason had been at 
under the Laconia patent, and praying for some redress against the encroach- 
ments upon his property by the inhabitants of Strawberry Bank. Of course, 
each year, as the prosperity of the settlement increased, the more determined 
grew the heirs of Alason to recover their estate here, and in the lapse of time 
the statements of his expenditures were greatly exaggerated, and the necessity 
of maintaining their case led to the most bitter accusations and the most 
intense feeling on all sides, and what was at first a simple claim was aggra- 
vated by an appeal to all the political and religious interests which had been 
aroused just at that period both in England and in this settlement. In March, 
1674-75, Robert Mason, the grandson and heir of John Mason, asserts his 
title to New Hampshire. He rehearses in a long petition the history of 
the settlement, the exjienses of ?kIason, the unfaithfulness of the agents, the 
inability to recover anything through the General Court of Massachusetts, 
and his own vain attempts and costs to recover his estates here. Then, again, 
as the hope strengthened that his Majesty would appoint a president for 
New Hampshire, the claims of Robert Mason are reasserted at great length, 
with the added argument of a royal and church interest and fidelity from the 
beginning,. and rehearsing the unjust laws which had been passed to confirm 
to the colonists the lands upon which they have been settled for years with- 
out any attempt at alienation, and what he himself had expended. Of course 
these claims were met by counter claims and charges, and all the fault was 
surely not on one side. As early as 1676 we find the depositions of several 
old settlers, whose testimony cannot all be worthless, and who on oath "doe 
affirm that Capt. John Mason did never settle any government nor any people 
upon any land called ye pro\ince of New Hampshire, on the south side of 
Piscatqa River, either by himself e or any of his agents to this day. And 
whereas Mr. Robert Mason, his grandchild, by his petition to his maty charges 
ye governors of ye Massachusetts or ye Bostoners, as he calls them : ft'or tak- 
ing away their govermt in a way of hostility: burning of their houses and 
banishing their people out of their dwellings, they doe affirme the same to be 
positively false." This fruitful source of discord embittered the whole colony 
long after the appointment of the first president. 

The First Church. — The early religious interests of the Piscataqua were 
all centered in the Established Church of England. All those of any promi- 
nence were of that faith, and of course the settlers they sent over were of 
the same, and in the inventories of goods belonging to them wc find provi- 
six>ns for that worship which doubtless was observed at Little Harbor and 
at the "Great House," which stood on what is now the corner of Court 
and Water streets: but it was not until after the death of Mason that we 
find them taking any steps for the erection of a church. On the 25th of 
May, 1640, we find the grant of the glebe land in Portsmouth as follows: 
"Divers and sundry of the inhabitants of the Lower end of Pascatac|uacic. 
whose names are hereunder written, of their free and voluntary mind, good 
will and assents, without constraint or compulsion of any manner of person 



116 HISTORY 01' ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

or persons, have granted, given, and contributed divers and several sums of 
money towards the building, erecting, and founding of a parsonage house 
with a chapel thereto united, as also fifty acres of glebe land which is annexed 
and given to the said parsonage." We find in this same grant the names 
of the first church wardens and that Mr. Richard Gibson has been chosen 
to be the first pastor. This first church was erected near where the I'niversalist 
Church now stands, and probably in the year 1638, for there is a tradition 
that Gibson preached and baptized in it in the month of August of that year. 
His salary was £60 and a house was to be built for him. 

Richard Gibson. — Richard Gibson was educated at Magdalen College, 
Cambridge, from which he took the degree of A. B. in 1636, and in that year 
appears as the minister of a colony at the Saco River, to which he had been 
brought bv Mr. Trelawney. In seeking for some further information con- 
cerning this clergyman. Rev. James DeNormandie was brought into corre- 
spondence with an aged gentleman residing at Ham, Plymouth (England), 
^Jr. Collins Trelawney, a descendant of the one who had a grant of land 
near Portland, and who cherishes a hope that it is not too late to recover the 
estates which belong to his family in that region, including the whole city of 
Portland, a far more gigantic scheme and forlorn hope than the attemiit of 
the Mason heirs. 

The ministry of Gibson appears not to have been one of perfect peace, for 
in the Maine "Records" we find him complaining against a man for calling 
him a "base priest." and he says that he is much disparaged thereby in his 
ministry; so that it is evident the E])iscopal settlements here and along the 
coast of Maine were not without some elements of Puritanism, as, on the 
other hand, in the Massachusetts there constantly came to the surface some 
elements of Episcopacy. Mr. Gibson, between the years 1638 and 1642, 
preached at the Saco settlement, at the Shoals, and at Strawberry Bank. 
In the latter year he was summoned by the General Court of Massachusetts 
for the crime of marrying and baptizing at the Isle of Shoals according to 
the ritual of the Church of England. Winthrop's account of the matter runs 
thus : "At this General Court appeared one Richard Gibson, a scholar, sent 
some three or four years since to Richniann's Island to be a minister to a 
fishing plantation there belonging to one Mr. Trelawney. of Plimouth. in 
England. He removed from thence to Pascataquack. and this year was 
entertained l)y the fishermen of the Isle of Shoals to preach to them. He. 
being ivholly addicted to the hierarchy and discipline of England, did exercise 
a ministerial function in the same way. and did marry and baptize at the 
Isle of Shoals, which was soon found to be within our jurisiliction." 

Gibson wrote to the minister at Dover, asking for help in opposition to the 
jurisdiction of the Puritans ; but they were stronger in the contest, and he 
answered the demand of the marshal, and in 1642 appeared before the General 
Court. Either because the court recognized the fact that it had no authority 
in the case, or because he submitted himself to the favor of the court with the 
determination to leave the country, he was dismissed without fine or imprison- 
ment, and soon after. This was one of the first fruits of the efforts of the 
Puritans to settle a country where freedom to worship God as he pleased 
should be every one's privilege. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 117 

Gibson is everywhere spoken of as accomplished and scholarly, but no 
gifts nor graces could count for anything while he was an open defender of 
the England Established Church. 

Pulpit Supplies. — Soon after the union with the Massachusetts we find 
in those records this item : "It was ordered that the elders should be desired 
to take the care of the inhabitants of Strawberry Bank into their considera- 
tion and then help for providing a minister for them." One was soon found, 
who, being a I'uritan, it was easy for Winthrop to consider "a godly man 
and a scholar." — a Mr. Parker, of Plymouth, — but he was not an ordained 
clergv-man. After his departure we find one after another supplying for a 
short time, the Episcopal element heartily and voluntarily contributing to their 
support rather than have no services, and this continued until the year 1658, 
when the long and eventful ministry of Joshua Moodv begins. 

The Citft Brothers. — -Some time before 1646 there came from Wales three 
brothers, Robert. Richard, and John Cutt. who were to ha\e a large influence 
in all the affairs of this colony. JNIajor Cutt. a descendant, when at the siege 
of Louisburg. met an English officer by the name of Cutts, and upon becom- 
ing acquainted, they found they had sprung from the same family; so there- 
after the major added an .f to his name, as did all the descendants of the 
family in Portsmouth. Robert settled at Great Island, and was a strong 
E])iscopalian and royalist. Richard settled first at the Shoals, and became 
owner of most of Star Island in its day of greatest prosperity, and after 
making his wealth removed to Portsmouth and was interested in all its 
affairs. John settled in Strawberry Bank, where he came into possession 
of the Great House, and was a merchant of prominence, honor, and esteem. 
.\t the time of his prosperous business course the i)rincipal part of the town 
was built about the Point of Graves. 

A Nezi' Mecting-Housc. — On the 27th of August, 1757. John and Richard 
Cutt, with Pendleton. Seavey, and Sherburne, were commissioned by the town 
to build a new meeting-house, not now a chapel, but still the term warden 
is employed. The settlement was so widely scattered and embraced such a 
great reach of territory that it is not surprising there Avas even at this date 
some difference of opinion a? to where the new- church should be located. 
After a long discussion and the appointment of referees to hear the reasons 
of all parties, the following conclusion was reached : "Wee w^hose names 
are under written, being deputed to consulte and determine the difference 
betweene the inhabitants of Portsmouth concerning the placinge of theire 
meeting-house, upon the arguments aledged on either side doe judge and 
alsoe conclude all reasons weighed that it is upon all respects considered the 
meatest and most commodious place to erect a meeting-house is the little hill 
ajoyninge to Goodman \\'eb,ster's poynt." The tradition has it that Good- 
man Webster kept a place of entertainment, and in that day the location of 
the meeting-house near by might be judged not altogether without its con- 
veniences. Doubtless the importance of New Castle and the travel by that 
road had something to do with detennining the situation: at all events the 
new meeting-house, the second place of worship in Portsmouth, was built on 
that "little hill" just beyond the South Mill Bridge, on "the crotch of the 
roads" (as an old record has it) leading to the pound and Frame Point, or 



118 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

what is now just by the parting of the roads leading to New Castle and the 
South Cemetery, while the old chapel was converted into a house for the 
minister. Of this building there is a description minute enough to recon- 
struct it, and to this came the inhabitants from the wide domain of the town 
without any too tender regard for distances or for storms, from Rye, Green- 
land, New Castle, and Warrington, to hear the word and tell the news. 

Pezvs and Seating. — In the increasing prosperity of the settlement the 
new meeting-house was soon filled to overflowing, and we find a record in 
1660 that the selectmen, in order to regulate the confusion occasioned by 
the crowd, "placed the women in their seats as commodiously as the room 
wall aiTord." From time to time leading parishioners were granted permis- 
sion to build, at their own cost, seats or pews for themselves in various parts 
of the house, seats and pews of varying length and breadth, so that the aisles, 
or alleys as they were called, ran among the seats, and it was not until 1693 
that the pews were made according to one regular order. \\'e find the choice 
of a sexton to ring the bell and make clean the meeting-house for £4 
a year; and a man engaged by the town at 20 shillings per annum "for 
to look after the demeanor of the boys at meeting": and a vote that five or 
six persons should have liberty "to build a pair of stairs up to the west- 
ward beame within the meeting-house, and a pew- upon the beam," for their 
own use and at their own charge ; that "strangers are not to be discommodious 
to the meeting-house" : and that no boys should be suffered to sit on the 
stairs or above stairs, and that no young men or young women offer to 
crowd into any seat where either men or women are seated. 

Early Laws and Rulers. — After the erection of New Hampshire with a 
royal province, under President Cutt, we trace the operations of an estab- 
lished and authoritative government through the acts of a general assembly. 
We find it framing a code of laws, comprising sixteen "capital," twenty- 
seven "criminal," and forty-five "general laws." Here is what constituted 
drunkenness in that day : "By drunkenness is to be understood one yt lisp? 
or falters in his speech by reason of overmuch drinke, or yt staggers in his 
going, or yt vomits by reason of excessive drinking, or yt cannot, by reason 
thereof, follow his calling." Here is the law against scandal or malicious 
gcssip, or the dealers in false news: "That wt p'rson soever, being 16 years 
of age, or upwards, shall wittingly or willingly make or publish any lie wch 
may be tending to ye damage or hurt of any p'ticular p'son, or wth intent to 
deceive & abuse ye people with false news or reports, shall be fined for every 
such default los., and if }'e p'tie cannot or will not pay ye fine, then he shall 
sit in ye stocks as long as ye court shall thinke meete : & if the offenders 
shall come to any one of Councill & own his oft'ense, it shall be in ye power 
of any one of ye Council aforesd to execute ye law upon him where he liveth. 
& spare his appearance at ye court : but in case when ye lie is greatly p'nicious 
to ye Comon \Veall, it shall be more severely punished, according to ve nature 
of it." See Hoyt's "Notes on Laws of New Hampshire." 

President Cutt died in 1682, and was succeeded temporarily by his deputy, 
Richard \\"aldron, a prominent and active man in the colony, and a zealous 
friend of Massachusetts, until the appointment and arrival of Cranfield as 
lieutenant-governor and coniniander-in-chief. and with powers greatly exceed- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 119 

ing any of his predecessors. His commission begins thus, "Whereas our 
colony of the Massachusetts {alias Massathusetts Bay), within our dominion 
of New England, in America, hath taken upon themselves to exercise a govern- 
ment and jurisdiction over the inhaliitants and planters in the towns of 
Portsmouth, Hampton, Dover, Exeter, and all others ye towns and lands in 
our Province of New Hampshire, lying and extending itself from three miles 
northward of Merrimack Ri\er into the province of Maine, not having any 
legal right or authority so to dc. the said jurisdiction and all farther exer- 
cise thereof we have thought tit l>y the advice of our I'rivy Council to inhibit 
and restrain for the future. * * * Now know ye, that we. reposing 
especial trust and confidence in ye prudence, courage, and loyalty of you, 
the said Edward Cranfield, Esq., out of our especial grace, certain knowledge, 
mere motion, have thought fit to constitute and appoint you our lieutenant- 
governor and commander-in-chief of all that part of our province of New 
Hampshire," etc. His commission has also theSe words, "and above all 
things we do by these presents will, re(|uire, and command you to take all 
possible care for the discountenance of vice and encouragement of virtue and 
good living, that by such example the infidels ma)- lie incited and desire to 
partake of the Christian religion; and for the greater care and satisfaction 
of our said Io\'ing subjects in matters of religion, we do here b\- will, recjuire 
and command that libert)- of conscience shall be allowed unto all Protestants, 
and that such especially a^ >hall be conformable to the rites of the Church of 
England shall particular!)- be countenanced an<l encouraged." This is the 
exception which is alw-a)-s understood with liberty of conscience, especially 
to favor our own, and such an exception gives unbounded liberty of perse- 
cution to a narri'iw- and bigoted official. In "libert)' of conscience" and a 
desire to establish il there is not anything to choose between I'nritai-i and 
Episcopalian in this period of excited controversy; neither knew what it 
really meant, each clainie(l it <nily so far as it suited his own interest or 
prejudices; so history e\-er\-w-here give^ a ])artial and false inipression by the 
emphasis which the writer lays u])on the injustice done to those with whom 
he happens to sympathize. In the "Notes on the Laws of New Hampshire." 
above quoted from, we find (page lo) this passage: "The Rev. Mr. Moodey, 
the only niinister in Portsmouth during the administrations of Cutt and 
Cranfield, refused to liaptize the children of some of his parishioners accord- 
ing to the ceremony of the English Church, though often and earnestly 
requested." Liberty of conscience seems to have been interpreted by him 
to mean intolerance of any conscience but his own. Yet no one w-ho has 
read the history of this period with any freedom froni bigotry w'ould venture 
to say there was any less intolerance (jn the part of Cranfield. while, if 
enlightenment of conscience liy a pure and noljle life could be counted u])ou, 
Moodey was by far the more acceptable life. 

Governor Cranfield left the province in May, i')t^5. and was succeeded 
for a short time by Walter Barefoote, his deputy, until the commission of 
Dudley in May, 1686. and he in turn was followed b\- Andros fron-i Decem- 
ber, 1686, to April, 1(^)89. Then for a period of ele\-en months the ])ro\-ince 
was without any government until it was reannexcd to the province of Massa- 
chusetts on the 19th of March, t^kjo. During this perioil, as is shown by 



120 HIS'JORY 01' ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

the careful paper of Mr. Charles W. Tuttle on "New Hampshire without 
Provincial Government," the attacks of Indians, especially the tragedy at 
Dover, in which the venerable Richard W'aldron. one of the most prominent 
men in these settlements, and a number of the inhabitants were slain, and the 
dangers from the French revealed the weakness and insecurity of these sepa- 
rate colonies, and forced them for self -protection to join with the Massa- 
chusetts, under whose rule the l^iscata(|ua remained until .Samuel Allen was 
commissioned as governor of the province, August 13, 169 J. His son-in- 
law. Usher, was appointed with him as lieutenant-governor, a man, as we 
shall see, particularly objectionable to the people on account of his arbitrary 
interest and action in the Mason claims. Partridge, the Earl of Belmont, 
Dudley, and William Vaughan successively administered the government 
of this province, either as governors or lieutenant-governors, until the com- 
mission of John W'entworth as lieutenant-governor, signed by the distin- 
guished Joseph Addison as secretary of state, was published to the province 
on the 7th of December, 171 7, and the more settled history, government, 
ami prosperity of the province begins, as well as tlie longer reigns of its 
rulers. 

John \\'entworth was the son of Samuel W'entworth, the first of the name 
in Portsmouth. He lived on the south side of what is called Puddle Dock. At 
that time the vicinity of the Point of Graves was the business part of the 
town, and in 1670 is the record that Samuel W'entworth was licensed with 
"libertie to entertain strangers and sell and brew beare."' In 1727 the town 
granted permission to build a bridge over the cove or dock, now called Liberty 
Bridge, but at that time the co\-e extended farther into the town, so that at 
high tide boats passed over I^leasant .Street to the South Creek or mill-pond 
by the Universalist Church. 



CHAPTER IX 

PORTSMOUTH— K'«"^»H/a/; 

The Mason Claims — Theological Movements — Early Clergymen — Cranfield 
and Moodey — Imprisonment of Moodey — Mr. M'oodey's' Interest in Har- 
vard College — His Death — The Ministry of Rogers — The Half-ivay 
Covenant. 

Mason Claims. — During all this period, to the government of which we 
have briefly referred, and even to a much later date, the petitions and efforts 
of the Mason heirs were fruitful of the most constant and serious disturb- 
ance to the province, and of course with a legal if not an equity claim. In 
1 68 1 we find a petition, signed by most of the prominent settlers, setting forth 
that "the great matter of difficulty now amongst us is referring to Air. Mason's 
pretensions to the propriety of the lands we possesse, some countenance to 
his clayme whereunto lie hath gotten in yor Alajtys Commission imder the 
broad Seal, which we cannot but thinke has been by inderect meanes and 
untrue informations (in wch he abounds) ol)tained. \\''ee are informed \-t 
he has no authority, Authentique, Originall, or Duplycate, of any grant for 
the soyle. nor hath he in any measure attended the scope of such grant fif 
any such had been made to him), viz. : the peopling of the place and enlarg- 
ing yor Majtys Dominions, both which have been vigorously attended by 
the present Inhabitants. The vast expense of estate is mostly if not merely 
a pretence. An house was built in this province, but the disbursements laid 
out were chiefl}^ in the Neighbouring Province of Meyn. on the other side 
of the River, and for carrving on an Indian Trade in Laconia, in all wch 
his grandfather was but a partner, however he would appear amongst us as 
sole proprietor." The petition states at length how Mason has tried to 
substantiate his claims by the signatures of persons of no influence or account 
in the province, and adds, "These subscribers are the generality of the whole 
province, yt are householders and men of any principles, port, or estate." 

This is met by a counter [jetition from Mason, requesting all the acts of 
the governor and comi>any of the Massachusetts Bay to be declared void 
and niegal, and that "the petitioner may not be any longer ke]>t out of his 
inheritance by the continuance and practices of evill minded men." 

After Cranfield assumed the government here and had looked into this 
disturbing element, we find him writing that "Mr. Mason hath much mis- 
represented ye whole matter, both as to ye place and people. * * * i^. 
stead of being ready to own Mr. Mason as their Proprietor, they arc very 

Vl\ 



122 HISTORY OF ROCKIN'GHAM COUNTY 

slow to admit of any person except their Sovereign Lord, the King, to be 
their Lord Proprietor." In the same paper he adds, "Touching Ecclesiastical 
Matters, the attempting to settle ye way of ye Church of England, I per- 
ceive willbe very grievous to the people. However, Mr. Mason asserted yt 
tlieir Inclinations were mch yt way. I have observed them to be very dili- 
gent and devout in attending on yt mode of worship wch they have been 
brought up in. and hath been so long settled among them, and seem to be 
very tenacious of it, and am very thankful for His Majties gracious In- 
dulgence in those matters." 

In 1 69 1, Robert Tufton Mason, to whom the estate of his brother, John 
Tufton Mason, had descended, sold his whole claim in the province of New 
Hampshire to a merchant in London, Samuel Allen, for the sum of seven 
hundred and fifty pounds, a paltry sum after the statements of expenditures 
and the prosperity of the colony, or a proof that the confidence in his legal 
claim or the hope of recovering anything had nearly vanished. One of the 
chief reasons for Usher's unpopularity was his attempt immediately upon 
arriving to secure into his own possession all the papers relating to the 
Mason claims. For some time, through the determined opposition of 
Pickering, a man very prominent in the early history of the settlement in 
both church and state, he was prevented, and at last after succeeding, and 
after many discussions and legal attempts, a peaceful solution of the long 
standing contention was about reached when Allen died and his son carried 
on the strife. Again, in 1746. John Tufton Mason, still claiming a title to 
the realm of New Hampshire, sold it in fifteen shares to twelve persons 
prominent in the province, who at once released to all the towns the lands 
which came under the old grants, and Mason's claim forever fell asleep. 
Two or three conclusions are evident from a careful review of the whole 
matter, — that Mason was not the original founder of this colony, but the 
one who carried on the original settlement by Thomson to a successful issue; 
that he was one who by a long and generous interest showed his unwearied 
faith in its final success; that he doubtless spent large sums upon this colony 
without any encouraging returns; that after the settlement was by his heirs 
for a long time abandoned there is every reason to suppose the wages of his 
colonists and their labors to build up the province fairly entitled them to 
most of the possessions here, and that most of the claims made by succeed- 
ing generations of heirs were manifestly exorbitant and unjust. But, on 
the contrary, when in "Notes on an Indenture of David Thomson and 
others." recently recovered among the papers of the Winthrop family, it is 
said. ".Xew Hampshire has but little cause to cherish his (Mason's) memory; 
and he would probably have been forgotten but for the accidental re\-ival 
of his name by the claims of his heirs, who used them as an instrument to 
annov and perplex the settlers on the soil, who had acquired a right to their 
homesteads and farms by long undisturbed possession," we think we find 
here the old spirit of the Massachusetts to belittle the character of the 
settlers at the Piscataqua, for there is no reason to suppose that Mason was 
not an honorable, loyal, generous, and good man. 

Theological Movements. — The change in the Piscataqua from Episco- 
])acv to Puritanism, was made during one of the most excited ecclesiastical 
periods in history. 



AND REPRESEXTATIVE CITIZENS 123 

The turbulence and bitter personalities which filled all England, both 
in church and state, are ecjualed but two or three times in history. 

Now it was at the very culmination of these troubles that our settle- 
ments were made, the Bay Colony by the Puritans, Maine and New Hamp- 
shire, the Piscataqua by the adherents of the Established Churches. The 
first chapel on Pleasant Street was built, and Richard Gibson, the first nun- 
ister of the Piscataqua parish, preached in it the very year ( 1638) that 
Episcopacy was abolished in England, and the glebe with its chapel and 
parsonage was given by the inhabitants to the wardens and their successors 
forever, just on the eve of the civil war in England. Can anyone at all 
acquainted with the bitterness of party feeling, either in politics or theology, 
fail to see a sufficient explanation of the constantly repeated charges against 
the Piscataqua settlement that it was begun and carried on simply in the 
interests of trade, and l)y men who had no religion, for to the Puritans 
Episcopacy was no religion ? On the other hand, does not the same height 
of party feeling lead us to su])pose that the supporters of the Established 
Church at this point did everything with reference to its perpet^it^■, if for 
no other reason because it was. exen thdugh weak, an ojien testim )n\- in their 
cause in the very face of Puritanism? Xo one can wish to i|uestii)ii the 
purity of life or the praisewortln- sacrifices <-)f manv of the Puritans, or 
that the first settlement of the Plymouth Colony was made singly in the 
interests of religious liberty: but the spirit of colonization at that time per- 
vaded all classes about alike, and the character of the various settlements 
soon became much the same. 

The settlements along the Maine coast and at Piscataqua were strictly 
in the interests of the Established Church: and without making any claims 
for the special godliness of their memliers, the testimony is ample that 
though the kind of religion was dift'erent fmm the Bay Colony, there was 
just as much interest in the kind. When the expedition under Popham 
reached the Maine coast in 11:07, as soon as they land they listen to a 
sermon from their preacher, Richard .Seymour, and as s()(jn as they dis- 
embark they build a church. 

It is easy to see, therefore, that all the heat of ecclesiastical troubles in 
the old country was reproduced in these neighlioring settlements. The <|ues- 
tion then arises. How did the Episcopal parish here pass so rai)idly and 
completely under the control of the Puritans? The solution is not afar. 
In the first place, as in the Bay Colony some elements of Episcopacy appear, 
so there were doubtless some of Puritanism already here from the l)egin- 
ning. Next, with the greater influence and fear of the [Massachusetts colony, 
all her efforts were directed towards hastening the supremacy of Puritanism. 
We find a record that a merchant of London writes to John W'inthrop, Jr.. 
"there are honest men about to buye out the Bristoll men's ])lantations on 
Piscataqua, and doe pro])ose to plant there five hundred poor people:" and 
a little later Bristol merchants whn had iKjught the patents of Edward Hilton 
sell them to purchasers by the encouragement of Massachusetts, "in respect 
they feared some ill neighborhood from them :" whereupon one of the Puri- 
tan historians writes, ".\s tliese new proprietors were of Puritan preferences 
and principles, such a consideration must Iiave been very welcome to the 



124 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Bay authorities, who naturally wished to be surroumled by those who labored 
for the same great cause of reformation." 

To the ecclesiastical enmity which separated the colonies at the Bay and 
at the Piscataqua there must be added a political animosity also, arising from 
the feeling on the part of some that the Bay Colony had assumed here a 
jurisdiction which never justly belonged to it, a feeling which seems to have 
remained deep-seated and active even to the time of the appointment of the 
first governor of the separate province of New Hampshire. 

In 1664 the king appointed commissioners to visit all these colonies and 
collect testimony in regard to the many complaints which had reached the 
court. The appointment of it created great opposition by the Bay Colony, 
and great consternation at the Piscatacpia. The religious and political dif- 
ferences ran so high that the commissioners found hard work and ill treat- 
ment awaiting them. John and Richard Cutt, who seem to be the leading 
selectmen of Portsmouth, sent a messenger post-haste to Boston for advice, 
saying that although "our people the five to one are in their hearts for the 
Bay, yet they have fears that the king's commissioners will gradually take 
advantage upon us by secret seducing the ignorant and ill afTected, then will 
openly prevail with the rest;" but when the commissioners came and held 
their meeting at Portsmouth, one Henry Sherborne ( the same who was a 
church warden ) , when it was demanded who would be under the immediate 
government of the king and renounce the Massachusetts, "the sayd Henry 
Sherborn sayd, 'one and all for the King,' or in words to that effect." 

Such are the incidents which reveal to an impartial consideration .the 
true condition of the colony, its various divisions, its theological and political 
excitement, and its personal animosities. 

In the light of this historical sketch we find then a far safer antl iiKjre 
sufficient explanation of the early matters of our settlement than it has 
been customary to give. All the charges that it was made only in the in- 
terests of trade, and that it was wholly irreligious, or as Winthrop says, 
that it was the usual manner (some of them) of the colonists here to coun- 
tenance all such lewd persons as fled from the Bay here, as if our settlement 
was composed of that class of persons, fall to the ground. The accusation 
has the common sound and taint of the party feeling which ran at that 
time so high. Many early settlers both at the Bay and here were of the 
highest class of colonists who ever left a mother-country, and many were 
of that restless nature moved by the numberless motives which fill all new 
settlements. As human beings they were pretty much the same, as wor- 
shipers they were widely apart and greatly embittered against each other, 
but the settlement at the Piscataqua I have satisfactorily shown was planned 
and supported enthusiastically in the interests of Episcopacy. 

In the light of this historical review we find the only true explanation of 
another point which has been as steadily misunderstood or misrepresented. 
If the first parish and church were Episcojial, how is it that all the services 
after the departure of Gibson were by Puritan ministers, and that the chapel, 
parsonage, glebe land, and all the ap]>ointments for public worship were 
transformed with seemingly so little ])ublic or long-continued opposition to 
the Puritans?' 










•-t 



AND REIT^KSENTATIVF, CITIZENS 127 

In the first place we must give uj) all those suggestions which, if they 
did not show themselves as too partisan, would be too absurd, such as that 
the forms of the deed were expressed according to the Church of England, 
and appropriate church terms were used because no other were at hand ; 
that the deed was t^nrpnsely drawn so as to leave the form of worship to 
be decided from time to time. Would anybody have reasoned thus if a 
Catholic priest had been chosen, or the glebe land come under the Romanists' 
patronage, or that the adherents of the Established Church, in assenting to 
the worship they were powerless to prevent, did ever see in the change any 
perversion of the original intention and employment of the gift? \\ e all 
well know that churches are never thus indifferently founded, and that the 
denominational spirit is not so readily transferred, and does not so readily 
die out. If we could ask \\'alford and Sherborne, the first wardens, or 
any of the little congregation of churchmen who, in that little log chapel 
on Pleasant Street, saw the Puritan minister, Parker, officiate in the winter 
of 1642 without robes, and without the Book of Common Prayer, whether 
there was in that any perversion of the provisions for the maintenance of a 
church, can there be any doubt what their reply would be? 

The parish had been gathered, the chapel and parsonage built, and the 
glebe land set apart with no other thought than that the worship according 
to the Established Church of England would be perpetual in the Piscataipia 
settlement, but the proprietors and supporters of the settlement died, and 
their estates came into new hands. Some of the leading churchmen of the 
colony went elsewhere or died, and of course many of the settlers were as 
willing to support the worship of one church as another, and some were 
earnest for Puritanism. The Bay Colony, as we have seen, was far more 
populous and prosperous, and even reached as far as England to see that 
their neighboring settlers were of the same faith. The jurisdiction of 
Massachusetts was established over the Piscataqua settlement just at that 
time, and the \'ery year the chapel was built Episcopacy was abolished in 
England. If all the records which a sectarian zeal made way with were 
extant, we should doubtless find more open opposition to the rule and wor- 
ship of the Puritans than we do, but the Episcopalians could no longer 
support public services, and their numbers were soon almost lost in the 
rapid increase of Puritans. In secret, without a doubt, they trusted that 
the Established Church would soon be triumphant, the combination with 
Massachusetts be dissolved, and the king confirm to them all the rights of 
their chapel and worship. That time never came. It remained for them to 
worship in their own chapel under other forms or to have no jiubljc worship 
at all. They did the former, and even Sherborne himself became much 
interested in subsequent ministrations of the South Parish, and in the build- 
ing of the Second Church. 

The Puritans, too, could not as I see have done or been exjiected to do 
otherwise. There was the unused chapel and parsonage and glel)e land : 
perhaps no one thought of objecting to their worshiping in it. \\'hen Sunday 
came round, as a companv of travelers in distant lands and of divers faiths, 
they were all glad of some kind of worship, and went to \\hat they had. .-\s 
to their appropriating it as their own thereafter, that was what either side 



128 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

was doing to the other whenever it could during that long period of eccle- 
siastical anarch)-, and justice froin one bitterly excited sect towards another 
is something which is still remanded to a Sunday's meditation rather than 
to the consideration of a parish meeting. 

I find not so much fault with what the Puritans did at the time as their 
explanations of it afterwards, when a calmer survey of history, or a little 
meditation upon the golden rule, ought to have taught them better, not so 
much with what they did in the heat of theological warfare as what they 
attempted to justify in the calm of Christian worship. 

With the departure of Gibson in 1642 the public services of Episcopacy 
in the Piscataqua settlement came to an end. W'e shall find that it was 
almost precisely a centurv' before they were again opened, but not so as to 
have any historical associations with the first parish and chapel of their 
faith on Pleasant Street: all the worshipers there had become a part of the 
South Parish, and yet it is Init a fair concession to the tenacity with which 
we know persons hold to their inherited or adopted faith to regard it as 
quite probable that during that century Episcopacy did not quite die out 
among the descendants of the early worshipers. 

The most important incidents in the recorded history of this settlement 
now follow for a time the two or three principal pastorates. Joshua Moodey 
began his ministrations in the year 1658, and the next year was regularly 
settled as the minister of the town. He was born in \Vales in 1632, and 
brought by his father to this country the following year. The family lived 
for a time at Ipswich, and removed to Newbury in 1635. Mr. Moodey 
graduated at Harvard in 1653, and began the study of tlieolog\-. He preached 
in the new meeting-house in Portsmouth with so much apjiroval that a sub- 
scription was taken for his maintenance for a year, and then lie was called 
to be the minister, yet such was the division of sentiment (ui account of 
Puritanism and Episcopacy, preventing any permanent and hannonious 
action, that he was minister of the town for twelve years before a church, 
meaning thereby a body of communicants, was gathered. The Episcopal 
element, though small, was so important and influential that in regard to 
all matters pertaining to the minister's support it had to be regarded, and it 
persistently opposed everything which tended to the strict organization of 
Puritanism. The history of the formation of the church is still plainly pre- 
served in Mr. Moodey's own handwriting in "A Book Containing Ye Min- 
utes on Ye Church of Christ in Portsmouth. Anno., 1671." 

"Portsmouth, N. E.. Anno 1671. 
"After many serious endeavors wch had been used by ye then minister of 
ye place (since the pastor of ye Church there) in publig, & by severall of 
ye Inhabitants in Private; ye Lord (without whose presence and Blessing 
man builds but in vaine) was pleased at length to lay ye foundation of an 
House for himself in this place, of ye Beginning and progress whereof here 
follows a brief but true account. In ye winter of ye foregoing year [viz., 
1670] there were severall meetings together of ye minister with sev'll of 
ye Inhabitants (who were members of other congregations) in ye country 
&• by jinnidfuce settled Inhabitants in Portsmo', to discourse and confer 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 129 

about ye greate worke and necessary Duty of entering into Church Fellow- 
ship, yt themselves might enjoy all ye ordinances of ye Lord's House, & 
theyr little ones also might be laid near God's Altars, and brought up under 
ye Instruction & Discipline of his House. Nor could they yt were members 
of other churches any longer satisfy themselves to live without ye enjoy- 
ment of those edifying & strengthening ordinances yt theyr soules had in 
some measure formerly tasted ye good of, tho' now for some yeares been 
kept from; others also, well affected to ye worke, professed theyr longings 
after those fatt and marrowed things in God's house, and theyr readiness 
t joyne with yue in helping to build if they should be found fitt for ye 
same. 

"Hereupon sev'll assembled in Private & sought ye Lord by fasting & 
prayer yt. hee would discover to us a right way (there being many feares 
and discouragements before us) for ourselves and little ones ("Ezra viii. 
21, 22, 23), and wee hope wee may say hee was entreated of us. as ye Event 
hath in some measure (blessed bee his name) made manifest." 

Then follows an account of private meetings, which were continued 
several days, to discuss the subject and arrange the conditions of church 
membership; meetings of inquiry as to relations of one to another, so that 
they could freely unite in the same society; of consent to several sermons 
deli\ered by Mr. Moodey upon the subject in the latter part of 1670 and 
beginning of 1671 ; of a committee appointed to "acquaint the Civill" 
authority of their purpose; of an invitation sent to other churches; of their 
attendance with the civil authority ; of a sermon by the pastor, and the 
ordination of the pastor by several of the elders, and of the ordination of a 
deacon by imposition of hands and prayer. 

The nine persons who were embodied and formed the first communicants 
were Joshua Moodey, Mr. John Cutt, Mr. Richard Cutt, Elias Stileman. 
Mr. R. Martyn, James Pendleton, Samuel Haines, Mr. John Fletcher, and 
John Tucker. So widely were they scattered that Stileman was from Xew 
Castle, and Haines from Great Bay. at Greenland. 

Cranficld and I\foodcy. — It seems from the language of Cranfield's com- 
mission that one of the principal objects of his apnointment was to settle 
the serious difificulty constantly reappearing in the colony in regard to the 
claims of the heirs of Mason. His descendants, under the lead of Robert 
Mason, Esq., one of Cranfield's council, came to reassert their right to 
most of the land here, which had been greatly improved, and the titles to 
which having been derived from the government of Massachusetts Bay, the 
judges in England had set aside. The most serious disturbances the colony 
had yet known now began. Cranfield's residence was at Great Island, now 
New Castle, where a number of the leading colonists lived. Of course, 
Cranfield and Mason became at once objects of bitter hostility to all the 
settlers, who, without any or with no good legal titles, began to fear the 
loss of their possessions. The home government had decided that on account 
of great expenses which the ancestors of this Robert Mason had incurred 
upon their grant of land at the Piscataqua he had a claim upon the estates 
here. Mason agreed with the home government to demand nothing for 
the time past, nor molest any one in the time to come, pro\'ided the tenants 



130 HISTORY 01' ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

would pay liim sixpence on the pound on a just and truly yearly value of 
all their estates. If no settlement could be made upon these terms, the cases 
were to be sent to England for decision. It is easy to see the tumult into 
which the colony was thrown, it being iletermined almost unanimously that 
the claims of Mason would not be satisfied. Each house became the seat of 
a secret conspiracy. All conversation was about the claims of Mason and 
the unpopular governor at Great Island. The result of it was that Cranfield 
could not settle the difficulties, adjust the claims, nor resist the wide-spread 
opposition, nor, as it has generally been represented, obtain any personal 
advantages from the office. Complaints were made against him, and 
listened to by the government, that he had attempted to settle himself cases 
which ought to have been sent to England, and he left the province in 16S5. 
Whether it was liecause Cranfield was sincerely desirous to favor the Estal> 
lished Church, or whether he used this plea to cover up plans for self- 
aggrandizement, or whether it was because the Rev. Mr. Moodey, as one 
of tlie most influential men of the settlement, was in the way of his success. 
Governor Cranfield soon came to an open rupture with Mr. Moodey. A 
ministry of twenty-four years at the time Governor Cranfield came, and 
steadily increasing in favor and influence, had given to Mr. Moodey a sway 
in all local as well as parish matters which could not easily or safely be 
disputed, and that Mr. Moodey was not unwilling to use it appears from a 
letter of one Chamberlain, secretary of the province and justice of the peace, 
wherein it is stated that Mr. Moodey was "archbishop and chief justice too." 
The occasion for an open rupture between the head of the state and 
the head of the church came in 1684. In that year one of the leading charac- 
ters of Great Island, George Jaffrey, a constable, and a prominent merchant, 
was brought before the court for some evasion or infringement of the 
revenue laws, but for some reason legal proceedings against him were stayed, 
and he seemed about to escape. Mr. Jaffrey was, however, a member of the 
church worshiping at the old South, and it came to the ears of Mr. Moodey 
that there had been some false swearing in the matter, and when the state 
let Mr. Jaffrey go the church took him up. Mr. Moodey brought Mr. Jaffrey 
before the church for disciplne, against the command of the governor, and 
in the end obtained from him an open confession of his wrong, a confession 
so sincere that, instead of provoking him, it led Mr. Jaffrey to be afterwards 
an active, useful, and leading man in the church. Thereupon a short time 
after Governor Cranfield issued an order that after the ist of January 
ensuing all the ministers within the province should admit all persons of 
suitable years and not vicious or scandalous in their lives to the blessed 
sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and their children unto baptism; and if any 
persons desired the sacrament, or their children to be baptized according to 
the liturgy of the Church of England, it be done accordingly under penalty 
of imprisonment of the clergvnnan refusing and the loss of all the profit 
of his spiritual benefices. This was in accordance with a statute of Queen 
Elizabeth, but it was also in conflict with a later statute granting liberty of 
conscience unto all Protestants, — a provision as we have seen ])lainly made 
in Cranfield's commission, and also in conflict with a provision of the church 
in not jicrmilting one who was not in holy orders to administer its sacra- 



AND REPRRSENTATIVE CITIZEXS 131 

ments, and Mr. Moodey had not been ordained to the Churcli of England 
ritual. In spite of all this the arbitrary and enraged governor sent word to 
Mr. Moodey soon after that on a following-named Sunday he should attend 
worship at his church and receive the sacrament according to the service 
of the Established Church. The order reads very much like the reported 
command of one of our colonels in the late war. ordering out a battalion of 
men to be baptized, so as not to be surpassed by a revival in another regiment. 
The governor sent also to Rev. Seaborn Cotton, of Hampton, saying that 
when he had prepared his soul he would come and demand the sacrament 
of him, as he had done at Portsmouth. Whether the governor ever pre- 
pared his soul is not a matter of history, but without waiting for that the 
minister of Hampton at once fled to Boston. It was not so with the more 
courageous minister of Portsmouth. Mr. Moodey refused to obey the 
governor, saying, 'T told the marshall I durst not, could not, should not do 
it," whereupon complaint was made against him of violating the statute of 
Queen Elizabeth : "that the said Joshua Moodey, being the present minister 
of the Town of Portsmouth, in the province of New Hampshire, 
by the duty of his place is by laws and statutes of the said realm of England 
required and commanded to administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper 
in such manner and form as is set forth in the Book of Common Prayer 
and administration of sacraments and other rites and ceremonies in the 
Church of England, and shall use no other manner or form than is men- 
tioned and set forth in the said book. Whereas the said Joshua Moodey 
in contempt of the said laws and statutes hath wilfully and obstinately 
refused to administer the sacrament of the Lord's supper, according to the 
manner and form set forth in the said Book of Common Prayer unto the 
Hon. Edward Cranfield, Gov. of his Maj. in the Province of N. H., and 
others of his Maj'. Council of the said Province, and doth wilfully and 
obstinately use some other form than is by the said statutes ordained. There- 
fore, &c., doth pra}' that the said Joshua Moodey being thereof convicted 
according to the Law. may suffer such penalties as by the said statutes are 
made and provided." In another information against Mr. Moodey praying 
for judgment against him that he might suffer the penalties of the statute 
we find this expression : "The said Moodey having for many years had the 
appearance «& reputation of a minister of God's word." It seems that the 
justices were divided in their opinion, two holding that he was not liable 
to the penalty on account of the liberty of conscience granted to all 
Protestants here, and four holding that he was. Mr. Moodey himself, at 
the quarter sessions the 5th of February, 1684, upon examination pleaded 
"his not being ordained, having no maintenance according to the statute, 
and therefore not obliged to do that work which the statute required. 
Besides, these statutes were not made for these places ; the known end of 
their removal hither being that they might enjoy liberty in these foreign 
plantations which they could not have by virtue of the statutes at home, and 
were allowed to have here, especially our commission granting liberty of 
conscience." But it was all to no purpose, for the governor had determined 
upon his imprisonment, and tn the prison at Great Island Mr. Moodey went. 
There is preserved a letter of one William Vaughan. who was imprisoned 



132 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

about the time, containing a journal with comments of current events. He 
writes, "Above all, our minister lies in prison, and a famine of the Word 
of God is coming upon us. No public worship, no preaching of the word. 
What ignorance, profaneness, and misery must needs come." Under date 
of February lO, 1684: 

"The Sabbath is come, but no preaching at the Bank nor any allowed 
to come to us. . . . Motions have been made that Mr. Moodey may 
go up and preach on the Lord's day, though he come down to prison at 
night, or that neighbor ministers might be ijermitted to come and preach, 
or that the people might come down to the prison and hear, as many as 
could. But nothing will do; an unparalleled example amongst Christians, 
to have a minister put out and no other way found to supply his place by one 
means or other. Good Mrs. Martin was buried, being not able to live above 
one Sabbath after the shutting up of the doors of the Sanctuary." 

How many would die for that reason now? Mr. Martyn, one of the 
first seven members of the church, was also imprisoned, and this journal is 
authority for the remark that the governor said to him, "I want money and 
will have it." "But," said Martyn, "I have none." Then said the governor, 
"I will take you home," adding also that Martyn was a church-member, 
and he would watch him and all such and be sure to pay them off if he 
could catch them. In April, after they had been "nine Lord's days without 
a sermon," Mason, in absence of Cranfield, gave leave for any minister to 
come and preach at the Bank, whereupon Rev. Samuel Phillips, of Rowley, 
came for two Sundays, the 13th and 20th of April. 

We find this item under date of September 12th: "Mr. Joshua Moodey, 
being to take a journey out of the Province, was forced to give a recognizance 
of £200 to return in three weeks, if alive and well." 

Mr. Moodey underwent imprisonment with a courageous spirit, and 
writes during his confinement : 

"I told the court that I should go to prison with much more peace than 
they sent me thither, and particularly applied myself to Roby, a church- 
member, and told him that I had done nothing but what he was by solemn 
covenant engaged to maintain, and wished him to provide against the day 
when these things should be overhauled. . . . But blessed be God for 
Jesus Christ, I am quiet and at peace. Thus I have many things that are 
matter of repentance and shame to me, yet in this matter I am abundantly 
satisfied in my lot, and hope shall be a gainer, and that the cause of Christ 
will gain by my sufferings. Only methinks I find it a hard matter to suffer 
in a right manner. Something of stoutness of spirit, some other sinister 
ends are apt to creep in and spoil suffering work. The Lord grant that I 
may have grace so to carry it as not to lost aught that I have done and do 
now suffer! I beg your hearty prayers for me, that with integrity and 
sincerity I may cheerfully and patiently bear my cross till the Lord shall 
give me a discharge." 

There is another letter dated "From the prison, 27th ist Mo., 1684," 
i. e., March 27, 1684, in which he writes to Rev. Mr. Phillips, of Rowley, 
urging him to come to Portsmouth and preach : 

"Oh. consider that my poor flock have fasted about forty days, and 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 133 

must now be an hungered! Have pity upon them, have pity upon them, 
and thou, my friend! And when you have taken your turn we shall hope 
for some other. You will thereby not only visit me in prison, but feed a 
great multitude of the hungry and thirsty little ones of Christ, which will 
be accounted for at that day. Pray come early enough in the week to give 
notice to the people. (I do also in behalf of my dear and tender wife, thank 
you for yours to her.) Now pray for me, that I may have an humble heart, 
and that my whole soul, body, and spirit may be sanctified and kept blame- 
less to that day." 

Mr. Moodey was once allowed to leave the prison and make a short visit 
to his family. He was released after thirteen weeks' imprisonment under a 
strict charge to preach no more within the province on penalty of further 
imprisonment, whereupon he removed to Boston, and was at once called 
to be assistant minister with Rev. John Allen at the First Church, and at 
once occupied a prominent place, and was held in the highest regard during 
the eight years of his ministry. Mr. Moodey seems to have followed the 
course of the justices who condemned him with a keen vision, and he 
interpreted the disasters which befell them as a divine retribution for his 
imprisonment, and in the church records he writes of them as follows: 
"Not long after Green repented, and made his acknowledgment to the pastor, 
who frankly forgave him. Roby was excommunicated out of Hampton 
Church for a common drunkard, and died excommunicated, and was by 
his friends thrown into a hole near his house for fear of an arrest of his 
carcass. Barefoot fell into a languishing distemper, whereof he died. Coffin 
was taken by the Indians at Cochecho, 1689, his house and mill burnt, him- 
self not being slain but dismissed. The Lord give him repentance, though 
no signs of it have yet appeared." 

While Mr. Moodey was at Boston he became a fellow of Harvard 
College, and upon the death of Rev. John Roger, the president, the dis- 
tinguished honor of that office was offered to him, but declined. 

It had doubtless been greatly owing to Mr. Moodey's interest in educa- 
tional matters that in May, i66g, the inhabitants of Portsmouth sent to 
the General Court of the Massachusetts the following address, to which 
Mr. Moodey's name is appended : 

"To the much Hon"" the General Court of the Massachusetts assembled at 
Boston, 20 May, 1669: 

"The humble address of the inhabitants of the town of Portsmouth 
humbly sheweth that seeing by your means funder God) we enjoy much 
peace and quietness, and very worthy deeds are done to us by the favor- 
able aspect of the Government of this Colony upon us we accept it always 
and in all places with all thankfulness. And tho' we have articled with 
yourselves for exemption from publique charges, yet we never articled with 
God and our own consciences for exemption from gratitude which to demon- 
strate while we were studying, the loud groans of the sinking College in 
its present low estate came to our ears. The relieving of which we account 
a good work for the house of our God, and needful for the perpetuating of 
knowledge, both religious and civil, among us and our posterity after us, 
and therefore grateful to yourselves, whose care and study is to seek the 



134 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

welfare of our Israel. The premises considered we have made a collection 
in our town of £60 per annum (and hope to make it more), which said 
sum is to be paid annually for these seven years ensuing, to be improved at 
the discretion of the Hon'' overseers of the College for the behoof of the 
same and the advancement of good literature there, hoping withal that the 
example of ourselves (which have been accounted no people) will provoke 
the rest of the country to jealously (we mean an holy emulation to appear 
in so good a work), and that this hon'' Court will in their wisdom all meet 
vigorously to act for divesting the sad omen to poor New England; if a 
College begun and comfortably upheld while we were little shoulcl since now 
we are grown great, especially after so large and profitable an harvest, that 
this country & other places have reaped from the same. Your acceptance 
of our good meaning herein will further ol)lige us to endeavor the approving 
ourselves to be your thankful and humble servants. 

"John Cutt. 

"Richard Cutt. 

"Joshua Moodey. 
"in the name and behalf of the rest of the subscribers in the towne of 
Portsmouth." 

This address from the inhabitants of the town of Portsmouth was pre- 
sented by Mr. Richard Cutt and Joshua Moodey. May 20, 1669, and grate- 
fully accepted ; and the governor, in the name of the whole met together, 
returned them the thanks of this court for their pious and liberal gift to the 
college therein. 

The town of Portsmouth had then become the richest town, and the 
occasion of the subscription was a general collection for the pur]>ose of 
erecting a new brick building at Harvard College. Dover gave thirty-two 
and Exeter ten pounds for the same purpose. This interest in Harvard 
College and the recollection that besides the election of Mr. Moodey to its 
presidency, Dr. Langdon, of the North Parish, was also called to the same 
office at a later period, Dr. Peabody, of the South Parish, fulfilling the 
same duties temj^orarily at a still later period, and that Dr. Stiles, of the 
North Parish, was called to the same office at Yale College, show how 
greatly the strength and substantial character of our parishes were due to 
their appreciation of and demand for an able, cultivated, and learned minister. 
and how greatly the congregations have departed from so general and deep 
an interest in true scholarship. 

Mr. Moodey ami Witchcraft. — But the one thing for which Mr. Moodey 
deserves the highest credit, and which shows a mind enlightened and liberal 
beyond the current opinions of his day, is the part he took in the witchcraft 
delusion, a delusion which, as we shall see at another time, hardly found any 
spread or reception in our settlement. While he was settled over the First 
Church in Boston. Salem was very much excited upon the subject, and 
Philip English, an eminent merchant of Salem, with his wife, were sent to 
the Boston jail by reason that the one at Salem was crowded with the 
victims of this terrible persecution. Mr. Moodey took an early occasion to 
call ui)on them and invite them to his church (they having the liberty of 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS. 135 

the town by clay, on condition of returning to the jail at night), and preached 
from the text, "When they persecute you in this city flee ye into another," 
in which he justified every attempt to escape from the forms of justice 
when justice was violated in them. After service he visited the prisoners 
and advised them to flee, and ofi'ered himself to assist Mrs. English to 
escape. After much reasoning he induced them to go, and had provided, 
with the consent of the governor, for their escape from the prison at mid- 
night. They reached New York and remained until the danger was over, 
and yet so universally was witchcraft believed in. even by many of the 
best, that Mr. Moodey was severely denounced for opposing it. 

Death of Mr. Moodey. — The long ministry of Mr. Moodey over the 
parish at Portsmouth created an attachment which is revealed by the words 
of tenderest sympathy while he w'as ministering to the First Church at 
Boston. He writes that during his residence there "the church were often 
visited by the pastor, and kept up theyr private meetings, and so held 
together, tho" some removed and others were taken away by death." 

In a letter to Increase Mather, then in England, he writes, "If vou can, 
in all your opportunities of waiting on his Majty find a season to thrust in 
a happy word for poor X. Hamiishire, Axho are under lamentable circum- 
stances. Mason is dead, hut his suns survixe, and possibly may be worse 
than hee. You know how the poor people have been unreasonably harassed, 
and to raise one family on the ruins of half a dozen considerable Townes 
looks hard. 'Tis my afi^ection to my ])eople that has drawn this hint fro. 
mee. I leave it to your consideration and pray for God's presence to be 
with you." .And again he writes, "If something could be done for the poor 
province of X. Hampshire & Mein. it would be a good work." 

The year after Mr. Cranfield drove Mr. Moodev to Boston he was him- 
self removed from his ofifice here, and though the opportunity was offered, 
and Mr. Moodey constantly expressed the deepest interest in the parish here, 
it was not until i'')93 that he returned. The explanation is very easy and 
satisfactory, if only we keep in mind the Episcopal element, which has been 
so steadily ignored, and which must ha\'e been brought to the surface, and 
probably was more important and influential than it had been since the 
ministry of Gibson. The want of harmony in the parish was doubtless 
such as to make him question the usefulness of his ministry, although never 
without the cordial, earnest support of a large portion of the ]>arish. In 
July, 1688, Mr. Moodey wrote to Mather upon the subject, "I need exceed- 
ingly your advice aliout going to Portsmouth, which is vehemently urged by 
my church and people, and the next week we are to take counsell about it. 
The church is dear to mee, and I could bee glad to be with them, but the 
circumstances of mv removing hence and being there are tremendous to 
mee. Pray for mee daily." At length he removed his pastorate here, and 
continued it for four years, when a dangerous illness seizing him from his 
wearying labors he went to Boston for medical advice, and died there on 
Sunday, lulv 4, 1607. His funeral sermon was preached by Cotton Mather, 
from the text. "Looking steadfastly on him they saw his face as it had 
been the face of an angel," in which for all the virtues and gifts of a clergy- 
man he is placed among the foremost of his day. "The church of Ports- 



136 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

mouth,"' he says (a part of the country that very much owed its hfe unto 
him), "crj's out of a deadly wound in his death." 

That Mr. Moodey liad an impressive manner, which left an influence 
upon his hearers, I should judge from a trifling incident, that during the 
time of rebellion under Cranfield, one W'aldron, talking by the road with 
another of the subject, said he had been thinking of a sermon he heard that 
Mr. Moodey preached at Dover, and his text was "in the time of adversity 
consider." That he hesitated not to bring all the influences of religion upon 
the politics of his day may be judged from the deposition during the Corbet 
conspiracy of one who testified Corbet had said Mr. Moodey's prayers were 
but babblings, but withal he must be regarded as a man of distinguished 
abilities, ceaseless industry, fervent piety, and during a long ministry in 
a diflicult field resolute in his sense of right, full of kindness and sympathy, 
foremost in every good work, devoted to his parish, and faithful unto the 
end. 

The Ministry of Rogers. — The long ministry of Moodey ended in 1697, 
and after several attempts to settle a clergyman, on the 3d of May, 1699, 
Nathaniel Rogers was ordained minister of the town of Portsmouth. He 
was born at Ipswich. February 22, 1669-70, and graduated at Harvard in 
1687. 

His work was quiet, faithful, and successful, but although repeatedly 
solicited to publish some of his sermons he always refused, and we have 
nothing by which to judge of the character of his writings; and the influence 
of his ministry, which in all respects appears the best, was unhappily greatly 
lessened by a serious disturbance in regard to building a new church, which 
for a long time embittered the whole neighborhood, and even extended 
throughout the province. 

After being the minister of Portsmouth for fifteen years, preaching in 
the old South, Mr. Rogers was directed, by a vote of the church-members, 
to officiate in the new meeting-house w'hich had just been completed on the 
northeastern corner of the glebe land, the site of the present North Church. 
Here he remained preaching with acceptance and success for nine years 
until his death, on the 3d of October, 1723, making a total pastorate of 
twenty-four years five months. He was buried at the "Point of Graves." 

The Half-zvay Convcnant. — It is somewhat remarkable that with a clergy- 
man so strictly of the Genevan school as was Mr. Rogers his churcli should 
under his pastorate adopt what was temied the Halfway Covenant, but in 
the church records under date of April 21, 1707. we find the following: 
"At a church meeting legally convened it was voted that persons having a 
competent knowledge, and making a serious profession of ye Xian Religion, 
and being of a conversation void of scandal, upon ye owning ye covenant, 
and subjecting themselves to ye government of Christ in this church, shall 
be admitted to baptism, and have the like privilege for ye children." It 
would seem that to be well informed of Christian truth, and to seriously 
profess to obey its recpiirements, to be of a walk and conversation free 
from all reproach, to confess the creed, and to be entirely subject to the 
Head of the Church would be sufificient to admit one to the questionable 
salvation by the form of baptism, but such was the severity of the Geneva 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 137 

school that all this was only half-way. A man might be of an upright walk 
beyond question, a glory of example of goodness to all the world, and yet, 
being without the formal test of election, redemption, and faith, all his 
goodness was unavailing, and even might make against him. Nevertheless 
this Half-way Covenant was for a time quite popular in New England, and 
was in use in the new parish in Portsmouth until it was discontinued by 
Dr. Putnam. 



CHAPTER X 

PORTSMOVTH.— {Continued.) 

Temperance — Use of Tobacco — Church Pezcs and Customs — Observance 
of Sunday — Cost of Living — Early Laws — The Massacre at the Plaijis 

Temperance. — In matters of temperance early settlers are not apt to be 
the best examples. Yet there is nothing which shows so well as history 
the progress the temperance cause has made. The convivial habits of one 
hundred, two hundred years ago would not be endured for a moment any- 
where. Any one who will take the trouble to look up the social life of the 
English or Scotch, or of our own land, beyond the present or last century, 
is amazed at the custom of intoxication or excessive drinking. \Miile among 
the greatest of the evils we have still to deal with, the change has been very 
marked, and the excited and unfounded statements that we are intemperate 
beyond all other people, or that, proportionately, the vice is greater in our 
day than in the past, are made in utter ignorance and the extremest party 
or fanatical zeal. All these settlements were well sup])lied with aqua vity. 
as it is spelled (acqua vitoe, water of life), being the common name of brandy, 
or the spirit of wine. It comes in all the inventories as a part of the goods, 
and sack, the name of a Spanish wine now called sherrv-. is not infrequently 
in the accounts. 

In Londonderry, at the close of the last century, the e\-il was so great 
that at the installation of a clergyman a hogshead of rum was drank, and in 
one part of the house in which the minister lived was a tavern where spirits 
was sold and drank on Sunday by members of the church, and so wide- 
spread was the custom that on a fast-day, when the minister was supposed 
to be free to indulge in some special topic, he was widely denounced for 
preaching upon temperance. 

Use of Tobacco. — The use of tobacco, then comparatively novel, but a 
habit which has a tendency to make its subjects forget how disagreeable it 
may be to others, early became subject to legal restrictions. In 1646 we 
find, "Whereas there is great abuse in taking tobacco in a ver>' uncivil 
manner in the streets, if any person or persons shall be found or seen doing 
so hereafter he shall be subject to punishment;" and. again, "any person or 
persons who shall be found smoking tobacco on the Lord's day going to or 
coming from the meeting within two miles of the meetinghouse, he shall be 
fined." Within two miles was construed to have no bearing on such as had 
a mind to smoke in the meeting-house, and so the loud snapping of tobacco- 

138 



AND REPRESEXTATIVE CITIZENS 139 

boxes after loading the pipes: the clinking of flint and steel, followed bv 
curling wreaths of smoke, were not infrequent in the house of worship. 

Church Pezvs and Custoins.—We have referred to the old South Church 
being for a long time without any pews. The church at Hampton had 
at first but one pew, and that for the use of the minister's family, the rest 
of the house being furnished with seats for the accommodation of the 
people. Each man was obliged to build his own pew, keep it in repair, to 
maintain all the glass against it. and he must build on the spot assigned him. 
In the town of Stratham there was an exception, where by a vote of the 
town "Air. Andrew \\'iggin shall have liberty to set in what seat he pleaseth 
m the meeting-house." while the general law was "that when the committee 
have seated the meeting-house, every person that is seated shall sit in these 
seats, or pay fi\-e shillings per day for every day they set out of these seats 
in a disorderly manner to advance themseh'es higher in the meeting-house. 
Persons were seated in church according to their rank or station in life or 
society, and Mr. was at that time a title of great distinction. The distance 
persons walked for worship is almost incredible in our degenerate day. 
They came on foot from Rye. New Castle, and Greenland to the Old South 
Church over the bridge, and it was no uncommon thing for women to walk 
six or eight miles, and sometimes carry an infant child. Before the town 
of Bedford was set off its inhabitants for some time attended worship at 
Londonderry. They performed the journey on foot, and generally carried 
one or two children a distance of tweh'e miles. 

There is an order of public worship in Boston as follows: "It begins by 
ringing of a bell about nine of the clock or before." The pastor prays a 
quarter of an hour. The teacher reads and explains a chapter. A psalm is 
dictated by one of the ruling elders and sung. The pastor preaches a 
sermon, and sometimes gives an exhortation without notes. The teacher 
closes with prayer and benediction. Ser\nces begin at two in the afternoon, 
and proceed in the same order. 

\\'hen a minister exchanged, the ruling elder said to him publich-. after 
the psalm was sung, "If this present brother hath any word of exhortation 
for the people at this time, in the name of God say on." Before departing 
in the afternoon one of the deacons said, "Brethren of the congregation, as 
God hath prospered you, so freely offer:" then the magistrates and chief 
gentlemen first, and then the elders and all the congregation of men, and 
most of them that were not of the church, all single persons, widows, and 
women in absence of their husbands, went up one after another one way, 
and brought their offering of money or chattel to the deacon's seat, and 
passed by another way to their seats. Persons were appointed to have 
inspection of the audience during the public exercises, whose frequent rounds 
kept the children in order. The badge of their office was a pole with a 
knob on one end and a tuft of feathers on the other: with the one they 
rapped on the men's heads, and with the other they brushed the ladies' faces 
when they caught them napping. Music in these early days, as in the latter, 
was deemed a necessary part of worship, and had its attendant criticisms 
and disaffections. The custom was from the earliest days to deacon the 
hymn, the precentor or leader of psalmody reading two lines and all singing 



140 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

them, and so on to the end ; but the singers wanted to break up tlie old habit 
of "hning" or "deaconing" and have it all their own way. At Stratham 
the matter was settled by a compromise, the deacon by vote of the town 
to read half the time; but still he complained of the bass viol, saying "they 
had got a fiddle into the church as big as a hog's trough;" while at London- 
derry the precentor and choir both kept on at the same time, one reading 
and the other singing, until the latter gained the victory and sang the reader 
down. 

Observance of Sunday. — The observance of Sunday was strict and gen- 
eral, but hedged round by so minute and constant command of the law that 
it is questionable if its true helpful keeping was ever so great as now. Those 
were good times for dull ministers, when every seat in the church was filled, 
without regard to weather or the difficulty of traveling, by the tenor of the 
magistrate more than the fear or love of the Lord, and they were pretty 
serious times for such as some of you who would forsake the sanctuary for 
a walk, a ride to the beach, or an excursion to the Shoals, or the enjoyment 
of a cigar. 

In 1682 it was enacted, — 

"For prevention of the prophanation of the Lord's day that whosoever 
shall, on the Lord's day, be found to do unnecessary servile labor, travel, 
sports, or frequent ordinaires in time of public worship, or idly straggle 
abroad, the person so offending shall pay a fine of ten shillings, or be set in 
the stocks an hour; and for discovery of such persons it is ordered that the 
constable, with some other meet person whom he shall choose, shall in the 
time of public worship go forth to any suspected place within their precincts, 
to find out any offender as above." 

The Plains Massacre. — The most murderous attack by the Indians that 
our local history records occurred at the Plains two miles west of the river 
on the morning of June 26, 1696. They burned five houses and nine barns, 
and killed fourteen people ; in the desperate struggle several others were 
severely wounded, while a number were made prisoners and taken away in 
their retreat through Great Swamp. The inhabitants, who were unaccom- 
panied, were mostly killed or taken prisoners, but those who kept together, 
in the main, succeeded in reaching the garrison house, the site of which is 
on the little knoll of rocks 660 feet northerly from the old Sherburne house, 
on the westerly side of Islington Road. As soon as the attack by the 
Indians was known in the town, a train-band under Captain Shackford was 
sent out to intercept them in their retreat. They overtook the savages while 
breakfasting in the woods, at the junction of Lafayette and Greenland 
Roads at what is known as Breakfast Hill. The soldiers fell upon them 
and recovered the prisoners and the plunder, but the Indians made a hasty 
escape. 

Mrs. Mary Brewster was severely wounded and left for dead, her scalp 
having been entirely removed from her head, but she recovered and after- 
wards became the mother of seven children, from whom most of the Brewster 
families in this vicinity have descended. 



CHAPTER XI 

FORTSMOUTH.—iCoutinucd) 

Re-establishment of Episcopacy — Rez'. Arthur Brozvn — Dr. Burroughs — 
Riders until the Revolution — Benning Wentworth — Sir John Wentworth 
— Principal Nn<itis i.i the Early Settlement — Henry Sherbum — Jnhri 
Pickering — Samuel Wentzuorth — Sir William Pepperell — The Siege of 
Louisburg — Champej-nomne — A Church at the Plains — Absence of the 
Spirit of Persecution — Witchcraft — A New Church — Shurtleff- — Clerical 
Anecdotes — Revival under JVhitefield — The North Meeting House — The 
Snccessiz'e Miuistcrs of the South Parish 

Re-cstablishmeut of Episcopacy. — The persistency with which persons 
for generations cling to their theological inheritances, even at times without 
being able to give any reason for them, is well illustrated in the re-establish- 
ment of Episcopacy in Portsmouth. This element never entirely died out 
here, but was cherished in a few families or individuals, ready to manifest 
itself at any opportunity which promised to give it an organization and a 
home. It was stronger in the Piscatacjua than any of the historians have 
yet acknowledged. It was clearly a part of the early settlers' plan to make 
this a Church of England settlement, but the ascendency of the Massachusetts 
soon put all the interest here in the hands of the Puritans. The first minister, 
a strong defender of the Established Church, was banished simply for that 
reason, and for a long time Episcopacy seemed entirely destroyed. In the 
first quarter of the eighteenth century quite a serious trouble was brewing in 
regard to the boundary line between the Provinces of the Massachusetts 
Bay and New Hampshire. As early as 1730, Col. David Dunbar was chair- 
man of a commission on the part of this province to meet a committee of 
the bay on the adjusting of this line. He was a native of Ireland, and 
appointed lieutenant-governor of this province in 1731, and also surveyor- 
general of the woods. 

While Dunbar had charge of the settlement of the boundary lint, which 
threatened to bring the provinces into open war, one Capt. John Thomlin- 
son, a merchant of London well known in New Hampshire, was agent for 
the matter of the boundary at the court of Great Britain ; and in this Thom- 
linson, Dunbar found a zealous friend of the new church movement. Theo- 
dore Atkinson, one of the most prominent citizens, and whose name con- 
stantly appears in all political matters, was also foremost in aiding it. It 
was begun in 1732, and the church was finished in 1735. This church was 

141 



U-2 Ilisrom' Ol' ROrKIXCHAM COL'XTV 

a frame building, somewhat smaller than the present one, with a steeple 
like that of the old South, and two entrances, one on the west, the other 
on the south. On the north side the central of the wall pews was raised 
above the rest, a heavy wooden canopy. built over it bore the royal arms, 
and red plush curtains were festooned around it. Previous to the Revolu- 
tion this was called the governor's pew, and in 1789 was occupied by W'ash- 
ington when on a visit to Portsmouth. The most valuable of the many 
relics and ornaments of the church, the font, a beautiful piece of porphyritic 
marble of a brownish-yellow color, was plundered from a church in Senegal, 
Africa, by Col. John Tupton Mason, and presented by his daughters to 
Queen's Chapel. 

Rev. Arthur Brozvn. — On the i8th of August, 1735, and chiefly through 
the earnest activity of his ardent admirer, Dunbar, an invitation to Rev. 
Arthur Brown was extended and accepted, and he became rector of Queen's 
Chapel, the salary being assured by the liberality of the English Society for 
Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts. His ministry was popular and 
successful and lasted until 1773, when, on a visit to Cambridge, he died, 
at the age of seventy-four, and was interred in the W'eiitworth tomb of 
Queen's Chapel graveyard. All the tributes offered to his memory show 
that he must have been a man of real culture, of unpretentious goodness, of 
eminent worth. It was not owing to his popular gifts and assiduous labors 
only that his success was so marked. The times were propitious and help- 
ful to second his own and the enthusiasm of a people gathered with all the 
interest attendant upon the establishment of a new church. Every official 
of the Government was expected to belong to the Establisihed Church of 
England ; the ofificers of the army and navy were all really compelled to 
choose that faith. The Rev. Mr. Brown was as fortunate in his death as 
in his labors, for it occurred just as the 'troubles were gathering with Eng- 
land, and the breaking out of the war promised for a time to crush every- 
thing which related to English customs and English worship. The parish, 
which had enjoyed great prosperity for nearly thirty years, suffered a sud- 
den and almost entire overthrow and extinction, and Episcopacy was reduced 
to a state almost as low as at the close of the ministry of Gibson, more than 
a century before, and for almost twenty-five years after the death of Mr. 
P>ro\vn the church was almost entirely neglected. After the Revolution, two 
or three successive rectors were not very successful in their ministrations, 
and in the winter of 1806 the church was destroyed by fire. .\t that time 
the South Parish was without a pastor, and the use of the church was 
oft'ered to Queen's Chapel, now changed to St. John's, and for some time 
it was not unusual for the two societies to unite in pubhc worship, the same 
clergyman frequently officiating for both parishes, reading the Book of Com- 
mon Prayer one part of the day, and following the simple congregational 
order of services for the other. The extremely feeble condition of this 
sect in this part of New England at that period is shown by the fact that 
there was no Episcopal visitation of the Portsmouth parish from I/QI to 
1812. In this latter year we have the first record of the administration of 
the rite of confirmation. 

Dr. Burroughs. — Mr. Charles Burroughs, then in deacon's orders, had 



AND RE^l^:l■S^■XTAT]VE CITIZENS 143 

been the minister of the parish for three years, but never had the oppor- 
tunity of being confirmed. The records show that on the day preceding 
his ordination to the priesthood he received confirmation, together with 150 
of his congregation, and in order to be ordained as deacon he had been 
obliged to journey to Philadelpliia. 

With the estabHshment of peace and liberty of conscience, and under 
the attractive ministrations of Dr. Burroughs, St. John's again took its place 
among the flourishing churches of Portsmouth. Dr. Burroughs was born 
in Boston on the 27th of December, 1787, and there his early boyhood was 
passed. He enjoyed and improved the best opportunities of that day for a 
classical education, in which he made great attainments, and all through 
life enriched a mind of fair proportions with all the elegant literature of 
ancient or modern times. He came to Portsmouth as a reader in iSot), and 
such was his reputation for entering into and rendering the beauties of the 
church service, and the entire satisfaction he gave as a writer, that many from 
other parishes, being occasional listeners, confessed to a willingness to 
remain permanently if Mr. Burroughs could be induced to take the care 
of the parish. Among all the distinguished men of Portsmouth in his long 
ministry. Dr. Burroughs was still eminent for his rare gifts of conversation, 
for his ample culture, for his elegant hospitality at his beautiful home, for 
his inborn and acquired grace of manner, for his unfailing liberality, for 
his daily walk in harmony with his altar professions. He was rector until 
the year 1857, a citizen of Portsmouth until the 5th of March, 1868, when 
he became a fellow-citizen with the saints. 

Rev. Mr. Burroughs was succeeded by Revs. Hitchcock, Armitage, Davies, 
Bingham, Clark, Holbrook, Hovey and the present minister Rev. Harold 
M. Folsom. The cornerstone of the present church was laid June 24, 1807, 
by the grand master of the Masonic Fraternity of New Hampshire. Cast 
in relief in the bell which hangs in the belfry is the following: "This bell 
brought from Louisberg by Sir William Pepperrell, A. D. 1743. Recast 
by Paul Revere, A. D. 1807; again recast 1896." 

An interesting pamphlet has been written by Franklin W. Da\'is entitled 
"Old St. fohn's Parish." The chapel on State Street was erected in 1832. 
It contains the old Brattle organ made in 1709. 

Rulers until the Rc7'olufioii. — In 1717, after a good deal of rivalry and 
disturbance between the governor, the lieutenant-governor, and the assembly, 
the king removed Vaughan from office, and John Wcntwortli was appointed 
lieutenant-governor in his place. 

John WentzvortJi. — John Wentworth was the grandson of William Went- 
worth, the first of the name in this country, whose son, Samuel Wentworth. 
of Portsmouth, has been already referred to. William was an elder of the 
church at Dover, and occasionally preached there. John was born in Ports- 
mouth in 1671. Under his rule the town had a period of peace and steady 
prosperity until 1730, when again a disturbance arose from the appointment 
of Belcher as governor of IVIassachusetts and New Hampshire, who from 
some petty displeasure turned out of office the friends of \\"entwortli : but 
the lieutenant-governor died in this .same year and Dunbar was ai>pointed 
in his place, and retained the place under constantly-increasing opposition 



144 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

until 1 741, when the great dissatisfaction against him as well as Governor 
Belcher resulted in the erection of New Hampshire into a separate province, 
with the appointment of Banning Wentworth as governor in 1741. 

Benning Wentworth. — Governor Wentworth was a son of the former 
Lieutenant-Governor John Wentworth, and was born in Portsmouth in 
1696. He became a merchant of prominence and a person of much influ- 
ence in the colony, and his appointment was received with great satisfac- 
tion by the people. He married for a second wife Martha Hilton, his house- 
keeper, upon which incident is founded Longfellow's story of Lady Went- 
worth. The expedition against Louisburg was the principal and exciting 
event during his term of office, which ended in 1766, just as the Stamp Act 
was arousing the indignation of the American people. 

Sir John Wentworth. — Sir John Wentworth, a nephew of Benning, was 
appointed as governor in 1766, and also as surveyor of all the king's woods 
in North America. He was born in Portsmouth in 1736, and, while on a 
visit to England, became a favorite of the Marquis of Rockingham, through 
whose influence he received his important offices and entered upon them 
in 1768, landing at Charlestown, and crossing from that port by land to 
this town. But the times were growing troublesome for all the English 
officials; the sense of oppression and the desire for liberty were rapidly 
spreading, and in 1774, because of the aid the governor rendered to General 
Gage, the excitement of the people was so great that he was compelled to 
take refuge, first, in the fort at New Castle, and then upon an English 
man-of-war in the harbor. He remained in England until peace was declared, 
became lieutenant-governor of Nova Scotia, and died in 1820. He was a 
friend to education, and gave 46,000 acres of land to Dartmouth College, 
and also a grant to each member of the first graduating class. After he left 
the country and the War of the Revolution secured the independence of the 
United States, this settlement, whose history we have sketched in its most 
important events, became, with New Hampshire, a part of the American 
Union, and entered upon that marvelous prosperity which has won for this 
country the admiration and envy of the world. 

A FEW OF THE PRINCIPAL NAMES IN THE EARLY SETTLEMENT 

Henry Shcrhurnc. — Among those who were very prominent in the civil 
and ecclesiastical affairs of this colony was Henry Sherburne, from the begin- 
ning an active churchman and a warden of the first church of the Piscataqua 
settlement. His associate warden, Walford, appears some years later as the 
husband of the witch Goody Walford, and there may be some reason for 
the supposition that the charge of witchcraft had a connection with the ani- 
mosity existing between the Independents and church party. Sherburne 
appears in this settlement as early as June, 1632, when the Bay Colony came 
into rule here and it was evidently no longer possible to maintain Episcopacy. 
Sherburne still took an interest in supporting public worship, as approved by 
the majority, although by no means to his own mind. We find him appointed 
by the town to go in search of a minister, and also engaging to entertain the 
minister when he came. All this was in the faith that the re-establishment of 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 145 

Episcopacy niiglit occur at an early day, and in this faith it doubtless was 
that we find him in the first list of the subscribers to the support of Moodey 
while officiating at the old South in 1658; but when his faith by force of 
circumstances grew less, and it was evidently the intention of the Bay to 
establish their ecclesiastical system here, with all its vigor, then Sherburne 
refused altogether to contribute towards the support of doctrines he did not 
accept, for in a list of subscribers to the maintenance of Moodey in 1671 we 
find annexed to the names of Henry Sherburne and Richard Sloper, his son- 
in-law, the note "will not subscribe." 

John Pickering. — In the list of inhabitants of Portsmouth who, in 1640, 
made a grant of fifty acres for a glebe land for the use of the ministry' we find 
the name of John Pickering, who in himself and his descendants was to 
play a conspicuous part in town matters, both civil and ecclesiastical. 

The first John Pickering appears in Portsmouth as early as 1635, perhaps 
as early as 1630. He came here from Massachusetts, and probably was the 
same person spoken of as being at Cambridge soon after that town was settled. 
He died on the i8th of January, 1668-69, leaving a large family. It was his 
son John who became so prominent in church and town affairs. He was 
born about 1640, and died about 1721. He first conies into notice as a 
military man, for which his character and talents seem eminently to have 
qualified him. As captain, he had a command in Portsmouth for a number 
of years. When John Cutt was appointed first president of the separate 
government of New Hampshire, in 1680, Capt. Pickering was a representative 
for the town of Portsmouth, and he was also a member of the assembly called 
by Cranfield and dissolved in great wrath because it would not raise the money 
he desired. 

It is mentioned in the early records that during the suspension of govern- 
ment consequent on the imprisonment of Andros in 1689. Capt. John Picker- 
ing, a man of "a rough and adventurous spirit and a lawyer," "went with a 
company of armed men to the home of Richard Chamberlain (who wrote 
the book called Lithobolia. or Stone-throwing Demon at Great Island), who 
had been secretary of the province under Andros & clerk of the Superior 
Court, & demanded the records & files wh. were in his possession, & upon 
refusing to deliver them up without some warrant or security. Pickering seized 
them bv force, carried them off, and concealed them, and in turn was by force 
compelled to deliver them to Lieutenant-Governor Usher." Voluntarily or by 
selection he seems to have been engaged in several such enterprises about 
records of both church and state. He was a member of the convention which 
in 1690 recommended a reunion with Massachusetts, and was chosen a member 
of the assembly which met at Boston for a number of successive years, and was 
several times chosen its speaker. As a lawyer he could not have been without 
popularity and confidence, for in 1707, when the great cause of Allen vs. 
W'aldron" invoh'ing Allen's title to the Province of New Hampshire, was tried 
for the last time, and all the strength of each side was brought out, embracing 
some of the first men in the province. Captain Pickering was selected as one 
of the counsel to defend the houses and lands of the inhabitants. In the affairs 
of the church it was this Captain Pickering who was appointed to build the 
stocks and pillories for the punishment of offenders, and on account of his 



146 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

remarkable strength, of which stories apparently fabulous were handed down. 
was chosen at the time of Mr. Moocley's settlement to keep the congregation 
in order, reserve seats for the distinguished guests; but he let all in before the 
time, on the theory that at church one person was just as good as another. 
When the difficulties began in regard to the site for the new church, which 
ended in the formation of a new parish and animosities which disturbed the 
peace of the whole province for a generation. Captain Pickering was the 
leading spirit in the old South Parish, who carried everything as he willed at 
the town-meetings, either by persuasion or by force, strenuously opposed 
building the new meeting-house so far up as the site of the North Church, 
carried the matter again and again to the General Court, and generally with 
success for his side ; was foremost in all matters concerning the old parish, 
and when at last the old church could be no longer repaired he de\ised to 
the Smith Parish a lot of ground for a convenient site for another meeting- 
house to be set off to the said parish, "on the highest part of his neck." He 
was a large real-estate owner at the south end of the town, and what was 
called "Pickering's Neck" was a part of the land on which the fourth place of 
worship for the Town of Portsmouth was built, being the church of the South 
Parish until the present stone church was built in 1824. 

Samuel IVcntii'orth. — In the list of subscribers to the support of Mr. 
Moodey, and so. of course, among the worshipers at the old South, we find 
the name of Samuel Wentworth. This is the first of the family, afterwards 
so prominent in public affairs, who appears in our town. At that time the 
vicinitv of Point of Graves was the principal part of Portsmouth. For a 
while Samuel Wentworth lived at Great Island, and afterwards built by 
Puddle Dock, on the south side of the dock, at the north end of Manning 
Street, the first Wentworth house, still in good preservation. It was in this 
house that the first lieutenant-governor, John Wentworth, his son, lived, and 
here was married in 1693, and owned all that part of the town as far as the 
South Church. 

.After the gathering of North Parish some of the family of Samuel Went- 
worth are found in that, while to others belonged an acti\-e part in the forma- 
tion of the Episcopal Parish. 

^Vhen Great Island became a town, under the name of New Castle, in 
1693, several of the prominent parishioners at the old South became identi- 
fied'with the church at New Castle, and some still retained a nominal connec- 
tion and even an active interest in the old parish, as well as in the North after 
its establishment in 1714. Among these were Cranfield and Barefoot, Robert 
Cntt and Pendleton, Stileman and Fr>-er. .\tkinson and Ston,-. Sheafe and 
JafTrey. 

Sir William Pcppcrcll. — I have now to notice two persons who in a day 
when titles of nobility or birth in the aristocratic famihes of Old England 
conferred a real eminence upon men were conspicuous figures in our early 
history. William Pepperell became a communicant at the old South, Novem- 
ber 5, 1696; and his son, who was afterwards created a baronet for the taking 
of Louisburg, was the last baptism recorded by Mr. Moodey, May 9, 1697. 
I am indebted to a careful and valuable manuscript life of Sir William 
Pepperell, l)y the Rev. Dr. Burroughs, which is far better than the printed 



AXU Ri;i'RI':sl-:XT\TI\-E CITIZEXS 147 

life of the distinguished merchant hy Parsons, for much of the following 
biographical and historical matter. 

William Pepperell was born in 1647, in Cornwall, England, and became 
a settler at the Shoals in 1670. attracted to the commercial advantages of 
Appledore and the prominence of its fisheries. Here, about 1680, he married 
a daughter of Mr. John Bray, one of the leading islanders, who had for 
some time refused the offer of marriage from Pepperell, Init, says Dr. P.ur- 
roughs, "relented in proportion to the increase of his property." .\s his 
business increased the Shoals offered too small a field for his enterprise, and 
he and his partner, a Mr. Gibbins, resolved to leave the weather-beaten islands, 
and to resort to chance and determine their separate destination. The story 
runs that they each set up a long pole and left it to fall as Providence should 
direct. Pepperell's fell towards the northwest, Gibbins' towards the north- 
east. Following with obedience and enthusiasm the plan they had adopted 
and the course pointed out by the fallen sticks, Pepperell established himself 
on the Kittery side of the mouth of the Piscatacjua, and made large purchases 
of land there, while Gilibins obtained that tract on the Penobscot afterwards 
known as the Waldo jjatent. As early as the year 1681 we find the name of 
Pepperell and his father-in-law. Bray, on the town records of Kittery, then a 
province of Massachusetts, and here Pepperell spent the remainder of his 
days. His business enterprises were so successful that in 1712 there were 
but three persons in Kittery. then including Eliot & Berwick, whose property 
was estimated to be of more value than his. In this year Pepperell interested 
himself in organizing a church at Kittery, w hose inhabitants attended worship 
under serious inconveniences of distance, weather, and tide at Strawberry 
Bank. He was chiefly instrumental in the settlement of the Rev. Mr. \ew- 
march at Kittery, not far from his own mansion, in 17 14. and was one of 
the first signers of the covenant. Up to this time, William Pepperell, at age of 
almost seventy, and his son, afterwards Sir William, at the age of eighteen, 
had been constant worshipers at the old South. William Pe])perell died in 
Kittery, in 1734, leaving Sir ^Villiam the principal heir, and with the care 
and responsibility of a large property. But even before this he had mani- 
fested remarkable enterprise and sagacity as a merchant, and his ships were 
found in all parts of Europe and the West Indies. One of the first things 
he did was to build the family tomb, still standing in that open field not far 
from the old family mansion. In \~22. at tlie age of twenty-six. Sir William 
married Miss Hirst, of Boston. 

Sir W'illiam had no opportunities for an education, except sucii as came 
from a multiplicity of relations with men in all ranks of society; but Dr. 
Stevens, his pastor, who preached a sermon upon his character soon after 
his death, says, "Such were his abilities and virtues, so distinguished and 
admirable his social qualities, that he soon drew the notice and engaged the 
affections of all." "So elevated were his principles and disinterested his views, 
and so active was his benevolence, that his fellow-citizens considered him as 
their patron and friend, and bore towards him the sentiment of filial venera- 
tion and aft'ection." To the various duties and large responsibilities of one 
of the greatest merchants of New England, Sir William had added a numl)er 



148 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of important civil offices, but it was reserved for his military success to give 
to him his title of nobility. 

Elizabeth, daughter of Sir William, was married to Nathaniel Sparhawk, 
in 1742. and here is her father's letter ordering from England a part of 
her wedding outfit : 

"RiscATAQUA, in New England, October 14, 1741. 
"Sir : Please send me by first opportunity, for this place or Boston, 
silk to make a woman a full suit of clothes, the ground to be white paduroy 
and flowered with all sorts of colours suitable for a young woman. Another 
of white watered taby and gold lace for trimming of it ; twelve yards of green 
paduroy : thirteen yards of lace, for a woman's head dress, two inches wide, 
as can be bought for 13s. per yard; a handsome fan, with leather mounting, 
as good as can be bought for about 20 shillings ; two pairs of silk shoes, and 
clogs a size bigger than ye shoe. 

"Your servant to command, 

"William Pepperell." 

The Siege of Louisbury. — The siege and capture of Louisburg were the 
great warlike achievements in our early history, and the command and success 
of the whole enterprise belonged to Sir William. Upon his return he was 
receive'd at Portsmouth, entertained, and escorted to his boat, as it departed 
from our shore to his mansion at Kittery, with an outburst of enthusiasm 
from the inhabitants and an oration, both civil and military, even greater 
than were paid to Washington. As in our late war, there were in this adventure 
some rivalries and jealousies as to whom belonged the credit of the expedition, 
and Col. William Vaughan, a grandson of Maj. William Vaughan, who came 
to Portsmouth about 1650, is said to have first prepared a plan of the capture 
and proposed it to the Government, and Governor \Ventworth and others 
were disappointed, not being given the charge of the enterprise ; but all eyes 
turned to Colonel f^epperell, as of well-known and eminent moral worth, of 
acknowledged military skill, of tried statesmanship, of elevated rank in the 
confidence of the community, and the best fitted to command the expedition. 
If the success of an engagement might be always predicted from the char- 
acter of the principal supporters, we might have foretold the capture of Louis- 
burg, for the number of persons prominent in Portsmouth, under the command 
of Pepperell, was certainly large. 

While Pepperell had the matter under consideration, Whitefield, the cele- 
brated Episcopal and itinerant clergyman, and founder of the Calvinistic 
Methodists, was on a visit to Maine, and Pepperell became well acipiainted 
with him, and asked Whitefield's advice. 

"Your scheme," said the great preacher, "I think not very full of encourage- 
ment. The eyes of all will be upon you, and should you not meet with success 
the widows and orphans will utter their complaint and reflection, and if it 
be otherwise numbers will look upon you with envy and endeavor to eclipse 
your glory. You ought, therefore, in my judgment, to go with a single eye, 
and then you will receive strength proportioned to your necessities." White- 
field furnished the motto for the flag of the expedition, "Nil dcsperaiiduin 
Christ 0." 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 149 

New Hampshire furnished 500 men. one-eighth of the whole land 
force. Among these was the Rev. Mr. Langdon ( once the grammar school 
teacher, and then pastor of the North Church), as chaplain, and Jacob Sheaf e, 
son of Sampson Sheafe, of Great Island, as commissary. There was Nathaniel 
Meserve as lieutenant-colonel; there was Samuel Hale with the rank of 
major; there was John Storer, grandfather of George Storer, of this town; 
there was Rev. Animi R. Cutter, of the Massachusetts Regiment, whose eldest 
son was Dr. Amnii R. Cutter, of Portsmouth; there was Rev. Samuel Moodey, 
of York, son of our Mr. Moodey, remarkable for his eccentricities, and private 
chaplain to Sir William. The expedition was completely successful, and 
Pepperell was rewarded with an English knighthood. One by one he was 
compelled to give up his duties and enterprises, and died at his mansion at 
Kittery on the 6th of July, 1759. 

CJianipcnwwne. — There remains for us to notice briefly still another 
important character, whose life has been so carefully written by C. W. Tuttle, 
Esq., of Boston, that beyond his thorough researches no one need desire to go. 
In his sketches of this prominent person, printed in "The Historical and 
Genealogical Register," may be found authority for most of the following. 
Among the early settlers of our province more persons perhaps came from 
Devon and Cornwall than from all other counties in England, and of all the 
noble families in the west of England, few if any surpass in antiquity and 
splendor of descent the- family of Champernowne, being connected with the 
Plantagenets, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, and Sir Walter Raleigh. Capt. Erancis 
Champernowne, one of that family, came to New England in 1636. 

In 1636, Sir Ferdinando Gorges granted to Champernowne's father two 
tracts of land bordering on the eastern shore of the Piscataqua and at the 
mouth. One embraced what has been for the last hundred years and more 
known as the Gerrish and the Cutts Islands, and the stream now known as 
Chauncey's Creek for a long time bore the name of Champernowne. To this 
grant came Capt. Francis Champernowne in 1636, at the age of twenty-two. 
About 1640, and at the time of the granting of the glebe land, Champernowne 
bought 400 acres in Greenland, where he built a house and lived for twenty 
years. Afterwards he added three hundred acres more, including the farm 
of Colonel Pierce, and seems to have lived in a baronial style. At a later date 
he preferred his residence on Cutts Island, and went there to live. He was a 
councillor in the government of Gorges, and for a few years, with his asso- 
ciates, had the sole authority in Maine, and opposed strenuously the usurpa- 
tion by the Massachusetts Bay. He was councillor to Cranfield, to Dudley, 
and to Andros. Strange to say, when some examinations were made, a few 
years since about this almost forgotten character, traditions in Greenland were 
brought to light of the descent from royalty of one Champernowne who used 
to live there, and in Kittery of one who was "the son of a nobleman." He 
was a thorough royalist and churchman, and about ten years before his death 
married the widow of Robert Cutt, of Kittery. He lived a retired and dig- 
nified life, was reserved in disposition, and took little interest in matters 
which tradition says that he forebade any monument to be erected in his 
that day of prominence on account of his high birth, and altogether respected. 
He was doubtless one of the most active .supporters of Episcopacy, and from 



150 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

his residence at Greenland a constant worshiper at the first chapel, and there- 
after, unless too strict a churchman to take any interest in the services of 
Puritanism, at the old South for thirty years. He died on Cutts Island in 
1687. 

Nothing marks Champernowne's Island grave save a heap of stones, 
which tradition says that he forebade any monument to be erected in his 
memory. Among the writings of John L. Elwyn we found the following: 

"Here rest the bones of Francis Champernowne ; 

The blazonry of Norman kings he bore ; 
His lathers builded many a tower and town. 

And after Senlac England's lords. Now o'er 
His island cairn the lonesome forests frown, 

And sailless seas beat the untrodden shore." 

A Church on the Plains. — Quite a little village had grown up at and 
about the Plains, of so much importance that in 1725 a meeting-house was 
built on the rise of ground east of the training-field, and worship regularly 
maintained for nearly two years, when, in 1727, it was voted "to free and 
exonerate them from any tax or charge towards the support of the gospel 
ministry (at the North Church), or any parish at the Bank for the future, 
provided they have frequent preaching more for accommodation than at the 
Bank." The meeting-house blew down in 1748. 

Absence of the Spirit of Persecution. — It has often been remarked that our 
early settlers were singularly free from religious bigotry, and in an epoch 
fruitful of dogmatism and persecution but few instances of fanatical zeal 
can be laid at their feet. Themselves strictly of the Church of England, when 
they could not maintain their own form of worship, the Non-conformist 
clergyman of the Bay found no hindrance here except when Cranfield instituted 
proceedings against Moodey for refusing to administer the sacrament accord- 
ing to the order of the Church of England. There has come down to us an 
account of but a single instance of the infliction of violence in the province for 
heterodoxy, and that was under the law of Massachusetts ( for New Hamp- 
shire as a separate government never authorized such a penalty), when in 1662 
Richard Waldron ordered three Quaker women to be led at the cart's tail 
through New Hampshire and Massachusetts out of the jurisdiction and 
whipped in each town; but Walter Barefoote, afterwards a royal governor of 
New Hampshire, by a pious stratagem, obtained the custody of the women in 
Salisbury, and saved them from further cruelty by sending them out of the 
province. The refuge of Quakers and Anabaptists in these days was Rhode 
Island, a state from the beginning to the present day remarkable for its 
hospitality towards various opinions, luit at that time regarded as the drain 
or sink of New England for the shelter it gave the heretics, so that it has 
been said of Rhode Island, "If any man had lost his religion he might find it 
there among such a general muster of opinionists." We have, in 1656, 
under rule of the Bay, the several enactments against "a cursed sect of here- 
ticks lately arisen up in the world which are commonly called Quakers, who 
took upon them to be immediately sent of God." 




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AND REPRILSIlNTATIVE CITIZENS 153 

IVitchcraft.— There is also but little about the sad delusion of witchcraft, 
which was then a common belief, and while only a score of miles away men 
eminent for piety and learning were hurried into all kinds of errors, persecu- 
tion, and bitterness, only a few instances occur where there were any accusa- 
tions prosecuted for that offense here, and of these not one reached a tragical 
conclusion. The only case in our town had a singular and triumphant ending. 
It occurred in 1656, at Little Harbor, then a part of Portsmouth. The tes- 
timony was that on Lord's day, 30th of March, at night, as Susannah Trim- 
mings was going home with Good wife Barton, she separated from her at 
the freshet, next her house. On her return, between Goodmen Evens and 
Robert Davis, she heard a rustling in the woods, which she at first thought 
was occasioned by swine, and presently after there did appear to her a woman, 
which she apprehended to be old Good wife Walford. She asked me where 
my consort was? I answered, "I had none." She said, "Thy consort is at 
home by this time. Lend me a pound of cotton." I told her'l had but two 
pounds in the house, and I would not spare any to my mother. She said, 
"I had better have done it, that my sorrow was great already, and it should 
be greater, for I was going a great journey but should never come there." 
She then left me, and I was struck as with a clap of fire on the back, and 
she vanished towards the waterside in my apprehension in the shape of a cat. 
She bad on her head a white linen hood tied under her chin, and her waist- 
coat and petticoat were red. with an old green apron, and a Ijlack hat upon 
her head. 

Her husband and others testified to strange things which apparently had 
been brought about by the bewitching of Goody Walford ; but Goody Walford. 
traduced as a witch, boldly brought her defamers into court to answer for the 
slanderous words, and actually succeeded in recovering damages. 

Clerical Anecdotes. — Some of the stories which are told of the contempo- 
rary ministers, neighbors, and friends of Mr. Shurtlefl" give us the only 
glimpses of ministerial life among the scanty records which are preserved 
to us. There was a clergyman at Newington, Rev. Joseph Adams, who lived. 
I believe, to a greater age than any minister ever settled in New Hampshire. 
He is described as a man of fair talents, but of great self-complacency. In 
praying for a person dangerously sick, who had desired the prayers of the 
congregation, he prayed very earnestly that the man might be prepared to die. 
for. added he, "We. O Lord, who are skillful, know there is no possibility 
of his recovery." 

The Rev. John Tucke, settled at the Shoals, was also a contemporary of 
Mr. Shurtleff. The .Shoals was at that time quite flourishing, and Mr. Tucke's 
salary was one of the highest at that time paid in New England. He was a 
scholarly and faithful pastor, and. as it reads on his tombstone at Star Island, 
"a useful physician, both to the bodies and souls of his people." These islands 
had before and after Mr. Shurtlefl^ two or three quite eminent as well as 
eccentric men. There was one Rev. Mr. Rooch, whose prayers were so touch- 
ing and whose life was so pure that it was said of him. "He dwelt as near 
heaven as any man on earth." His congregation were fishermen, and they 
usually assembled one day in the month, besides the Sabbaths, for ])ublic 
worship. On one of these days he was re(|uested to postpone the meeting 



154 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

to a future time, as it was a fine season for their business, and they must go 
out with their boats. He endeavored to persuade them, but in vain, and 
then addressed them: "If you are resolved to neglect your duty to God, and 
will go away, I say unto you, catch fish if you can; but as for you who will 
tarry and worship the Lord Jesus Christ, I will pray unto him for you that 
you may catch fish till you are weary." Thirty went, toiled all day, and caught 
four fishes; while the five who attended divine worship, and afterwards went 
out, caught as many hundred. After that they all regularly attended any 
meetings the pastor appointed. 

After him came the eccentric Moodey, son of the minister of Portsmouth 
of that name, of whom is told that familiar story, that once addressing the 
congregation on the occasion of a shipwreck, he inquired, "Supposing, my 
brethren, any of you should be taken short in the bay in a northeast storm, 
your hearts trembling with fear, and nothing but death before you, whither 
would your thoughts turn? What would you do?" He paused, and a sailor, 
supposing he awaited an answer, and attracted by his description of the storm 
at sea, replied, "Why, in that case, d'ye see, I should immediately hoist the 
foresail and scud away for Squam." 

Revival under IVhitefield. — The most remarkable ecclesiastical event during 
the ministry of Mr. Shurtleff was the great revival under Whitefield, of 
which Mr. Shurtlef? has left an extended account. It is interesting for the 
description he gives of the townsmen, as well as of the revival. He says, 
"You are doubtless in some measure acquainted with the character which 
the I'eople of this Town have heretofore generally sustained. They have, I 
think, been remarkt by strangers for their Politeness in Dress and Behaviour; 
have been thought to go beyond most others in equal circumstances, if not 
to excess themselves in their sumptuous and elegant Living, and Things of a 
like nature; & while they have been justly in Repute for their generous and 
hospitable Disposition, and for many social habits. Diversions of various 
kinds have been much in Fashion, & the vices that have been usual in Sea 
Port and trading Places have been common and prevalent among us. We 
have, I trust, never been without a number of sincere and serious Christians ; 
but even these wise virgins have slumbered and slept ; and as to the generality 
of Professors, they have seemed for a great while to content themselves with 
an empty Fonn, and there has been but little of the Life & Power of Religion 
to be seen." 

Mr. Whitefield came here and preached in the old South Church on the 
25th of February, 1745, and while Mr. Shurtleff seems to have disapproved 
of a good many excesses of the revival, he testifies that he thought "his travel- 
ing this way was a favorable Providence, and his preaching was instrumental 
in making many shake off their heavy slumbers." 

As the result of the revival he gives us his opinion that there is not the 
profane cursing and swearing that was formerly usual ; that the Sabbath was 
more strictly obsei-ved ; that family worship was set up ; that many dishonest 
dealers had made restitution ; that music and dancing were wholly laid aside. 

North Mecting-Hoitsc. — In 1657 there was some objection at the time 
to building the old South Church beyond the milldam, at the fork of the 
roads going to New Castle and the cemetery, and the matter was settled only 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 155 

by the appointment of a committee by the General Court, which finally located 
It there. All the time there had been a small party wanting it farther up 
Pleasant Street. Since the building of that first old South more than fifty 
years had passed away, and from the building of the first chapel near the 
Universalist Church nearly seventy-five. The population, which in 1657 was 
not far from five hundred, had increased to at least twelve hundred in 1693, 
and yet they were all included in one parish, and their only place of worship 
was the old South Church beyond the mill bridge. From some old records 
this number, according to the same calculation. Great Island had about two 
hundred, when a separate parish was established there in 1693. There must 
still have been in the old parish, wide as its limits still were, allowing for the 
same rate of increase, although there is every reason to suppose it was much 
more rapid, at least twelve hundred inhabitants, whose only home for worship 
was the old South, and all the time the settlement had been growing away 
from the church and towards the Bank, as this upper part of the town was 
generally called. The old church was not only in constant need of repairs, 
but was entirely too small to accommodate the large and rapidly increasing 
parish. 

The following vote is copied from the records : 

"At a generall town meeting held at Portsmouth this 24th day of Septem- 
ber, 171 1, voted, that the new meeting-house be built on the corner of the 
minister's ffield and that it be the stated meeting-house of ye town. Voters 
for the meeting-house are si.xty-five, against forty-five, — and the selectmen 
were empowered to raise money by way of a town rate for said house. 

"The minority deemed the parade too far north and continued to worship 
in the old meeting-house ; when the house was completed it was voted January 
7, 1714, that Nathaniel Rogers, minister of this church, should come to the 
new meeting-house erected at ye Bank, on ye next Sabbath, seven night, and 
preach there, and continue preaching there as formerly at ye old Meeting 
House, and perform all other offices which appertain to his function." 

The people at the South End claimed that the vote for locating the house 
in this place was obtained unfairly; and they were not willing to submit to it. 
After Mr. Rogers began to preach in the new house, they obtained Rev. 
John Emerson to preach in the old house. The controversy ran so high, that 
it was referred to the Legislature; and the following vote was passed by the 
Council and General Assembly of the Province of New Hampshire, at Ports- 
mouth, May II, 1714: "Upon the hearing of all parties referring to the 
meetinghouses of this Town, and having seen the grants, agreements and 
votes of the said Town of Portsmouth, referring to the settlements of the 
Rev. Mr. Rogers, the present minister of the said Town or Parish. — voted the 
said Mr. Rogers be established the minister of the said Town, and be con- 
firmed in the possession of the Gleeb land or Parsonage Lands according to 
the agreement with the Town." Provision is also made in the same act for 
the support, by the town, of the minister at "the other Meeting House at the 
Mill Damm." — Provincial Papers of N. H.. iii-559. 

But this did not bring peace; for we find, that, two months later, there 
are two sets of town-officers in Portsmouth, — one elected by a town-meeting 



156 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

at Uie i.>lil meeting-house, the other cliosen at the new; and the interposition 
of the Legislature is again requested, with the following result: 

House of Representatives of Xew Hampshire, July 28, 1714, "Voted a 
concurrence with the order of the Governor and Council, and considering the 
Regularity of the Town Meeting at the New Meeting House the seventh of 
June, confirm the Town clerk and all other officers then chosen, and the 
votes then passed about the new Meeting House." 

The majority retained the minister and removed the church records and 
the ])late, which included the silver flagons presented by Thomas W'ibird in 
i/GCy and six cu]>s dated 1705, to the new meeting-house, calling themselves 
the "North or First Parish." 

The result of the whole trouble was that the two parishes were declared 
to be the two parishes of the town, and went on with a prosperity which has 
hardly known a pau.se. For a long time the history of the two parishes 
was the same, that of the church of Portsmouth, and when it flowered into two 
channels it was fortunately to witness a prosperity for each of which neither 
need he jealous. The first difficulty was in regard to the location of the 
church, the next was doctrinal. 

Siicccssk'e l\Ii)iistcrs at the Old South Parish. — John Emerson, the fourth 
minister of the South Parish, was the third minister of that name settled in 
New England. The ministry of Mr. Emerson lasted from the 23d of March, 
1714-15, to the Jist of February, 173--33, a pastorate of seventeen years, 
and, after the settlement of the difficulties with the North Parish, of undis- 
turbed tranquility and unexami>led prosperity. 

The ministry of the South Parish has been as follows: Rev. William 
Shurtleff, installed February 21, 1733, died May 9, 1747; Rev. Job Strong, 
ordained January 28, 1749, died Sei>tember 30, 1751: Rev. Samuel Haven, 
D. D:. LP, D,, ordained May C, 1752, died March 3, 1806; Rev. Timothy 
Alden (college). 1 799-1805: Rev. Nathan Parker, D. D., ordained Septem- 
ber 14. 1808, died November 8, 1833; Rev. Andrew P. Peabody, D. D.. 
ordained 1833, died March 10, 1893: Rev. James DeNormandie, ordained 
1883: Rev. Alfred Gooding, ordained 1884. the present minister. 

.-I Xrzv Church. — The old South Church was now falling into ruins. It 
was deemed unfit for worship in 171 1, when the whole tow-n had voted to 
build a new one, but by reason of the separation the diminished numbers at 
the Mill Dam continued their services there until 1731, when the parish built 
a new church on a lot of land presented by Capt. John Pickering. This was 
the South meeting-house, standing on the site of the present South ward room, 
which was so im|iortant a landmark for mariners coming into Piscataqua 
Harbor, and which, after repairs and remodeling, was finally taken down in 
1863. The stone church on State Street was built of Rockport granite in 
1824-26. The Unitarian Chapel on Court Street was erected in 1857 on the 
site of the old Paxson \\'alton meeting-house. 



CHAPTER XII 

rORTSMOVTH—( Coutiiuicd) 

The Four AJcctiiu/'Honscs — The Ulchc Lauds — The 16/u Bible — The Brick 
Church Buihiiny, uS^^4 — The Successive Miiiistrx of the North Parish 

The Four Meetiiig-H oases. — The following sketch of the four meeting- 
houses is condensed from an address delivered by C. A. Hazletl at the semi- 
centennial of the dedication of the North Church, November 5. ICJ03: 

The first building was the log chapel on Pleasant Street, near the L'ni- 
versalist Church. The second was the meeting-house at the crotch of the 
roads near the south mill bridge. The third was the three-decker meeting- 
house on the parade. The fourth, the present brick church building. 

Besides the four houses of worship, there were several separations and 
divisions from the North Church. In i/oO, the Greenland parishioners formed 
a new parish, dismission being granted on account of the long distance and 
the danger from the Indians while travelling the five miles to and from the 
Portsmouth meeting-house. In 17^5, a meeting-house was built at the Plains 
and stood for twenty-three years, when it was blown down and the ])arish 
became united again with the North Church. 

Then, in 1757, the Independent Congregational Society was formed, ancl, 
under the pastorate of Samuel Drown and Joseph Walton, worshipped in their 
building on the site of the jiresent L'nitarian Chapel on Court Street for 
sixty-five years. 

Another separation, or rather colonization, occurred from the then strong 
Mother Church in 1828, when forty members were granted dismission and 
formed a new parish, worshi])])ing in their new brick building which they 
erected at the corner of Pleasant and Livermore streets, until 1836, when they 
united again with the old church. 

The most serious division was the first one in 171 1, when there was a 
separation into two parishes, one continuing to worship in the old meeting- 
house at the south mill bridge until they built the new meeting-house called 
the "South Congregational Church," in 1731, placing it on Meeting-house 
Hill on the site of the present south ward room. 

The first house of worship in Portsmouth was erected about 1638. It 
stood near the Universalist Church, near the site of the Langdon hou.se now 
occupied by Mrs. Harris, the great-granddaughter of Rev. Samuel Langdon, 
the fourth pastor of this church. 

The Glelye Lands. — On the 23th of May. 1640. twenty of the inhabitants 

If) 7 



158 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

"of the lower end of Pascataquack" con\'eyed by deed to Thomas Walford 
and Henry Sherburne, "Church-wardens of this Parish," and their successors, 
the "parsonage house with a chappell thereto united, as alsoe fiftie acres of 
glebe land." "And forasmuch," the deed continues, "as the said parishioners 
have founded and built ye said parsonadge house, chaple with the appurti- 
nances at their owne proper costs and charges, and have made choyse of Mr. 
Richard Gibson to be ye first parson of ye said parsonadge, soe likewise 
whensoever the said parsonage happen to be voyd by death of ye incumbent, 
or his time agreed upon expired, that then the parsonage presently and nomina- 
tion of ye parson to be vested and remane in ye power and election of ye said 
parishioners or ye greater part of them forever." The glebe land conveyed 
by this deed was in two parcels. Thirty-eight acres of it was "thus to be 
taken, that is to say, ye full tenth part of ye fresh marsh lying at ye head of 
Strawberry Banke Creeke, and that being meeted and bounded to take the 
remainder of the thirty-eight acres next adjoyning to ye said marsh." Straw- 
berry-Bank Creek is still known-as "the Creek." The water tower and powder 
house is in about the center of the upper glebe land. 

In 1791 this land was sold by the wardens at public auction to obtain 
a means for building the parsonage house on Pleasant Street, now owned and 
occupied by Mr. Fred S. Wendell. 

The smaller and more valuable portion of the glebe was twelve acres in 
what is now the central part of the city. It is thus described in the town 
records : "The twelve ackers of land belonging unto the meeting house doth 
take its beginning from the great pine by the sayd house, west and by south 
t(jwards Goodman Humpkins, his hous which he bought of Roger Knight, full 
thirty polls: from the end of the sayd thirty polls, up the hill, north and by 
west, fully fifty-six poll: from the sayd fifty-six polls end diu east forty-six, 
unto a forked pine marked with three noches : from the said forked pine, south 
and by east full forty-four polls, unto the before menshoned great pine." As 
the great pine and the forked pine and Goodman Humpkins's house are no 
longer available landmarks, the glebe may be described as a square lot of land, 
of which the boundary ran from the east corner of the North Church, up 
Congress Street, to a point a little beyond Chestnut Street, so as to include 
the Kearsarge House: thence southerly, parallel with Chestnut Street, to the 
South Millpond; thence easterly, passing this side the Universalist Church, to 
Pleasant Street, and up Pleasant Street to the east corner of the North Church. 

In 1705, at a public town meeting, it was "ordered tc be laid out into house 
lots for peopling the town and that the advantage which arises thereby be for 
the benefit of the ministry," reserving a conveniency for a meeting house, 
courthouse, almshouse, and burying place. The rest was divided into fifty-one 
lots of about fifty by eighty feet each, and leases were made for 999 years 
at from seven to fifteen shillings per year. For many years the rents were 
collected somewhat regularly, but in 1788 many lessees owed for from 
twenty to thirty years' rent, amounting in all to £216. A compromise was 
made and nearly all paid up. In 1823, nearly half the lots were still under 
the leases with from $40 to $167 due for each lot. Suit was commenced 
against the delinquents. This action resulted in the collection of the rents 
due and also in the payments for the discharges of the leases. The writer. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 159 

a few years ago, found some counterparts of the leases that enabled him to 
draw the plan of the glebe lands showing the holders of the leases from 1709 
to 1823 as printed in "Portsmouth Historic and Picturesque." 

The first minister in the chapel was Rev. Richard Gibson. He was of the 
Church of England and no doubt represented the religious views of the leading 
inhabitants at that time. He officiated in August, 1638. and continued until 
1640. It is recorded in the provincial papers of New Hampshire that an 
inventory of goods at Piscataway, made July, 1635, consisted of "for religious 
use, one great Bible, twelve service books, one pewter flagon, one communion 
cup and cover of silver, two fine table-cloths, two napkins," all of which had 
been sent over by John Mason from England. After Mr. Gibson left Ports- 
mouth, the chapel seems to have been used, without any protest, in maintaining 
such form of worship as the majority of the inhabitants — that is, if the parish 
— saw fit ; and that was the Congregational form. 

Then came James Parker, who was of the Congregational Church and 
preached for three years, and he was succeeded by James Brown in 1654. He, 
like Mr. Parker, was not an ordained minister. All the preachers iii Ports- 
mouth down to 1659 hs''' service in the chapel. 

Rev. Mr. Moodey and his bride began housekeeping in the remodeled 
chapel-parsonage, and it was occupied after his death in 1697, by the second 
minister. Rev. Nathaniel Rogers, until October, 1704, when it took fire and 
burned to the ground. His infant child, his mother-in-law and a negro woman 
perished in the flames. 

Rev. Joshua Moodey came to Portsmouth in 1658. He preached for 
thirty-nine years, except while imprisoned by Governor Cranfield in New 
Castle, and while absent for several years in Boston. He was a graduate of 
Harvard, as were all the early ministers here, and was offered its presidency 
but declined. The fourth minister. Rev. Samuel Sangdon, resigned to become 
its president, and his successor, Rev. Ezra Stiles, became president of Yale. 
Mr. Moodey wrote over four thousand sermons, and they were not brief ones, 
for two-hour discourses were not uncommon in his day. There were no 
trolley cars to shorten the sermons or spoil the perorations, though probably 
the half-frozen audiences stamped their feet as the live coals in their foot-stoves 
ceased to burn. He was at first supported l)y the subscription of eighty-six 
persons. 

The change from Episcopacy to Puritanism in previous years was shown 
by the use of the name "meeting-house" instead of "chapel," while the term 
"warden" was retained for the officers of the parish. The title was used in 
1640, when the glebe lands were granted to the church wardens. And, as in 
after years churches in other sects were required in town, the North Congre- 
gational Church, the Middle Street and Christian Baptist churches, the Unita- 
rian and Universalist churches, retain the same name for their ofificers, and 
annually — even to this year of Our Lord 1914, they have each and all chosen 
wardens: a peculiarity for which Portsmouth is noted, as it is for the celebra- 
tion of Pope Night on the 5th of November. 

The new meeting-house, authorized by vote of the town in 1657, is so 
minutely described in the Rockingham county records at Exeter that the 
vanished building could be drawn and illustrated as were the old State House 



160 HISTORY Ol'^ ROCK[.\GHAA[ COUNTY 

and South AJeeting-house in the recentl)- issued hook entitled "rortsniouth. 
Historic & Picturesque." The contract specified tiiat the new structure should 
be "forty ffeete square and sixteen ffeete wall plate high, a flat ruff & 
substanciall turrett with a gallery about it, twelve windowes. three substanciall 
doers & a complete pulpit." It was on the front door that wolves heads were 
nailed to secure the captor's bounty. As late as 1693 "'"^ were paid for. 

A committee was appointed who concluded that the "nieatest and most 
commodious place to erect the meeting-house is the little hill adjoyninge to 
Goodman Webster's poynt on the crotch of the roads ;" that is, at the inter- 
section of South and Marcy streets. The panes of the windows were about 
four inches long and three wide, set in lead and strengthened by small oak 
bars on the inside. For thirteen years the windows were unprotected by 
shutters. Then the town agreed, in a very lil)eral manner, with the versatile 
John Pickering, for thirty shillings, to make shutters "to draw backwards 
and forwards, and in case it be too little, then the said Pickering shall have 
something more." 

.\ bell was placed in the tower of the meeting-house on April 18, 1664. 
undoubtedly the first in the state. In 1692, "it was proposed to the town 
\\'hither William Wacker should pay for the bell whom he carlessly crackt. 
It was voted in the negative because he was poor. It was voted that the 
selectmen take care to provide a bell, and as for the hanging of him as they 
may judge most convenient." Whether the "him" refers to the bell or to the 
man who "crackt" it, the record does not plainly show. The bell the select- 
men "sent for to England" was removed with a portion of the old meeting- 
house to the south schoolhouse in 1732 and remained there until 1846, when 
the new Haven schoolhoust was built, at which time it was sold to George 
Raynes and hung over his office in his shipyard, remaining until 1870, wdien 
being badly cracked, it was sold to .Andrew Gerrish, the brass founder, and 
melted down. 

A new bell was purchased by the Xorth Parish in 1720 and hung in the 
1713 meeting-house on the parade. In 1764, a century after the hanging of 
the first bell, the new bell was reported "crackt." But its end was quite dif- 
ferent, for it was "sent home to be run" and the vessel on which it was shipped 
was lost at sea off Cape Ann on its passage to England. 

The parish and subscribers bought a new one weighing eight hundred 
pounds. It was inscribed : "For the First Parish of Portsmouth in Xew 
Hampshire — Lester & Peck of London — fecit 1764." 

In 1854, this bell was taken down and hung in the steeple of the present 
church. Another century was just closing and the 1764 bell was cracked 
in 1863 and recast in Troy, New York, the city paying $493.81 of the expense. 
So for all the years from 1664, the curfew has, year after year, been heard 
in this old town by the sea, for we find frequent mention in the records, of 
the wardens lieing authorized "to allow the l)ell man for ringing at nine 
o'clock." 

v\t first there was no regularity in building the pews in the Mill Dam 
Meeting-house, as from time to time the leading parishioners were granted 
permission to build at their own cost seats for themselves in various parts 
of the house, of varying length and breadth, so the aisles ran among the seats. 



AND RKI"RI',SEXT.\TIVE CITIZEXS 161 

and It was not til! iCk)^ that the pews were made uniform, permission being 
first oljtained to cut off the corners of the pews of President Cutt and Major 
Vaughan. In April of that year, at a general town meeting, a vote was 
passed to regulate the seating of the people, and a copy of the originl docu- 
ment with the list of occupants and tpiaint location of the seats, can be read 
in the "Rambles About Rortsmouth." It designates who sat with the min- 
ister in the puljjit, in the seat under the pulpit, and on which separate sides 
of the floor and galleries the men and women should sit. The back seat was 
left "for young people aljout fourteen years of age unmarried." Where the 
married ones of about fourteen years sat, the report does not say. 

"As for boys under that age ( fourteen) they are to sit in the men's allves 
and the girls in the women's allyes." That boys were troublesome in those 
good old days is evident from the frecpient votes of twenty shillings and 
upwards per annum to various men "for to look after the demeanor of the 
boyes at meeting." 

From 1750 to 1771, three different persons were appointed to be in charge 
of the upper gallery in the Three Decker Meeting-house to keep the boys and 
negroes in good order. At that time there were 187 negro slaves in Ports- 
mouth. For more serious offences on the Sabbath day there were various 
modes of punishment. On the 25th of September, 1662, at a general town 
meeting it was "ordered that a kage be made for the unruly and those who 
sleep in meeting or take tobacco on the Lord's day out of the meeting in the 
time of public exercises." Not for nine years w-as the enactment put in 
force. Then the selectmen employed John Pickering to build a cage "twelve 
feet square and seven feet high:" also "a substantial payer of stocks and place 
the same in said kage, and build on the rough a firm pillory ; all to be built 
and raised in some convenient space from the westward of the meeting-house." 

In 1669, there was "granted to Mr. Ffr>'er the to\\n's right to twentie 
foote scjuare of land neere the meeting-house to sett up a house and keep 
wood in to accommodate himself and family in winter time when he comes 
to meeting." 

It was customary in the early days of New England for small houses, 
called "Sabba-day Houses" or "Noon Houses," to be built near the church, 
with large fireplaces where the worshippers went before, between, and after 
ser\-ices, tp warm themselves or to replenish their foot-stoves with coals. 

It was not till Joshua Moodey had preached twelve years and gathered a 
congregation which could hardly find room in the meeting-house at the mill 
bridge, that steps were taken towards the formation of a church. The oft- 
quoted "Account of the Gatherings & carrying on ye Church of Christ, in 
Portsmouth, Anno 1671" can still be read in Mr. Moodey's own handwriting 
in the first volume of the church records carefully preserved in the safe of 
the First National Bank, together with his 

Old Bible. — It was printed in London in 1670 and Rev. Joshua Moodey 
wrote his name on the fly leaf _'40 years ago. The leaves of the original 
printed book measured ^•''^ by 6Vj inches, and each leaf was bound between 
two blank leaves measuring 7 by 9 inches, on which many comments and 
references were annotated by Mr. Moodey and subsequent owners. 

It was presented to Rev. Mr. Leverett by Mr. Moodey's son. Samuel, in 



162 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

1 717. Finally, after being owned by several ministers in other states it was 
presented to the sixth minister, Rev. Mr. Putnam, in 182 1 and handed down 
by him to his successor. 

The first meeting-house on the present site was ready for occupancy in 
1714. It was seventy feet long and three stories high, with two galleries 
one above the other and three tiers of windows, hence the popular nautical 
title of "Three Decker." The pulpit occupied the middle of the western 
side and was surmounted by a large sounding-board. A belfry was added 
in 1720, and in 1730 a spire was built 150 feet high. 

We are indel)ted again to Charles \Y. Brewster for the minute word de- 
scription in the "Rambles About Portsmouth" of the location and occupants 
of the pews in the Three Decker. Among the prominent pew holders were 
General William Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence; 
Governor John Langdon ; and Daniel Webster, who took a prominent part 
in parish work in 181 6. Town meetings were held in this meeting-house 
until 1762, when the parish voted not to permit further public use of the 
building. The doors were locked, but the selectmen's warning had been 
issued ; and the citizens, considering the meeting legally warned, made forcible 
entrance and transacted their business. 

For over a century there were no means of heating this meeting-house. 
Small square tin stoves filled with live coals were carried. In 1762, the 
wardens voted that "whosoever leaves any stoves in the meeting-house shall 
pay a fine of twenty shillings." 

Mrs. Ichabod Goodwin informed the writer a few years ago that stoves 
for heating the church were first put in in 1822, as we found afterward re- 
corded in the parish book. 

The next year the wardens paid John Knowlton $35.00 for an octave 
violin and bow. The introduction of a "big godly fiddle," as a Scotchman 
called it, was an innovation warmly opposed, and to some warranted the 
sarcasm of Rev. Mr. Milton, of Newburyport, who announced "You will 
now sing and fiddle hymn number" whatever the selection was. Whether 
the viol gave satisfaction or not the North Church records do not state, but 
three years after, in 1827, an organ was bought for $800.00. 

One of the most distinguished ministries this church has seen was that 
of Rev. Dr. Joseph Buckminster, who served the parish with marked ability 
for thirty-three years. He was justly regarded as one of the greatest and 
most eloquent preachers of his day. When President Washington visited 
Portsmouth in 1789, he attended service on Sunday afternoon at this church 
dressed in a black velvet suit and heard Doctor Buckminster deliver a very 
excellent and appropriate sermon. Another distinguished listener, who fre- 
quently attended this church, was John Paul Jones while he was superin- 
tending the building of the frigate "America" in 1779. 

Many public meetings were held in this building during the exciting times 
of the Revolution. 

In 1761, the house was enlarged by adding thirteen feet to the western 
side, which gave the steeple a place, as Uncle Tobey wrote, "like a man's 
nose being on one side of his face," but it was not very noticeable till the 
old state house in the center of the parade was removed. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 163 

In 1806, the interior was furnished with a fine clock, a brass chandeHer 
with three rows of candlesticks to compare with the old three-decker of a 
house; the walls and ceilings tinted with indigo blue wash; the seats painted 
green; and the high pulpit decorated with splendid crimson silk draperies. 
And when the sexton let go of the halliards and lowered the curtain from 
the great arched pulpit window at the west side, then it was that Uncle 
Tobey, to again quote him "thought that Solomon's temple might look as 
well but had no idea that it could look better." Subsequent alteration re- 
placed the chandelier by "a circlet of squash-like lamp glasses," which in 
turn gave way to gas pipes. 

In 1837, the house was remodeled at an expense of $5,800, and fur- 
nished with a single tier of windows, three on each side of the church instead 
of seventeen. 

The Brick Chmxh Buildiiuj. — On the site of the old meeting-house, the 
present brick church building was erected in 1854-35 at a cost of $30,000. 
The name "meeting-house" had been changed to "church," notwithstanding 
that Cotton Mather had written in Puritanical days that he found no just 
ground in Scripture to apply such a trope as "church" to a house for public 
service. 

THE SUCCESSIVE MINISTERS OF THE NORTH PARISH 

After the death of Mr. Buckminster, Rev. Israel W. Putnam was in 1814 
installed and had a successful ministry of twenty years. His successors 
were: Edwin Holt, 1S36-42: Rufus W. Clark, 1842-51; Henry W. Moore, 
1853-55; Lyman Whiting, 1855-59; William L. Gage, 1860-63; George M. 
Adams, 1863-71; Carlos Martyn, 1872-76; Rev. Mr. Hubbell, acting pastor, 
1877-79; William A. McGinley, 1879-89; Rev. Lucius H. Thayer, 1891-1914. 

The chapel on Middle Street was built in 1870 and the church has its 
parsonage on State Street. 

ROLL OF HONOR OF CONGREGATIONAL MINISTERS WHO HAVE SERVED THEIR 

CHURCHES FOR A PERIOD OF TWENTY YEARS OR MORE IN 

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Edward Robie, Greenland, ordained and installed February 25, 1852. 

William A. Rand, South Seabrook, commenced service January 27, 1867; 
ordained and installed July 9, 1875. 

Lucius H. Thayer. Portsmouth, commenced service November i, 1890; 
ordained and installed January 28, 1891. 

James G. Robertson, Chester, commenced service July 6, 1889; ordained 
and installed July 30, 1889. 

Albert H. Thompson, Raymond, commenced service May 6, 1888; in- 
stalled May 30, 1905. 

Tohn A. Ross, Pastor Emeritus, Hampton, commenced service July i, 
1887; installed June 14, 1892. 

Theodore C. Pratt, Pastor Emeritus, Candia, commenced service May 
22, 1892. 



CHAPTER XIII 
PORTSMOUTH— (^CoMana^d; 

CHURCHES AND PASTORS 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — In tlie year 1790, Jesse Lee made his tirst 
appearance in Portsmouth as a Methodist preacher. From that time there 
was miscellaneous preaching until 1807. 

In the year 1807, Martin Ruter was appointed to Portsmouth and 
Nottingham. 

In the year 1808 the church was permanently organized; the first class 
was organized by George Pickering, in house No. 12 Washington Street, 
then occupied by a Mr. Hutchins. Brothers Pickering, Metcalf, and Stevens 
preached in the town, interchanging their labors on the circuit system. This 
year they purchased a house previously occupied by the Universalists on 
Vaughan Street, afterwards known as the Cameneum. Rev. George Pick- 
ering was the active agent in securing the house of worship. The price paid 
was $2,000. In the same year (180S) an act of incorporation as the First 
Methodist Episcopal Church was obtained of the Legislature. 

In the year 1809, Rev. John Brotlhead and Alfred Metcalf chiefly sup- 
plied the desk here. 

In 1810, Rev. John Williamson and Asa Kent supplied the desk; the 
latter preached from December to June, and received as salary $89 29. 

In 181 1, Revs. John Brodhead and John Lindsey were appointed to New 
Market, Durham, and Portsmouth, Deacon Lindsey preaching most of the 
tiine in Portsmouth. Every Sabbath a collection was taken, and the amount 
entered on the book of records. For lighting the house they used candles, 
end this item amounted to $14.56. 

In 1812 and 1813, Rev. John Rexford was pastor, and reported sixty 
members. 

In 1814 and 1815, Rev. Thomas W. Tucker was preacher, and received 
$129.22, including board. 

In 1816. Rev. Josiah Chamberlain was pastor, and reported seventy-one 
members. 

In 181 7 and 18 18, Rev. Daniel Filmore was preacher in charge, and had 
a universal reformation, and as the house became too small, permission was 
obtained to use JelTerson Hall for the prayer-meetings, which was crowded 
to its utmost capacity. This year (1S18) the Sabbath-school was formed 
under his labors. 

164 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 165 

In July, i8_>o. Josiah Serritt was appointed to Portsmouth. 

In 1821 and 1822, Enoch Mudge; in 1823 and 1824, Epliraim Wiley; 
and in 1825, Jacob Sanborn were stationed here. 

In 1826 and 1827, Shipley W. Wilson was stationed here, and during 
his labors here the present house of worship (on State Street) was built, 
at a cost, including land, of about nine thousand dollars. The vestry was 
in the upper part of the house over the entry. The old house was disposed 
of in 1829. 

The first minister of the State Street church was Rev. John Newland 
Moffet, the noted revivalist stationed 1S28-29, and who resided in the brick 
house on the southerly corner of Daniel and Chapel streets, still standing. 
His son, John Jr., was at that time about ten years old and in our Civil war 
became noted as the commander of the Southern privateer Florida. 

On June 10, 1829, the New England Conference met in Portsmouth, and 
the New Hampshire Conference was formed. 

In 1830, Stephen Lovell; 1831, George Storrs; 1832, Holmes Cushman; 
1833, Reuben H. Deming; 1834, Eleazer Smith; 1835, Schuyler Chamber- 
lain; 1837, Jared Perkins; 1838, James G. Smith; 1839, Daniel T. Robin- 
son; 1841, Samuel Kelley; 1843, Jacob Stevens; 1844, Elisha Adams: 1846, 
Daniel M. Rogers; 1848, James Thurston; 1849, Samuel Kelley (again); 
185 1. Richard S. Rust; 1853, Justin Spaulding: 1835. Sulli\an Holnian ; 
1857, Jonathan Hall. 

In 1859 and i860. Rev. D. P. Leavitt was stationed here. Under his 
labors a new vestry, costing about fifteen hundred dollars (exclusive of land), 
was built on Daniel Street. 

In 1859, D. P. Leavitt; 1861, Richard W. Humphries; 1863, Sullivan 
Holman (again); 1865, James Pike; 1867, Silas G. Kellog; 1868, H. L. 
Kelsey; 1870, C. M. Dinsmore; 1873, A. C. Hardy (afterwards became an 
Episcopalian); 1875, N. M. Bailey; 1876, James Noyes; 1878, C. P. Pit- 
blado; 1881, W. W. Smith. 

The following pastors succeeded Rev. Mr. Smith: In 1882-84, Joseph 
E. Robbins; 1885-86, O. H. Jasper; 1887-90, OHver S. Baketel ; 1891-95, 
Otis S. Cole: 1896-99, William Warren; 1900-03, Thomas Whitesides; 
1904-05, Joseph L. Felt: 1906-10, George W. Farmer: 1910-14, Lyle L. 
Gaither. 

The State Street building was sold September i, 1912, to Jewish resi- 
dents and is now their Temple of Worship. 

The new stone church erected on Miller Avenue was begun July i. 1012; 
the cornerstone, which was the same used in the State Street Church in 1827, 
was laid by the ritual of the church September 8, 1912. 

The church building and lot cost $26,000 and when the dedication pledges 
are collected, the society will be free of debt. 

The New Hampshire Conference for the fifth time was held here .April 
1-7, 1914. 

The Universalist Parish. — In the year 1784 we have to note another of 
large importance and influence in the history of church matters in this town. 
In that year a house of worship was built in Vaughan Street, afterwards 
known as the Cameneum, where the stable now stands, and this should be. 



166 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

in historical accuracy, regarded as the beginning of the sect here instead of 
the year 1773, from which date the centennial services were reckoned. It 
is true, Mr. Murray had preached the doctrines of Universalism in Ports- 
mouth as early as the commencement of the Revolutionary war, at the church 
building of the Sandermanians and of the Independent Congregational So- 
ciety, and meetings may have been held with some degree of regularity from 
the year 1782; but the historical beginnings of the parish should with greater 
correctness begin with the ministrations of Mr. Parker, a layman of their 
own number in 1784. Then for ten years the society had only occasional 
supplies until Rev. George Richards was invited to become the minister in 
August, 1783, and was ordained in July, 1799. From that time until 1807 
the parish had a prosperous life, and in the following year the beautiful 
church edifice was dedicated. 

It was destroyed by fire in 1896 and the present brick church erected on 
the same site. The pastors from Rev. Mr. Richards have been : Hosea 
Ballou, S. Streeter, Edward Turner, Thomas Starr King, Moses Ballou, 
George W. Montgomery, Moses Ballou (second pastorate), S. S. Fletcher, 
W. A. P. Dillingham, Lemuel Willis, A. J. Patterson, Ambler, Bicknell. 
Van Clot, E. M. Grant, 1876; W. E. Gaskin, 1882; Lee H. Fisher, 1886; 
Henry R. Rose, 1891 ; Curtis H. Dickens, 1894; G. E. Laighton, 1899; 
C. H. Emmons, 1910; George C. Boorn, 1913. 

The Christian Church was organized January i, 1803, by Elder Elias 
Smith. How many united in the church organization the church record 
does not say, but evidently it was very small, for the record says, "That so 
great was the desire of Elder Smith to see such a church, that he thought 
a labor of twenty years would be a pleasure, if in the end he might see 
twenty united and walking according to the New Testament." This was 
seen very soon, "for in March they numbered twenty-two, and obtained leave 
to hold their meetings in the courthouse, and the first Sunday in April, 1803, 
they held their first communion. The interest continued and baptisms were 
frequent, not only on the Sabbath but on week-days, and in about one year 
the little company of twenty-two had increased to about one hundred and 
fifty. The membership of the church was not confined to Portsmouth, but 
members were received from Newington, Hampton, Hampton Falls in New 
Hampshire, Kittery in Maine, and as far as Haverhill and Bradford in 
Massachusetts. 

In 1807 and 1808 there was the greatest revival ever known in Ports- 
mouth, and large numbers were added to the church. On the ist of Sep- 
tember, 1808, Elder Smith commenced the publication of The Herald of 
Gospel Liberty. This was the first religious newspaper ever published in 
this country if not in the world, and is still the organ of the Christian denom- 
ination, and is pu])lished at Dayton, Ohio. The records are rather imperfect 
up to 1826. In that year Elder Moses How took the pastorate of the church, 
their place of worship then being the old temple on Chestnut Street. During 
the summer of 1834 Elder How baptized sixty-nine persons. 

January, 1837, Elder Abner Jones took charge of the church as pastor. 
Elder Jones did not continue as pastor long, for in 1838 we find an account 
of baptism by Elder David Millard. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 167 

In 1839 the brick meeting-house on Pleasant Street was purchased, at 
which time a division took place and a second church organized. 

Elder Millard's ministry was successful, and many were added to the 
church. The record says nothing of his resignation, but November, 1840, 
it speaks of Rev. E. N. Harris as pastor. Two years after he resigned. 
Rev. George W. Kilton was his successor, who remained three years, and 
was followed by Rev. A. M. Averill, who preached his farewell sermon 
October ly, 1850. Rev. Thomas Holmes, D. D., was then called to the pas- 
torate, which position he held until October i, 1853, when he resigned to 
accept the professorship of the Greek language in Antioch College, at Yellow 
Spring, Ohio. The church then engaged the services of Rev. Charles Bryant 
for six months ; the remainder of the year the pulpit was supplied by Revs. 
O. P. Tuckerman and A. G. Comings. In 1855 Rev. B. S. Fanton settled 
as pastor of the church. The church and society vacated the Pleasant Street 
meeting-house October 26, 1826, and for a while held services in a cliapel 
on Hanover Street. October 4, 1857, Rev. Thomas Holmes, D. D., was 
again called to the pastorate of the church. Previous to this time Elder 
Austin Damon, of New York, had supplied the pulpit. Brother Holmes 
resigned in i860, and Elder Moses How was again invited to the pastorate. 
He remained about one year, when Rev. I. F. Waterhouse, of Providence, 
R. I., was called. Brother Waterhouse remained five years, during which 
time the present place of worship was purchased and occupied January 8, 
1882. 

Rev. C. P. Smith was called to the pastorate early in 1868, which posi- 
tion he occupied until July, 1872. October i, 1872, Rev. John A. Goss, of 
Lynn, Mass., was called to the pastorate, and remained until 1885; he was 
followed by Rev. Charles D. Hainer, 1885-87: Rev. John A. Hainer, 1887-go; 
Rev. W. Rowland Spaid, 1890-91; Rev. John A. Goss, 1891-92; Rev. J. P. 
Marvin, 1892-94; Rev. Myron Tyler, 1895-1900; Rev. Percy W. Caswell, 
1913-14. 

The Free Baptist Church was organized in 1823 by Rev. David Marks, 
one of the leading men in the denomination in those days. Pastors, Revs. 
Ezekiel True, J. B. Davis, Isaac G. Davis, William P. Merrill, Arthur Cav- 
erns. In the year 1846 the church disbanded. The present church was 
organized February 17, 1851. Pastors, Revs. John Pinkham, 1851; A. R. 
Bradbury, 1851-53; the next two years the pulpit was supplied by Rev. S. P. 
Fernald;" 1855-56, Rev. P. Chesley; 1856-57, Rev. Lowell Parker; 1858-59, 
Rev. Francis Reed; 1859-63, Rev. C. E. Haskell; 1863-66, Rev. L. L. Har- 
mon; 1866-77. Rsv. E. Owen; 1878-79, Rev. T- Herbert Yeoman. Tune 20, 
1880, to March. 1883; Rev. S. J. Gould, May. 1883, to September, 1883; 
Rev. John D. Waldron, April, 1884, to June, 1887; Rev. John S. Harring- 
ton, April, 1888, to April, 1892; Rev. A. G. Hill, May, 1892, to November, 
1892; Rev. Burton Minard (stated supply), April, 1893, to March, 1894; 
Rev. L. E. Hall, April 15, 1894, to July 14, 1895; Rev. Robert L. Duston, 
November 17, 1895. to .A^ugust 4, 1901 ; Rev. Charles H. Tucker, November 
24, 1901, to May 31. 1904; Rev. V. E. Bragdon, December 24, 1905, to 
May 24, 1907; Rev. Edwin P. Moulton, September 5, 1909 to 1914. 



168 HISTORY OF ROCKINCHAM COUNTY 

The meeting-house was built on Pearl Street in 1858, and was thoroughly 
repaired during the pastorate of Mr. Hannon. 

The Middle Street Baptist Society was established in 1826, eight indi- 
viduals meeting in "the old Assembly House" on Vaughan Street and con- 
stituting themselves into a Calvin Baptist Church. The society afterwards 
worshiped in what is now the Unitarian chapel, on Court Street, and in 1828 
built and occupied their present brick edifice, on the corner of Middle and 
State .streets, when they assumed the above name. Rev. Duncan Dunbar, 
who was active in the formation of the church, supplied the pulpit for 
a while. The pastors have been as follows: 1827, Rev. Baron Stow: 1836, 
Rev. John G. Naylor; 1839, Rev. Freeman G. Brown: 1843, Rev. Silas 
Ilsley; 1848, Rev. William Lamson, D. D. ; i860. Rev. Edwin B. Eddy; 
1864, Rev. Henry F. Lane; 1868, Rev. William H, Alden, D. D. : 1889, 
Rev. Rush Rhees; 1893, Rev. W. E. Schliemann; 1894, Rev. M. V. McDuffte; 
1898, Rev. George W. Gile; 1908, Rev. William E. Stanley, the present 
pastor. In 1898 the church was renovated and memorial windows and elec- 
tric lights were added. 

During Rev. Geo. W. Gile's administration, the new annex, and addi- 
tions to the chapel were made. In 1902 the parsonage on Middle Street 
was purchased. 

Christ Church (Episcopal) is situated on Madison Street, opposite the 
west end of Austin Street. The stone of which it was constructed was 
taken from Leach's or Murphy's Island in Little Harbor. 

By the will of George M. Marsh, who died November 19, 1878, there 
was left a bequest for the founding of this church. The cornerstone was 
laid on St. John'.s Day, 1880. The church was dedicated July 3, 1883. The 
seats, by will of the founder, are made free. 

The following rectors have served: Rev. Henry E. Hovey, 1883 to 
1804: Rev. Charles .\. Morrill, 1894 to 1896: Rev. Charles leV. Brine, 1896 
to 1914. 

The Peace Thanksgiving Service held on September 5. 1905, was con- 
ducted by the rector of Christ Church and the Very Rev. A. A. Hotovitzky, 
dean of the Russian Cathedral of S. Nicholas, New York City. The serv- 
ice consisted of the Evensong of the Episcopal Church and the Russian 
Orthodox Te Deum. The music was rendered by the combined choirs of 
Christ Church and the Russian Cathedral, New York, and Russian and 
Angelican priests. A Peace Service similar to the original one is held each 
year on or alxjut the date — September 5th. In the year 1907 a handsome 
tablet was placed upon the wall of the chancel commemorating the Peace 
Thanksgiving Service. 

The Advent Christian Church. — In 1840 William Miller of Low Hamp- 
ton, N. Y., came to Portsmouth to give his course of lectures on the Second 
Coming of Christ. He gave twenty-seven lectures in the brick church, cor- 
ner of Pleasant and Livermore streets. Crowds flocked to hear Mr. Miller. 
Before he concluded his lecture a large number came to the altar. From 
60 to 80 would come forward for prayers on an evening. From 700 to 800 
confessed faith in Christ. But a great change came over the religious 
people of Portsmouth after the time passed and Christ did not come. They 



AXU REI'RlvSEXTATIVE CITIZENS 169 

gave It up and went back to their churches, but a few received the New 
Light on the Prophetical part of the Bible and they could not give it up. 
Ten of this class were members of the Free Baptist Church of this city. 
They would keep on talking on the Prophecy in their social meetings. The 
church could not endure it any longer so called a special church meeting and 
notitied those members to appear before the Church. The chairman of the 
meeting said "The Church charges you as false prophets. You said Christ 
was coming at a definite time. He did not come. But we would be pleased 
to have you remain with us if you will leave out the coming of Christ." The 
Church voted to drop their names from the Church and they came out and 
congregated together on the street. They met in a shop on Hanover Street. 
Elder Crowell, who heard Brother Miller's lectures, was greatly interested 
in them. The brethren invited him to preach .in the shop. The hrst Sunday 
all the seats were taken and they saw they must have more room, so they 
rented a hall on the corner of State and Penhallow streets. There was a 
grocery store underneath. In those days they were called "Wet Groceries." 
The people moved to their hall and they had preachings every Sunday and 
two prayer meetings. Their ".Vmen's" and "Hallelujah's" were so loud 
they disturbed the neighbors and the wet goods man and in about two years 
they were warned out. Then they moved in a hall in the Academy. They 
stayed there two years and were again warned out on account of their loud 
".-\nien's." They moved to Lord's Chapel on Hanover Street where they 
disturbed the Spiritualists who occupied a portion of the building, and were 
ordered out. Five brethren gave their joint note to a bank to raise money 
to build a church; Joseph H. Berry, Oilman Dearborn, Daniel P. Brown, 
William F. Currier and Robinson F. Berry. They fonned themselves into 
a building committee and erected a small church on the lot where the present 
church stands. Their first pastor was Brother Walter Pratt, followed by 
Brother E. Owen and Brother William Israel. In 1883 Brother C. R. 
Crossett accepted a call to this church and he was followed by Brother Bryant 
McClellan, Brother W. H. Lannin, Brother .\. E. Phelps and Brother C. M. 
Seaman. I'nder Mr. Seaman's pastorate a total sum of $4,400 was spent 
on remodeling the building. Brother C. H. Shurtleff was then pastor for 
two years and was followed by Brother C. O. Farnham. Brother I. T. Barnes 
and Brother W. M. Adams. Brother J. T. Barnes returned to take ui> the 
work for the second time, on March U\ 19 14. 

The Immaculate Conception (Roman Catholic) Church. — The first serv- 
ices of the Roman Catholics were held in the Peduzzi Building, on the cor- 
ner of Congress and High streets. In 1852 a frame churcli was built on the 
corner of Summer and" Chatham streets, over the ledge in the old circus 
field. This was during the ])astorate of Rev. Charles McCallion, who was 
the first resident priest. -\t that time the congregation numbered about three 
hundred. The building was destroyed by fire in 1871. In 1873 the present 
brick church was built at a cost of $50,000. The beautiful memorial win- 
dows were the recent gift of Rev. Father E. M. O'Callaghan. P. R.. a former 
pastor. The society numbers upwards of two thousand members, and is one 
of the wealthiest in the citv, owning nearly the entire square bounded by 
Summer, Austin, Winter and Chatham streets. On the corner of Austin 



170 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and Winter streets is the large St. Patrick's Parochial School and on Austin 
Street the Sacred Heart Convent of Mercy, both built in 1887. 

Tlie Parochial School was established in September, 1888. The building 
is up-to-date in every respect. The public school curriculum is followed in 
the different grades with special attention paid to instruction in Christian 
Doctrine. The average number of pupils throughout the year is 480. The 
following are the successors of Rev. Mr. McCallion: Rev. P. Canavan; 
Rev. William O'Donnell; Rev. D. \V. Murphy; Rev. Thomas Canon Walsh; 
Rev. E. M. O'Callaghan and Rev. P. J. Finnegan. The present pastor, 
Rev. E. J. Walsh, began his work July 14, 1907. Rev. James E. White is 
his assistant. 

The Peoples Baptist Church was organized September 4, 1908, mainly 
through the efforts of Deacon James F. Slaughter, and their services are 
held in the building owned by the city on Meeting-house Hill. Their present 
pastor is Rev. John L. Davis. The clerk is William T. Pattillo. 

The Chapel of New Jerusalem on Little Harbor Road is open during 
the summer season with services by Arthur A. Carey (pastor). 

The Christian Science Society was organized in 1901. They hold their 
meetings and have a reading room at No. 2 Market Street. 

The Salvation Army have good rooms and a hall on State Street. 



CHAPTER XIV 

PORTSMOVTH—i Continued) 

Stamp Act am! a Tea Party — Association Test—The War of the Revolution 
— Military Record — War of i8 12-14— Military Record, iS6i-=, — Ship 
Building — Coiiunerce — Privateering 

Stamp Act and Tea Party. — George Meserve. wlien in England in 1765, 
at the time of the passage of the Stamp Act, was appointed agent for the 
distribution of stamps in New Hampshire. Nowhere in the Colonies was a 
more determined spirit of resistance to the oppression of the mother coun- 
try manifested than in Portsmouth. The stamp master's commission arrived 
in January, 1766. Meserve gave up the commission to the "Sons of Liberty," 
who took it and destroyed it at the swing bridge, where they erected a liberty 
standard and the bridge has been called from that day "Liberty Bridge" and 
a pole maintained with an appropriate inscription. 

Previous to the attack on Fort William and Mary in December, 1774, a 
Tea Party was held in the North Meeting House on December 16, 1773. 
At that meeting of the inhabitants it was 

.Resolved: That whoe\er directly or indirectly promote or in anv way 
assist in the importation of East India Company's tea, or any tea subject to 
payment of any duty here by an act of the British Parliament, shall be 
deemed an enemy to .Vmerica. 

On June 25, 1774, twenty-se\en chests of tea were consigned to Edward 
Parry which caused almost as much excitement as did the tea-ship in Boston. 
But he promptly reshipped them, untouched to Halifax. Another shipment 
of thirty chests arrived in September. The populace broke in the windows 
of the consignee and Parry applied to Governor Wentworth for protection, 
which was given. The town assembled the next day and Parry publicly 
declared he would not accept the consignment and it was also reshipped to 
Halifax. 

Association Test of 1776. — In the history of New Castle is detailed the 
active part taken by citizens of Portsmouth, in the attacks on Fort William 
and Mary in December, 1774. 

The Declaration of the Independence of the United States was well 
ascertained to be the voice of the people, before it was signed in the Congress 
at Philadelphia on the 4th of July, 1776. On the recommendation made by 
Congress, March 14, 1776, the signatures of the people were obtained to an 
obligation to oppose the hostile proceedings of the British fleets and armies. 

171 



172 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

The fullness of die returns gave the signers of the Declaration assurance 
that their acts would be sanctioned and sustained by the country. A docu- 
ment in the Secretary of State's office shows all the names of the citizens of 
Portsmouth in 1776. and the position in which they stood in regard to the 
Revolution. 

Four hundred and ninety-seven signed the Association Test, thirty-one 
were either absent or refused to sign. Of the latter, fifteen were reported 
as "being notoriously disaffected to the common cause." The Test list is 
headed by the name of Meshech \\ eare, and it reads as follows: "We the 
Subscribers, do hereby solemnly engage, and promise, that we will to the 
utmost of our Power, at the Risque of our Lives and Fortunes, with Amies, 
oppose the Hostile Proceedings of the British Fleets and Armies, against 
the Cnited American Colonies." 

W^-\R OF THE REVOLUTION, MILIT.\RY RECORD 

In place of .the long lists of Portsmouth men serving on the land and 
sea we insert the following as indicative of the large number of men the 
town furnished : 

The Continental Congress had discovered in 1776 the error of short 
enlistments and temporary levies, and in the latter part of that year resolved 
upnn a permanent military establishment, to consist of 88 battalions, which 
were sulisecpiently augmented to 104. Each battalion of infantry to consist of 
688 men. exclusive of the commissioned officers, divided into 8 companies, 
of 92 officers and enlisted men each, the enlistments in the new army to be 
for a period of not less dian three years or during the continuance of the 
war with Great Britain. These battalions or regiments were to be raised 
directly by the different states in proportion to their population, and desig- 
nated in the army by the number and the name of the state in which they 
were recruited. 

One brigade of three battalions of infantry was directed by Congress to 
be raised in New Hampshire, ancl the state authorities immediately adopted 
active measures to fill up these battalions by offer of bounties, etc., to secure 
enlistments, and apportioned the number of men to be raised equitably among 
all the towns in the state. The number assigned to the Town of Portsmouth 
was 109. to which, in a public meeting held March 2^. IJ/J. a remonstrance 
was unanimously voted in the following teniis; — State of New Hampshire; 
To the Honorable Council and House of Representatives for the State afore- 
said, now in General .Assembly convened at Exeter: 

The Memorial and Remonstrance of the Freeholders and other Inhab- 
itants of the Town of Portsmoutli in the State aforesaid into your Honors 
humbly shows; 

That your Memorialists have been called upon in their corporate capacity 
as a town by Joshua Wentworth. Esq., lieutenant colonel of the First 
Regiment (militia) to furnish 109 men for the Continental (regular) army, 
which demand, he informs us, is made by virtue of authority from your 
Honors, against which demand we beg leave to remonstrate to your Honors 
for the following interesting and weighty reasons ; 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 173 

In the orders from Major-General Folsom to Colonel Wentworth, the 
proportion of this town of males from i6 to 50 is said to be 873, but 
by accurate returns of all the militia companies, including the Alarm List 
and the companies commanded by Colonels Langdon and Sherburne, there 
are but 590 males in the whole and of these more than two hundred are 
enlisted and gone away into the Continental and State service and other 
ways by permission of your honors, viz. : in Colonel Long's regiment at 
Ticonderoga, on board the Raleigh ship of war, in Captains Salter and Daniels 
companies and on board the twenty-gun privateer (Portsmouth), Captain 
Parker, which was permitted to sail by your Honors, and all the ships 
employed by the Continent, which reduces the number remaining to be only 
about three hundred and fifty, of which 109 is now demanded, which was 
from the presumption that there were 873 in the town ; this we conceive to 
be some error, and we doubt not your Honors, in justice to the town, will 
inquire into and relieve under this grievance. We beg leave to assure your 
Honors we ever were and ever will be ready to furnish our full proportion 
to the support of the public cause, nor do we make our present applications 
from any other views, but that we conceive some manifest error is made in 
the proportion demanded, as we are called upon to furnish considerable more 
than one-quarter part of the ( arms-bearing) inhabitants in the town, includ- 
ing the Alarm List and independent companies. 

The memorial was not granted and the number was secured liy the town 
paying £9 bounty and later £ij to all soldiers enlisting for three years. 

The distribution of troops for the defense of the Piscataijua Harbor in 
November, 1775, was: Great Island, 269 men; at Fort Washington, 74 
men; on Peirce's Island, 366 men; on Seavey's Island, 2t^^ men; at Kittery 
Point, 208 men; at Fort Sullivan, 20 men; in Portsmouth, 29 men; on the 
Parade. I Battery of Light Artillery of three brass pieces. },'] men; one com- 
pany of carpenters, 12 men; total. 1.250 men. 

WAR OF 1812-I4 

At the commencement of the War of 1812, and for twenty years subse- 
quently, the militia of New Hampshire was thoroughly organized and in a 
most efficient condition for service. In the year 1813 it consisted of thirty- 
seven regiments, of two battalions each, and numbered about 33,000 men. 
The Town of Portsmouth constituted the territorial limits of the First Regi- 
ment, the field officers of which in 1813 were: Gideon Walker, colonel com- 
mandant; Samuel Larkin, major first battalion; and Joseph Drown, major 
second battalion. The regiment consisted of 754 officers and men and was 
composed of the following companies, viz. : 

Portsmouth Artillery, organized June 17. 1775, designation changed in 
1845 to Portsmouth Greys, commanded in 1813 by Capt. Robert F. Phipps; 
Sea Fencibles. organized 1812 and drilled both as infantry' and artillery, 
commanded by Capt. John S. Davis; First Light Infantry Company, orsranized 
October i, 1794, designation changed July 4, 1823. to Rockingham Guards, 
commanded by Capt. Samuel Shackford ; Second Light Infantry Company 
(Gilman Blues), organized October 30. 1799. commanded by Capt. Joshua 



174 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

W. Pierce and six line companies commanded by Captains Benjamin Floyd, 
Thomas S. Bowles, Nathaniel Adams, Jr., Isaac Waldron, Joseph Sherburne 
and William Miller. 

The Artillery, Sea Fencibles, First Light Infantry and Oilman Blues 
were unifomied volunteer organizations, armed and equipped by the State. 

The line companies included all others not serving in the above, not by 
law exempt from military service, between the ages of eighteen and forty- 
five years, residing within the six militia districts into which the Town of 
Portsmouth was then divided. In addition to ths armed and organized force 
there were in Portsmouth 554 men of military age exempted from service, 
and 117 belonging to the several fire companies who were also released by 
law from military duty. 

During the 1812-14 war, Portsmouth sent to the army and navy its 
quota of men. In 1814 the reception of the news of the destruction of the 
Capitol of the Nation caused the greatest excitement in the town. On Sep- 
tember 3d, at a town meeting, a new committee of defence was appointed. 
Among the twelve were Daniel Webster and Jeremiah Mason. In answer to 
their application five regiments and a battalion of artillery and militia, num- 
bering 4,581 men, assembled at Portsmouth. This force could be reinforced 
by the Portsmouth Regiment of 800, and the Thirty-fifth Regiment of 600, 
and if necessary the Newburyport Regiment, which, with the regulars and 
state troops, there could be put in line of liattle at least 7,000 men at the 
alarm signal. That the British had made arrangements to destroy the navy 
yard and town in 1814 there can be no doubt. A well appointed fleet lay off 
the Piscataqua for several weeks. 

MILITARY RECORD, 1861-65 

The following roll of citizens comprise, so far as is known, all the per- 
sons who have been in the service of the United States, either in the army or 
navy, also all persons who enlisted as a part of the quota of this city and 
received the bounty, whether such persons were residents or not. 

Company K, Second Regiment. — William O. Sides, captain ; John S. 
Sides, second lieutenant : Andrew J. Sides, George E. Sides, Charles W. 
Patch, Oliver F. Maxwell, sergeants; George R. Roitt, Beckford L. Rand, 
Christopher J. Marshall, ^Villiam W. Shaw, James Ricker, Daniel D. Wendell, 
Rufus L. Beem, Charles E. Gleason, corporals; James W. Taylor, musician; 
Benjamin J. Lake, wagoner. Privates ; George A. Allon. Samuel Adams. 
Charles N. Allen, John Avery, Oliver N. Allen, John W. Bell, Allen P. 
Bell, Vanburen S. Bly. John R. Brockway, Hugh Boyle, Lewis E. Blaesdell, 
James N. Chase, Nathaniel M. Danielson, Joseph A. Doe, John F. Dear- 
born, Charles W. Downs, Horace L. Dearborn, Joseph Dame, Francis A. 
Fifield, William H. Goodwin, Joseph E. Gordon, Clarence S. Gray, James 
T. Gammon. Thomas Gannin, Charles E. Hantress, Jacob W. Hill, (jeorge 
E. Hill. Harlen P. Hodgdon, John Harvey, John Haynes, Charles W. Hol- 
brook, George E. Johnson, Joseph E. Janverin, William H. Kenniston, Wil- 
liam S. King, Nathaniel M. Lear, Robert Lever, Edwin H. Leslie, Michael 
E. Long, James I. Locke, William I^cke, William F. Lawson, Sedley A. 




PUBLIC LiiiwAKi, POKTr^MOrTU. .\. H., l.S(J9 




TOODl.KV TAVKRX, PoKTSJlDlTtl, X. H., 1761 







TllK MP:sKRVK WKP.STKR HorsK, 
PORTSMOUTH, N. H., ITliK 






FORT ('OXSTFTUTIOX— PORTCULLIS 
NEW CASTLE, X. H. 





(II.! 1 .lACi'CSOX HOUSE, 1064 



T .liiHX'S EI'lSCdl'Ah I IIUKCU, PORTSMOUTH- 
BUILT IX ir:J:; 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 177 

Lowd, Alvah Mansoii, William H. Mix, Jeremiah Murphy, William C. Mc- 
Intire, Jeremiah Mahoney, John S. McDonald, Morris F. McGraw, Joseph 
Moulton, John Marr, Daniel Neligan, Henry C. Norton, W. F. Oxford, 
John Pollock, Charles E. Plaisted, Nathaniel F. Palmer, Joseph W. Rogers, 
Samuel E. Reynolds, James Rutledge, John Riley, Charles R. Roberts, Charles 
Ridge, George Sawyer, Jr., Daniel F. Smith, James E. Seavey, Horace M- 
Smith, William T. Spinney, Robert C. Sides, Jr., Thomas B. Seaver, Alex- 
ander Steward, Joseph P. Sheppard, Freeman B. Teague, William H. Twi- 
light, Samuel Taylor, William H. Tenney, George W. Trickey, Henry Walker, 
Charles H. Warren, Joseph D. West, Andrew Willard. 

"I certify that the rules and articles of war were read to the company 
on the 8th day of Jime, 1861. 

"William O. Sides." 

"I certify on honor that I have carefully examined the men whose names 
are borne on this roll, and have accepted them into the service of the United 
States for the term of three years from this 8th day of June, 1861. 

(Signed) "Seth Eastman, 
"Major Third U. S. Infantry, Mustering Officer." 

John S. Sides, promoted to first lieutenant August 15, 1861. Lieut. 
Charles W. Patch, killed at Gettysburg. Christopher J. Marshall, taken 
prisoner first Bull Run. Samuel Adams, deserted July 21, 1861. Oliver 
N. Allen, prisoner first Bull Run. William H. Kenniston, died August 3, 
1861, in hospital. William F. Oxford, wounded and taken prisoner first 
Bull Run. Charles Ridge, taken prisoner first Bull Run. George Sawyer, 
taken prisoner first Bull Run. James E. Seavey, drowned at Aquia Creek, 
August 23, 1862. Henry Walker, killed in battle August 29, 1862. 

Third Regiment. — John H. Jackson, lieutenant-colonel; Alfred J. Hill, 
adjutant; William H. Cornelius, lieutenant; Thomas M. Jackson, second 
lieutenant. Company B : William J. Morrison. Company D : James Burk. 
Thomas Entwestle, Warren G. Gates, George C. Harris, William Horrocks, 
Charles E. Johnson, Harrison E. Johnson, Daniel Kimball, Joseph T. Moore, 
James Neal, George W. Odiorne, William B. Parks, James W. Plaisted, 
Ezekiel C. Rand, Thos. E. Stoodley, John H. Tredick, Leonard G. Wiggin. 
Company B : W, J. Morrison. Company K : Charles W. Moulton, Richard 
Thomas. Marched from Concord September 3, 1861. 

Fourth Regiment N. H. V. — Company A: Harrison Hartford. Com- 
pany B : George F. Towle, captain ; Jacob Ambuster, Albert C. Berry, John 
W. Brewster, Stephen Conner, Luther Harmon, John Henderson, Seth W. 
Huntress, George H. Perkins. Company G: James Donavan. Fourth 
Regiment marched from Manchester September 27, 1861. 

Fifth Regiment, N. H. J'. — Company B: John H. Locke. Frank C. 
Sweetser. Company D: Michael Brooks. Company K: Peter Brennan, 
Charles W. Burleigh, Michael Harr, Walter M. Hatch. James Stearns, Robert 
S. Dame. Fifth Regiment marched from Concord October 29, 1861. 

Si.vfh Regiment Jv. H. V. — Company H: Andrew J. Sides, second lieu- 
tenant; James Berry, Havillah F. Downing, Pierpont Hammond, Dennis 



178 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Kane, Bicktord L. Rand, Irving W. Rand, William H. Redden, Samuel S. 
Sides, William G. Tripp, William Wilson, Edward McDonald, James Daley, 
John S. Dore, Hiram Hayes, William A. Horton, William Kemp, l*"ranklin 
Jones, Edward Martin, Hiram Morrow, Richard Norton, John O'Brine, 
Daniel Oninn, Charles H. Thompson, Reuben H. Ricker, W'ashington Sweet. 
Sixth Regiment N. H. V. marched from Keen December 25, 1861. Lieut. 
A. J. Sides was first sergeant of Company K when it left the city, but was 
subsequently discharged and recruited the men of Company H. 

Seventh Regiment. — Company D : George B. Parker. Company G : 
John White. Seventh Regiment marched from Manchester January 14, 1862. 

Xiiitli Rey'uncnt. — Company C: David Binch. Company E: Edward 
F. (ioodwin. Ninth Regiment marched from Concord August 25, [862. 

Tenth Regiment. — Company G: George \\' . Towle, captain; George E. 
Hodgdon. first lieutenant; Lemon R. Marston, second lieutenant; Horace H. 
Adams, Henry L. Adlington, Thomas .Archibald, James S. Ayers, John O. 
Ayers, Meschack Bell. Jr., Henry T. Brill, George Brown, Abram D. Burn- 
ham, Joseph B. Burnham, John H. Custton. Hesam Cowen, Thomas Day, 
William E. Dearborn, Benjamin F. Evans, John E. Fields, Richard Fitz- 
gerald. John H. Flint, Franklin E. Gardner, Lucius Gilmore, Michael Gilli- 
gan. Thomas Haley, Michael Haire, Pierpont Hammond, Owen Henwood, 
John Higgins, William Hill, George A. Hodgdon, John Hodgdon. Harlan 
"p. Hodgdon, Charles L. Hoitt, James Howies, John E. Hoyt, Edward Jarvis, 
Joseph F. Keen. George M. Kimball, George King, B. Stow Laskey, Charles 
"W. Lolley, John N. Marden, Michael Mason, Charles Mayes, Robert Miles, 
John H. Moore, John H. Morrison, George O. Murray, Charles H. Much- 
more. John S. Patterson. Edward B. Prime. Charles \\'. Pickering, Edward 
O. Randall, John H. Ramsdell. Eugene Reistle. Thomas Rutter, J. Albert 
Sanborn. Freeman F. Sanborn, Joseph S. Seavey, Michael Sheridan. Jr., 
Alfred S. Sweetser, Oliver F. Taylor, John Thompson, Andrew D. \\'alden, 
Richard Walsh, Andrew W. W'hidden, Sylvester Y. White. Henry J. \\'illey. 
Thomas W'illiams. William H. Williams, William Wingate. Aaron Sias. 
Peter Sullivan. John H. Stringer. John S. Sheridan. Horace J. Willey. Tenth 
Regiment marched from Manchester September 22, 1862. 

Eleventh Regiment. — Company A : Francis F. Butchelder. Eleventh 
Regiment marched from Concord September 11, 1862. 

TJiirteenth Regiment. — Jacob Storer. major; William J. Ladd. sergeant- 
major. Company E: Charles F. Adams, Henry Nutter. Company F: 
Edwin H. Leslie. Company K: Matthew T. Betton. captain; Enoch W. 
Goss, first lieutenant ; Nathaniel J. Coffee, second lieutenant ; Sanuiel P. 
Abbott, Henrv Bean. Charles Braydon, John W^ Brown. Ferdinand Barr, 
D. Webster Bamabee. Joseph B. Brown, Thomas Critchley, Jr., Joseph H. 
Coche. Joseph N. Davidson. George Davids. James Danielson. Thomas Fair- 
service. Nathaniel Gunnison. James Gilchrist. John V. .\. Hanson. John 
Harmon, Henrv C. Hodgdon. Henry A. Haneyfield, Michael Hoy. Abel Jack- 
son, Ephraim Jackson, Daniel M. Jellison. William H. Jellison. Francis R. 
Johnson, Martin Johnson. W'illiam H. Lean, James R. Morrison. John H. 
Mawbey. Jolm Moore. Martin Moore. John Mottrane. John May. John Mc- 
Millan, William Mitchell, Jr., Jeremiah L. Mclntire, Peter Mitchell, George 



AXD REI'l^l'SIiXTATIX'E CITIZENS 179 

Manning, Daniel H. Plaisted, William Peirce, Jr.. Thomas B. Parks, Henry 
S. Paul. Charles Powell, Isaac N. M. Pry, John L. Randall. Owen H. Roche, 
Ezekiel C. Rand, Robert Rand, Charles W. Randall, Reuben S. Randall, 
Moses Rowe. John C. Stevens, Storer E. Stiles, Daniel J. Spinney, George 
Scott, Enoch F. Smith, Robert M. Spinney, Charles G. Smith, George L. 
Sides, Edward W. Sides, Horace S. Spinney, Patrick Sullivan, Edwin A. 
Tilton, Henry S. Thompson, Samuel Taylor, Benjamin F. Winn, Robert B. 
Welch. William Warburton (2d). John F. Welch. Daniel H. Mclntire. 
Thirteenth Regiment marched from Concord October 6, 1862. 

Sixteenth Reyiinent. — Company K : Joseph H. Thacher. captain ; (Jeorge 
T. Wilde, first lieutenant ; William A. Haven, second lieutenant ; Henry B. 
Adams, George E. Allen. James Anderson. Thomas Brackett. Jr., Samuel 
Blatchforce. Henry M. Caster. James Cunningham. Daniel Danielson. Frank- 
lin Dow. Wilham Dutton. Charles E. Edny, Henry O. Ellinwood, James H. 
Emery, Hollis W. Fairbanks. Israel G. Fletcher. John Flynn. Otto Franck. 
Frederick Franz, Charles F. Goodwin, Thomas J. Goodwin. Charles E. Gray, 
Jacob Haddock. Otis ¥. Haley, John Higgins. George W. Hill. Joseph E. 
Holmes, Christopher J. Kellenbeck, Jacob F. Knight, Philip Krunz, John 
Leary, Charles W. Levitt. Patrick Mahoney. William Mason. Angus Mc- 
Cormick, John Mcintosh, James Mitchell. \\'illiam J. Mills, John H. Mor- 
rill, Joseph E. Nash. Franklin W. Neal, Timothy O'Leary. Albert A. Payne, 
Charles A. Payson. John H. I*earson. William A. Rand. Samuel Ruvill, 
Oren Seavey. James Shaw. Jr.. John Shaw, Robert Smart. James L. Smith, 
Nathaniel S]>inney. Charles Stewart. John Sullivan, John Taylor. Isaac 
Thomas, Mark W. Tucker, Charles Wagner. Samuel W. Walden. James A. 
Waterhouse. James E. \\"alker. Benjamin F. Watkins, Daniel Watkins, James 
Webster, George A. Woodsun, John F. Woodsun. Sixteenth Regiment 
marched from Concord August 14, 1863. 

Seventeenth Regiment. — Company B : Isaac F. Jenness, captain : Frank 
D. Webster, first lieutenant: Joseph \\'. Ackerman, George .\nderson. Wil- 
liam J. Andrews, Charles H. Alvarez. John Barry. Thomas Brown. J. C. 
Canney. William Carter. Daniel M. Clark. Warner Coggswell, Thomas Cook, 
John Fernald. Thomas H. Fisher. Joseph Fuller. Charles Davis. John F. 
Gallagher. Hiram A. Grant. Clarence S. Gray. James Haley. Joseph A. Hane, 
Christopher W. Harrokl, Henry Harris, Charles H. Kimball, John H. Lam- 
bert. Joseph Midgley, Thomas Mitchell, Charles E. Morse, John S. Perkins, 
Ammi C. Rand, Louis H. Rand, James H. Roberts, Henry V. Rogers. Ed- 
ward D. Stoodley. Robert W. Stoll. James Tangney. Richard Turner. John 
W. Walker, John .\. Walch. Henry A. \Miitton. Thomas H. Wilson, Henry 
Wingate. 

Berdan's Reyinient (Sharpshooters). — Company F: Henry L. Richards, 
lames H. Frost. Alvah H. Woodward: Paymaster Albert H. Hoyt. 

First Regiment Neiv Enghvid Cavalry. — Robert E. Shillaber. 

Fifth Maine Regiment. — John E. Moran. 

Fifteenth Maine Regiment. — Samuel Blackford, Addison H. Beach. 

First Massachusetts Regiment. — William H. Davidson. William H. 
Hunters. 



180 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Second AJassachiisctts Regiment. — William Tate, wounded before Rich- 
mond, and died August 2, 1862. 

Tenth Massachusetts Rcyinient. — W'ilber F. Lamb. 

Eleventh Massachusetts Rcyiuient. — Andrew H. Moran. 

Tzvelfth Massachusetts Regiment. — Wallace W. Gore, Joseph J. Locke. 

Thirteenth Massachusetts Regiment. — Robert B. Henderson, John B. 
Cos well. 

Fourteenth Massachusetts Regiment. — William H. Smith. 

Si.vteenth Massachusetts Regiment.- — James W. Leverton. 

Seventeenth Massachusetts Regiment. — Ezekiel Mann, Samuel A. Badger. 

Xinetccnih Massachusetts Regiment. — George W. Moran, Samuel A. 
Bridge. 

Txi'cnty-second Massachusetts Regiment. — Charles Drew, Joseph Drew. 
Samuel A. Wiggin. 

Txventy-third Massachusetts Regiment. — Robert F. Foster, Simeon S. 
Sweet. 

Twenty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment. — Henry W. Paul. 

Tzventy-tifth Massachusetts Regiment. — Samuel B. Shapleigh, Charles 
W. Shannon. 

Forty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment. — Ezekiel Fitzgerald, Benjamin 
Chandler. Albert L. Dodge, Frederick L. Dodge. 

Fort\-seventh Massachusetts Regiment. — Charles C. Haley. 

Forty-eighth Massachusetts Regi)ncnt. — Charles L. Tidd. 

Fifth Neiv York Artillery. — John Swindells. 

Fifty-seventh Neiv York Regiment. — Daniel J. Vaughan. 

Eighty-ninth New York Regiment. — George A. Edny. 

Third Wisconsin Cavalry. — George W. Carr. 

First Minnesota. — Oliver M. Knight. 

First Regiment Massachusetts Cavalry. — Daniel B. Sawyer. 

Second Regiment Massachusetts Cavalry. — Albert S. Leighton. 

Heavy Artillery at Fort Constitution. — Stephen S. Blaisdell, Henry M. 
Davis, Andrew Goldthwait, Joseph H. Graves, Clarence S. Gray, John Haley, 
Samuel P. Halt, Charles E. Moore, Alanson Ordway, George B. Roofe, 
Amos B. Smith, Stark Spinney, Jesse A. Tobey, Charles E. Young. 

United States Navy. — George C. Abbott, John O. Adams, Charles W. 
Adams, Woodbury Adams, George E. Anderson, Joseph Barry, Joshua Bas- 
tille, Andrew Bayne, Freeman Beale, Daniel F. Bean, Joel Bean, Charles E. 
Beck, Charles E. Berry, William Black, William W. Black, George C. Board- 
man, Elijah Brown, George W. Brown, Joseph Brown, William Brown, 
William Brown, William Brown, Alichael Buckley, James Burke, George 
Butler. William Card, Joseph W. Carlton, Henry A. Carter, Josiah P. Car- 
ter, Henry H. Gate, Joseph G. Cate, Albert Chamberlain, Horace A. Chase, 
Walter Chesley, Charles W. Clark, Edmund Clark, Wallace \V. Clark, 
Thomas Collins, Kiesan Copley, James Courtney, George Cox, Michael Crow- 
ley, William Currier, Charles Cummings, Frederick Danielson, Joseph David- 
son, Francis Dema, James M. Devine, Michael Devine, John M. De Roch- 
ment, Castine B. De \\'itt. Arthur Dorrity, John H. Downs, Frank M. Drake, 
Nelson N. Downing, Franklin N. Ellison, Horace Ellison. William Ellison, 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 181 

William H. Emery, William Y. Evans, David Faulkner, William H. Fields, 
Albert Fisher, Joseph Fitzgerald, Joseph Foster, Charles E. Freeman, Wil- 
liam D. Freeman, Thomas B. Gammon, Thomas S. Gay, J. Nelson Good- 
rich, Benjamin Gray, Charles A. C. Gray, Henry Gray, Samuel Gray, Frank 
W'. Hackett, William H. Haddock, Allison W. Hadley. Mark S. Ham, Ben- 
jamin Harris, Thomas A. Harris, Lyman H. Hertford, John Hartnett, Frank 

F. Hastings, Charles E. Hawkins, Henry Hayes, William C. Hazletl. Fred- 
erick Henderson, George Herbert, Daniel Hennessey, James Hennessey, John 
A. Holbrook, Charles W. Holmes, Alfred H. Hook, Andrew J. Hough, 
William H. Howell, Hugh Hunter, James Hurley, 3ilichael Hurley, Patrick 
Hurley, William S. Jar\is, Henry Jenkins, John Jenkins, Abraham A. John- 
son, Augustus Johnson. George N. Johnson, George W. Johnson, Charles 
C. Jones, John Jones, Michael Jones. Charles K. Knox, John H. Knox, 
Thomas Kehoe. Irving W. Laighton, William F. Laighton, William M. 
Laighton, Henry S. Lambert, John L. Lambert, Edward D. Lane, Harvey 
V. Lang. Thomas W. Lang, John T. Larrabee, Samuel Lear, Lafayette 
Leary. John C. Lewis, Edwin W. Locke, Jeremiah S. Locke. Oliver H. Locke, 
William W. Locke, James Lynch, John F. Lyons, William H. Manson, Rob- 
ert B. Marden, Albert S. Marston, George E. Martin, Gustavus W. Mason, 
John McAwley, David McCliskey, Michael McCliskey. Daniel McDonald, 
Robert McFad'den. John McGraw. John McKenly, Alexander McLead, Cor- 
nelius Mead, Henry Melvin, Oliver Messer, Thomas J. Mitchell. Thomas 
Moore. Edward Moses. John F. Muchmore, Isaac C. Murch, James Mur- 
wick, William Newick. Jeremiah Newman, Leverett W. Noyes, W^illiam 
Nuckett, John E. Odwone, Andrew B. Paine, William Paine, John F. Parks, 
William Parks. Enoch G. Parrott, John A. Payne, George F. Pearson, Albert 

G. Pembell. Edward Pendexter, George W. Perry, William Pettigrew, Sam- 
uel Phelbrech, Charles W. Pickering, Simeon S. Pickering, William P. 
Pender, Alonzo K. Place, Charles L. Place, Leonard Place. Frank Plaisted, 
James E. Plaisted. Patrick Ouenland, Cornelius Ouinn, John Quinn, Thomas 
Quinn, Charles Ricker. Thomas W. Ridge. John M. Roberts. Joseph Rey- 
nolds. Alexander Robinson. Richard Robinson. Charles H. Ross, Charles H. 
Rowe. Jabez Rowe. John Rutlidge, Lewis Rutlidge. William Rutlidge, Frank 
C* Sawyer, William O. Seawards, George E. Smart, Ivory Smart, Charles 
J. Smith, James Smitli, James H. Smith, John H. Smith, Stephen Smith, 
William Smith, James A. Snow. Lyman G. Spalding. Chesley Spinney, 
William T. Spinney. George E. Stackpole, William Stanley. George W. 
Storer, William P. Storer, John W. Stott. Joseph W. Stringer. Dennis O. 
Sullivan, W^arren L. Sweet, Charles Tate, Andrew Tetterly, Samuel Thomas, 
Henry Tucker. Thomas L. Tullock, Jr., Edwin Underbill, Joseph B. Upham, 
Jr., Charles L. Varney. Frank A. Varney. Joim L. Venare, James Walch, 
Daniel Walker. William \\'alker, Joseph Wallace. Edward L. Warburton, 
Benjamin F. \\'atkins. Frank Watkins. Tliomas Watkins. Richard Watkins, 
William Watkins Henry C. Webster, William Webster. Edward H. Weeks, 
George \\\ Weeks. John Welch. Joshua Wetherell. Thomas Wetherell. Andrew 
Whitl-, Joshua W. White, George F. Whitehouse. Samuel A. Whitehouse, 
William"H. Whitehouse, John W. Young. 



182 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

The Winficld Scott Schley Camp No. 4, United Spanish War Veterans, 
located at Portsmouth, has a membership of eighty-nine comrades. 

-SHIP BUILDING AND PRIVATEERING 

The principal industry of Portsmouth for half a century was ship build- 
ing. From 1801 to 1850 an average of nine vessels per year were built on 
the Piscataqua River, and every decade the vessels were made larger and 
more costly. Starting with an average of 200 tons in 1801, there was hardly 
any increase until 1827, when thousands assembled to see the launching of 
a full rigged ship, the Sarah Parker, of about 400 tons, that was Imilt for 
Captain Ichabod Goodwin. In the "30s and '40s the average rose to 450 
tons and in the '50s the eighty- four vessels launched averaged 900 tons, one, 
The Sierra Nevada, being of 1,952 tons. The famous Typhoon that 
made the record trip across the Atlantic in thirteen days, was built here in 
185 1. In the Fourth of July procession in 1853, George Ra}^^es had an 
ox team decorated with fifty-three models of vessels that he had built. That 
number was excelled by ]\Iaster William Badger, for on his monument on 
Badger's Island is the inscription that he built nearly one hundred vessels, 
but the fact that he never saw one of them launched has not been published. 
In 1800, 108 vessels were owned in this port besides those engaged in fish- 
ing. In 1824, 182 vessels, including 38 ships, were owned here, employing 
1,453 seamen. In 1834, 196 vessels, of which 40 were engaged in foreign 
trade, 4 in whaling, 85 in fishing, 56 in coasting. In 1840, 201 vessels were 
similarly employed. For years tlie wharA'es were lined with vessels export- 
ing lumber, fish, beef, pork and live stock, and importing wines, molasses, 
sugar, coffee, spices, iron and salt. The odd hours of Portsmouth youths 
were spent in the numerous shipyards and on the wharves, and it is no won- 
der so many went down to the sea in ships with the hopes of a captain's 
berth, or learned one of the trades connected with ship building or commerce. 

In 1844 Rev. Andrew P. Peabody stated to a lyceum audience in a lec- 
ture on the industries of Portsmouth, that the yearly earnings from agri- 
culture was $30,000, manufacturing — principally stocking factories — Sioo,- 
000, and from commerce $500,000. In 1846 when the Portsmouth Steam 
Factory and Sagamore Company started with about 500 employees, the main 
producing population were engaged in commerce, fishing and ship building. 
The prosperous years of Portsmouth ship building and commerce departed 
during the Civil war. The high rates of insurance premiums for war risks, 
on account of the confederate privateers and the chance to sell .'Xmerican 
built ships for English gold at a high premium, left our ship yards and whar\'es 
nearly vacant. 

Of late years Portsmouth has been and is the coal port of the State of New 
Hampshire and a good part of Alaine and Vermont. More than half a million 
tons are annually shipped by rail to the great mills of Manchester and other 
inland places. The Piscataqua Navigation Company with its steam-boats and 
barges carries the bricks from the yards on the upper Piscataqua to Massa- 
chusetts. The Morley Button Company is the largest concern of its kind in 
the world. Giving constant employment to 250 employees. The Gale Shoe 
Company and the Widder Bros. Shoe Company employ hundreds of workmen. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 183 

PRIVATEERING 

In the latter part of the War of i8i_'-i4 ten brigs and schooners were built 
as armed privateers, and they captured as prizes British vessels and cargoes 
amounting to millions of dollars. Only a partial account of the sixteen Ports- 
mouth privateers has been written, for most of the records have been pur- 
posely destroyed, but enough manuscripts and books have come into the 
possession of the editor to indicate the large fortunes the owners made, from 
which were erected our largest and finest houses of that and the following 
decade. Four hundred and nineteen vessels were taken by sixteen Portsmouth 
privateers. Four captured prizes which, with their contents, were valued 
at two and one-half millions of dollars. Few people are acquainted w'ith the 
influence of privateering upon the seaport towns, and the successful issues 
of the two wars with England. In the Revolutionary war the prizes captured 
by the privateers amounted to $18,000,000. In the 1812-14 war alone the 
value of British prizes taken by 517 privateers amounted to $39,000,000, and 
by the twenty-three U. S. war vessels to $6,000,000. The numbers of 
prisoners taken on the high seas, principally by privateers, amounted to 30,000, 
while the army captured only 6,000. The Portsmouth schooner "Fox" in 
1814 received from the U. S. Government $3,650, as bounty for the prisoners 
captured from British vessels. 



CHAPTER XV 

PORTSMOUTH— (Continued) 

Banks — Nc7cs/^af^crs — Fires — Architecture. Various Events — Famous Inhabi- 
tants — Schools. Parks and Playgrounds 



Chronology. — New Hampshire Bank incorporated 1792, expired 1842.* 

New Hampshire Union Bank incorporated 1802, expired 1842.* 

IWtsmoiith Bank incorporated 1803, expired 1843.* 

Rockingham Bank incorporated 181 3, succeeded by Rockingham National 
Bank 1865, expired 1905.* 

Branch Bank of the U. S. estabHshed 1816, closed 1835.* 

Portsmoutli Savings Bank incorporated 1823. 

Piscataqua Bank incorporated 1824, succeeded by Piscataqua Exciiange 
Bank incorporated 1844, succeeded by First National Bank 1863. 

Commercial Bank incorporated 1825. succeeded by Mechanics and Traders 
Bank 1844, succeeded by National Mechanics and Traders Bank 1865. 

New Hampshire Bank incorporated 1855, succeeded by New Hampshire 
National Bank 1865. 

Rockingham lO-Cent Savings Bank incorporated 1867, closed 1876.* 

Portsmouth Trust & Guarantee Company incorporated 1871. 

Piscataqua Savings Bank incorporated 1877. 

The First National Bunk is a successor of the Piscataqua Bank of 1824 
and the Piscataqua Exchange Bank of 1844. The First National Bank is 
number i in the Treasury Department. The $30,000 U. S. 6% bonds to secure 
circulating notes, sent to W^ashington on April 9, 1863, were the first received 
from any bank in the United States and its bonds were kept in Box No. i, 
by the United States treasurer during the term of the original charter. The 
bank opened Julv 7, 1863, being number 19 on the Comptroller's books. 

Prr.«rfr;!^s-.— SamuefHale,' 1824-1844: William H. Y. Hackett. 1844- 
1878; Ichabod Goodwin, 1879-1882: Edward P. Kimball, 1882-1910; John 
K. Bates, 1910-1914. 

Cashiers. — Samuel Lord, 1824-1871; Edward P. Kimball, 1872-1882; 
Charles A. Hazlett, 1883-1914. 

Long Services. — The three cashiers were employed in the bank 53, 47 

* No successor. 

184 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 185 

and 41 years respectively. Five directors have acted on the board 53, 51, 49, 
47 and 41 years respectively. For 80 years the bank messenger, his father 
and grandfather, have faithfully served the banks in this city. 

The officers elected January 13, 1914, were: J. K. Bates, president; C. A. 
Hazlett, vice president; R. W. Junkins, cashier; J. M. McPhee, assistant 
cashier; L. B. Wright, teller. Directors; John H. Broughton, Henry A. 
Yeaton. Wallace Hackett- Charles A. Hazlett, Joseph O. Hobbs, John K. 
Bates and Edward T. Kimball. 

The National Mechanics' and Traders' Bank is a successor of the Com- 
mercial Bank, which was chartered in July, 1S25. Isaac W^alton, president; 
George Melcher, Jr., cashier; succeeded by Richard Jenness, president; James 
T. Shores, cashier. This bank was succeeded by the Mechanics" and Traders' 
Bank, chartered 1844. Richard Jenness, president; James T. Shores, cashier. 
This was succeeded by the National Mechanics" and Traders' Bank, organized 
May, 1864. George L. Treadwell, president; James T. Shores, cashier. Mr. 
Shores died in 1871, and was succeeded by G. W. Butler, cashier. G. L. 
Treadwell resigned in February, 1876, succeeded by John Sise. G. W. Butler 
resigned in April, 1881 : succeeded by John Laighton, who resigned in March, 
1882. when James P. Bartlett was elected cashier, and resigned in 1895. He 
was succeeded by C. F. Shillaber in 1895. The present officers are; G. Ralph 
Laighton, president; C. F. Shillaber, cashier. Directors: J. W. I'eirce, 
G. R. Laighton, Gustave Peyser, C. F. ShillalDer, Wm. E. Marvin, F. H. 
Sise, John J. Berry. 

The Neii' Hampshire National Bank is a successor of the New Hamp- 
shire Bank, incorporated in 1855. The present bank was organized as a 
national bank in 1865. Peter Jenness was president from 1855 to 1866, when 
he was succeeded by Mr. J. P. Bartlett, who remained until 1882, and was 
succeeded by E. A. Peterson who served till 1890. Thomas A. Harris was 
president from 1890 to 1893, and Calvin Page president from 1893 to 1914. 
T. P. Bartlett was cashier from 1855 to 1866, L. S. Butler from 1866 to 1890, 
and W. C. Walton from 1890 to 191 4. 

The present officers are; Calvin Page, president; W. C. Walton, cashier; 
W. L. Conlon, assistant cashier. Directors : Calvin Page, H. Fisher Eldredge, 
A. F. Howard. F. H. Ward, J. W. Emery, W. C. Walton. 

Portsmouth Savings Bank.— May 26, 1818, some of the most prominent 
citizens of the town met and organized an "Institution for the Deposit and 
Investment of Monies," and applied for a charter, which, however, the Legis- 
lature declined to grant. But in 1823 the charter of the "Portsmouth Savings 
Bank" was obtained, and this bank is therefore among the oldest of such insti- 
tutions in the United States. At first the bank was open for deposits and 
withdrawals onlv on Wednesdays from 3 to 5 P. M. and occupied a chamber 
of the building then on the site of their new building. The followmg is a list 
of the presidents and treasurers of the bank : 

Presidents Nathaniel A. Haven, 1823-31; Henry Ladd, 1831-39; James 
Rundlett 18^,9-40; Robert Rice, 1840-44: William M. Shackford, 1844-69; 
William Simes i86«>8o; William H. Rollins. 1880-93; C. E. Batcheder, 1893- 
9S- T S H Frink 1895-190=;: G. Ralph Laighton, IQOS. Treasurers, Samuel 
lord' 18^3-69 • Tames "F. Shores. Jr.. 1869-77; Joseph H. Foster. 1877-85; 



186 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Geo. Tompson, 1885-89; G. Ralph Laighton, 1889-1905; Harry E. Boyiiton, 

1905- 

The present officers are : G. Ralph Laighton, president ; H. E. Boynton, 

treasurer. Trustees : Joseph W. Peirce, D. F. Borthwick, Gustave Peyser, 

H. E. Boynton, Moses A. SatYord, G. Ralph Laighton, William E. Marvin. 

The Portsmouth Trust and Guarantee Company, a savings bank, incor- 
porated in 1871. The presidents have been George L. Treadwell, Ezra H. 
Winchester, Jeremiah F. Hall, Frank Jones and Calvin Page. Charles H. 
Rollins was treasurer until December, 1876, when he was succeeded by G. L. 
Treadwell, who officiated until April, 1879, when Mr. Rollins was re-ap- 
pointed. Samuel J. Gerrish was treasurer from 1892 to 191 1 and was suc- 
ceeded by Wm. C. Walton in 191 1. The present officers are: Calvin Page, 
president; A. V. Howard, vice president; Wm. C. Walton, treasurer; Willis 
E. Underhill, assistant treasurer; Percival C. Sides, clerk. Directors: Calvin 
Page, B. F. Webster, A. F. Howard, John H. Bartlett and \V. C. Walton. 

The Piscataqua Savings Bank was incorporated in 1877. The first presi- 
dent was W. H. Y. Hackett, who was succeeded by Governor Ichabod Good- 
win in 1878. E. P. Kimball served until 1910. The present president, C. A. 
Hazlett, was elected in April, 1910. Robert C. Peirce was treasurer from 
1878 to 1893, W. C. Eraser to 1906, and C. W. Brewster to 1913. The 
present officers are : President and acting treasurer, Charles A. Hazlett ; 
assistant treasurer, E. Curtis Matthews, Jr. Trustees : John H. Broughton, 
Alfred F. Howard, Henry A. Yeaton, Wallace Hackett. Joseph O. Hobbs 
(North Hampton), Lewis E. Staples, Charles A. Hazlett and John K. Bates. 

Ports)iionth Building and Loan Association. — John W. Emery, president; 
John Pender, secretary and treasurer. 

NEWSPAPERS 

The New Hampshire Gazette. — This is the oldest continuously published 
newspaper in the United States. The first number appeared October 7, 1756, 
and the imprint reads, "Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Printed by Daniel 
Fowle, where this paper may be had at one dollar per annum, or an equivalent 
in Bills of Credit, computing a dollar this year at Four Pounds old Tenor." 

Daniel Fowle, who was the first printer in New Hampshire, was born at 
Charlestown, Mass., and began business near the head of King (now State) 
Street, in Boston, in 1740. In 1754 he was arrested by order of the House of 
Representatives, on suspicion of having printed a pamphlet entitled "The 
Monster of Monsters, by Tom Thumb, Esq.," which contained severe animad- 
versions on some of the members. He was cast into jail, but subsequently 
suffered to depart without trial. Unable to obtain satisfaction for the illegal 
imprisonment, and disgusted with the provincial government of Massachu- 
setts, Fowle accepted an invitation from several prominent gentlemen of this 
state to remove to Portsmouth, and the result was the issue of his first number 
of the New Hampshire Gazette on the date above mentioned. 

This number, of which a fac-simile was produced at the centennial anni- 
versary of the introduction of the art of printing into New Hampshire, cele- 
brated in Portsmouth, October 6. 1856. was 17x10 inches, and was published 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 187 

in this size until the beginning of the year 1757, when it was enlarged, and 
in July of that year, and occasionally after, was doubled in size in its issue. 
In 1797 it was permanently enlarged. But little is known of the location of 
the office. The paper did not give that infonnation. The first issues were 
from an office in an old wooden building at the corner of Pleasant, Washing- 
ton, and Howard streets, removed a few years since, to be succeeded by the 
brick dwelling-house built on the site by Mr. John E. Colcord. In 1767 we 
find it published by Daniel and Robert Fowle, "near State House, in the 
Street leading- to the Ferry," now Market Street, and perhaps this was the 
first remo\-al from the Pleasant Street location, which was until then near the 
center of business of the town. An ancient deed of land at corner of Pleasant 
and Richmond streets would lead us to infer that Fowle had this site as late 
as 1772 for his office. In any event the office has been frecjuently removed, 
having been in Congress Street, on the site of the present Franklin Building, 
on Daniel Street, and on F^leasant Street opposite to the locality where for 
the past twenty-one years it has been published. But the fact remains certain 
that if the office of publication changed, the weekly appearance of the paper 
has never ceased for more than a century and a half of its existence. 

Fowle published the Gazette, either alone or with his partner, until 1785, 
when he sold the paper to two of his apprentices, John Melcher and George 
Terry Osborne. Fowle died in 1787. The publication up to 1785 was as fol- 
lows: By Daniel Fowle, from 1756 to 1764, when Robert Fowle became 
interested in the paper, and continued until 1773. Benjamin Dearborn was 
publisher in 1776, but two years after, Mr. Fowle resumed the publication, and 
was succeeded by Mercher & Osborn, in 1785. Mr. Osborn shortly after 
retired, but Mr. Melcher continued until 1802, when he sold to Nathaniel 
S. and Washington Peirce, who changed the politics of the Gazette from 
federal to republican. Mr. Melcher was the first state printer,^an office 
continued to the publishers of the Gazette down to 1814. N. S. and W. Peirce, 
in connection with Benjamin Hill and Samuel Gardner, published the pai>er 
for little more than seven years, when it was sold to \Villiam Weeks, who 
came to Portsmouth from Rutland, Me., and conducted the paper up to 181 3. 
He was followed by Gideon Beck and David C. Foster, whose firm of Beck 
& Foster was dissolved by the death of Mr. Foster in 1823. From this time 
to 1834, Mr. Beck was the publisher. Then Albert Greenleaf was admitted 
as partner, and in 1838 Mr. Beck retired. After this Thomas B. Laighton, 
formerly a prominent politician of Portsmouth, but who afterwards spent his 
declining years at .\ppledore. Isles of Shoals, was for a year or more interested 
with .\bner Greenleaf. ]r.. as the imprint informs us. and subsequently from 
late in 1839, and Mr. Greenleaf alone conducted the paper down to 1841. 
Then Saniuel W. Mores, a practical printer, with Joel C. Virgin acting as 
editor, and George Greenleaf, published the paper until 1844. when .\bner 
Greenleaf (Sr.) is named as editor. Then appears "A. Greenleaf & Son." 
For the succeeding two years the pajier was owned and managed by certain 
prominent democrats, who gave no sign of editorship or proprietorship. In 
18^-^. \\'illiam Pickering Hill, a son of ex-Governor Isaac Hill, came from 
Concord, where he had been interested in the Patriot, and purchased the 
Gazette, and also an opposition democratic paper called the Republican L'nion. 



188 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and the Gazette was then enlarged. He also started a daily Gazette, but his 
efforts were not successful, and he retired after a loss of no little amount of 
money during his management. Mr. Hill was succeeded by Gideon H. 
Rundlett, who was an able and fearless writer, and as far as a political paper 
was desired he supplied the need. He was followed by Edward N. Fuller, 
formerly of Manchester, who took the paper in 1852. and remained until 1858, 
when he removed to Newark, N. J. He attempted to publish a daily Gazette, 
which was a reputable paper, but the enterprise was not appreciated, and it was 
given up. In 1858, Mr. Fuller was succeeded by Amos S. Alexander, Esq., 
a lawyer from the interior of the state, who held an office under the administra- 
tion, but was not always in the line of service acceptable to the party managers. 
He gave way to Samuel Gray, a native of Portsmouth, and a practical printer, 
in February, 1859. In September, 1861, Mr. Gray sold out to Frank W. 
Miller, who had started with others the Daily Chronicle in 1852, and the 
Gazette establishment became united with the Chronicle office. The New 
Hampshire Gazette was then removed from the office in Daniel Street oppo- 
site the old custom-house to its present location in Exchange Building in 
Pleasant Street, and its time-honored name appeared at the head of the weekly 
paper published at the Chronicle office. Many of its former subscribers 
continued to take the paper, which now became transformed from a political 
organ to a nevvspa]:)er, and its circulation began to increase. 

In 1868, Mr. George W. Marston became a partner with Mr. Miller, and 
the paper was pui>lished by Frank W. Miller & Company. Mr. Miller sold 
his interest in October, 1870, to Mr. Washington Freenian, who owned one- 
half of the paper. Mr. Marston disposed of his interest in June. 1877, to 
William H. Hackett, who, with Mr. Freeman, published the paper under the 
name of the "Chronicle and Gazette Publi,shing Company." In June, 1S82, 
Mr. Hackett disposed of his interest to Mr. Charles W. Gardner, a practical 
printer of Portsmouth. During the proprietorship of Mr. F. W. Miller and 
his successors there have been in the editorial chair Messrs. Tobias Ham 
Miller, Jacob H. Thompson (afterwards connected with the editorial 
department of the New York Times), and Israel P. Miller. After 
Mr. Marston purchased an interest in the paper it advocated the principles 
of the republican party, but it has of late aimed to excel in serving its readers 
with general and local news rather than with abstract dissertion upon political 
topics. During the lifetime of the Gazette many newspapers have come and 
gone in Portsmouth, among the last to cease publication being Miller's Weekly, 
a temperance journal, which stopped soon after the decease of its founder 
and owner, the late Frank W. Miller, the American Ballot and Post. 

The Daily Chronicle, which was started by Messrs. F. W. Miller, Thomas 
M. Miller, and Samuel Gray in 1852, under the firm of Miller & Gray, has 
been in turn owned by this firm, F. W. Miller & Company, Marston & Free- 
man, by the Chronicle and Gazette Publishing Company and F. W. Hartford 
since March i, 1898, who also publishes the Herald, an evening paper. Since 
its establi.shment the local news of Portsmouth has been carefully produced by 
the papers, a feature which is appreciated by the many natives of the "City 
by the Sea." who go to live beyond its borders, and yet cherish a desire for 
news from home. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 189 

The States and Uiiiuu.— The first number of the States and Union news- 
paper was issued on January 2, 1863, V Mr. Joshua L. Foster, because (as 
he announced in his salutatory) of "the indispensable necessity of a sound 
and thoroughly democratic journal in this section of the state." The old 
Gazette presses and material were purchased for the new enterprise, and the 
paper was issued from the office which had for many years been occupied 
by the Gazette, No. 31 Daniel Street. At the commencement of the second 
volume Mr. George W. Guppy's name appeared as publisher in connection 
with Air. Foster. The paper was decidedly outspoken and fearless, and 
because of its views upon the conduct of the war it was mobbed on April 
10, 1865, everything contained within the office — type, presses, material and 
machinery of every description — being destroyed and thrown into the street. 
After this the type was set and press-work for the paper done for a few weeks 
in Manchester, until new material and presses could be procured and brought 
to Portsmouth, when work was resumed in the office, and the paper has 
been issued regularly ever since. 

The paper is at present published by Col. True L. Norris as the weekly 
edition of the Portsmouth Times and has a wide circulation throughout New 
Hampshire and Western Maine. 

The Daily Evening Times. — On March i(). 1868. the Daily Evening Times 
began to be issued from the same establishment, with Joshua L. Foster as 
editor and proprietor. George W. Guppy as publisher, and William M. Thayer 
as local editor, and the paper has been regularly issued ever since. In May, 
1870. Mr. Foster sold the establishment to Messrs. Thayer & Guppy, and their 
connection continued till November, 1873, when Mr. Guppy bought his 
partner's interest, and was sole editor and proprietor until December 15, 1879, 
when he sold out to Mr. Alpheus A. Hanscom, who was formerly publisher of 
the Maine Democrat, at Saco. Me., and for the fifteen years immediately 
previous to his purchase of Mr. Guppy was one of the proprietors and editors 
of the Union Democrat and Manchester Daily Union, at Manchester, N. H. 

In the fall of 1877 Mr. Hanscom sold the Times to the late Charles A. 
Sinclair who conducted it with True L. Norris as manager and editor until 
March, 1893, when Mr. Norris bought the property and has remained the 
owner up to the present time. 

The Portsmouth Journal. — The original title of the "Journal" was "The 
Oracle of the Day." It was established by Charles Pierce, June 3, 1793, and 
published semi-weekly until January, 1798, when it was enlarged and became 
a weekly, the editor giving as a reason for the change that the public demand 
was for "one very large paper per week in the room of two." The "very 
large" paper measured "12x1 9 inches. The Oracle started and was conducted 
in The interest of the federal republican party. January 4, 1800, on the week 
that the paper was in deep mourning for the death of Washington, its name 
was changed to The United States Oracle of the Day. Mr. Pierce sold out 
July 4, 1801. to William Treadwell & Co.. on account of "tlie imi>aired state 
"of his" health" and "the excessive fatigue attendant in the publication of a 
newspaper." In October of that year the name of the paper became United 
States Oracle and Portsmouth Advertiser. The publishing firm became Wil- 
liam & Daniel Treadwell. Deccm!)er ir. 1802. The name Portsmouth Oracle 



190 HISTORY 01' ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

was adopted October 22, 1803, and Daniel Treadwell left the tirni just two 
years afterwards. Charles Turell became the publisher September 25, 1813. 

In January, i8ji, the paper was purchased by Nathaniel A. Haven, Jr., 
who changed its name to The Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics. 
The name and the plain style of the heading was always retained. Charles 
Turell published it until February 7, 1824, when the publication was assumed 
by Harrison Gray & Co.. Mr. Turell continuing to print it. It was made a 
six-column paper in January, 1823, November 20, 1724, tlie publishers were 
H. Gray and E. L. Childs. 

Mr. Haven conducted the Journal four years. He was a gentleman of the 
best literary ability and attainments, and gave to the paper a high standing 
in the community. 

Miller & Brewster purchased the Journal July 2, 1825, and thereafter 
edited and published it at No. 3 Ladd Street, where it continued to be pub- 
lished until January, 1870, when the office was removed to State Street. 

October 20, 1827, the Journal absorbed the Rockingham Gazette, published 
at E.xeter by Francis Grant; and June i, 1833, it also included the State 
Herald, a Portsmouth paper, these names appearing at the head of the paper 
until August 13, 1836. T. H. Miller retired from the firm April 26, 1834. 
The paijcr was enlarged in June, 1838, again in January, 1853, and again 
February 29, 1868. 

Lewis W. Brewster became connected with the publication of the paper 
in January, 185(1, in the firm of Charles W. Brewster & Son. The senior 
partner died .\ugust 4, 1868. The Journal ceased publication in May, 1903. 



As late as 1855 there were three independent fire societies: the United, 
instituted in 1761 ; the Federal in 1789 and the Mechanics in 181 1. The last 
two retain their organizations and hold regular meetings. Portsmouth has 
suffered severely from fires. On December 24, 1802, 132 buildings were 
destroyed; December 26, 1806, 14 buildings and on December 22, 1813, 241 
buildings covering*i5 acres with a loss of $300,000. 

The present fire department consists of four steam fire engines, one auto 
comliination chemical, one hook and ladder truck, one su]iply wagon valued 
with the buildings and fire alarm system at $fK).ooo. The annual appropria- 
tion is $20,000. Eighty officers and firemen including six permanent drivers 
and engineers are on the roll of the fire department. 

ARCHITECTURE 

Like all our older seaboard towns, Portsmouth has a dual life and a 
dual architecture. There is the old life, with its social and colonial importance, 
its magnates, of more than local influence, and, as a consequence of this, there 
is the old architecture in dwellings and churches, which represents the best 
of a vigorous period. On the other liand there is the new life, with its 
modern interests and activity. 

It is customary to call the' old work colonial. This is a wide-reacliing term. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 191 

which embraces e\ery building erected between the days of the early settle- 
ment and the first quarter of the present century. Grouped under one head, 
we find the wide-spread one-story building with big pitched roof, the two- 
storied house with gambrel roof, and the square house, twO' or three stories 
high, with low pitched roof. All these dwellings, and the churches and public 
buildings which accompanied them, are termed colonial. So the word 
"colonial" is made to cover a multitude of architectural sins. Up to the 
eighteenth century this country was in too primitive a condition to demand 
an}- real architecture, and houses like the Jackson house or the New Castle 
Jaffrey house have little claim to be classed as under any particular style. 
This is by no means to say that these simple little homesteads have no archi- 
tectural interest or value. They are frank, straightforward expressions of 
needs met. They are sincere, unpretentious, honest, simple. Later, better 
education and more means made houses on a larger scale possible; but the 
good taste and refinement, which seemed instinctively to avoid what was pre- 
tentious and extravagant, still guided and guarded them. With the nine- 
teenth century the fine appreciation of what was good began gradually to 
disapjiear. Riches meant extravagance and display, ostentation took the place 
of beauty, and for many years vulgarity seemed supreme. When they built 
in wood, they showed architectural intelligence and skill in the way they 
adajjted the old examples to the new material. On the whole, however, they 
but varied the harmony of the old tune. 

The New Englander. having no ample farm lands, and neither occasion 
nor wish to isolate himself, but having instead the distinct need of community 
life, selected the compact square plan of the English townsman, suited for a 
small lot rather than for a many-acred estate ; and in doing this, he showed 
great ability and taste in making the most of a small piece of land. Our 
Portsmouth houses are the result of these aims. ,\11 are houses of town 
people. Some belong to the civic authorities, some to ministers, some to 
doctors, and some like the Ladcl house, belonging to ship-owners, who built 
so as to command their wharves and be in easy touch with their business. 

The very early houses do not rank as exponents of any architectural 
stvle- but they have more than an antiquarian interest. The rooms are well 
proportioned, although low. The big kitchen with its wide fireplace and 
crane and the oven adjoining, the sunny parlor with its outlook on garden 
or on orchard, are not without a distinct architectural charm. Simple recpure- 
ments. simply and directly met.— they have truth, which is. after all. the 
kevnote of good architecture. 

' Between 1730 and 1800 most of the best houses were built. Nearly all 
of these were o'^f the same general type.— the square plan, two stones and a 

gambrel roof. , , • , r- i 1 

One of the latest as well as one of the best, is the Governor Langdon 
hou.se on Pleasant Street, a well-designed house well placed ,>n the land 
and flanked in dignified manner by its small guard-houses. The I.add house 
on Market Street to which reference has already been made, built in 1763. 
differs from the others of this time in being three stories, the fir.st o this 
tvpe and is an unusuallv complete example; for ,t has a well-designed exterior 
w th' "ood detail a good setting on the street nverk.okmg the harbor, and a 



192 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

\vell-lai(l-out garden, terraced up from the house, and filled with flowers, 
shrubs and fruit trees, an exceeding spot. 

Moreover, the hall is quite exceptional in size and in detail of stairs and 
finish. One cannot well enumerate all the good houses of this prolific time. 
Many are lost, some have fallen into evil hands or evil ways ; but the greater 
number are still in existence, and in most cases occupied by those whose fami- 
lies built them. W'ith the nineteenth century we pass the days which can be 
called colonial, but much of the work done in the first two decades is still 
classed architecturally under that name. The work of this time is not as a 
whole as good as that of the earlier period ; but it is still genuine, spontaneous 
work. 

The square three storied house is the typical one : and the ornament, while 
somewhat more delicate, is not as vigorous as that which enriched the former 
work : but in many cases, as in the interior woodwork of the Pierce house, 
shows the intelligence and artistic ability of the builder. 

In these houses the ornament is almost exclusively such as can be pro- 
duced with chisel and gouge, — simple mechanical patterns, within the ability 
of anv skilled carpenter. There is no carving and no ornament of papier- 
mache. One (juestions whether it was a special providence or accident which 
saved the academy (designed by Charles Bulfinch) from being quite ruined 
when it was remodelled, and each one wonders whether the Athenaeum will 
escape destruction or renovation. 

Perhaps we may accept these as indications that a better time is coming, 
and that those in power are beginning to appreciate that they have a true 
treasure, which once destroyed, can never be replaced. 

In 1758 a State-house was, by direction of the General Assembly, built in 
this town ; there for a number of years Dr. Haven, of the South Parish, and 
Dr. Langdon, of the North Parish, alternately ofificiated as chaplains. On the 
20th of April, 1 761, Mr. John Stavers commenced running a stage from this 
town to Boston, drawn by two horses and. sufficiently wide to carry three pas- 
sengers, leaving here on Monday and returning to this town on Friday, and 
the fare about three dollars. 

Independence and Peace. — In the year 1783 the articles of peace were cele- 
brated in this town with great enthusiasm and display. Bells were rung, 
salutes fired, and the North Church crowded for a religious service, at which 
Dr. Haven and Mr. Buckminster both offered prayers, which were spoken 
of as most eloquent and pathetic, a prayer in those days not unfrequently 
having all the preparation, characteristics, and effects of a most studied and 
brilliant orator. 

Visit of Washington. — In 1789 the President, George Washington, visited 
Portsmouth, and was received most heartily by the whole population. Full 
and glowing as our accounts are of this interesting event in our history, we 
can still depend only upon the imagination to fill out the picture of the enthu- 
siastic oration, and the spontaneous gratitude and respect which were paid to 
this illustrious general and statesman. 

In 1838 Edward Everett read to a Portsmouth audience from the diary of 
President Washington, his own account of his visit to Portsmouth from 
October 31 to November 4. 1789, as it appears printed in full in the first series 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 193 

of the Rambles. Washington wrote in detail of his attendance at the church 
services; his fishing trip down the harbor; his calls on Governor Langdon 
and Mrs. Lear, the mother of his secretary and comments on the ladies at 
the ball. At the time of his visit, Portsmouth with its population of 4,720, 
was one of the large towns of the country. A decade later by the census 
of the United States of 1800 with a population of 5,339 it ranked the twelfth 
town or city in the United States and practically among the first ten for Hart- 
ford had only eight and Albany ten more inhabitants. 

J'isit of Lafayette. — On the 21st day of September, 1824, General 
Lafayette was given a hearty reception by the inhabitants of Portsmouth. 
He was escorted to the residence of Governor Langdon by a procession of 
military, the trades and school children. He attended a reception and ball 
in the evening. His autograph letter of acknowledgment of the invitation to 
the town is framed and hung in the public library. Lafayette's first visit to 
Portsmouth was in September, 1782. 

In 1817, President Monroe visited Portsmouth and in 1847 President 
Polk. 

The fore-runner of tlie "Old Home Week." was the return of the sons 
and daughters of Portsmouth on July 4, 1853, and repeated in 1873, 1883 and 
1910. 

The dedication exercises of the Thomas Bailey Aldrich Memorial on 
June 30, 1908, at Music Hall, brouglit a large gathering of authors and 
friends to the city. Addresses were made by Mark Twain, Gov. Curtis 
Guild, Hamilton W. Mabie, Thomas Wentworth Higginson. Richard Watson 
Gilder. Thomas Nelson Page, William D. Howells and P. Dunn. 

An average of 2.300 visitors pay admission fees to the memorial build- 
ings each year since they were open to the public. 

The public reception to Lieut. A. W. Greeley, U. S. A., and his comrades, 
and the naval officers of the Arctic Relief Association. August i to 4, 1884, 
was a notable occasion. 

Shillings and Pence. — As recent as seventy years ago prices of goods in 
stores were given in shillings and pence — seven and sixpence, two and four 
pence, etc., and not in dollars and cents. The shilling of that date, in Ports- 
mouth and throughout New England, was never represented by a coin; it 
was an inconvenient nondescript, one-sixth of a dollar, or sixteen and two 
thirds cents. That meant seventeen cents, when you paid a shilling in a 
store, and sixteen cents when you received a shilling in change. In this 
remarkable monetary system, too. an astonishing arithmetical feat was ac- 
complished; four was exactly one-half of six. The four pence was six and 
one quarter cents; the six pence was twelve and one-half cents — not half 
of a shilling, but exactly half of a quarter-dollar. There were plenty of four 
pences and sixpences, or what were called and passed for such, in circulation, 
but these were all Spanish or Mexican coins, the madeo being called a four 
pence, and the real a sixpence. These coins were driven from circulation, 
bv the government, by the announcement that after a certain date they would 
not be accepted at tlie postoffices and custom houses. First class mechanics 
were paid nine shillings to "ten-and six" per day. 



194 HISTORY Ol- ROCKIXGHA.M COUNTY 

FAMOUS INHABITANTS 

Every idwii in \e\v England stands by its claim to honorable mention; 
points to its roll of good and useful sons — men of much repute in their day 
and generation. One may be pardoned if he smile at the terms used by the 
orator of an occasion, who boasts that the particular spot where he is s[>eak- 
ing has greater claim to honor than almost any other part of the country. 
The truth is. the same thrift, the same force of character united to a strong 
ieeling of local attachment, is seen in all these New Englanders, so that the 
merits of no town or village are suffered to go unheralded. All honor to 
this genuine, wholesome, local pride ! 

Should any son of Portsmouth hnd himself in the least degree uncertain 
as to events, or men who participated in them, that have surely done honor 
to his birthplace, let us call the roll as did Rev. Dr. Burroughs at the recep- 
tion (if the Sons of Portsmouth resideiU abroad, who returned to their old 
home July 4, 1853. 

In the ministry, Joshua Moody, Dr. Stiles, afterward President of Yale; 
Emerson. Fitch, Doctor Haven, Timothy Alden, Arthur Brown, of Trinity 
College, Dublin ; Dr. Samuel Langdon, afterward President of Harvard 
College,; Dr. Buckminister, Doctor Parker, Ballou, Stow, Burroughs him- 
self, Davies, afterward Bishop of Michigan ; Doctors Peabody, Lamson, 
De Normandie and Starr King. 

Of the eminent physicians we have the Jacksons, the Cutters, Brackett. 
Pierrepont and Cheever. 

At the bar were Pickering, Sherburne, Parker, Li\ermore, Mason. Cutts. 
Webster. Woodbury, Bartlett, Hatch, Hackett and Frink. 

Of our merchants and bankers, besides the Cutts, the Wibircls, and the 
Wentworths. there may be named Rindge Long, Atkinson, the Penhallows. 
Sherburne, the two Langdons, the Jafifreys, the Sheafes, Moffat, Warner, 
Manning, Goddard, Gaines, the Peirces, Alarsh, the P'arrotts, the Rices, the 
Ladds, the Havens, Goodwin, Toppan, the Tredicks, the brothers Jones. 
Samuel Lord. Jenness, Pickerings, Capt. William Ladd, the "Apostle of 
Peace" and bVank Jones, mayor, congressman, hotel proprietor and success- 
ful brewer. 

It can never be forgotten that at I'ortsmouth was displayed the first open 
defiance of the king in the trying hours just preceding the Revolution. I 
refer to t!ie daring incursion made upon b^ort William and Mary, the seizure 
of powder under the leadership of Pickering and of Sullivan. (See Xew- 
ca.stle.) The name of Gov. John Langdon is indissolubly connected with 
Portsmouth. So is that of Paul Jones, who sailed out of this port in the 
Ranger. I)uilt and manned by Portsmouth men. Here too was launched the 
first war shi]) ever built on this side of the .Atlantic. 

.Among the many Revolutionary incidents of this town, it may be noted 
that one winter morning in the dark days of the struggle a ship came to 
anchor in our harbor, having on board a man whose heart beat warm in the 
cause of .American liberty. He landed at Portsmouth, and went straight- 
way to his task of creating out of our army an efficient soldiery. He was 
Rarrin Steuben. 



AXl) Rl';i'Ul':siiXT.\Tl\'Ii CITIZEXS 195 

Ihe \\ ar of 1812 saw many a busy scene along our wharves. When the 
war for the Union came Portsmouth' did her duty. We point to our war 
Governor, Ichabod Goodwin, who personally raised the money to fit out the 
First and Second N. H. regiments, to the many officers and soldiers who 
marched from here, and to the gallant sailors that Portsmouth contributed 
to our navy. Fitz John Porter was born here ; so was Craven, the Sidney 
of the navy, whose last words are imperishable — "After you. Pilot." From 
here sailed the ship, built here and manned by men of this' neighborhood that 
gained lasting honor, the Kearsage. Farragut died at the Navy Yard, and 
Admiral Dewey married here a daughter of Governor Goodwin' Nowhere, 
in the land do the associations of Memorial Day take on a deeper pathos 
than upon this spot where were found plenty of strong and willing hands 
in time of peril. 

If we have a lasting record of what has been done here, we ha\c no 
reason to be ashamed of our rank in the field of literature. One of our 
early poets is the author of the line "No pent up L'tica, etc." — Jonathan 
Mitchell Sewall. "Penhallow's Indian \\'ars" is a standard history. Of ser- 
mons and essays few surpass the writings of Buckminster. It was when he 
was a young lawyer of Portsmouth that Daniel \\'ebster addressed that 
memorable paper to President Madison in 1812. Dr. Samuel Haven wrote 
the finest tribute ever paid to \\'ashington. W'hen there was some discus- 
sion as to the terms with which the president should be addressed, upon the 
occasion of his visit to Portsmouth, Doctor Haven wrote the following 
impromptu lines : 

"Fame spread her wings, and with her trumpet blew — 

"Great Washington is near! What praise is due? 
"What title shall he have? She paused and said : Not one. 
"His name alone strikes every title dead." 

In later days, not to mention Fields or Celia Thaxter. there are one or 
two names whose place in American literature is secured. Thomas Bailey 
Aldrich — who is more gratefully associated with Portsmouth, all over the 
English speaking world, than he? Of the minor poets, no one can read the 
verses of Albert Laighton or of Harriet McEwen Kimball and not be per- 
vaded by a sense of the Divine goodness as interpreted in their song — pure, 
sweet, yet well sustained — of life and its vicissitudes. 

Saiii Walter Foss wrote the class poem when he graduated at our high 
school in 1877 and in after years came to address the graduates and read 
his famous verses. 

Then there is B. P. Shillaber. James T. Fields. Mrs. Whiton-Stone and a 
score of others. 

Of three Portsmouth authors Professor Barrett Wendell of Harvard 
College, a native of Portsmouth, in his address on July 4. igio. said: 

When one asks where any place in this round world belongs in the history 
of literature, one is l)rouglit to pause. There is hardly a spot anywhere 
where human beings have not attempted expression : there are few. one grows 
to feel, where some expression has not been made true enough, sweet enough. 



196 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

to give lasting pleasure to those who sympathetically know or discover it. 
There must be not a few of us, who have pleasant memories of that whole- 
some volume, The Poets of Portsmouth, which will still assure whoever 
possesses it that Portsmouth folk, in those days when literature in New 
England was alive, were moved to sing and sing melodiously. The America 
of the mid-nineteenth century, and particularly New England between 1830 
and 1S80, produced literature recognized all over the English speaking world. 
Of its comparative importance, in the full record of European expression, 
this is not the time to reason. We should all agree that it beautifully and 
purely expresses the traditional spirit of our native land, and that the records 
of English speaking humanity would be the poorer without the names of 
Emerson, of Longfellow, of Lowell, of \Miittier, of Holmes and of Haw- 
thorne. Not of Portsmouth, any of these chief worthies in our American 
literary history, though all of them, I think knew the old town, and some of 
them have left verses which help keep alive its own sturdy traditions. 

It is hardly too much, however, to say that no one of them could possibly 
have been all he was and all he is but for the presence, beside them, among 
them, of that son of Portsmouth, who seven and thirty years ago today spoke 
in some such manner as that we are now concerned with. 

The active life of Mr. Fields was passed not in Portsmouth, but in Boston. 
In Boston, the while he never let them forget what he himself always 
remembered that, he came from here, and that here grew towards its maturity 
his wonderful power of friendly sympathy with literature and men of letters 
which made his friendship so profoundly stimulating an influence in the 
literary of nineteenth century New England. He was himself a man of let- 
ters. His unicjue pow er was that, when New England was ready for its best 
expression, it found in him at once the most faithful of publishers and the 
most whole-b.earted of friends. He knew how to evoke from others what 
they could best accomplish. Had Portsmouth given to the literature of New 
England no other figure than his, the place of Portsmouth in our literary 
record would be happily secured. Yet Fields is so far from alone here that 
his is hardly the name which would first come to one in search of our literary 
worthies. \\'e should rather think first, I take it. of the poet and story teller 
who is commemorated in Court Street, in the literary monument which is 
now the most interesting in all New England. For the house where Aldrich 
passed his "Bad boyhood" is not only restored to the state in which he knew 
it almost seventy years ago, and thus stands today as the best example any- 
where of the pleasant, simple gracious life of an old New England town- 
ship : but the museum beside the garden, containing the records and collections 
of his long eager life is among the few real treasures of literary traditions 
anywhere in this continent. 

As one by one they passed, however, nothing grew more clear than that, 
in the generation which followed them, .\ldrich was easily the first. In 
grace, in delicacy, he sometimes surpassed them all. In purity of spirit, in 
wholesomeness of nature, he was the equal of any. It is a happy chance that 
what seems his most familiarly enduring work preserved his memories of 
boy life in his old town where he was his own bad boy, and where his career 
is so beautifullv commemorated. He lived here but little, but spent many 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 197 

summers here, indeed the greater part of the story of a Bad Boy was written 
here. Like Fields, however, lie never forgot, and never suftered any of us to 
forget, that here was where he came from. 

So just as Portsmouth contributed a great stimulating force to the chief 
days of New England literature, so it contributed the one persistent and de- 
lightful artist of the days when New England literature gently declined. 
There is a third name, too, belonging to both periods friendly to both until 
one hardly knows with which to place it. 

Celia Thaxter, more than either of the others, she lived here or here- 
abouts through so much of her bra\e, beautiful life that one hardly thinks 
of her as ever elsewhere. It is not quite the old town which gathers about 
the memory of her. The lingering traditions of its vanished vice-regal grace, 
deeply characteristic as they are, seem somehow foreign to her immense 
wholesome human nature. One thinks of her as the true child of the rocks, 
and the seas, and the bright flowers of the Isles of Shoals as the Isles of 
Shoals used to be. No utterance of New England ever came straighter than 
hers from the heart of New England nature ; none was more instinct w ith 
the courageous, aspiring purity of spirit which animates the free breezes we 
somehow know to be peculiarly our own. 

MAYORS OF THE CITY OF PORTSMOUTH 

(The original Charter of the City was adopted bv the inhabitants August, 

21, 1849.) 
Abner Greenleaf. 1850; John Laighton, 1851; Christopher Toppan, 1852; 
Horton D. Walker, 1853-54-55; Richard Jenness, 1856: Robert Morrisson, 
1857-58-59: John R. Reding, i860: William Simes, 1861 ; Jonathan Dearborn, 
1862-63 : John H. Bailey, 1864-65-66; Jonathan Dearborn, 1867: Frank Jones, 
1868-69; Joseph B. .-Vdams, 1870-71; Horton D. Walker, 1872; Thomas E. 
O. Marvin, 1873; Frank Miller, 1874; Moses H. Goodrich, 1874-75; John H. 
Broughton, 1876-77; William H. Sise, 1878-81: John S. Treat, 1882-83; 
Calvin Page, 1884: Marcellus Eldredge, 1885-86; George E. Hodgdon. 1887- 
88: Edmund S. Fav. 1889-90; John J. Laskey. 1891-92: Charles P. Berry, 
1893-94; William O. Junkins, 1895-96; John W. Emery, 1897: John S. Tilton, 
1898; Calvin Page, 1899: Edward E. Mclntire, 190001 ; John Pender, 1Q02: 
George D. Marcy, 1903-04; William E. Marvin, 1905-06: Wallace Hackett, 
1907^08; Edward H. Adams. 1909-10: Daniel W. Badger. 1911-12-13: Harry 
B. Yeaton, 1914. 

CITY CLERKS 

John Bennett 1850-1862: Marcellus Bufford, 1862-1876; Mercer Good- 
rich 1 876- 1 878; Daniel T- Vaughan. 1878- 1884: Mercer Goodrich, 1884-1892; 
Samuel R. Gardner, 1892-1895; C. Dwight Hanscom, 1895: William H. 
Moore, 1896-1899; George D. Marcy, 1899: William H Moore. 1900; 
William E. Peirce, 1901-1905: W. E. Underbill, 1905; William H.Moran, 
1906: Lament Hilton, 1907-1911-. Guy E. Corey, 1911-1913: Frederic E. 
Drew. 1913-1914. 



198. . HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

PORTSMOUTH PHYSICIANS 

J. J. Berry, J. D. Carty, E. S. Cowles, J. H. Dixon, E. B. Eastman, C. W. 
Hannafonl, A. C. Heffenger, M. A. Higgins, C. E. Johnston, W. O. Junkins, 
S. T. Ladd. A. J. Eance. T. W. Luce, J. H. Neal, G. E. Pender, F. W. Pike, 
A. B. Sherburne, H. L. Taylor, F. S. Towle, \V. D. Walker, B. C Woodbury. 



C. Page, S. W. Emery, Jr., Wallace Hackett, Ernest L. Guptil, W. E. 
Marvin, |. H. Bartlett, T. H. Simes, E. H. Adams, Charles H. Batchelder, 
John L. Mitchell. H. W. Peyser, H. K. Torrey, N. O. Foust, A. R. Hatch, 
A. W. Rundlett. 

Joseph P. Conner, Postmaster. 

I. H. Washburn, .\sst. Postmaster. 

Sherman Newton, Collector of Customs. 

Seth W'. Jones, Collector of Internal Revenue. 

Silas H. Harding, Superintendent First District U. S. Life Saving 
Service. Keepers : E. S. Hall, Harbor Station ; S. F. Wells, Wallis Sands ; 
A. L. Remick, Straws Point; B. F. Smart, Hampton Beach. 

THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

The schools of the city are maintained at a high degree of efificiency, and 
the schoolhouses will, as a rule, compare favorably with those of most other 
cities of its size. The first town schoolhouse was built in conformity with a 
vote of the town meeting of 1709, and was opened in 1713. It was a 
wooden structure of one story, and stood nearly where the present Haven 
schoolhouse stands, on South School Street. 

There had previously been a town school, however, Thomas Phipps having 
been apixjinted town schoolmaster in 1697,' and taught a number of years in 
a wooden building on what is now State Street, which was rented from 
Ebenezer Wentworth, and in 1735 became the property of the town. The 
"sellectt men" engaged him to teach the "readers, sypherers and Latterners." 

The first school in the town to which girls were admitted was opened in 
1 780 by Benjamin Dearborn, on Market Street. In 1700 Mrs. Graffort gave 
to the town the highway, now called Daniel Street, but which for more than 
half a century after it was opened was called Graffort's Lane, and also "one 
lot of land in my great field for erecting a schoolhouse." there being then no 
schoolhouse owned by the town. 

The Hazrii School. — On South School Street, at its junction with South 
Street, was built in 1846, and has recently been extensively remodeled and 
improved. 

The Farracfut School. — On School and High streets was built in 1889. 

77!c JJ'hipple School. — On State Street, near the top of Mason's Hill, was 
built in the same year as the Farragut. 

Cabot Street School. — The two-story wooden schoolhouse fronting on 
Cabot Street, at its junction with State Street, was built in i8fio, on the site 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 199 

of an old two-story schoolhouse of brick, with a pitch roof, built previous 
to 1815. 

The Franklin School. — On Maplewood Avenue, popularly known as 
Christian Shore, was built in 1847. 

The High School is on Islington Street. The city issuing $100,000 bond 
to pay for same in 1893. The school opened September 4, 1905. 

There are three suburban schools, namely, the Plains School at the Plains, 
the Lafayette School on Lafayette Road, and the Spalding School on Wood- 
bury Avenue. A training school, kindergarten schools, evening school and 
vacation school are maintained. 

The total enrolhiient in the public schools in 1913 was 2,052, which with 
the pupils enrolled in the parochial school and under private instruction make 
a total over 2,400 or about twenty-one per cent of the entire population as 
reported by the 19 10 census. 

The expenditures for schools in 1913 were $54,400. The valuation of 
school buildings and equipments $253,000. 

Superintendents. — Charles H. Morss, 1886-1892; J. Clifford Simpson, 
1892-1899; Henry C. Morri.son, 1899-1904; Eniest L. Silver, 1905-1909; 
James A. ■MacDougall, 1909-1912; James N. Pringle, 1912. 

Portsmouth Training School was established in 1887. Twenty-five of 
the sixty-two teachers now employed in the Portsmouth elementary schools 
are graduates of the trainng school. 

Kindergartens. — (Haven and Cabot streets) were established in January, 
1895. Manual training was established September, 1908. Sewing was in- 
troduced into some of the schools in 1856 and has been continuously taught 
since 1865. 

PARKS AND PLAYGROUND 

Lanqdon Park. — In 1867 John Langdon Elwyn gave about five acres of 
land, lying on the south side of the South Mill Pond, to trustees for a public 
park, to be laid out as such any time they deemed most expedient. The Lang- 
don Park Association was formed in 1875 and reorganized in 1876 w'ith 
Frank W . Miller as chairman, who was energetic in securing and planting 
over six hundred trees. The Park was opened May 25, 1876, with addresses 
by Rev. James DeNomiandie, Ichabod Goodwin, Daniel Austin. Charles Levi 
XV'oodbury, and Alfred Langdon Elwyn, a full account of which appears in a 
pamphlet 'published by the chairman. The park was improved in 1907 by 
Woodbury Langdon, Esq. 

Haven Park. — Rev. Dr. Samuel Haven house formerly stood on the south 
side of Pleasant Street, midway between Edward and Livermore streets. It 
was built in 1751 by Dr. Samuel Haven, who. from 1752 to 1806. was pastor 
of the South Parish. He died March 3. 1806. and his wife the following 
day. and both were deposited at the same time in the tomb under the pulpit. 
Under a provision of the will of the descendants of Doctor Haven, upon the 
death of the last member of the family, the mansion was taken down, and 
the grounds, with the land of the Parry and Hatch estates adjoining, were 
purchased and given to the city, in 1898. to be known as the "Haven Park": 



200 . HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

$18,000 were left for the purchase of land and buildings; $2,000 to put the 
park in order, and $5,000 as a park fund. The Fitz John Porter monument 
in the park was erected in accordance with the will of R. H. Eddy of Boston, 
who left the sum of $30,000 for an equestrian statue. 

Goodwill Park. — In 1887 the heirs of the late Ichabod Goodwin sold the 
Goodwin field at a nominal price, conditional that it should always be kept 
as a public park. It was purchased by the Eldredge family and presented to 
the city. The Soldiers and Sailors' Monument was erected in 1888, by popu- 
lar subscription, the dedication taking place on July 4th of that year, the 
orator of the occasion being the Hon. Charles Levi Woodbury. 

The Hovey Fountain. — The marble and bronze drinking fountain on the 
lawn south of the post office is inscribed as follows: "In Memory of Charles 
Emerson Hovey, United States Navy, born in Portsmouth, N. H., January 
10, 1885; killed in action, Phillipine Islands, September 23, 191 1; son of 
Rev. Henry Hovey and Uouise Folsom Hovey." 

Ensign Hovey graduated from U. S. Naval Academy, 1907 ; ordered to 
Phillipines, 1910; was commanding e.xpedition against outlaw Moros when 
he met his death. His last words were: "Get on the job, McGuire." 

The Playground. — In May, 1907, an ordinance was passed creating a park 
commission, and Mayor Hackett appointed C. A. Hazlett and Dr. F. S. Towle, 
park commissioners. The marsh on the west side of the park had been used 
as a dumping ground for ashes and refuse. The land surrounding the marsh 
was secured mainly through the efforts of Councilman H. E. Boynton. The 
volunteer receipts from base ball audiences have supplied seats and improved 
the grounds. A shelter building has been erected and the city and citizens 
have been liberal in maintaining the grounds, the outdoor gymnasium, tennis 
courts and children's playground. 



CHAPTER XVI 

FORTSMOUTK— (Continued) 

Public Library — Cottage Hospital — Societies. Etc.^Corporations — Ports- 
month Navy Yard — The Treaty of Portsmouth 

The Public Library. — In 1869, Hon. Frank Jones placed in the hands of 
trustees, the sum of $500, the amount of his salary as mayor, to be avail- 
able, for a public library when the citizens should raise the sum to $5,000 
for the same purpose. 

In 1 87 1 Rev. James DeNormandie, in an address to the South Parish, 
warmly advocated the establishment of a Young People's Union in Ports- 
mouth as a place wherein young men and women might pass the evening more 
profitably than in idly walking the streets. The Unitarian and Universalist 
societies together secured three rooms on the corner of Congress and Vaughan 
streets. Contributions of books came in liberally from people of the two 
named parishes mainly, until there were, with purchases of current literature, 
about one thousand volumes. The Young People's Union survived until 
some time in 1874, when the rooms were closed, and the books stored in the 
basement of the Unitarian Chapel on Court Street, where they remained until 
1880. when Miss Mary A. Foster asked Mr. Rich, who had been librarian of 
the old Union, to arrange and catalogue these books, with the object of loan- 
ing them to the people of the city. The late Mrs. Anna B. Wilson, enthusiastic 
and able, worked with Miss. Foster, Miss Frances A. Mathes, and others in 
preparing and covering the books. One small room in the upper west corner 
of the custom-house was offered and accepted for temporary use. On Jan- 
uary I, 1 881, the Public Library began the issue of books. In the following 
April. 1881, what was then an anteroom of Congress Hall was rented, and 
the librarv moved thence. Removal was again made the following spring to 
three rooms in Franklin Building, south of the entrance, where a reading 
room was made part of the institution. While located there, in April. 1884, 
the Portsmouth Mercantile Library Association through the efforts of Wil- 
liam H. Sise, C. A. Hazlett, and W. G. Billings, presented to the library their 
collection of 2,000 books that had been accumulating for thirty-three years. 
The association continues to be represented on the board of trustees, by two 
representatives. At this period many new and valuable books were purchased 
from the Jones Fund, which had accumulated to $5,000. 

Among the large contributors to the fund were William H. Hill, William 
Simes, Daniel H. Pierce. John H. Bailey. W. H. Y. Hackett, and Ichabod 

203 



204 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Goodwin. Numerous public entertainments were given to complete the bal- 
ance of the fund. This money was expended by its trustees, until all the 
rooms, from the entrance to Vaughan Street, were filled with book-stacks, 
compelling the removal of the library to the main Congress Hall. In March, 
1S96. the city leased the "Academy," with the privilege of purchasing the 
land and building in 1906. After an expenditure of $8,000 in remodeling, 
the library began again the issue of books December 5, 1896. This building 
was erected in 1809 from designs drawn by Charles Bulfinch. the architect of 
the Massachusetts State House. 

The city purchased the building in 1906 for Sio.ooo. The library now 
contains o\er 22,000 volumes and 1,000 pamphlets, classified by the Dewey 
decimal system. It also maintains a reading-room, in which all the principal 
magazines are open to the public daily from 10 A. M. to 9 P. M. and Sunday 
afternoons ; the city council making a liberal appropriation each year for 
maintaining the library. The invested funds given by citizens and friends 
amount to $20,000, the income from same is restricted to the purchase of new 
books. The public has had access to the shelves since 1909. A children's 
room was opened in 191 1. 

Especial attention has been made to obtain books and newspapers relating 
to Portsmouth. E. I*. Kimball was the first treasurer and served to 1889 
and was succeeded by C. .A. Hazlett, who is completing his twenty-fifth year 
as treasurer. Robert E. Rich was librarian until 1908, when Miss Hannah 
G. Fernald, a trained librarian, was elected and continues to serve with three 
assistants. The circulation is 80,000 yearly. 

Cottage Hospital. — On the 23d of January, 1884, in a small house at the 
lower end of Court Street, the Cottage Hospital was first opened. Created 
in the hearts and fostered by the efforts of the ever-charitable ladies of the 
St. John's Parish, it Ijegan its work under their immediate care. Then with 
its first patient comfortably cared for, its beneficent work fairly inaugurated, 
they turned to the public for sympathy and help. Nor were they disappointed ; 
the city oppropriated $500 a year, individuals and such parishes as wert able 
aided liberally. In five years the house had become too small for the demands 
made upon it. In 1889 the directors decided to appeal again to their charitable 
friends for money either to enlarge the hospital or to build a new one which 
would be Ijetter adapted to their needs. The public interest again aroused, 
money, in small amounts and large, flowed into the treasury, until the sum 
of $30,798.43 had been received, and the new building was assured. It is 
not altogether, or even in large part, a free hospital, although there are several 
beds, supported b\- endowments and cliurches, available for the very jxjor; 
and the city, by its $500 yearly appropriation, has the use of two. But 
charitable it is in a broad sense, since the usual charges for many of the 
patients do not by any means cover the cost of their maintenance. In 1913 
the invested funds amounted to $86,000. 

SOCIETIES, ETC. 

Masonic— The Masonic bodies are De Witt Clinton Commandery of 
Knights Templar, instituted 1826; New Hampshire Chapter of Rose Croix: 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 205 

Grand Council of P. of J. ; Ineffable Grand Lodge of Perfection, No. i ; 
Davenport Council, No. 5, Royal and Select Masters ; Washington Chapter, 
No. 3; St. John's Lodge, No. i, instituted 1736: St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 56; 
Portsmouth Rose Croix Chapter, No. i, E. M. R. M., organized 1881. 

Odd Fellows. — Strawberry Bank Encampment, No. 5, instituted February 
28, 1845; Piscataqua Lodge, No. 6, instituted May 24, 1844; New Hampshire 
Lodge, No. 17, instituted February 11, 1846; Osgood Lodge, No. 48, in- 
stituted August 27, 1868; Union Rebekah Degree Lodge, No. 3: Fannie A. 
Gardiner Rebekah Lodge, No. 82, instituted May 4, 1900. 

Knights of Honor. — Sagamore Lodge. No. 2=;8 organized March ii, 
1876. 

Knights of Pythias. — Damon Lodge, No. 9, instituted January 31. 1S71 ; 
Lncullus Commandery, No. 8. 

United Order Pilgrim Fathers, No. 15, organized April 2-. 1880. 

Patrons of Husbandry. — T'ortsmouth Grange, No, 22, organized March 
2. 1874. 

Red Men. — Massasoit Tribe, organized 1888. 

Royal Arcanum. — Alpha Council, No. 83, instituted May i, 1878. 

Temperance. — Rockingham Lodge, No. 'i,']. I. O. of G. T. ; Strawlierry. 
Bank Lodge, No. 54, I. 6. of G. T. " 

United Order of the fiolden Cross. — Portsmouth Commandery, No. 47, 
organized April 5, 1879. 

Grand Anny of the Republic. — Storer Post, No. i, reorganized \ugust, 
1878. 

Federal Fire Society, organized 1789. 

Portsmouth Athenaeum, incorporated June, 181 7. This institution is 
owned in a hundred shares o£ $100 each, the institution having the right of 
pre-emption at half the value of the shares. It has a valuable library of 
20,000 volumes, and a large number of newspapers and periodicals are also 
taken. 

Portsmouth Board of Trade : Portsmouth Female Asylum. — This institu- 
tion was founded in 1804 by a few ladies, and incorporated in 1808. 

Portsmouth Home for Aged Women was established June, 1876, and 
chartered June, 1877; Portsmouth Howard Benevolent Society was instituted 
in 1829, and incorporated in 1854. The funds of the society are derived 
from the annual contributions of $1.00 from each member, and by private 
donations. Its object is to assist the unfortunate poor, chiefly in the winter. 

Portsmouth Society for the P. O. C. T. Children; Portsmouth Young 
Men's Christian -Association, organized 1852: reorganized 1888: St. Mary's 
Catholic Benevolent Society, founded January, 1875, by the pa.stor, Very 
Rev. Canon \\'alsh : The Chase Home for Children, formerly the Children's 
Home. 

The Portsmouth Medical .\ssociation. — The Portsmouth Medical .\s.so- 
ciation was organized April 22^. 1874, with the following members: Jeremiah 
F. Hall, Nicholas Leavitt Folsom, Benjamin W. Curtis. Samuel C. Whittier, 
Daniel W. Jones, John W. Parsons. The first officers were as follows : Presi- 
dent. J. F. Hall ; "secretary, D. W. Jones; treasurer, N. L. Folsom; business 
comm'ittee, S. C. \Miittier, B. F. Curtis, and J. W. Parsons. 



206 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Portsmouth Improvement Association. — Organized 1902. 

Society for the Care of the South Cemetery. — Incorporated 1897. 

Freedom Council, I. O. U. A. M. 

\V. R. C. — Storer Relief Corps, No. 6; reorganized 1892. 

U. V. LJ. — General Gilman Marston Command, No. 6. 

Harriet P. Dame W. V. R. U., No. 2. — (Auxiliary to General Gilman 
Marston Command) ; organized February 2, 1893. 

N. H. Sons of Revolution. — Founded 1893. 

Besor Senate K. A. E. O. 

Portsmouth Yacht Club. — Clulj house, 65 Mechanic Street ; organized 
April, 1898. 

Portsmouth Countr}- Club. — Organized 1899. 

Warwick Club. — 5 Market Street: organized December 16, 1892. 

John Langdon Club. — Organized December, 1899. 

Civic Association. 

Graffort Club. — Organized May 13, 1895. 

Paul Jones Club. 

Ladies' Humane Society. — Instituted 1816: incorporated 1874. 

Macomi's Council, D. of L. 

N. H. N. G. — First Company Coast Artillery Corps, organized April 27, 
1909; Frederic T. Harriman, captain, headquarters of First Battalion Coast 
Artillery Corps. N. H. N. G., C. B. Hoyt, major. 

W'infield Scott Schley Camp, No. 4, Department of New Hampshire. 

United Spanish War Veterans. — Organized October 19, 1905, has a mem- 
bership of 89 comrades. Commander, Frederick W. M. Poppe; adjutant, 
Harry W. Foster. 

Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.^ — Portsmouth Lodge, No. 97; 
instituted September 17, 1888. 

U. O. of I. O. L. — Star Lodge, organized November 13, 1893. 

A. O. U. W. — Sagamore Lodge, No. 11 ; instituted December 10. 1884 

Portsmouth Athletic Club.- — Organized September 10, 1885. 

Knights of Columbus. — Portsmouth Council, No. 140, organized August. 
i89.S_. ' . _ 

Central Labor Union. — Organized November 2, 1901. 

A. O. H. — Division No. 2. 

Foresters of .-\merica. — Court Rockingham. No. 6; instituted September, 
1887. 

Portsmouth Seamens' Friend .Society. — Organized 1838. 

N. H. Society for Protection of Cruelty to Animals. 

N. H. Sons of the Revolution. — Founded 1893. 

District Nursing Association. — Organized 1906. 

Piscataqua Pioneers. — Organized June 12, 1905. 

Portsmouth Girls' Club. — Organized 191 1. 

Governor \\'entworth .Associates, No. 6. 

Haven W. C. T. U. 

Rockingham Co. W. C. T. U. 

N. E. O. P. — Kearsarge Lodge, No. 26F<: instituted 1896. 

Fraternal Order of Eagles. — Mercedes .\erie. No. 682. organized 1002. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 207 

Portsmouth Veteran Firemen's Association. 

Portsmouth Firemen's Rehef. 

Franklin Pierce V. F. Association. — Organized 1885. 

Order of United American Mechanics. — Portsmouth Council, No. 8, or- 
ganized April II, 1892. 

Knights of Golden Eagle, Grand Commandery, No. i. — Instituted Oc- 
tober 22. 1897. 

Ivy Temple Ladies of the Golden Eagle. — Oak Castle, No. 4; instituted 
February 24, 1892. 

United Order of Pilgrim Fathers. 

Six of the foregoing associations and clubs own and occupy their build- 
ings. The Y. ]\I. C. A., Home for Aged Women, Athenaeum, Athletic Club, 
the Elks and Knights of Columbus. The Wentworth Home for Incurables 
on Pleasant Street and the Society of Colonial Dames in the Whipple-Ladd 
House on Market Street were given their historic buildings by the former 
owners. 

CORPORATIONS, ETC. 

Granite State Fire Insurance Co. — Office, National Block, Congress; Cal- 
vin Page, president : Joseph O. Hobbs, vice president ; Alfred F. Howard, 
secretary ; J. W. Emery, assistant secretary. 

Portsmouth Fire Association. 

Piscataqua Fire Insurance Co. 

Portsmouth Gas Co., 13 Congress; incorporated 1907. 

Rockingham County Light and Power Co. 

Morley Button ]\Ianufacturing Co. 

Portsmouth Buikling and Loan Association. 

Thomas Bailey Aldrich Memorial. — Incorporated July 5, 1907, 386 Court; 
Wallace Hackett. ])resident : Rev. Alfred Gooding, vice president; C. .'\. Haz- 
lett, secretary: ^^'allis D. Walker, treasurer. 

Portsmouth Bridge. — Incorporated 1819. 

Newcastle Bridge Co. — Incorporated 1821. 

Piscataqua Navigation Co. 

Frank- Jones Brewing Co. 

Eldredge Brewing Co. 

Portsmouth Brewing Co. 

Gale Shoe ^Manufacturing Co. 

Plymouth Business School. 

Widder Bros. Shoe Co. 

Portsmouth Tanning Co. 

Portsmouth Foundry Co. 

Consolidation Coal Co. 

THE PORTSMOUTH NAVY YARD 

It was because the earlv government of this settlement saw, on account of 
the extensive and fine timlier lands and the advantages of the deep and never- 
closed harbor, an admirable location for ship building that Portsmouth was 



208 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

chosen as a place for building ships for the Royal Navy, and at a later date 
by our Government for one of its yards. As early as 1650 there are records 
of timber for masts marked with the king's "Broad Arrow" as belonging to 
the crown. 

Tlie "Falkland."" — The first war-ship built here was the "Falkland." of 
fifty-four guns, in iCk)o, and in 1724 still in commission in the Royal Navy. 
In 1749 a ship-of-war named the "America," of fifty guns was built for the 
British government by Colonel Nathaniel Meserve. When the war of the 
Revolution was seen to be inevitable this site at once recommended itself to 
the Go\ernment. Governor Langdon, then the owner of Badger's Island, of- 
fered its use to Continental Congress, and here, in March, I7"55, was begun 
work on the frigate "Raleigh," of thirty-two guns, and the following May 
she was launched, and before four months had elapsed she was on the seas 
and had engaged in attacking four English vessels of war acting as convoy 
of a large fleet of merchantmen. It was one of the earliest engagements 
which gave promise of that brilliant bravery which surprised the world as it 
gained one success after another upon the seas, and over the ships of the 
greatest naval power in the world. 

The "Rai!(/er." — The next ship built here for the Colonial government was 
"the Ranger," launched in 1777, and immediately given to the command of 
John Paul Jones, and with her he attacked and captured the "Drake," a 
British vessel of greater power. 

The "America." — In 1776 the keel of the "America" was laid at Badger's 
Island, the only ship of the line which the Government at that time completed, 
and in 1782 this ship was given by Congress to France to replace the "Mag- 
nifique," one of her men-of-war, recently lost in the harbor of Boston. This 
ship was captured by the British in 1794, and her name changed to the "Im- 
petueux," and long regarded as one of the most valuable and beautiful vessels 
in the British navy, and yet her builder, Mr. Hackett, of Portsmouth, had 
never seen a ship-of-the-line. For a long time after the war little was done 
in the navy, but in 1798 the frigate "Crescent" was built, then the sloop-of- 
war "Portsmouth," next the "Scammell," and then the "Congress." It was 
not till 1800, the principal island, on which the buildings of the navy yard 
are erected, was purchased by the Government and the various provisions neces- 
sary for a naval station actively begun. The buildings are on an island on 
the opposite side of the river. 

LIST OF VESSELS OF W.\R BUILT AT THIS .ST,\TION 

B}iilt for the Royal Navy. — 1690, frigate Falkland, 54 guns; 1696, frigate 
Bedford, 32 guns; 1749, frigate America, 60 guns. 

Bmlt for the Colonial Navy, from \-jyi, to iSoo. — 1775, frigate Raleigh, 
22gvms; 1776, sloop Ranger, 18 guns; 1778, frigate Crescent, 32 guns; 1799, 
frigate Congress, 38 guns; 1776, .ship-of-line America, 74 guns; 1797. sloop 
Port.smouth, 24 guns; 1798, schooner Scammell, 14 gnns. 

Built for the Navy of the United States. — 1814, ship Washington, 74 
guns; 1817. ship Alabama (changed to New Hampshire, launched 1864), 74 
guns: 1820, schooner Porpoise, 11 guns; 1820. frigate Santee (launched 



AXD REPRESENTATIVE CITIZExX'S 209 

1855)' 44 gi-ins; 1B27, sloop Concord, 24 guns; 1839, sloop Preble, 20 guns; 
1841, frigate Congress, 50 guns; 1842. sloop Saratoga, 24 guns; 1843, sloop 
Portsmouth, 24 guns; 1848, steam frigate Saranac, 11 guns; 1855, lightship 
for Nantucket; 1857, sloop Jamestown, 24 guns; 1857, steam sloop Mohican, 
9 guns; 1864, ironclad Passaconaway, 4 guns; 1864, tug Port Fire; 1864, Blue 
Light; 1864, ironclad Agamenticus, 4 guns; 1864, sloop of war Piscataqua, 15 
guns; 1864, sloop of war Minnetonka, 15 guns; 1864, sloop of war Illinois, 
15 guns; 1 861, steam sloop Ossipee, 9 guns; 1861, steam sloop Kearsarge. 9 
guns; 1861, steam sloop Sebago, 9 guns; 1861, steam sloop Mahaska, 9 guns; 
1862, steam sloop Sacramento, 10 guns; 1862, steam sloop Sonoma, 10 guns; 
1862, steam sloop Connemaugh, 10 guns; 1863, steam sloop Sas- 
sacus, 10 guns; 1863, steam frigate Franklin, 60 guns; 1863, steam sloop 
Patuxent, 9 guns; 1863, steam sloop Nipsic, 9 guns; 1863, steam sloop Shaw- 
mnt. 10 guns; 1863, steam sloop Dacota, 10 guns; 1864, steam sloop Contoo- 
cook, 15 guns; 1865, steam sloop Benecia, 11 guns; 1869. steam sloop Monon- 
gahela, 10 guns; 1873, steam sloop Marion, 10 guns; 1873, steam sloop En- 
terprise, 7 guns; 1874, steam sloop Essex, 7 guns. 

In 1 861 the famous sloop-of-war "Kearsage" was built on the railway, 
her keel being laid on the 3rd of May, and the vessel launched through the 
dock on the 5th of October following and sailed with many Portsmouth 
sailors on board on February 5. 1862. She sank the confederate cruiser Ala- 
bama on June 16, 1864, after that privateer had destroyed 386 vessels be- 
longing to United States citizens. 

A floating dry dock, built by contract m 1848-51, cost, with its basin and 
the railway at its head, $1,282,000. 

In 1866, Seavey's Island was bought of twenty-eight owners, the govern- 
ment paving therefor $105,000 for the 105 acres included in the purchase. 

The new granite dry dock occupies the channel that formerly lay between 
Dennet and Seavey Islands. The contract was let to John Pierce of New 
York City for the sum of $1,070,000. The dock's inside length is 750 feet 
and width 130 feet; and it is 39 feet from coping to floor of dock. In its 
construction there are 20,500 cubic yards of cut granite. It required 18,000 
cubic yards of concrete, using 43,000 barrels of Portland cement (400 lbs. to 
the barrel). 166,000 cubic yards of rock was blasted and hauled away, the 
entire foundation being a quarry. The first stone was laid May 21, 1901, in 
the presence of Rear Admiral Read, Lieutenant Gregory, C. E. and Lee Tread- 
well. C. E., the superintendent for the contractor. An article on the dock 
and Henderson's Point was published in the Granite Monthly February, 1904. 
written by T. P. Sullivan, the inspector of granite. 

Spanish Prisoncrs.^On Tuly 9. 190^. the U. S. S. St. Louis arrived m 
port with 702 Spanish prisoners from the destroyed Spanish fleet at Santiago, 
and the U. S. S. Harvard on July 15 brought 963 additional. They were 
'anded and placed in liastilv constructed barracks on Seavey's Island and 
guarded by 228 U. S. Marines. They were given U. S. Navy uniforms and 
rations and their improvement was rapid. Great was the surprise when the 
time came on September 28. 1908. to send them back to Spain on the Steamer 
Citv of Rome to find it was hard to drive them away from the prison, so 
well had they been clothed, fed and treated. Many of them could be seen 



210 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

staggering under the packs of booty they had been accumulating during their 
stay, proud of the consciousness of having more possessions than they ever 
had before. 

Destruction of Henderson's Point. — The contract to destroy Henderson's 
Point was awarded in August of 1902. At that time an appropriation of 
$750,000 for the work was made by Congress. The contract called for the 
removal of 220,000 cubic yards of rock and 50,000 feet of earth. After the 
company removed 220,000 feet and more remained, the government recognized 
that the estimate was incorrect and subsequently allowed the company ad- 
ditional funds. By that contract the company was to take away a jxjint that 
protruded into the Piscataqua River 540 feet, that formed an angle with a 
700-feet base line and which would give a depth of thirty-five feet at mean 
low water, sufficient to take the biggest ship afloat when the water in the river 
is at its lowest point. 

The work of removing the point was begun with clearing away the sur- 
face. .\ cofferdam was then constructed along the inside edge of the outer 
surface of the rocky point. A railway was built and soon the company was 
digging out from the shore to the point, leaving a shell of rock, supported 
by a cofferdam as the outer wall of a thirty-five foot deep well that was 
hundreds of feet long and wide. 

It was in the course of this work that several important features of en- 
gineering were tried and found true. When it was determined that the outer 
wall of the point would be removed with one blast the company began to drill 
horizontal lift holes in which to place the dynamite. Some of the holes were 
eighty-two feet deep. The first drill placed was six inches wide and three 
feet long. \\'hen that drill had gone to its greatest depth the horseshoers 
employed moulded a six-foot drill that would exactly fit the lowest depth or 
striking point of the preceding drill. Each new piece of drill that went into 
a hole was three feet longer than the preceding drill and each was reconstructed 
to fit the individual hole. Twenty-seven separate drills were used in some 
of the lead holes and a force of thirty-five blacksmiths was rushed to keep the 
work moving. The holes were six inches wide at the top and one and three- 
fourth inches wide at their lowest extremity. Several of the steel drills were 
eighty-five feet long. 

It is certain that fifty tons of dynamite were used at the single explosion 
July, 1903. More would have been used if the government would have per- 
mitted. In addition to the fifty tons at the single explosion about 150 other 
tons of dynamite were used. The gross cost of the dynamite alone was about 
$75,000. Two hundred lift holes were filled with dynamite at the time of the 
explosion and each was connected in a series of wires so that no bad section 
of the material would cause the entire stock to fail to explode. All of these 
were connected by electric wires under the personal supervision of Chief 
Electrician Thomas F. Flanagan. The explosion, the greatest ever planned in 
modern times, was a success and contrary to expectations no damage resulted 
to i)eople or property. There was a loud sound, and, according to the officer 
in charge of the measuring instruments, the water went into the air 73 feet, 
and the debris to the height of 170 feet. \Mien the water and debris dropped 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 211 

back into the river a tidal wave lo feet high headed for the New Castle shore. 
It was estimated 35,000 people witnessed the explosion. 

After the blast the principal difficulty was encountered. For more than 
a year the company used big dredgers and heavy scows in clearing the basin 
of the river. The high tide repeatedly caused the dredges to drag their moor- 
ings and float away. It was then found necessary to have light-draught 
dredges constructed lor the special use. The force of the tide is so great that 
a stretch of wire 1,000 feet long had to be replaced every three months. The 
contract was completed in 1912. 

The Treaty of Fortsnwuth. — The envoys appointed by the governments 
of Russia and Japan arrived at the Navy Yard on August 8, 1905, and were 
met at the Portsmouth Bridge by the Governor of New Hampshire and his 
stafif, and escorted by the State Militia to the county courthouse on State 
Street, and from thence they were taken in automobiles to their quarters at 
the Wentw'orth House in New Castle. Each day the envoys held their ses- 
sions in the new storage building at the Navy Yard. The members of the 
conference consisted of Witte, Rosen, Navokoff, Plancon, Korostovetz, 
Comora, Takahira, Otchiai, Adatci and Sato. The Treaty was signed Sep- 
tember 5, 1905. On a bronze tablet in the Conference Building is the follow- 
ing inscription : 

"In this building, at the invitation of Theodore Roosevelt, 
President of the United States, was held the Peace Con- 
ference between the Envoys of Russia and Japan, and Sep- 
tember 5, 1905, at 3:47 P. M., was signed The Treaty of 
Portsmouth, which ended tlie war between the two 
empires." 

Navy Yard Commandants. — The following is a list of the commandants 
of the navy yard at this place from 1812 to 1914: 

Captain Isaac Hull, 1812; Captain Thos. Macdonough, 181 5; Captain 
Charles Morris. 1818; Captain \V. M. Crane, 1823; Captain C. G. Ridgeley, 
1825; Captain J. O. Creighton, 1826; Captain J. D. Henley. 1828: Captain 
\V. M. Crane. 1832; Captain John D. Sloat, 1840; Captain George W. Storer, 
1843: Captain Daniel Turner, 1846: Captain Thomas W. Wyman, 1849; 
Captain Joseph Smoot, 1852: Captain John T. Newton, 1855; Captain John 
Pope, 1857: Commodore G. F. Pearson, i860: Commodore T. Bailey, 1864; 
Commodore Joseph Lanman, 1867; Commodore John A. Winslow, 
1869: Commodore A. M. Pennock, 1870; Commodore J. C. Howell, 1872; 
Commodore A. Bryson, 1874: Commodore Earl English, 1876: Commodore 
lohn Guest, 1877; Commodore J. C. Beaumont. 1879: Commodore Clark H. 
Wells, 1881-1884; Commodore Philip C. Johnson, 1884-1887; Captain Robert 
F. Bradford, 1887-1889; Commodore Joseph D. Skerrett, 1889-1890; Rear 
Admiral Charles C. Carpenter— .\s Captain. 1890-1894: as Rear Admiral. 
1898- Captain Montgomerv Sicard, 1894: Captain Allen V. Reed, 1894-1896; 
Rear '\dmiral George C. Remey— As Captain, 1896-1898; as Rear Admiral. 
1898-1900- Rear Admiral Bartlett T- Cromwell, 1900-1901 ; Rear Admiral 
John J Read, 1901-1903: Rear Admiral Caspar F. Goodrich, 1903-1904: 



212 HISTORY Ol' ROCKlXCHAAl COUNTY 

Rear Admiral William W . Mead, 1904-1907; Rear Admiral George A. Bick- 
nell, 1907-1908; Rear Admiral Edwin K. Moore, 1908-1909; Captain Frank 
A. Wilner, 1909-1911; Captain Charles C. Rogers, 1911-1914. 

List of officers now on duty at the navy yard : 

Coiiniiandant's Office. — C. C. Rogers, Captain, Commandant Navy Yard 
and First Naval District, Aid to Commandant; W. McDowell, Lieut. Com- 
mander, Inspection Officer; O. T. Hurdle, Chief Boatswain, Assistant to In- 
spection Officer; M. J. Lenney, Machinist, Assistant to Inspection Officer; P. 
H. Bierce, Boatswain, Assistant to Inspection Officer; H. V. C. Wetmore, 
Carpenter, Assistant to Inspection Officer. 

Captain of Yard's Office. — H. A. Field, Captain, Captain of Yard; \V. 
Derrington, Chief Boatswain, Assistant to Captain of Y'ard; J. C. Lindberg, 
Chief Boatswain, Assistant to Captain of Yard; Ed. Sweeney, Boatswain, 
Assistant to Captain of Yard. 

Hidl Diznsion. — L. S. Adams, Naval Constructor, Construction Officer; 

E. C. Hamner, Jr., Naval Constructor, Assistant to Construction Officer; L. 
\V. Townsend, Lieutenant, Assistant to Construction Officer; F. Muller, Chief 
Boatswain, Assistant to Construction Officer; F. M. Smith, Carpenter, As- 
sistant to Construction Officer. 

Public Works Department. — L. F. Bellinger, Civil Engineer. Public Works 
Officer; E. W. Craig. Chief Carpenter, Assistant to Public Works Officer. 

Machinerv Division. — F. W. Bartlett, Captain, Engineer Officer; F. L. 
Sheffield. Lieut. Commander, Inside Superintendent; I. E. Bass, Lieut. Com- 
mander, Outside Superintendent; R. E. Cassidy, Lieutenant (J. G.) Shop 
Superintendent; L. J. Gulliver, Lieutenant (J. G.) Electric and Ordnance 
Officer, Power Plant Superintendent ; C. H. Hosung, Chief Machinist, Inspec- 
tions and Requisitions; C. R. Johnson. Chief Machinist, Assistant to Shop 
Superintendent, Yard Craft and Service; Joseph Chamberlain, Gunner. As- 
sistant to Electrical and Ordnance Stores. 

Yard Dispensary. — B. L. Wright, Surgeon, Medical Officer in Command ; 
L. H. Wheeler, P. A. Surgeon, Medical Officer Dispensary; P. G. White, A. A. 
Dental Surgeon. 

Naval Hospital.— B. L. Wright, Surgeon, Medical Officer in Command ; 

F. M. Bogan, Surgeon; Medical Officer at Hospital; L. H. Wheeler, P. A. 
Surgeon, Medical Officer Dispensary ; Chas. E. Reynolds, Chief Pharmacist. 
Assistant to Medical Officer. 

General Store. — F. T. Arms, Pay Inspector, General Storekeeper; J. F. 
Flvnn, Pay Clerk, Chief Clerk. 

' Na2'\ Pay Office. — E. D. Ryan, Pay Inspector, Purchasing Pay Officer. 
Portsmouth, N. H. 



CHAPTER XVII 

ATKINSON 

Early History — luclrsiastical History — Educational — .Atlcinsoji Academy — 
Military Record — Public Library 

Atkinson is situated in latitude 42'' 51', longitude 71 8'. and is about four 
miles in length and three in breadth, containing 6,800 acres, and is 
bounded north by Hampstead, east by Plaistow, south by Haverhill, Mass., 
and west by Salem and Derry. It is thirty-six miles from Concord and thirty- 
six miles from Boston, on the Boston and Maine Railroad. Daily stage 
to village two miles. 

It originally was a part of Haverhill, which was settled in 1640. It com- 
prises a portion of the territory con\eyed to the inhabitants of Pentucket 
(now Haverhill) by the Indians Passaquo and Saggahew, with the consent 
of their chief P'assaconnaway, by their deed now in existence, dated November 
15, 1642. ■ ' " 

No settlement was made till eighty-five years later, when, in 1727 or '28, 
Benjamin Richards, of Rochester, N. H., Nathaniel. Jonathan, and Edmund 
Page and John Dow. from Haverhill, moved into the present limits of the 
town. When the dividing line between New Hampshire and Massachusetts 
was settled, Atkinson, then a part of Plaistow, was assigned to New Hamp- 
shire. 

Plaistow was incorporated Fcliruary _'8. 1741). Atkinson was separated 
from Plaistow August 31. 1767. and incorporated by the Legislature Septem- 
ber 3rd of the same year. 

The increase of population from the first settlement of the town was 
rapid, and in 1775. eight years after the incorporation of the town, it num- 
bered 575, more than the average from that time to the present. The popula- 
tion by the census of 1910 was 440. 

The soil is of an excellent quality, yielding large returns for the labor 
spent upon it, and the town has long been noted for its superior fruit. 

The location of the town is very high, commanding a view of the spires 
of sixteen villages and of many mountains on every side around it. The air 
is dry and pure, and Doctor Bowditch, the distinguished physician, has long 
recommended it as one of the most favorable resorts in New Hampshire 
for those afflicted with pulmonary complaints. 

In the Revolution, which occurred so soon after the incorporation of the 
town, the people of Atkinson showed themselves truly patriotic. This they 

213 



214 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

did by spirited resolutions and by furnishing men and money for the army. 
Every man in Atkinson signed the association test. 

Mr. Nathaniel Cogswell, who had been a merchant thirty or forty years 
in the adjoining Town of Haverhill, and had moved into Atkinson in 1766, 
alone gave eight sons to the service, besides loaning money to the town to 
be expended in bounty and military equipments, the greater part of which 
money, by the depreciation of currency, he lost. These eight sons performed 
more than thirty-eight years of service, a greater amount of service, it is 
believed, than was rendered by any other family in the country. 

They all survived the Revolution and settled in life, and were the Hon. 
Thomas Cogswell, of Gilmanton; Hon. Amos Cogswell, of Dover; Capt. 
Nathaniel P. Cogswell, of Atkinson; Moses Cogswell, Esq., of Canterbury; 
Dr. William Cogswell, of Atkinson; John Cogswell, Esq., of Landaff; Dr. 
Joseph Cogswell, of Yarmouth; and Mr. Ebenezer Cogswell, of Wiscos- 
set, Me. Gen. Nathaniel Peabody, by the important services he rendered to the 
country in this crisis of affairs, was a host. 

In all the wars in which our country has been engaged Atkinson has been 
prompt to do its whole duty. In the War of 1812 she sent quite a number of 
men to guard the forts along the coast, and Capt. William Page, commander 
of a company of cavalry, in response to a requisition from the governor, 
tendered the services of this entire company. Forty residents of Atkinson 
served in the War of the Rebellion, very few towns in New Hampshire fur- 
nishing so large a number in proportion to their population. 

Ecclesiastical History. — The reasons assigned by the petitioners for a 
separation from the Town of Plaistow were "that by reason of the great 
distance of their dwellings from the meeting-house they undergo many and 
great difficulties in attending the worship of Almighty God there, and that the 
said meeting-house is not large enough to accommodate more than half of 
the inhabitants of said town." 

Before the erection of the church services were held at the house of Mr. 
Nathaniel Cogswell. The first meeting-house was built in 1768-69, and 
remained until 1845. 

The town extended a call to Mr. Stephen Peabody, February 26, 1772, 
and voted to give him "160 pounds lawful money as a settlement, upon con- 
dition that the salary begin £66 I3',-. and 4(/. lawful money the first year, and 
add on 40 shillings per year till it amount to 80 pounds per year." They also 
voted to give him "ten'cords of wood per year as long as he carry on the 
work of the ministry in Atkinson." Mr. Peabody accepted, and was ordained 
November 25. 1772', at which time the church was organized at the house of 
Mr. Samuel Little. 

The covenant of the church adopted at its organization was evangelical. 
Mr. Peabodv continued pastor of the church vmtil his decease. 

After the death of Mr. Peabody the pulpit was supplied by the following 
gentlemen: Tacob Cummines, from 1822 till 1824; Stephen Farley, from 
'1824 till 18^-2: Puke A. Spofford (Ins.), from 1832 till 1834: Samuel H. 
Tolman (Ins.). from 18-,:^ till i8-,g; Samuel Pierce (Ord.). from 1843 till 
1844; Tesse Page, 1845 till 1869; Charles F. Morse fins.). 1872 till 1875; 
Charles T Meivin, 1876 till 1880; Ezra B. Pike. 1880 till 1882; John O. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 215 

Barrows, 1882 till 1885: James Alexander. 18S6; Augustus C. Swain, 1887 
till 1892; Geo. Hale Scott, 1893 tiH 190/ : Edgar Warren, 1907 till 1910; R. 
Albert Goodwin, 1910 till 1914. 

InJVIarch, 181 9, three months previous to the death of Mr. Peabody, the 
town "voted to let the Universalists have the privilege of using the meeting- 
house the present year their proportion of Sundays, according to the taxation." 
This vote was repeated in subsequent years. 

Deeming it expedient, on account of the inconvenience which attended the 
worship of God in connection with those of other denominations, the church 
and orthodox part of the community formed, February ig, 1834, a society 
for the support of Christian institutions, called the "Congregational Society 
in Atkinson." During the year 1835 a meeting-house was erected by this 
new society from subscriptions by themselves and others. It stands on land 
given for this purpose by Joseph B. Cogswell. 

In 1845, Mrs. Judith Cogswell, widow of Dr. William Cogswell, gave to 
the Orthodox Congregational Church and Society a bell weighing 1,300 
pounds. .\ fine parsonage was erected in 1872. The meeting-house was 
remodeled in 1879 at an expense exceeding its original cost. 

In 1872, Francis Cogswell, George Cogswell, Nathaniel Cogswell, and 
Jesse Page gave to the Congregational Church a thousand dollars each, 
"The interest to be expended, under its direction, for the support of preach- 
ing and sustaining the gospel ministry": and Joseph B. Cogswell, another 
brother, a similar amount for the support of preaching and repairs on the 
house of worship. Donations to the preaching fund have also Ijeen made by 
John Pettengill and Eliza W. Noyes. 

It may be well to remark that the singing in the church has always 
been by a volunteer choir. To one family, children of Mr. Henry Noyes, 
has the church been especially indebted. Four sisters of this family sat 
side by side for more than forty years preceding 1865. and several brothers 
nearly as long, and the husband of one of the four sisters sang in the choir 
more than fifty years, a great part of the time as the leader. 

A Unk'crsalist Society was incorporated June 18, 18 r8. by the name of 
the Universalist Society of Atkinson and Hampstead. The old society was 
given up, and the present one formed in 1839, and is known by the name 
of the Atkinson Universalist Society. The society erected a meeting-house 
in 1842. 

For the years 1843 and 1844 the Rev. Josiah Gilman resided in the town, 
and supplied" the pulpit half the time. Since then the society has had preach- 
ing only occasionally. 

Education. — The early settlers seem to have been people of intelligence, 
and one of their first thoughts was the education of their children. March 
29, 1774, according to the records of the town, it was voted to hire a school- 
master eight months the ensuing year, an unusual length of school for so 
small a population at that early period. January 30. 1775. the town was 
divided into three school districts and subsequently into six; the present 
number is five. The people, however, were soon dissatisfied with the advan- 
tages of the common district schools, and in 1788 erected a suitable build- 
ing and established Atkinson Academy, which is entitled to an honorable 



216 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

place among the educational institutions of New England from its antic|uity 
and usefulness. 

The first four academies of New Hampshire were Phillips, at Exeter, 
incorporated 1781: New Ipswich, incorporated 1789; Chesterfield, incor- 
porated 1790: and Atkinson, incorporated February 17, 1791. As the one at 
Atkinson, however, went into operation several years before its incorpora- 
tion, it is really the second in the state in point of age. The origin of the 
academy is due mainly to the efforts of three men. — Hon. Dr. and Gen. 
Nathaniel Peabody, Rev. Stephen Peabody, and Dr. William Cogswell. 

The first academy building, one story in height, was erected in the center 
of the town, w'here the road to Salem tliverges from the main street. It was 
burned in 1802 and rebuilt in 1803. 

When first established the academy, through the scarcity of such insti- 
tutions, soon gained an enviable reputation, and was largely patronized from 
a distance, fitting young men for college, and giving instruction in the higher 
English branches. It early became a mixed school, when but little attention 
had been paid to female education, and has so continued to the present 
time, being the first academy, according to Rev. Dr. Foil, himself one of 
the pupils, where the sexes were educated together in the higher branches. 

It is interesting to note, in comparison with the present educational 
expenses, how small were the charges of the school in its early history. The 
tuition for the first two years was only 6s. for a quarter of twelve weeks ; 
then gs.\ in 1797. $2.00; in 1805, $3.00: in 1839 it was raised to $4.00; 
in 1854 it was .$4.80. Board at first was 4s. 6d.. including lodging and wash- 
ing. Then for many years it was 6s.: in 1830 it was ~s. 6d. for the whole 
week, including washing and lodging, and 6s. for those who spent the Sab- 
bath at their homes; in 1830 from $1.50 to $2.00 per week, including rocfm- 
rent and washing. 

Very many have enjoyed its privileges who would otherwise have secured 
no instruction beyond that of the common district schools. To the town 
where it is located it has been of priceless value. 

Among the many pupils of the old academy are not a few who have 
attained eminence. There may be mentioned the names of Levi Woodbury, 
noted in youth as in manhood for his untiring industry. Governor Kent, 
of Maine: Jonathan and Joseph Cilley; President Brown, of Dartmouth 
College : Gen. James Wilson ; Judge White, of Salem ; President Hale, of 
Hobart College ; Benjamin Greenleaf , author of many mathematical works : 
Edmund R. Peaslee. LL. D., the distinguished medical professor and prac- 
titioner, of New York City; Judge Greenleaf Clarke, of the Supreme Court, 
Minnesota. To these should be added, besides others previously mentioned, 
a large number of clergymen of great usefulness. 

Grace Fletcher, the first wife of Daniel Webster, was educated here, and 
has been described by her schoolmates as a pale, modest, retiring girl. 

The following have been principals of the academy: M. H. Neal, D. 
Hardy, Samuel Moody, S. Dinsmore, S. P. Webster, John Vose, Moses 
Dow, Wm. Cogswell, Francis Vose, Jacob Cummings, Stephen Farley, Enoch 
Hale. John Kelly. Jos. Peckham. ]. X. Tavlor. B. A. Spaulding, J- ^^ • Rav, 
E. H. Greeley. Jos." Garland. C. D. Fitch, \\ . C. Todd, C. P. Parsons, J. W. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 217 

Dodge. J. W. Spaulding, N. Barrows, W. E. Buntin, B. H. Weston, E. C. 
Allen, M. P. White, J. V. Hazen, C. D. Tenney, B. H. Weston, T. B. Rice, 
H. N, Dunham, A. P. Averill. O. B. Lord, W. H. Thompson. Oscar E. 
Gibbs is the present principal. 

MISCELL.\NEOUS MATTERS 

The first house in the town was built by Benjamin Richards, at the end 
of the lane leading from tlie main street, a little north of the burying-ground. 
In this same house Lieut. Ezekiel Belknap died, January 3. 1836, aged one 
hundred years and forty days. He was a soldier of the old French war, 
afterwards an officer in the Revolutionary war, and was present at the execu- 
tion of Andre. 

MILITARY RECORD. 1861-65 

Edward B. Murray, Co. C, 3d Regiment: enlisted December 2^, 1861 ; 
discharged July 20, 1865. 

James Carroll, Co. V.. 3d Regiment; enlisted December 6, 1864. 

Jacob Van Dunran, Co. C, 4th Regiment; enlisted December 9, 1863. 

George \\'. Heath, Co. E, 4th Regiment; enlisted September 18, 1861 ; 
re-enlisted February 25, 1864; discharged January 2/, 1865. 

Edmund F. McNeil, Co. H, 4th Regiment; enlisted September 18, i8()i ; 
re-enlisted January i, 1864, and jjromoted to ist sergeant; killed .August 
16, 1864. 

John E. Austin, corporal Co. H, ist Regiment; enlisted May 3, 1861 ; 
discharged August 9, 1861 ; corporal Co. H. 4th Regiment: enlisted Sep- 
tember 18, 1861 ; promoted to ist sergeant February 20. 1864: discharged 
August 23, 1865. 

George Hopper, Co. G, 5th Regiment: enlisted August 17. 1864; dis- 
charged June 28, 1865. 

John Mulligan, Co. G. 3th Regiment; enlisted Augu.st 29, 1864. 

John Conley, Co. H, 3th Regiment: enlisted .August 13, 1864. 

John Henrys, , 5th Regiment; enli.'^ted .August 9, 1863. 

Harry Blake, Co. H, 5th Regiment: enli.sted August 13, 1864: jmimoted 
to corporal April 18, 1865; discharged June 28, 1863. 

Henry Hall, Co. C, 7th Regiment: enlisted January 3. 1863; discharged 
July 20. 1865. 

'John Smi'th, Co. C. 7th Regiment; enlisted January 3. 1863; discharged 
July 20, 1863. 

William Lovell. Co. C, 7th Regiment; enlisted Sei)tember 12, 1864; died 
at Jones' Landing, Va., date unknown. 

'Andrew Mack, Co. K. 7th Regiment; enlisted September 12, 1864; pro- 
moted to corporal Julv 3, 1863; discharged July 20, 1863. 

Frederick \\'. Sleeper. Co. C, 7th Regiment: enlisted November 20, 1861 ; 
re-enlisted February 28. 1864: discharged July 20. 1863. 

James Richmond, Co. H. gth Regiment; enlisted December 9. 1863. 

"Manuiel Silver, Co. K, oth Regiment; enlisted December 9. 1863. 



218 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Andrew Coleman, Co. K, 9th Regiment; enlisted December 9, 1863. 

Lafayette Tebbetts, Co. C. loth Regiment; enlisted August 25, 1864; 
discharged June 3, 1863. 

James Harper, Co. G, loth Regiment; enlisted October 29, 1863; date 
of discharge unknown. 

Lorenzo Frost, Co. K, 13th Regiment; enlisted October 16, 1862; dis- 
charged .August 13, 1863. 

Frank P. Ireson, Co. K, 13th Regiment; enlisted October 16, 1862; dis- 
charged August 13, 1863. 

A. Noyse, Co. K, 13th Regiment; enlisted October 16, 1862; died July 
24, 1863. 

Charles G. Perkins, Co. K, 13th Regiment; enlisted October 16, 1862; 
discharged August 13, 1863. 

Orrin F. Richards. Co. K. 13th Regiment; enlisted October 16, 1862; 
discharged August 13, 1863. 

Arthur L. Merrick, Co. K, 13th Regiment; enlisted October 16, 1862, 
sergeant: discharged August 13, 1863. 

Robert King. Co. A. 17th Regiment; enlisted December 10. 1862; pro- 
moted to corporal; discharged April 16, 1863. 

J. H. Smith, , 17th Regiment; enlisted February 4, 1863; date of 

discharge unknown. 

Patrick Mack, Co. C, ist Cavalry; enlisted March 31, 1864. 

John Roberts, Co. C, ist Cavali7; enlisted March 31, 1864. 

Ebenezer Buck, V. R. C. ; enlisted November 10, 1863; date of discharge 
unknown. 

Patrick Dunn, ; enlisted July 29, 1864; date of discharge unknown. 

Patrick K. Norton. ; enlisted July 3, 1863; date of discharge 

unknown. 

Philip G. Lord, ; enlisted July 3, 1863; date of discharge unknown. 

Andrew M. Dunning, ; enlisted July 3, 1863; date of discharge 

unknown. 

Joseph Vedo, ; enlisted July 3, 1863; date of discharge unknown. 

George Hughes, ; enlisted August 29, 1864: date of discharge 

unknown. 

Marcus M. Merrick, Co. H, ist Regiment; enlisted May 3, 1861 ; dis- 
charged .\ugust 9, 1861. 

Gilman Noyes, Co. H, ist Regiment; enlisted May 3, 1861 ; discharged 
August 9, 1861. 

David O. Clarke, sergeant Co. K, 3th Regiment; enlisted October 12, 
1861 : discharged March 16, 1863. 

Joseph .A. Carlton, Co. K. 3th Regiment; enlisted October 12, 1861 ; dis- 
charged February 7, 1863. 

James Hahir, Co. G, loth Regiment; enlisted December 29. 1863; 
transferred 2d N. H. Regiment, June 21, 1863. 

John C. Ryan, Co. K, 3th Regiment: enlisted October 12, 1861; dis- 
charged Januarv 7. 1863. 

Samuel B. Mason, sergeant Co. H. 4th Regiment: enlisted September 18, 
186 1 ; discharged September 27, 1864. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 219 

Byron Noyes, sergeant Co. H, 4th Regiment ; enlisted September 18, 1861 ; 
discharged September 27, 1864. 

Nathaniel G. Scott, marine: enlisted March 15, 1864; date of discharge 
unknown. 

Lorin Heath, marine; enlisted August 11, 1864; date of discharge un- 
known. 

The Atkinson Public Library was founded by the State in July, 1894. 
It has 1953 volumes. Alice Gilbert is librarian. 

Atkinson Grange, P. of H. and I. O. U. R. M. are the societies. 



CHAFl^ER XVIII 

AUBURN 

Geo(jraphical — Topographical — First Settlers — Ecclesiastical — First Congre- 
gational Church — Methodist Episcopal Church — Civil and Military History 
— Petition for Incorporation — "West Chester" — The Opposition — The 
Toimi Incorporated — The First Town-Meeting — Military History — Public 
Library. - ■ 

Auhiirn lies in the western part of the county, and is bounded as follows : 
On the north by Candia and Hoopsett. on the east by Chester, on the south by 
Derry and Londonderry, and on the west by Hillsborough and Merrimack 
counties. The surface is broken but the soil is fertile. The population is 637. 

Lake Massabesic, the largest body of water in Rockingham County, is 
rapidly gaining in popular favor, and is one of the most enchanting summer 
resorts within the bounds of the "Granite State." The first settler in Auburn 
was John Smith. 

For the early history of Auburn see Chester. 

First Congregational Church. — For some reason it was deemed expedient 
to dissolve the Presbyterian parish and church, and organize a Congregational 
one. Accordingly, agreeably to an act passed July 3, 1827, "The Second 
Congregational Society in Chester" was organized June 11, 1842, and a code 
of by-laws adopted, one article of which was that all moneys should be raised 
by voluntary subscription. The condition of membership was signing the by- 
laws and paying $1 annually. On the ist day of January, 1843, sixteen 
members of the Presbyterian Church adopted articles of faith and a covenant, 
and were organized into a church by the Rev. Samuel Ordway, and assumed 
the name of The Second Congregational Church in Chester. After the town 
of Auburn was incorporated, in 1845, the name of the society and church was 
altered to the First in Aiiburn. Rev. Samuel Ordway remained until 1846. 
Subsequent pastors ha\'e been lames Holmes, Josiah L. Tones, T- S. Guv, 
Charles E. Houghton. Theodore C. Pratt, 1882-92: W. B. T. Smith, 1894-7: 

A. V. Fisher, 1898-99: Albert E. Hall, 1899-04: Albert M. Farr, student, 
1905-6: E. T. Hurd, 1906-7: O. W. Gord, 1907-8: Frank E. Rand, 190S: 

B. L. Hess, 1909-13. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church. — Methodism began to make its appear- 
ance in what is now Auburn about the year 1800. The first Methodist sermon 
believed to have been preached in Chester was in 1807 by Rev. George Picker- 
ing. Upon the erection of the new schoolhouse in 1827, on the site of the 
present one near the bridge across the Blanchard mill-pond, the Methodists 
had services in it until it failed to accommodate the rapidly increasing congre- 

220 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 221 

gatioii, and in 1836 a house of worship was erected. Among the ministers 
who had labored here are mentioned the names of Revs. Fales, Ouimby, 
Stearns, Smith, Joseph Scott, Marsh, Spencer, Dr. Ferrest, H. B. Copp, R. G. 
Donaldson, A. FoLsom, Nathaniel L. Chase, Jarvis Adams, James Adams, 
Henry V. Hartwells, Joseph W. Bisby, Isaac G. Price, Simon B. Heath, 
Frederick E. W'hertwell, Henry B. Copp, Nelson M. Bailey, A. R. Lnnt. Rev. 
T. W. Presby has been assigned for 19 14 for Auburn and Chester, 

Cizdl History. — A petition by John Clark and others having been presented 
to the Legislature in 1844 to have the Town of Chester divided, the west part 
to be named 'A\'est Chester," and an order of notice having been served on 
the town, there was a committee, consisting of John White, Jacob Chase, David 
Currier, Stephen Palmer, Abel G. Quigg, and James Brown, chosen to report 
a line for the division at an adjournment. The (juestion was taken by ayes 
and noes whether the meeting would consent to a division provided the com- 
mittee should report a satisfactory line: ayes. 148; noes, S3. There seem 
to ha\-e been two rejiorts, and the one made by that part of the committee 
from the westerly part of the town was adopted: ayes, jio: noes, 59. 

There was a strong opposition from individuals in the west part, headed 
by Jesse Patten and Pike Chase, a remonstrance sent in and counsel employed 
before the committee, but the petitioners prevailed, and the act passed June 23, 
1845. Samuel D. Bell, of Manchester, Nathaniel Parker and William Choate, 
of Derry. were named in the act to divide the property and <le1)ts. Aul)urn 
was to pay $2.26, and Chester $4.02, of state tax. 

The first meeting of .\ul)urn was notified by John Clark, David Currier, 
and Stephen Palmer, and holden July 28th. and officers chosen at an adjourn- 
ment. 

Auburn was incorporated June 23, 1843. It was originally that part of 
Chester known as "Long Meadow." 

MILIT.\RV HISTORV. 1861-63 

First Rccjimcut. Three Months. — Mustered in May, 1861. Co. C, Amos 
W. Brown. 

Second Regi>nent, Three Years. — Mustered June. i8r)i. Co. C, John 
Chase, promoted corporal: wounded at Gettysburg. Co. C, John Davis, pro- 
moted corporal. Co. C, Hazen Davis, Jr., wounded slightly July, 1863. Co. 

C, Edwin Plummer, wounded slightly July, 1863. Co. C, Alfred J. Sanborn, 
discharged for disability July, i86r ; re-enlisted November, 1864. Co. D, John 

D. Wood, recruited September, 1861 : died in hospital November, 1862. Co. 
F, Felix C. Hacknev. recruit, died October, 1865. 

Third Regimcni. Three ] Van-.— Mustered .-\ugust, 1861. Co. A, John C. 
Hagan, appointed wagoner: nnistered out .-Vugust, 1864; since died. Co. H, 
Lanson Blake, re-enli'sterl. Co. H. .\lonzo D. Emery, discharged December, 
1861. Co. H. Leroy McDuffee, ]>romoted sergeant : re-enlisted January. 1864. 

Fourth Rcqiuicnt. Three Years. — Mustered September, 1861. Co. C. 
Henrv C. Griffin, promoted corporal: re-enlisted February, 1864: wounded; 
captured at Drurv's Bluff: died in Libby Prison September ro, 1864. Co. E, 
Ehenezer S, Fmorv. discharged for disability October. 1862. Co. E. Carlton 



222 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

C. Richardson, re-enlisted January, 1864. Co. G, William Gunston, re-enlisted 
February, 1864; killed at Drury's Bluff May 16, 1864. Co. G, Amos W. 
Brown, re-enlisted February, 1864. Co. K, Thomas B. Platts, re-enlisted 
February, 1864. 

Fifth Regiment, Three Years. — Clustered October, 1861. Co. C, Isaac 
Boxall, recruit. Co. F, John Whitehouse, recruit. Co. F, Thomas Darty, 
recruit. Co. F, Murtz Sullivan, recruit. 

Sixth Reyiinent, Three Years. — Mustered November, 1861. Co. I, Fred- 
erick Shaeffer, recruit. 

Seventh Regiment^ Three Years. — Mustered October, 1861. Co. A, Thorn- 
ton Hazen, wounded at Fort Wagner July, 1863; died of wounds August 29, 

1863. Co. I, Otis F. Butrick, discharged for disability August, 1862. Co. H, 
John Walton, recruit. 

Eighth Regiment, Three Years. — Mustered December, 1861. Co. D, 
Frank C. Wood, discharged for disability at Camp Parapet, La., July, 1862. 

Ninth Regiment, Three Years. — Mustered July, 1862. Co. A, Eben Dean, 
died at Washington December, 1862. Co. A, George W. Goodwin. Co. A, 
Moses Reed, died at Richmond, Ky., April, 1863. Co. A, Alonzo D. Emery, 
transferred to Battery E, U. S. Artillery, September, 1862. Co. A, John D. 
Neller, recruit, December, 1863; captured; died in rebel prison at Salisbury, 
N. C, February, 1865. Co. A, James R. Preston, transferred to Sixth New 
Hampshire Volunteers, June, 1865. Co. B, Charles F. Shaw, discharged for 
disability at Fredericksburg, Va., January 15, 1863. Co. K, Charles Delos, 
recruited December, 1863; deserted January, 1864. 

Tenth Regiment, Three Years. — Mustered August, 1862. Co. A, Albert 
Plummer, hospital steward; promoted assistant surgeon January 3, 1865. Co. 
A, Lucian Holmes, corporal, promoted sergeant ; captured at Fair Oaks, Va., 
October, 1864; died in rebel prison at Salisbury, January 4, 1865. Co. A, 
John Y. Demeritt, died at Washington January 5, 1863. Co. A, Jacob P. 
Buswell. Co. A, Charles H. Buswell, transferred to U. S. Signal Corps. 
Co. A, Joseph L. Davis, died of wounds received June 3, 1864. Co. A, Charles 
H. Grant, promoted to corporal: captured at Fair Oaks, Va., October, 1864; 
died in rebel prison at Salisbury February 14, 1865. Co. A, Edward M. 
Melvin, discharged for disability December, 1864. Co. A, Henry C. Moore, 
wounded June, 1864; died at De Camp Hospital, New York, September 8, 

1864. Co. A, George B. Sanford. Co. H, Franklin Shannon, died of wounds 
June 16, 1864. Co. A, Charles Pingree, promoted to second lieutenant of Co. 
I, 23d U. S. Col. Vols. ; killed before Petersburg July 3, 1864. 

Eleventh Regiment, Three Years. — Mustered August, 1862. Co. B, John 
Cole, recruited December, 1863. Co. K, William Clark, recruited December, 
1863. 

Tivelfth Regiment, Three Years. — Mustered August, 1862. Co. I, Felix 
C. Hackney, recruited December, 1863. Co. E, James Krotzer, recruited 
December, 1863. Co. H, James Murray, recruited December, 1863; killed at 
Cold Harbor June, 1864. Co. E, William Moll, retired December, 1863; 
deserted November, 1864. Co. H, Oliver Kinker, recruited December, 1863; 
transferred to Second New Hampshire Volunteers. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 223 

Fourteenth Reyiiiient, Three Taj/x— Clustered September, 1862. Co. D, 
Stephen C. Coult. 

Fifteenth Regiment, Nine Months. — Mustered October, 1862. Co. E, 
Moses B. Davis. Co. E, Daniel C. Abbott. Co. E, Willis H. Brown. Co. E, 
Jesse Woods, died. Co. E, Frank C. Woods, discharged for disability; died 
at Auburn. Co. E, Jonathan Ballou, mustered out August, 1863. 

Eighteenth Regiment. — Mustered September, 1864. 'Co. H, Alexander 
M. Ballou. Co. H, Jonathan Ballou. Co. K, Sylvester E. Emery. Co. K, 
Carlton Emery. Co. K. Alfred D. Emery. Co. K, Alonzo D. Emery. Co. K, 
George A. Wood. 

First Regiment Caz'alry. — Mustered December, 1861. Troop L, John S. 
Coffin, re-enlisted January. 1864. Troop I, Warren J. Davis, captured June, 
1864: paroled March, 186^. Troop K. Chester C. Smith, discharged June, 
1862. 

First Light Battery, Three Years. — Mustered September, 1861. David H. 
Bean, bugler, re-enlisted December, 1863. Robinson Brown, bugler. James 
M. Buswell. John H. Goodwin, tlropped from rolls October, 1864. James 
M. Preston. William Preston. Benjamin S. Stewart, recruited December, 
1863. Hugh B. Cochran, drafted. 

First Regiment Heavy Artillery. — Mustered September, 1864. Co. C, 
Edwin Coleman. Co. C, George Coult. Co. C, George E. Edmunds. Co. C, 
Benjamin Eaton. Co. C, Jacob Lufkin. Co. C. Henry M. Preston. Co. C, 
Stephen Pingree. Co. G, Charles H. Lyman, discharged for disability Jan- 
uary, 1865. Co. K, Joseph P. Brown. Co. K, William G. Brown. Co. K, 
Dennis Donovan. Co. K, Luther Preston. Co. K, Harrison Prescott. Co. K, 
Robert T. Plummer. Co. K, Simon G. Prescott. Co. K. Benjamin F. Sher- 
burne. Co. K, John E. White. Co. M, George C. Kimball. 

Second Regimoit Sharpshooters. — Mustered November, 1861. Samuel F. 
Murry, first lieutenant, second lieutenant, promoted to captain September, 
1863. Co. F, Alfred J. Sanborn, wounded May, 1864: mustered out Novem- 
ber, 1864. 

Those zvho Furnished Volunteer Substitutes. — Wells C. Underbill, .Andrew 
F. Fo.x. Daniel Webster. Harrison Burnham, Joseph Underbill. 

Drafted Men. — Evander G. Preston, John N. Claflin. George W. Hall, 
Alexander M. Philip, W. I. Gilbert, Benjamin D. Emery, Edward O. Prescott, 
Charles H. Pattent, Charles H. Merrill. 

Substitutes for Drafted Men. — August Shaffer, James McKew, Edward 
Haley, William Warren. Henry Cole, Isaac Powell, Patrick O'Niel. Charles 
Bond, Charles A. Varnham. 

Commutation fee of $300 paid by Arthur Dinsmore. 

Griffin Library and Museum. — In 1885 S. S. Griffin erected a building to 
be used as a library and museum and in 1892 gave it and its contents to the 
town. The books now number about one thousand six hundred. The museum 
has an interesting collection of Indian relics and many articles relating to the 
early history of the town. 

Massabesic is the title of the Grange. 



CHAl'TER XIX 

BRENTWOOD 

(jCi>(inipIiical — 'ropiK/raf^liical — Early Inliabitaiils — Dociimciitarx History — 
Mccting-Housc — Ecclesiastical History — Coiu/rcc/atioiial Church — Baptist 
Church — hHlitary History — Public Eibrary. 

Tlie town of lirentwood lies near the center (jf the connty, and is Ijounded 
as follows : On the north by Epping, on the east by Exeter, on the south by 
Kinojston, and on the west by Fremont. The population in iqio was 759. 

The surface of the town is brciken. and the soil is fertile and well adapted 
to the raising of grass and grain. It is watered by Exeter, Little, and Deer 
Rivers. There are desposits of iron ore in this town. 

Early Inhabitants. — The following is a list of early inhabitants, as shown 
by a document among the State records under date July 11, 1743. It re- 
lates to the formation of the parish, and is as follows : 

"Brentwood. July ii, 1743. 

"We the Subscribers Do hereby signifie that we Realy Expected and also 
Desired to stand by the Act of the General Court in making of us a Parish 
But yet we perceive that the honble Corte have bin Enformed by Sundry 
Parsons that the major Part of the Parish are Dissatisfy'd in what is done 
in that afair this is to Shew it is not so. 

"John Roberds, Joseph Ecivett, Thomas Gorden. John Marsh. Rebord 
Young. Edward Stevens. Daniel (iiles, Israel Smith, John Been. Nicholas 
Gordon. John FoLsham. Ithial Smith. Moses Fifield, David Bean, Samuel 
Roberds, Samuel Jones, Charles Young, Benja Vesey, Jeremiah Bean. Biley 
Harvey. John Giles, Benja Roberds, John Roberds, David Smith, Jonathan 
Smith, John Smith, Josiah Moody, Zackiriah Jude, Jeremiah Row. Jedediah 
Prescott, James Robenson, Daniel Tilton, John James, Nathel I-'olsham, James 
Dudley jun, Joseph Gose, Benja Scribner, Ebenezer Hutchinson, Elisha 
Sanborn, James Young, Benja Fifield, Bridget Smith, Thomas Scritchet. 
Abraham .Smith, Gorg Roberds, James Dudley. Joel Judkins, Roberd Brown, 
Joseph Atkinson, Jacob Smith, Jabez Clough, James Gloyd. Nicholas Doliof. 
Alexander Roberds, William Granby, Daniel Sanborn, Jona Roberson, Wil- 
liam Smith, Jona Tailer, Nathl Pre.scott, Jona Cram. Jose])li Giles, Henery 
Marsh, Job Kenistone, John Mudgit." 

224 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 225 

"Petition of a uuiiihcr of the Inhabitants of Brintzvood, prayiny to be set off 

as a parish. 
"To his Excellency Eknning Went worth Esqr Governor & Commander in 

chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire the honorable 

his Majesty's Council & House of Representatives in General Assembly 

conven'd 12th day of June 1764. 

"The Petition of us the Subscribers humbly sheweth that whereas we who 
are of the Parish of Brintwood in said Province are exposed by being at a 
great distance from Meeting for the public worship of God Therefore pray 
your Honers to take our Case into your wise Consideration and set us off 
as a Parish with all F^arish privileges one half of the aforesaid I'arish of 
Brintwood for quantity on the westerly end. Beginning at the northwesterly 
Corner of said Parish running easterly on Epping Line so far as to contain 
one half of the length of said Eine. Then beginning at the South westerly 
Corner of said Parish running Easterly on Kingston I^ine one half of the 
Length of the said South Line then to run a Straight Line across said Parish 
of Brintwood so as to contain full one half of the Land of said Brintwood 
agreeable to a Vote of said Parish reference hereto being had may make fully 
appear. And your Petitioners in duty bound Shall ever pray 

"John Taylor, Joshua Kimball, Benjn Kimball, Jonathan Brown, Jo- 
seph Hoyt, Jonathan Ring, James Tucker, Daniel Brown, John Hoyt, Aljel 
Morrill. John French, John Glidden, Israel Smith, Robert Glidden, Ephraim 
Brown, Benjamin Cram, Abraham Sanborn, Elias Swain, Jonathan Hoyt, 
Beniamin Hoyt, Reuben Hoyt, John Prescott Lovren, Zacheus Clough, John 
Kimball, Nathan Kimball, James Merrill, James Merrill Jun, John Kenison, 
Nathan Brown, Enoch Brown, John Hoyt Jun, Samuel Hoyt, Joseph Taylor, 
Daniel Kimball, Samuel Clough, John Clough, David Kimball, Richard 
Clough, David Hoyt, Samuel Moody, Clement Moody, Nathaniel ^\■hittier, 
Nathaniel Whittier Jun, Benjamin Clough. 
"Province of New Hamps. In the House of Representatives June 14th 1764. 

This petition being read 

"Voted That the prayer thereof be Granted & that the petitioners have 
leave to bring In a Bill accordingly. 

"A. Clarkson Clerk 
"In Council June 15th 1764 

Read and Concurred 

T. Atkinson Sec 

"At a Parish Meeting held at the meeting house in Brintwood the fifteenth 
Dav of Mav 1764 

'"Voted Deacon Jeremiah Bean moderator of said meetmg at the same 
meeting it was Put to Vote to see if the Parish would maintain Two ministers 
in said^Parish & it Past in the Negative 

"Voted the Inhabitants of the Westerly End of the Parish be set off to 
be a Parish by themselves that is to come one half the way Dow-n on Epping 
Line & Run .s\ich a Point a cross to Kingston Line as to contain one half ye 

Land in Sd Parish „ 

Elistia Sanhorn Llerl; 

"A copy Examd." 



226 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Comjrcyatiunal Church. — Brentwood was originally a part of Exeter, and 
was incorporated June 26, 1742. Previous to this a meeting house had been 
erected in what is now the easterly part of Brentwood. The first pastor of 
the Congregational Church in Brentwood was Rev. Nathaniel Trask, from 
Lexington, Mass. He came to Brentwood in 1747. A church was organized 
in 1748, and Mr. Trask was ordained December 12, 1748. There was a 
meeting house Ixiilt near the center of the town in 1750, where the present 
Congregational meeting house now stands. A church was organized at the 
Centre July 12th, O. S., or July 22,, N. S., 1751. These two churches united 
in one, and Rev. Mr. Trask was installed pastor of this united church and 
minister of the town, January 7, O. S., or January 18, N. S., 1756. Mr. 
Trask was dismissed from his pastoral charge July 30, 1787, on account of 
inability to preach, arising from a disorder in his head. Rev. Ebenezer Flint, 
from Methuen. Mass., was the second pastor of this church, ordained May 
2"/. i8or. 

(In the 2ist of July, 1813, Rev. Chester Colton, from Hartford, Conn., 
commenced his labors here, and was ordained pastor of this church January 
25, 1S13. The meeting house, which was built in 1750, was taken down and 
a new one built on the same spot in 181 5. The Congregational parsonage 
house was also built in 1815. The Sabbath school was organized in the 
spring of 18 1 7, and Tliomas S. Robinson was the first superintendent. Mr. 
Colton secured to himself the warmest attachment of his people, and his 
labors were greatly blessed. He v\as dismissed at his own request, on account 
of inflammation of the eyes, March 16, 1825. The fourth pastor of this 
church was Rev. Luke A. Spofford, from Gilmanton, N. H., installed Feb- 
ruary 22, 1826. Mr. Spofford asked and received a dismissal, April i, 1829. 

After the dismissal of Mr. Spofford this people enjoyed the labors of 
Rev. Jonathan Ward, from Plymouth, N. H., as acting pastor, until the 
autumn of 1833. The fifth pastor of this church was Rev. Francis Welch, 
from Hampstead, N. H. He was ordained December 4, 1833. He was 
dismissed October 4. 1837. The sixth pastor of this church was Rev. John 
Gunnison, from New Market, N. H., who began to preach here in October, 
1837, and was installed June 12, 1837. He was dismissed June 8, 1841. The 
seventh pastor of this church was Rev. James Boutwell, from Lyndeborough, 
N. H. Mr. Boutwell commenced his labors here July 11, 1841, and was 
ordained November 4, 1841. 

In 1847 the interior of the meeting house that was built in 181 5 was 
remodeled. When this meeting house was first built the audience room was 
two stories high ; the gallery was high three ways round the room ; the pulpit 
was so exceedingly high as to tire the necks and eyes of those who sat nearest 
the pulpit to look at the minister ; the pews were square ; the seats that kind 
that had hinges, and of course must be turned up when the congregation rose 
for prayers. The pews in the audience room are long, the pulpit low. the 
gallery small, exclusively for the choir. November 11. 1847, this meeting 
house was rededicated to the worship of God, and Rev. Mr. Boutwell preached 
the dedicatory sermon from Exod. xx. 24. Mr. Boutwell sustained the pas- 
toral office among this people for more than ten years. Rev. Josiah M. 
Stearns, from New Ipswich, N. H., supplied the pulpit as acting pastor from 




TdWX HALL, CAXDIA, X. H. 




CONGREGATIONAL CHUECH, CANDIA. X. H. ^r. K. CHrKcH. KAST CANDIA, N. H. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 229 

September 26, 1852, to June 12, 1853, when his useful hfe terminated in 
death, aged thirty-four years. 

The eighth pastor of tliis church was Rev. Charles Dame, from South 
Berwick, Me., installed IVIay 17, 1754. Through the efforts of Mr. Dame, 
a bell was purchased and put in the belfry of the meeting house, April 18, 
1855, and also a chandelier, which was put in the meeting house June 27, 
1855. Rev. Mr. Dame was dismissed November 12, 1856. 

The ninth pastor of this church was Rev. Hugh McLeod, a native of Nova 
Scotia, came from Springfield, Ohio, to Brentwood, and commenced his 
labors here December 13, 1837, and was installed February 17, 1859. His 
labors were greatly blessed. The reason he gave for asking a dismission was 
that he had a call from the Christian Commission to go and labor in the 
United States service. He was dismissed October 16, 1865. Rev Nathaniel 
Lassell, from Amesbury, Mass., was the acting pastor from July 29, 1866, 
to August 29, 1869. Rev. William C. Jackson, a native of Madison, N. H., 
commenced his labors here July 10, 1870, and he was succeeded after serving 
twelve years by Rev. E. B. Pike, 1882-1886; Herbert G. Mauk, 1886-1888; 
Benjamin A. Dean, 1888-1893; Ferdinand J. Ward, 1893-1894; Henry H. 
Colburn, 1894-1901 ; Amasa C. Fay, 1901-1906; Ernest L. Rand, 1906-1907; 
Finis E. Delzell, 1907 — . 

Baptist Church. — A meeting house had been erected in the northwest part 
of the town previous to 1768. May 2, 1771, a church was organized of thir- 
teen members as follows: William Eastman, Stephen Sleeper, Levi Mor- 
rill, Edward Smith, Stephen Butler, Alerdo Carter, John Folsom, Jeremiah 
Ward, Ellis Towle, Martha Marston, Molly Morrill, Abigail French, and 
Elizabeth Sleeper. 

Levi Morrill was chosen clerk, and Stephen Sleeper deacon. Dr. Samuel 
Shepard was called May 23d to take charge of this church and its branches 
at Stratham and Nottingham, and he was ordained at Stratham the last Wed- 
nesday of September of that year. Dr. Shepard's pastorate extended over a 
period of forty-four years, when he died November 4, 181 5, aged seventy- 
six years, four months, and thirteen days, and was buried only a short dis- 
tance from the place where he had preached so long. 

After Dr. Shepard's death the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Jonathan 
Thyng, Benjamin Pottle, Henry Veasey, Reuben Bell and Elder Cheny.^ Rev. 
Samuel Cook commenced his labors in Brentwood June 3, 1827. In 1828 the 
old wooden meeting house was taken down and a new brick one erected, but 
not exactly on the same spot, the new one being on the north side of the road 
directly opposite from the old site. The new brick church was dedicated 
November 4, 1828. The first anniversary of the Portsmouth Baptist Asso- 
ciation was held at the new Baptist meeting house in Brentwood. October 7 
and 8, 1829. The parsonage house was built in 1832. Mr. Cook was dis- 
missed May I, 1835. r . ■ 1 1 

Rev James W. Poland was publicly recognized as pastor of this churcli 
Mav II '1836. Mr. Poland was dismissed in October. 1838, on account of 
ill health In April, 1839. Rev. John Holbrook was obtained as his .successor 
Bro. Horace Eaton, a 'recent graduate of New Hampton Institution, sup 
plied the desk a while in 1841. 



2;W HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

In .\]>ril. i84_'. Rev. A1jel I'hilhrick l)ecaine. pastor, am! the next year 
the I'lirtsniouth Baptist Association iield its fifteenth anniversary with this 
church. 

In ( )ctol)er, 1844, Rev. .A. M. Swain was the pastor, remaining until 1849. 
He was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Learned. Much to the regret of his people, 
P)r(>. Learned was obliged, on account of ill health, to close his labors with 
this church in the spring of 1854. In 1855, Rev. A. M. Swain was again 
called to minister to this people. He preached his farewell sermon October 
24, 1858. Li the spring of 1859, Rev. William H. Jones was settled here 
as the pastor of this church. He closed his labors in February, 1861. June 
27, 1861, Leonard B. Hatch was installed pastor, and labored there very 
acceptably for two years, when he resigned, preaching here for the last time 
May 31, 1863. Jesse M. Coburn was the next pastor, coming here some 
time in 1S63, remaining until July i, 1866. Rev. H. G. Hubbard was his 
successor ; was here for two vears, and jjreached his farewell sermon Novem- 
ber S, 1868. 

During the next year somewhat extensive repairs were made on the inside 
of the church building, and on their completion, in August, 1869, the Rev. 
Charles D. Swett received and accepted a call to become pastor of this 
church. He remained here four years. During his ministry the church 
celebrated their centennial, he preaching a sermon on the occasion. He de- 
livered this sermon October 19, 1871, the church being 100 years 
old February 2d previous. 

In October. 1873, Rev. J. LI. Learneil received and accepted a call to be- 
come pastor again for the second time, which position he held for three years, 
and resigned again in the fall of 1876 on account of ill health. December 
10, 1876. F. L. Scott accepted a call to this church, and was ordained here 
March 6, 1877. and closed his labors October 14, 1877. Rev. C. H. Newhall 
succeeded him. and was pastor for three years, when he resigned. October 
31, 1880, Rev. George Ober was given a very unanimous call to become pastor 
of this old church and accepted; he began his labors February 6, 1881, and 
remained until 1884. He was succeeded by Rev. Geo. A. Glinesbill, 1890; 
Rev. (id). \V. Fllisou, one year; Rev. J. W. Higgins. 1891-99; Rev. Bernard 
Christopher. i8f;9-igoi ; Rev. J. A. Bailey, 1902-1904: Rev. Geo. W. Nicker- 
son, 1905-07; Rev. J. D. Matthews, 1907-12; Rev. C. W. Sables. 1912-14. 

Militarv Record. — The following is a list of those who enlisted from this 
town iluring the late rebellion: 

Joseph Geebo. Co. C, 5th Regiment: iiilisted .\ugust 2;^,. 1864: discharged 
June 28, 1865. 

Thomas Morrison, , iith Regiment; enlisted December 27,. i8(')3. 

.Mien Turkey. Co. H, 5th Regiment; enlisted September 7, T864: dis- 
charged June 2S.. 1865. 

Reuben C. Gaines, . nth Regiment; enlisted December 19, 1863. 

William M. Loecke. Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 2/. 1861 ; 
re-enlisted December 27, 1863, and credited to town of Chester. 

James W. Mclntire. Co. C. 6th Regiment: enlisted November 27, 1861 ; 
discharged March 4, 1862. 



AND REPRESENT.\TIVE CITIZENS 231 

William H. Hook, Co. A. <}th Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; dis- 
charged April 27, 1863. 

Daniel Riley, Co. C. fitli i\egiment; enlisted Xovember 27, 1861; killed 
August 29, 1862. 

Charles A. Glidden. l"o. .\, 1 itli Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; dis- 
charged June 4. 1865. 

F"reeman Stockman, Co. C. 6th Regiment; enlisted November ij, 1861 ; 
discharged May 18, 1863. 

Nathaniel B. Collins, ist Sergeant Co. A, nth Regiment; enlisted August 
28, 1862; discharged June 4. 1865. 

John S. Rowell. Sergeant Co. C, 6th Regiment ; enlisted November 2-/, 
1861 ; re-enlisted and promoted ist Lieutenant December 24, 1863: promoted 
Captain January 7. 1865 ; discharged July 17, 1865. 

Isaac N. Morse, Corporal Co. C. 6th Regiment; enlisted November 2-. 
1861 : discharged March 4. 1862. 

John W. Clarke. Co. H. 7th Regiment; enlisted April 13, 1864; absent, 
sick, July 20, 1865 ; no discharge furnished. 

Tames W. Marshall, Co. B, 7th Regiment; enlisted November 18, 1861 ; 
re-enlisted and promoted to Sergeant P>l)ruarv ly , 1864; discharged July 28. 
1864. 

Bernard McElroy, Co. .\, 7th Regiment; enlisted October 29, 1861 ; re- 
enlisted February 29, 1864; discharged July 20, 1865. 

John Cadigan. Co. D, 8th Regiment; enlisted August 17, 1864; not offi- 
cially accounted for. 

Frank Howard. Co. C, 9th Regiment; enlisted August 24, 1864. 

Benjamin F. LaBue, Corporal Co. .\. nth Regiment; enlisted .'\ugust 
28. 1862; discharged Time 4. 1865 

Elbridge C. Brackett. Co. .\. nth Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; 
promoted to Corporal; di.scharged June 4. 1865. 

George W. Brackett. Co. A. nth Regiment; enlisted .\ugust 28, 1862; 
discharged June 4. 1865. 

Tohn L." Oilman. Co. A, nth Regiment; enlisted August 28. 1862; dis- 
charged for disability December 13, 1862. 

Toshua W. Lane.' Co. A. nth Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; dis- 
charged June 4, 1865. 

Edward Nickett. Co. A. nth Regiment; enlisted August 28. 1862; pro- 
moted to Corporal; transferred to Inv. Corps September i, 1863. 

Dudley H. Robinson, Co. A, nth Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; 
died January 9. 1863. 

Jonathan W. Robertson, Co. .\. nth Regiment; enlisted August 28. 1862; 
promoted to Sergeant; discharged June 4. 1865. 

George O. Sanborn. Co. A. i ith Regiment; enlisted .\ugust 28. 1862; pro- 
moted to Sergeant; discharged June 4, 1865. 

Charles G. Thing. Co. .\. nth Regiment; enlisted .\ugust 28. 1862; died 
Tanuarv 31, 1863. 

Herman W. Veazey. Co. A. Tith Regiment; enlisted August 28. 1862; 
transferred to Vet. Res. Corps; discharged June 28. 1865. 



232 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

George A. Miles, Co. A, nth Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; trans- 
ferred to Vet. Res. Corps; discharged August 28, 1865. 

John F. Worthen, Co. A, nth Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; trans- 
ferred to Battalion E, ist U. S. A., October 14, 1862. 

Charles Davis, Co. A, nth Regiment; enlisted .\ugust 28. 1862; trans- 
ferred to Vet. Res. Corps, September 30, 1863. 

John P. Bean, Co. C, nth Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; discharged 
June 4, 1865. 

John N. Kimball. Co. I, nth Regiment; enlisted September 2, 1862; dis- 
charged March i-j, 1863. 

Marcena W. Lane, Co. I, nth Regiment; enlisted September 2, 1862; dis- 
charged June 4, 1865. 

John Campbell, Co. A, nth Regiment; enlisted July 29, 1864; transferred 
to 6th N. H. Volunteers June i, 1865. 

George Sawyer, Co. G, nth Regiment; enlisted December 19, 1863; trans- 
ferred to 6th N. H. Volunteers June i, 1865; discharged July 17, 1865. 

Oliver Thomas, 14th Regiment; enlisted August 3, 1864; not officially 
accounted for. 

James H. Robinson, Corporal, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 
9, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. 

George R. Russell, Sergeant, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 
1862; discharged August 13, 1863. 

Josiah Morris, Sergeant, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; 
discharged August 13, 1863. 

Lorenzo D. Cate, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; dis- 
charged August 13, 1863. 

Frank A. Colby, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; died, 
date unknown. 

Frank W. Gould, Co. E. 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; dis- 
charged .'\ugust 13, 1863. 

James F. Hazeltine, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; dis- 
cliarged August 13, 1863. 

Edward Hemmel. Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; dis- 
charged August 13, 1863. 

George B. Lane, Co. E, 13th Regiment; enlisted October 17, 1862; dis- 
charged August 13, 1863. 

Lewis W. Sinclair, Co. E, 13th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; died 
July 25, 1863. 

Marcus M. Tuttle, Co. E, 13th Regiment; enlisted October 15, 1863; de- 
serted, date unknown. 

Mark Carr, Co. A, ist Cavalry; enlisted April 14, 1864; promoted to 
Sergeant; discharged March 20, 1863, on account of wounds. 

Joseph W. Chase, Co. B, ist Cavalry; enlisted March 24, 1864; cap- 
tain June 29, 1864; no discharge given. 

George Young, Co. B, ist Cavalry; enlisted April 14, 1864; deserted 
April 17, 1864. 

David E. Brown, Co. C, ist Cavalry; enlisted April 5, 1864; discharged 
July 15, 1863. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 233 

Horace S. Flanders, ist Co. H. Artillery; enlisted July 22, 1863; dis- 
charged September 11, 1865. 

John H. Carr, ist U. S. S. S., Co. E, Corporal; enlisted September 9, 
1861 ; promoted to Sergeant January 29, 1863; September 20, 1863. 

Charles O. Copp, Co. C, nth Regiment; enli.sted August 21, 1862; pro- 
moted to Corporal May i, 1865; discharged June 4, 1865. 

Andrew Jackson, , U. S. C. T. ; enHsted August 24, 1864; no record 

here of him. 

William Burrows, enlisted ,\ugust 2t,, 1864; company and regiment un- 
known. 

John J. Stallard, enlisted August 23, 1864; company and regiment un- 
known. 

John E. Dunbar, enlisted August 10, 1864; company and regiment un- 
known. 

James Miller, enlisted August 11, 1864; company and regiment unknown. 

Simon Brown, enlisted August 13, 1864; company and regiment unknown. 

Thomas Morrison, enlisted September i, 1863; company and regiment un- 
known. 

James Tracey, enlisted January 4, 1865; company and regiment un- 
known. 

William Desell, Co. A, 5th Regiment; enlisted August 26, 1864; dis- 
charged June 28, 1865. 

William Barrows, Co. H, 5th Regiment; enlisted August 23, 1864; 
deserted, gained from desertion; discharged June 14, 1863. 

E. B. W. Stevens, Co. I, 5th 'Regiment; enlisted September 18, 1862; 
killed July 2, 1863. 

Jonathan S. Rowe, Co. I, 5th Regiment; enlisted September 18, 1862; 
missing December 13, 1862. 

James Maloney, Co. F, 2d Regiment; enlisted October 5, 1864; deserted 
February 4, 1865. 

William Fisher, Co. I, 2d Regiment; enlisted December 2, 1863; deserted 
February 3, 1864. 

Ambrose E. Rowell, Co. B, 3d Regiment; enlisted February 22, 1864; 
promoted to Sergeant; discharged July 20, 1865. 

George W. Bean, Co. B, 7th Regiment; enli.Ued December 17, 1861 ; pro- 
moted to Corporal June 12, 1862; Sergeant December 22, 1864; discharged 
July 20, i86s. 

George A. Robinson. Co. B, 7th Regiment; enlisted September 17, 1862; 
discharged T^me 28, 186=;. 

Charles'Hall, Co. B, nth Regiment; enlisted December 18, 1863. 

Nat Wolf. Co. H, nth Regiment; enlisted December 18, 1863. 

James McKee, nth Regiment; enlisted December 19, 1863. 

Andrew P. White, nth Regiment; enlisted December 19, 1863. 

Henry Harkins. nth Regiment; enlisted August 19, 1864. 

JohnF. Brown, Co. I. nth Regiment; enlisted February 14, 1865; trans- 
ferred to fith N. H. Volunteers; discharged July ) 7. 1865. 

Louis Douche, Co. K, ist Cavalry; enlisted ]\(arch 8, 1865; discharged 
July IS, 1865. 



234 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

John F. Dudley, Co. E, 2d Regiment; enlisted June 3, 1861 ; promoted 
to Sergeant August i, 1862; discharged June 21, 1864. 

Freeman Stockman, Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 2j, 1861 ; 
discharged May 18, 1863. 

John W. Clark. Co. H, 7th Regiment; enlisted April 13, 1864; absent 
sick July 20, 1865; no discharge furnished. 

Josiah Norris, Sergeant, Co. E, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 9, 1862; 
discharged August 13, 1863. 

E. B. Pike is the physician. 

The Grange is the Keeneboro. 

The first suggestion for a public library was made in a Grange meeting 
early in 1893. A private association library decided to disband and present 
their books to the town and this was done on May i, 1893. In 1902 the 
ladies of Brentwood held a fair and presented the town with nearly a hundred 
volumes. Mrs. Mabel G. Snyder is librarian. There are over 1,500 volumes 
in the library. 



CHAPTER XX 

CANDIA 

Geographical — Topographical — Xaincs of Early Settlers — Bounds of the 
Tozm — First Tozcii Meeting — Officers Elected — Documentary History — - 
Ecclesiastical History — Educational — Military History — Public Library. 

The Town of Candia lies in the western part of the county, and is bounded 
as follows : On the north by Deerfield : on the east by Raymond ; on the 
south by Chester and Auburn ; and on the west by Merrimac County. The 
surface of the town is elevated, and the soil hard of cultivation. Population, 

993- 

The Town of Candia was settled about 1743. Among the pioneers were 
Daniel McClune, William Turner, Benjamin Smith, Winthrop Wells, John, 
Theophilus, and Jacob Sargent, Dr. Samuel Moore, Enoch Rowell, and Obede- 
dom Hull. William Turner purchased his lot in 1741. and there is a tradition 
that his daughter Sarah was the first white child born in the town. 

A petition was presented to the General Assembly, dated March 22, 1763, 
praying to be set otT as a distinct parish, signed by the following persons, who 
probably constituted most of the voters in town : Benjamin Bachelder, Samuel 
Moores, Jonathan Hills, Samuel Towle, Nicklus Smith. Jonathan Towle, 
Nathl Ingalls, Theophilus Clough. John Karr. Thomas Chretchet, Samuel 
Eastman, John Clay. Moses Baker, Theop. Sargent, Stephen Webster. Joseph 
Smith, Jeremiah Bean. Zebedee Berry. Phineas Towle, William Turner. Win- 
throp Wells, Abraham Fitts, Sherburn Rowe, Asel Quimby. Gilman Dudley, 
Zachariah Clifford, Enoch Colby, Moses Smart, Nathl Emerson, John Sargent, 
Jonathan Bean. Benj. Smith, James McClure. Stephen Palmer. Jacob Sargent. 
Ichabod Robie, Elisha Bean, David Hills. 

The prayer was granted and a charter given, dated December 17, 1763. 
The boundaries were as follows : 

"Beginning at the North East Corner of said Parish, on the Line of the 
Township of Nottingham at a Hemlock tree, at the head of the Old Hundred- 
acre Lotts ; then runs South twenty Nine Degrees West, joining to said lotts 
as thev are Entered on the I'roprietors' Records, about four miles to a stake 
and stones ; then West North West to a Maple Tree, being the North East 
bounds of the Lott Number forty-three, in the Second ])art of the Second 
Division, and continuing the same course by towerhill ])ond to a stake and 
stones, what completes five miles and a half upon this course; then North 
Twenty Nine Degrees East to a Pitch Pine, which is the South West Boundary 
of the Eighty acre lott in the Third Division, Number one hundred twenty- 

235 



236 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

three; then North twenty Nine Degrees East to Nottingham Line, and then 
on that Line to the Hemlock Tree first mentioned." 

Samuel Emerson, Esq., was appointed to call the first meeting. The 
meeting was holden March 13, 1764. 

Moderator, Dr. Samuel Moores. 

Parish Clerk, Dr. Samuel Moores. 

Constable, Winthrop Wells. 

Selectmen, Lieut. Benjamin Bachelder, John Sargent, Jeremiah Bean. 

Tythingman, John Clay. 

Surveyors of Highways, Lieut. Samuel Towl, Moses Baker, Elislia Bean, 
Zebedee Berry. 

Fence-Viewers, Alatthew Ramsey, Stephen Webster. 

Hawards, Stephen Palmer, Moses Smart. 

Deer Inspectors, Theophilus Clough, Jonathan Bean. 

Committee to Examine the Selectmen's Accompts, Stephen Webster, 
Walter Robie, Nathaniel Emerson. 

On the first leaf of the old records is the following : 

"A Parish Book of Records, No. i, Kept by Samuel Moores, Esq., from 
the Incorporation of said Parish up to October, 1793, and at his Decease 
succeeded by Samuel Moores, Jr., and kept until March, 1798; and then by 
Walter Robie, Esq., until March, 1806; and then by Richard Emerson until 
the month of October, 1806, when he Deceased; and then by John Lane until 
March, 1820; and then by Peter Eaton until March, 1831 ; and then by Fred- 
erick Fitts until March, 1832; and then by S. A. Sargent mitil March, 1836; 
and then by Dr. Samuel Sargent until February, 1840." 

The old book closed in 1807. 

The selectmen the first year charge: "Paid Asahel Ouimby for a con- 
stable's stafif, £4." This was old tenor, equal to about sixty-seven cents. The 
staff in 1882 was in possession of Edmund Hills, Esq. It is of hard wood, 
about eighteen inches long, and an inch and a half in diameter, stained black, 
with a pewter ferule about three inches long on one end. It was a badge of 
office. 

The town was formerly called Charming fare, the first visitors being so 
well pleased with its site as a place of residence. It received its present name 
in honor of Gov. Benning Wentworth, who was once a prisoner on the Isle 
of Candia in the Mediterranean Sea. 

Building the Mceting-Housc. — At a meeting of the parish, held September 
8, 1766, 

"Voted, to build a meeting House. 

"Voted, that the meeting house Shall be set on or near the North west 
corner of the Parsonage lot, so called. 

"Voted, that the meeting house frame Shall be Begun upon the 22 Day 
of this instant September; John Clay, Walter Robie, Esq., Benja. Cass, Moses 
Baker, Jonathan Bean, Nathl. Emerson, and Abraham Fitts, a Committee." 

They voted to raise sixty pounds, to be paid in work at two shillings and 
sixpence per day for common hands, or in lumber, and to hire workmen, etc., 
the frame to be completed by the last day of October. If any did not pay in 
work or lumber the constable was to collect it in monev. The house was to 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 237 

be forty-five feet wide and fifty-five feet long. Five pounds lawful money 
was voted to be raised, to be used by the committee, if needed. 

At a meeting, October 20, 1766. 

"Voted, that the Selectmen shall Assess a Sufficient Sum to finsh the 
meeting house Fraim. 

"Voted, That there Be Provided for Raising Supper, Codfish, Potatoes, 
and Butter." 

At a meeting, February 5, 1767. it was voted to sell the pew-ground for 
the wall pews, and William Baker, Dr. Samuel Moores, and William Turner 
were chosen a committee to sell it, and take care that the frame be boarded, 
shingled, and underpinned. The pew-ground was sold February 19, 1767. 

September 17, 1767, it was voted "to sell the ground for six more pews 
behind the men's and women's seats, in order to finish the outside of the 
meeting-house this fall as far as said pew-ground will go." It was sold 
October i, 1767. The purchase was to be paid in merchantable pine boards 
at eighteen shillings per thousand and shingles at seven shillings per thousand, 
by the first day of June. The second sale, the same articles at the market 
price. 

November 23, 1767, it was voted "that the meeting-house shall be glazed 
this fall, as soon as may be conveniently done by way of assessment," and 
liberty was given to cut timber on the parsonage and school lots to make 
red-oak hogshead staves to defray the expense, "to be three feet eight inches 
long, and delivered at the meeting-house by the tenth day of February next." 

August 28, 1769, voted that the meeting-house committee build the men's 
and women's seats in the meeting-house. 

June 15, 1773, voted that there shall be a pulpit build in six months. Jona- 
than Bagley dissented. 

February 21, 1775. it was voted to sell ground for pews in the gallery 
to the highest bidder, and the finishing the meeting-house to the lowest bidder. 

March 9, 1778. "Voted that the Seats Shall be made in the Galleries, and 
the Brest work lined this season." 

July 21. 1783, it was voted "that ye Brest work and seats in the Galleries 
in the meeting house be Built the Present Year." The committee "Shall Build 
a pew in the front Galleries, from Pillar to Pillar, for the use of Singers." 

March 29, 1796, the question was taken about building a steeple and porch, 
and negatived, fifty-two to fifty-nine, but a vote was passed to give up the 
stairway and sell it for pew-ground, to go towards building a steeple and 
porch, provided a sufficient number of men can be found to build the rest of 
the steeple and porch. They were built. 

March 9. 1802, it was voted to raise one hundred and twenty-five dollars 
to be annexed to what is subscribed towards purchasing a bell. It seems that 
Mai. Samuel Moore had purchased a weathercock of Mr. Jones, of Newbury- 
port. and had failed to pay him ; in 1802 the town voted to pay him. 

The old house was burned January 25. 1828. and the present one built 
the same year. 

Hiring and Settling Ministers. — In the selectmen's account for 1764 is 
an item. "Paid John Clay for boarding the minister. £4." 

1765. "Paid Mr. Gilman for preaching fourteen sabbaths £14. Theo- 



238 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

philus Sargent going to Exeter after a minister, 5^. Lieut. Bachelder, going 
to Hampton after a minister, 4.?. Theo. Clough, for going after a minister, 

1766. Mr. (liiman, preaching twelve Sabbaths. Mr. Hillard, preaching 
four Sabbaths. There were some Presbyterians in the parish who probably 
asked not to be rated, and it was voted. "Concerning those persons that call 
themselves Presbyterians, past in the negative." 

1767. John Clay, Ichabod Robie, and Moses Baker were chosen a com- 
mittee to hire a minister, and Mr. Webster was paid for fifteen Sabbaths, £18. 

1768. The former committee was re-elected, and £20 voted to hire 
preaching, and Mr. Oilman paid for fifteen and Mr. Hall two Sabbaths. Mr. 
Clay is paid for boarding Mr. Hall and his horse two weeks, and John Clay, 
Esquire Robie, Moses Baker. Ichabod Robie, and Abraham Fitts are paid for 
going after ministers. 

June 8, 1768. "Voted, that there Shall be a minister Settled as soon as 
may be Conveniently done. 

"Voted, that the Comte that is a])pointe(l to hire Preaching, shall appoint 
a day of Fasting and Prayer, in order to the Calling of a Gospel minister, 
and hire a minister upon probation or trial. 

"Voted, that the Parish have Pitched upon Mr. Tristram Oilman a^ a 
minister, that the Committee shall hire uix)n trial in order to for settlement." 

November 26, 1770, it was voted "to give Mr. David Jewett a call to the 
work of the ministry amongst us, and to give him £30, lawful, the first year, 
and add £5 per year until it amounts to £65 per year, and that to be his 
stated salary, with the income of the parsonage; to finish the house, build a 
barn, and dig a well as soon as can conveniently be done." Mr. Jewett's 
answer was in the aflirmative, and is upon the records. 

February 5, 1771, it was voted that he be ordained the first Wednesday 
of September next. 

February 8, 1773. "Voted that the Parish Desires mr. Jewett to ask a 
Dismission from this People of the Pastoral Care and Charge he has taken 
upon him." 

A committee was at the same time chosen to treat with Mr. Jewett. Money 
had depreciated in value, and in consequence, probably. Mr. Jewett asked for 
more salary. 

May 2j. 1779, "Voted unanimously not to make any addition to mr. 
Jewett's Salary for the Present year." 

"Voted, to Chuse a Committee of seven to Confer with mr. Jewett. and 
see what he will take as to his Civil Contract with this People, and ask a 
Dismission by way of a Council from the Pastoral Care and Charge he had 
taken upon him." 

Mr. Jewett probably made a communication, for June 10. 

"Voted, not to act any thing upon the paper or letter Subscribed to the 
moderator of this, and Signed by mr. Jewet. and read at this meeting." 

Another committee was chosen and empowered to settle with Mr. Jewett 
as to the civil contract. 

March 6. 1780, a vote was taken respecting making Mr. Jewett satisfaction 
by making up his salary. Negatived, forty-four to eighteen. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 239 

It appears that Mr. jewett had made a proposition in writing to submit 
the matters in controversy to a mutual council of five statesmen. The parish 
chose the latter, and raised a committee of five to give and take bonds. The 
referees were chosen, but a part of them declined to attend, and Judge Weare 
advised another trial for settlement. Mr. Jewett made a long communication, 
and the parish voted to comply with his proposals. The currency had depre- 
ciated, and Mr. Jewett had built wall on the parsonage, which he claimed pay 
for. He was dismissed. 

January 7, 1782, it was voted to employ the Rev. Mr. Prince for the 
term of six or seven years "to preach amongst us." He was to have the use 
of the parsonage, and a hired hand six months in each year. He was blind. 
He preached seven years. 

July 12, 1790, it was voted, seventy-six to twelve, to give the Rev. Jesse 
Remington a call, and give him the use of the parsonage and sixty pounds 
lawful money, and draw him twenty cords of wood yearly, with the privilege 
of cutting on the parsonage what should be sufficient in addition to kee]) his 
fires. He was ordained October 20, 1790: died March 3, 1815. 

Rev. Isaac Jones was ordained February 7, 1816; dismissed May 12, 1818. 

Rev. Abraham Wheeler was installed January 13, t8ig: dismissed October 
29, 1832. 

Rev. Charles P. Russell, (irdained December 25, 1833: dismissed May 26, 
1841. 

Rev. William Murdoch, ordained December i. 1841 : dismissed July 5. 

i8s4. 

Rev. William T. Herrick, installed July 5, 1854; dismissed July 2, 1S58. 

Rev. E. X. Hidden, installed Xnvember 2, 1839; dismissed Decemlier 31. 
1864. 

October 10, 1865, a call was extended to Rev. Lauren Armsby, formerly 

of Chester. 

Rev. William C. Reade served one year, and Albert B. Peabody six years. 
The present pastor is James Fox Scott. 

In 1909 the church held a celebration and reunion of thirteen surviving 
members, ten of whom were still united with this church, who were received 
into the church sixty years before by the Rev. William Murdock. They were 
the survivors of a class of sixty young people received at the May communion 
1849. All were about eighty years of age and over. Only three are living 

now. 

Union or Free Will Society and Church. — There was ([uite an interest in 
religion near the mountain in "Nottingham in 1 799, which extended into the 
neighboring towns, and in 1802 a church was organized, the members living 
in Nottingham, Deerfield. Candia, and Raymond. There was another revival 
in 1810, and another in 181 5. Moses Bean, a son of Reuben Bean, of Candia. 
was ordained at Deerfield. '1810. The first marriage solemnized by him on 
record is May i. 1810. He built the meeting-house at the village about i8ib, 
after the revival. In 1818 the church was divided, the brothers and sisters in 
Deerfield and Nottingham forming one church, and those in Candia and 
Ravmond forming another, but giving to every individual liberty to belong to 



240 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

the church lie or slie desired. They entered into covenant and constituted a 
church, which is signed in behalf of the church by Jeremiah Fullonton. 

There is a catalogue dated 1821 (although some were added later), con- 
taining about two hundred and twenty names, some belonging to Deerfield 
and some to Epping. In the record of a church meeting, August, 1820, it is 
said that five were baptized and "above one hundred spoke in meeting." At 
a church meeting May 24, 1824, it was agreed to divide the church by the 
town line, and those near the line have liberty to join which church they 
should desire. Samuel Dudley was chosen deacon, and William Turner, clerk. 
September 9, 1830, agreed to a new covenant, and sixty-three names are 
appended. 

The new meeting-house was built in 1847. The basement and vestry cost 
$400, and the superstructure cost $1,500. The following are among the 
preachers employed : 

Previous to the division the name of Elder Da\id Harriman is frequently 
found. Elder Moses Bean was the son of Reuben Bean, and grandson of 
David Bean, and- seems to have been in a sense the father of the church, as he 
built the first meeting-house, and it was voted November 17, 1824. "to receive 
Elder Moses Bean as pastor of this church." November 15, 1830, Elder Bean 
resigned and Edler J. Knowles was called; dismissed, and Elder B. S. Manson 
chosen: dismissed April 4, 1839, and Elder S. P. Fumald chosen: dismissed, 
and Elder S. Whitney chosen. 

Mctliodisf Ef^iscopal Church and Society. — Moses Colby came from Hawke 
(Danville) in 1806. and ])urchased the John Sargent place. He was the first 
Methodist in Candia, and his children have ever been efficient supporters of 
that denomination. Others moved into town or became Methodists and 
retained their connection with or joined the churches of Hawke, Poplin, and 
Sandown. When the church was organized at Chester, now Auburn, they 
generally united with that and constituted a class. 

A society and church were formed in Candia in 1859, and they then 
erected a place of worship, with a stone basement for a vestry, at the expense 
of v$r300. They have been regularly supplied with a Conference preacher: 
Henry Nutter, Lorenzo Draper, James Adams, N. H. Chase, James Adams, 
Silas Creen, E. J. M. Bradford and R. E. Thompson. 

Schools. — At a meeting April 4, 1764, "Voted £100, old tenor, to Hire 
Schooling." The selectmen paid Dr. Moore for keeping school, £j\o. In 
1765, £200 was voted and paid Daniel Row for keeping school: £9 3,?. 6d. to 
Zachariah Clififord or his wife for keeping school. In 1766 they voted to raise 
£250, old tenor, or £12 10s. lawful money, equal thereto, to hire schooling. 
They paid Master Haselton for keeping school one month, £2: paid Isaac 
Clifford's wife for keeping school, six weeks and one day, 17,?.; Zachariah 
CHfford's wife, 12.?. : Mr. Bowen, for keeping school, £1 16,?. gd. 

Money is paid that year to the south quarter, to the southeast quarter, to 
the center quarter, to the west quarter, and to the northeast quarter. In 1767 
Master Shaw is paid for keeping school in the south quarter. Esquire Moore 
and Nathaniel Emerson in the center quarter: and Israel Oilman's wife in 
the northeast quarter. There was a Paul Jewett who kept school several years: 
also Richard Clifford's wife, Samuel Buswell, and Ezekiel Worthen. In 



AND REPRIlSKNTATIVE CITIZENS 241 

1773 a motion was made to hire a grammar school master (that is, one to 
teach tlie languages) ; negatived. 

"And likewise it is voted that ye Parish Does Except [accept] of a Read- 
ing and writing School this Present year, and that Each Quarter Respectively 
shall have the Lil>erty to Choose there own School master upon ye Proviso the 
major Part of Each Quarter Shall be agreed in one Person within the Space 
of ten Days from this Date, and make application to the Selectmen to Employ 
him." 

In 1744, AJjraham Fitts, Master Forsaith, Master Otis, Mrs. Hazzard, 
Mrs. Rendall, and Mrs. Cram are teachers. 

In 1778, £80 lawful was raised for schooling. 

In 1782, pa])er money being nearly worthless, it was voted to raise one 
hundred silver dollars for schooling. 

The division of Candia into thirteen school districts was made in 1844, 
but it does not appear by the records what proportion of money each district 
has had. 

Candia has made li!)eral expenditures for schools. 

Votes passed by the Parish of Candia respecting the Rez'oliitionary War. — • 
July 18, 1774, Abraham Fitts was chosen to meet at Exeter on the Jist to 
join in the choice of delegates to the General Congress. 

January 3, 1775, Lieut. Moses Baker was chosen to represent the parish 
in a meeting at Exeter on the 25th instant. 

Walter Robie, Esq., Capt. Nathaniel Emerson, Dr. Samuel Moore, Mr. 
Benjamin Cass, and ?ilr. Jacob Worthen were chosen a committee to inspect 
all persons who do not conform to the adx'ice of the late General Congress. 

'AV)ted, to ])uv a barrel of powder, flints, and lead, answerable thereto as 
a Parish stock. 

"Voted, Capt. Emerson, Lieut. Baker, and Ens. Dean Desire all the males 
in Candia, from sixteen to sixty years old, to meet at Some Convenient time 
at the meeting-house in Candia, in order for viewing with arms and aninui- 
nition. 

"Voted, that the People, as above mentioned, shall meet at the meeting- 
house in Candia this day fortnight, at one of the Clock in the afternoon." 

February jt, 1775 — 

"Voted, that the Parish Do Confirm ye Transactions of the last meeting 
and appro\e of what the Committee of Inspection have Drawn up. Relating 
to ye affairs i)f the Present Day, and made an addition to ye Committee of 
inspection of four Persons, (Viz.) Dea. Nathl Burpee, Mr. Abrm. Fitts, Lieut. 
Moses Baker, and mr. Ichabod Robie." 

May II, 177=;. Dr. Samuel Moore was chosen to represent the parish in 
the Provincial Congress, to be held at Exeter, May 17th. 

Tune 14, 1775. Capt. Nathaniel Emerson, Lieut. Moses Baker, and 
Dr. Samuel Moores were chosen a committee to consult with the several 
officers, towns, parishes, or committees out of the same what way or manner 
shall be thought best to regulate the militia in this regiment according to the 
direction of Congress. 

April 3, 1777. ten dollars each year was voted to each of those eighteen 



242 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

persons u lio had enlisted for three years, and a committee chosen to collect the 
money (if any) which had been subscribed. 

At an adjournment April 8th ten dollars to each was added to the above. 
A committee was also chosen to inquire and see how much time and money 
each person has expended in supporting the war since the Concord fight. The 
committee reported as follows, which was accepted: 

"Concord men, is. per day and extra charges. 

"8 months men, w ith Lieut. Emerson, 4 dollars each. 

"8 months men, with Lieut. 1 histin, j dollars each. 

"Winter Hill men, with Capt. Baker, i dollar each. 

"1 year's men to "^"ork 8 dollars; those to Delaware, r2 dollars each. 

"Ty — men, 137,; dollars each. 

"New York men last fall, 2 dollars each. 

"Joseph Bean to Canada, 20 dollars." 

May 19, 1777, Moses Baker. Walter Robie, Abraham Fitts, L Rowe, and 
Benjamin Cass were chosen a committee to affix and settle the prices of 
goods and articles in the parish of Candia, in pursuance of an act in addition 
to the regulation act. ( See in the History of Chester for 1779, pp. 142, 143.) 

January 19, 1778, a committee was appointed to procure our quota of 
Continental soldiers for three years or during the w-ar, and at an adjournment 
in February another committee of five was chosen to make further trial. 

.'\pril 20th, the committee was instructed to make further trial, and hire 
money and pursue the business without loss of time. 

August 3, 1778, a committee was chosen to make inquiries respecting the 
families of those in the Continental service for three years, and supply them 
with the necessaries of life. 

August 19, 1 779,' it was voted to adopt measures similar to the town of 
Portsmouth, and use the utmost of our power in reducing the prices of the 
necessaries of life, and gain the credit of our currency. Captain Sargent and 
John Clifford were chosen delegates to attend a convention at Concord. 

October 26. 1779, it was voted to comply with the prices that the late con- 
vention stated, and a committee of seven was chosen to state prices upon 
articles which the con\ention did not, and to carry the same into execution. 

July 4. 1780, a committee was chosen to hire twelve soldiers by way of a 
parish tax. A committee was also chosen to make an average of what every 
person had done in the war since it commenced. 

July 10, 1780, a committee w-as chosen to assist the selectmen in pro- 
curing our quota of beef for the Continental army. 

November 14, 1781. it was voted that the selectmen make a ta.x in Indian 
corn to pay the six and three-months' men. There had been several votes 
passed respecting raising soldiers, which had proved ineffectual. 

June 17, 1782, it was voted to divide the parish into as many classes as 
will supply the deficiency, and if any class or person refuse to pay their pro- 
portion for hiring a soldier they shall pay double, to be assessed by the select- 
men. For list of men who served in the Revolution see Chester. 

Military Record, 1861-6^. — The following enlisted prior to any bounty 
being paid by the town: J. Lane Fitts, Stephen Dearborn (killed at James 
Island), George Emerson (killed at Fredericksburg), Wells C. Haines 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 243 

(wounded at Bull Run, taken prisoner, and died at Richmond), John G. Bur- 
beck, David Bedee, William Bedee, Richard B. Brown. John Brennard, Erancis 
Fifield, Edmund J. Langley, Lewis B. Carr, Edwin J. Godfrey, George \V. 
Clay, Rufus Ward, Henry Buzzell, Lorenzo Fifield, William Norton, Richard 
Norton, Lucien Carr, Charles Turner, Horace Dearborn, Albert Harlow, 
Chester C. Smith, J. Henry Worthen, John Sullixan, Stephen Fifield, William 
Robinson, James Gannon, George Roliinson, William Daniels, George A. 
Turner, Guilford Batchelder, E. Morrill, David R. Daniels (died in army), 
David Dudley (died in Maryland), John Hall, W-'illianr Roberts, Charles 
B. Carr, E. Matthews, Charles Robinson, David Norton, Jr., Henry Norton 
and Reuben Batchelder. 

The following is a list of names of those who received a bounty of $300 
each at the time Capt. W'. R. I'atten enlisted his company. Here is the 
receipt : 

"W'e severally acknowledge to have received from the town of Candia the 
sums set to our names, agreeable to the vote of the town passed August 14th, 
1862, to encourage volunteer enlistments into the service of the United States 
for the temi of- three years." William R. Patten (captain), William Clark 
(sickened in the army, returned to Concord and died), Robert Clark, Ansell 
Emerson, R. Baxter Brown (ist lieut.), Henry W. Rowe, Lewellyn Wallace 
(died in army), Charles R. Rowe, George W'. Hartford, Edwin Haines, 
Frank Sovaine, Edward B. Robinson, Thomas C. Runnells, Oliver Haynes, 
George Mead (died). Dexter Read, Woodbury Hartford, Joel P. Bean 
(returned, died), Jesse D. Bean, N. F. Brown, Daniel Brown, Jr. fdied), 
E. W. Foss, C. R. Stacy, Charles E. Wason, Manson M. Bricket, Levi Barker, 
Jr., Frederick F. Emerson, Charles M. Lane, Nathaniel Hardy (died), 
Charles C. Page, Leonard F. Dearborn. George W. Griffin, Heman O. 
Mathews, Charles C. Brown, E. F. Brown (died), N. J. Dearborn, Rufus 
Ward, Ezekiel ShurtlefT, John H. Harrison, Thomas J. Morrill, Joseph L. 
Gleason, Albert M. Morrill, Augustus B. Gile, James H. Morrill, Charles A. 
Jones, Hiram G. Gleason, George C. Fifield, Asa E. Buswell, John A. Gile, 
Daniel C. Davis, \\'oodbury D. Dearborn, Reuben H. Dunn, George W. 
Brown. Jr. and William Collins. 

The following is a list of volunteers for nine months, who were paid a 
bountv of $150 each: Levi Barker, .A^ndrew J. Mead, Daniel B. Langley, 
Edward P. Lane, died at New Orleans, Henry T. Eaton, Walter W. Bean. 
Franklin Clay, John H. Bean, Samuel C. Nay, P. Gerrish Robinson, Daniel 
Hall, died at New Orleans, Frederick Clay, Joseph .Avery, George W. Taylor, 
Charles W. Holt and John .A. Haines. 

List of volunteers under the call of October 17, 1863: Patrick Donnelly, 
Augustus Archer, Charles Smith, Edward Black, John Wilson, John Brown, 
Horace Colburn, Nelson Hurd. Carl Neagle, George Smith, George C. Brown, 
John Nelson, Martin Rapee. Frederick McPberson, James Webber and Charles 
Fifield. 

Substitutes for drafted men: James O'Donnell. Cariz Fitzrun, James 
Sullivan, Thomas Marks, John Stevens and James Han. 

The above were paid $300 each by the town. 

The following is a list of those enlisted in 1864 who were paid a bounty 



244 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of $400 : Jaines Thomas, James Wright, George Bower, Charles Dearborn, 
William Robinson, Alexander White, Nicholas Johnson, Willie F. Eaton, A. 
Frank Patten, Reuljen H. Fitts, Thomas Harvey, Edward Bailor, Malcolm 
McKinna, George A. Turner, Richard Howard, Robert Field, Cyrus W. 
Truel. John H. Brown, Orlando Brown and Samuel C. Nay. 

The following enlisted under the vote to pay $600 bounty : John C. 
Fifield, Lewis H. Cate, George L. Merrifield, Lewis D. Moore, John H. 
Mears, Orestes J. Bean, William G. Fitts, John L. Quimby, Samuel L. Carr 
and Frank G. Bursiel. 

The following is a list of substitutes furnished by enrolled men, to each 
of which the town paid a bounty of $300: Joseph B. Quimby, Thomas 
Smith, John Logan, Frank Rogers, James Cheney, James Green, Edmund 
Boyle, Charles Fuller, John Curdines, Frank Stanton, James Webb, William 
H. \\'illiams. John Ha}Ties and Jacob Shenan. 

Candia had in the early years several semi-public libraries. In 1791 the 
Candia Social Library; in 1795 the Female Library; in 1824 a library asso- 
ciation which lasted till 1850; then in 1858 the Farmers' and Mechanics' 
Library prospered for a while and finally gave their books to the Smyth Public 
Library, which was founded in 1888, by ex-Governor Frederick Smyth of 
Manchester, a native of Candia. He supported it liberally and at his death 
left a legacy of $5,000, the interest to be used for the purchase of books. 
E. E. Paige is the librarian. The library has over three thousand books. 

Samuel Walter Foss, the well-known poet and librarian, was born in 
Candia, January i, 1859. At his graduation at the Portsmouth High School, 
July 12. 1877, he was awarded a Haven medal and was the class poet. 

He died February 26, 191 1. 

The lawyer is C. F. Flanders and the physicians are A. M. Foster and H. 
P. Bobinson. The societies are : Candia Grange P. of H. ; Leola Lodge, 
I. O. O. F. ; Wenona Rebecca Lodge ; Rockingham Lodge, A. F. and A. M. ; 
Adah Chapter, E. O. S. ; Fraternitv Commandery, U. O. G. C. ; D. B. 
Dudley Post, G. A. R. ; D. B. Dudley' Relief Corps. 



CHAPTER XXI 

CHESTER 

Geographical — Proprietors — Early Votes — Petition for Grant of the Toivn — 
The Royal Charter — Names of Original Grantees — Pioneer Mills — 
Pioneer Schools — Civil and Military — Public Library — Eccleciastical 
History. 

Chester lies in the western part of the county and is bounded as follows : 
On the north by Candia and Raymond, on the east by Fremont and Sandown, 
on the south by Sandown and Derry, and on the west by Auburn. Population 
in 1910, 818. 

This town was granted to a number of residents of the towns of Ports- 
mouth and Hampton. They were known as "The Society for Settling the 
Chestnut Country," as this section was then called. 

At a meeting of the proprietors, held October 15, 1819, the following 
votes were passed : 

"ist, Voted, That Capt. Henry Sherburne be Moderator. 

"2dly, Voted, That Joseph Tilton be Clerk of the Society. 

"3dly, Voted, That Capt. Henry Sherburne be Receiver. 

"4thly, Voted, That Joseph Tilton, Ichabod Robie, Caleb Tole, Clement 
Hughes, Capt. Henrj' Sherburne, Eph. Dennet and Jacob Stanyon, be a Com- 
mittee to manage the affairs of the Society; And That the sd Committee Shall 
have power to Call meetings of the Society as often as they Shall Think 
Necessary, and to act in all other matters that they Shall Think proper for 
the good of the whole Society. 

"5thly, Voted, That Ichabod Robie, Jacob Stanyan, Caleb Tole & Michael 
Whidden be a Committee to Lay out the Lotts. 

"6thly, Voted, That all priviledges of Streams shall be Reserved for ye 
L'se of the Society. 

"/thly, Voted, That the Number of the Society for the settling Shall not 
Exceed ninety persons. 

"Sthly, Voted, That the Committee shall have power to admit Such as 
they Shall Think proper till the aforeSd number of ninety be Completed. 

"9thly, V^oted, That Three men Shall be kept upon the spot at the charge 
of the Society." 

At a meeting of the Society for Settling the Chestnut Coimtry, held at 
Hampton, the 20th of December, 17 19. 

"Voted, That in case of a warr with the Indians before the Three years 
Limited for the Settling of the Chestnut Country be Expired, the Same Time 
of Three years shall be allowed after a conclusion of a Peace with the Indians 
for the sd settlement." 

245 



246 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

'"At ihe Same Time the I'roprirs drew their lionie Lotts." 

Petition for the Grant. — The petition for the grant for a township in "ye 
Chestnutt Country" was presented "to his Excellency Samuel Shute, Esq., 
Cap. (ienl! & Commandr in Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of New 
Ham])shire. &c., and the Honble the Council, now sitting in Council at Ports- 
moutli," September 24, 1719, and was signed by the following persons: 
'lliunias I'hipps, Henry Sherburne, Joseph Pierce, Benjamin Gambling. 
Thomas Packer. Joseph Sherburne, Joseph Tilton, Clement Hughes, Nathaniel 
Batchelder, Jr., Samuel Plaisted, John Cram, Eleazer Russell. Philemon 
Blake, Samuel Hart, Jacob Stanyan, Ephraim Dennett, Robert Row, Sr., 
John Preston, David Tilton, Benjamin Sanborn, Reuben Sanborn, Joseph 
Sanborn. John Morrison. James Prescott, Samuel Blake. Jr., Jonathan Pres- 
cott, Jr., Nathaniel Healey, Richard Sanborn, Nathaniel Sanborn. Richard 
Clifford, Joseph Batchelder. George Veazi, Jr., John Sealy. Jonathan San- 
born. Jethro Tilton, Nathan Longfellow, Ichabod Robie, Samuel Sanborn, 
Edward Sanborn. Jacob Green, John Prescott. Jr., Henry Dyea, Zachariah 
Clifford. Benjamin Field. Joseph Batchelder. Jr., Sherburne Tilton, Samuel 
Blake, Sr., Benjamin Fogg, Edward Gilman, Joseph Love, John Searll, Jacob 
Gilman. William Godfree. Joseph Young. Nehemiah Leavitt, Ephraim Hoit, 
John Morrison. Abraham Sanborn, Samuel Elkins. Israel Blake, Robert Wade, 
Jr.. William Healey, Jeremiah Sanborn, Charles Stuart, Daniel Tilton, Enoch 
Sanborn, Thomas Veazi, Daniel Lovering. Joshua Prescott, Ebenezer Lever- 
ing. John Cass, Jonathan Robinson. Daniel Ladd, Reuben Smith. Abner 
Flerriman, Thomas Veazi. Jr., Samuel Prescott, Nathaniel Stevens. Jr., 
Nathaniel Bachelder, Sr., James Leavit, John Ladd. William Stevens. 
Porchth., Oliver Smith, Jonathan Plummer, Edward Fifield, John Smith. 
John Gilman. Jr.. Benjamin Tole. John Knowles. Caleb Tole. Samuel \'eazi. 
Abraham Drake. Benjamin Veazi. Samuel Smith. Thomas Veazi, Jr.. Thomas 
Garton, Nicholas Norris, James Purckins. John Norris. Jacob Mouhon, 
Nicholas Seavy, Jonathan Nason, Thomas Rollins, Elisha Smith, Joseph 
Lorrane, Jonathan Dearborn. John Roberts. Thomas Leavitt. Moses Norris. 
Sr.. James Fogg. 

The Royal Charter. — The charter of the town was dated May 8. 17JJ, 
as follows : 

[Province Se.\l.] 
"George by the Grace of God of Great Britain. France, and Ireland. King, 

Defendr of the Faith, etc. : 

"To all People to whom these presents Shall come. Greeting. Know ye 
That we of our Especial Knowledge and meer motion, for the due en- 
couragement of Settling a new jilantation. by and with the advice of our 
Council, have given ancl granted and by the.se prsents as farr as in us lies do 
give and Grant, in Equall Sb.ares unto Sundry of our beloved Subjects, whose 
names are Entered in a Schedule hereunto annexed. That Inhabit or Shall 
Inhabit within the said Grant within our Province of New Hamps, all That 
Tract of Land within the following bounds: (Viz. to begin at Exeter South- 
erly Corner bounds and from thence run upon a \Vts.i and by North point 
two miles along Kingston northerly Line to Kingston North Corner bounds, 
then upon a South point three miles along Kingston head Line to Kingston 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 247 

South Corner bounds, then upon a West Northwest point Ten miles into 
the country, Then to begin again at the aforesaid Exeter Southwardly Corner 
bounds and run seven miles upon Exeter head Line upon a Northeast point 
half a point more Northerly, Then fourteen miles into the Country upon a 
west Northwest point to the river Merrimack, and from thence upon a Straight 
Line to the End of the aforesd Ten-Mile line; and that the same be a Town 
Corphrated by the name of Chester to the persons aforesd, for ever To have 
and to hold the said Land, to the Grante'es and their Heirs and assigns forever, 
and to Such associates as they Shall admit upon the Following Conditions ; 

"i. That Every proprietor build a Dwelling House within Three years 
and Settle a Familley Therein, breach up Three acres of Ground and plant 
or Sow ye same within four years, and pay his proportion of the Town 
Charge when and so often as Occasion shall reciuire the same. 

"2. That a meeting House be built for the Public worship of (iod within 
the said Term of four years. 

"3. That upon default of any particular Proprietor in Complying with 
the Conditions of this Charter upon his part. Such Delinquent proprietor 
Shall forfeit his Share to the other Proprietors, which Shall be Disposed 
according to ye major vote of the Said Comoners at a Legall meeting. 

"4thly. That a Proprietor's Share be reserved for a Parsonage ; another 
for the first minister of the Gosjiell ; another for the Benefit of a School. 

'T^ROViDED nevertheless that the Peace with the Indians Continue during 
the aforesaid Term of Three years: but if it should so happen a warr with 
the Indians Should commence before the Expiration of the aforesd Term of 
Three years, the aforesaid Temi of three years Shall be allowed to the 
Proprietors after the Expiration of the warr for the i>erformance of the 
aforesaid Conditions, Rendering and paying therefor to us, our Heirs and 
Successors, or Such other officer or officers as shall be appointed to receive 
the same. The annual cjuit rent of acknowledgemt of one pound of Good 
merchble Hemp in the said Town on the Twentieth of December yearly for- 
ever; reserving also unto us. our Heirs and Successors, all mast Trees grow- 
ing on said Land — according to acts of Parliament in that behalf made and 
provided, and for the better order. Rule, and Government of the said Town 
we do by these prsents Grant for us, our Heirs, and Successors, unto the 
said men & Inhal>itants, or those that shall Inhabit the Said Town, That 
yearly & every year upon the last Thursday in march forever, they shall meet 
to Elect and Chuse by the major part of them Constables, Selectmen, and all 
other Town officers, according to the Laws and usage of our aforsd Province, 
for the year ensuing, with Such Power, priviledges and authority as other 
Town officers within our aforesaid Province have and Enjoy. 

"In Wittness whereof we have Caused the seal of our Said Province to be 
hereunto annexed. Wittness, Samll Shute, Esqr, our Go\-ernour & Com- 
mandr-in-Chief of our Said Province, at our Town of Portsmouth the 8th 
day of may in the Eighth year of our reign, annoq. Domini 1722. 

"By His Excellencv's Comand 

"wth advice of the' Council. "S.-\mll Shute. 

"R. Waldron, Cler. Con." 

"Province N. Hampe, May loth, 1722, 



248 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

"His Excellency the Governr and the Honble Lieut. Governr and Council 
Entered associate with the within persons, (viz.) — 

"His Excellency a Farm of five Hundred acres and a home Lott. 

"The Lieut Governr the same. 

"Samll Penhallow, Esqr, a proprietor's Share; Mark Hunking, Esqr, a 
proprietor's Share ; George Jaffrey, Esqr, a proprietor's Share ; Shada Wal- 
ton, Esqr, a proprietor's Share; Richd Wibird, Esqr, a proprietor's Share; 
Thos Packer, Esqr, a proprietor's Share ; Thos Westbrook, Esqr, a proprie- 
tor's Share. 
"A True Copy of Chester Charter and the Schedule annexed to it. 

"Compared Pr Richd Waldron, Cler. Con." 

THE ORIGINAL GRANTEES OF CHESTER 

Philemon Blake, James Boyd, Abraham Brown, George Brownell, 
Nathaniel Bachelder, Sr., Jonathan Brown, Moses Blake, Samuel Blake, 
Josiah Batchelder, Nathaniel Bachelder, Jr., Joseph Batchelder. Jacob Bas- 
ford. John Calfe, Amos Cass, Richard Clifford, Zachariah Clifford, Jonathan 
Clough, Rev. Theophilus Cotton, John Cram, William Crosswait, Cutts and 
Akerman, William Daniels, Thomas Dean, Jonathan Dearborn, Ebenezer 
Dearborn, Ephraim Dennet, Abraham Drake, Nathaniel Drake, Ebenezer 
Eastman, Edward Emerson, Jonathan Emerson, James Fades, Rev. Ebenezer 
Flagg, James Fogg, Benoni Fogg, Robert Ford, Benjamin Gambling, Esq., 
Jacob Garland, Jacob Gilman, Maj. John Gilman, Edward Gilman, William 
Godfrey, Ephraim Guile, Richard Haseltine, \^''illiam Healey, Rev. Moses 
Hale, Clement Hughes, Col. Mark Hunking, Samuel Ingalls, George Jaft'rey, 
Esq., John Jaquish, Richard Jaquish, Stephen Johnson, Capt. Richard 
Kent, Jonathan Kimball, Thomas Leavitt, John Littlehale, Ebenezer Loverell, 
Samuel Marston, Capt. Archibald McPhedris, Clement Messervy, Luther 
Morgan. Col. Thoinas Packer, Samuel Page, John Packer, Parsonage lots, 
Samuel Penhallow, Esq., James Perkins, Thoma^ Phipps, Esq., Capt. Joshua 
Pierce, Capt. Thomas Pierce, George Pierce, Jonathan Plummer, John Pres- 
cutt, John Prescutt, Jr., James Prescutt, Samuel Prescutt, Ichabod Roby, Rev. 
Nathaniel Rogers, Robert Row, Eleazer Russell, Capt. William Rymes, 
Joseph Sanborn, Nathaniel Sanborn, Benjamin Sanborn, Reuben Sanborn, 
John Sanborn, Enoch Sanborn, Edward Sanborn, Capt. Jonathan Sanborn, 
jerry Sanborn, School lots, John Shackford. Samuel Shackford, Capt. Henry 
Sherburne, Samuel Sherburne, Capt. Joseph Sherburne, Dea. Samuel 
Shaw, John Silly, Rev. Thomas Simms, Thomas Silver, Susannah Small, 
Thomas Smith, Benjamin Smith, Elisha Smith, Samuel Smith, Capt. Henr" 
Sloper, Jacob Stanian, Stephen Sweat, Capt. Joseph Tilton, David Tiltou, 
Tethro Tilton, Samuel Thompson, Philip Towle. Benjamin Towle, Calel> 
Towle, Col. Shadrack Walton, Col. Peter Weare, Nathan Webster. Stephen 
Webster, Capt. Ebenezer Wentworth. Benning Wentworth, John Wentworth, 
Esq., Michael Whidden, Thomas Whiting. William White, Capt. Richard 
Wibird, Capt. Joshua Wingate, Col. Thomas Westbrook, Henry Works, 
Joseph Young. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 249 

Pioneer Mills. — The first reference to mills found on the proprietors' 
records is under date January ii, 1720-21, viz. : 

At a general meeting of the proprietors of "Checher," held at Hampton 
the I ith day of January, 1720-21, 

"Voted, To Collo Packer, Collo Wiar, Caleb Towle, and Samll Ingalls, 
the whole Priviledge upon the upper Falls of the great Brook forever, to 
build a Saw mill or nulls on, and also ten acres of Land Gratis, on Each Side 
sd falls for the sd mills Conveniency, with Condition That the sd mills shall 
be fitt to Cutt boards in a Twelvemonth from this Time ; and that they Shall 
Saw at halves the Proprs. Loggs, So much as they shall have occasion for 
Building. And those props, that Shall have Occasion to buy boards shall 
be Supplyed with So many as they Shall have occasion for, at the Rate of 
thirty shillings per Thousand at the mill. And if the making a pond or 
ponds for sd mill damnifies any of the proprs., the society shall make good 
the damages." 

At a meeting at Hampton, March 16, 1720-21, 

"Voted. That the four persons to whom the Stream is granted. Shall give 
each a bond of Fifty pounds to the Committee, to perform the Conditions of 
sd Grant, and if any of them Refuse to do it, the Committee is Impowered to 
admitt others." 

At a meeting of the committee, September 29, 1721, 

"Voted. That the proprietors of the upper Falls on the great Brook have 
the priviledge of the Lower falls also, for their further Incouragent, to build 
a mill according to a vote of the Society, at a publick meeting held Jan. 
ii-th, 1720-21, and in consideration of which Additional Privilege they are to 
build a Grist mill as Soon as the Town will need it." 

James Basford at one time owned most of the mill. In 17,^1 he sold 
Ebenezer Dearborn one-fourth of the "old saw-mill." In 1732 he sold to 
William Wilson one-eighth of the "old saw-mill." In 1734 he had some 
difficulty with the proprietors about the mill, and they voted to have a 
reference. 

In 1735 Ebenezer Dearborn deeded to his sons, Ebenezer. Jr., Benjamin, 
Thomas, and Michael, one-fourth of the "old saw-mill." 

In 1743, in consideration of twenty-two pounds, bills of credit, Ebenezer 
Dearborn, Ebenezer Dearborn, Jr., Thomas Dearborn, and Michael Dear- 
born convey to Thomas Wells four-sixths of the "old saw-mill" 

We know little more about the mill or its owners until about 1780. when 
Hugh Tolford. Jacob Wells, Captain Clough, Moses Haselton, John Haselton, 
Benjamin Haselton rebuilt it. It was rebuilt once after that, and again in 
1848. 

Jonathan Blunt had a saw-mill previous to 1730. 

At a meeting March 7. 1730, it was 

"Voted, That there be encouragement gi\en for building a Grist mill on 
the middle falls of the Grate Brook, that is to John Aiken's, and fourteen or 
fifteen acres of land to the Eastward of sd falls, as convenient as can be had 
of common land, provided sd Aiken build a sufficient Grist mill by this time 
twelvemonth, and keep sd mill in good Repair from time to time, and at all 
times hereafter." 



250 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

This was probably the first grist-mill in the town. 

Pioneer Schools. — The first reference to schools is under date January 25, 
1720-21, viz. : 

At a meeting of the committee, January 25, 172021, viz. : 

"Voted, That whereas the number of proprietors is Con . . and no 
provision made for a School Master, That the next proprietor that Shall 
Forfeit his Lott, the Same Shall be appropriated for a School." 

"This provision was made after the first grant of the land, but before the 
charter, and there was hardly a permanent settler there." 

The next we find on the records is at an adjourned meeting, April 7, 1737 : 

"Voted, lo Rais thirty Pounds to Hier a Schoolmaster this present 
year." 

"Voted, That the Selectmen shall Remove the said schoolmaster to the 
several Parts of the town as shall be Conveniant." 

Though there is no evidence that anything had been done by the town, 
it is hardly to be supposed that nothing had been done to educate the children 
for about eighteen years. The schools were held at' private houses, and al- 
though removed to different parts, all the children in town might follow the 
master into the several cpiarters. 

i\t an adjourned meeting, November 2, 1738, 

"Voted, That their Shall be twenty I^ounds Raised to Support a School 
in this town." 

At an adjourned meeting April 8, 1740, 

"Voted, That their Shall be a School maintained in the town this year 
throughout ; Partly by School masters, and Partly by School dames, as the 
Selectment Shall Judge best for the town." 

fn the warning, March 9, 1721. is an article 

"To act what may appear needful about building a School house or 
houses." 

"Put to Vote, Whether to build a School house in the Senter of the town 
or no. Passed in the negative." 

At the annual meeting, March 23, 1742, 

"Voted, 'iliat there shall be a school Keept in this town the year through 
out, and that the Select men Shall Remove the Said School into the Severall 
Quarters of said town, so that they Shall have their Equal Proportion of the 
Same, according to what Rates they Pay." 

They probably refused to build a school house in the Centre, becau.se the 
school might be kept there all of the time. 

In the warning for a meeting, March 29, 1744, is an article 

"To see if the town will build a School house or hovisen. or to act and 
do any thing about Keeping a School, or Schools, or building a house or 
housen, as Shall appear mose for the benefit and advantage of the town. 

"Voted to Build School Housen. 

"Voted, That a Committee shall be Chosen to Divide the town into Sev- 
erall Parts, in order to acomodate Scliool Housen. 

"Voted. That Capt. Samll Ingalls. P>enjamin Hills, Insin Jacob Sargent. 
William Haley and andrew Crage, Shall be the Comitte. 

In the warning for the annual meeting. March 28, 1745, is an article 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 251 

"To See if the town will Except of the return of the Committee that was 
chosen to Divide the town into parts for the Conveniancy of building School 
housen ; or act and do anything that shall be thought needful and nessecery 
about a school or schools, and a school-house or housen." 
At an adjurnment of the meeting, April 4, 

"Voted, that the Committee's Return that was Chosen to Divide the 
town into parts. In order to accomedate School housen, be Excepted. 

"The Persons under named Decents against the foregoing Vote, 

John Robie, Samll Bartlet, Jonathan Blunt. Jonathan Mouhon. Robert Runells, 
Enoch Colby, David Crage, Isaac Foss, Page Bachelder, Benjamin Bachelder, 
Samll Powell, Francis Towl, Ebenezer Dearborn, Junr., Benjamin Hills." 

"We have no means of knowing to a certainty into how many parts the 
town was divided, or their boundaries, but there probably were but three; 
for if there had been one at the Centre, John Robie, Jonathan Blunt, and 
Ebenezer Dearborn, Jr., who lived near the Centre, and Benjamin Bachelder 
and Robert Runnels, who lived within about half a mile up the street, and 
others — Jonathan Moulton, Enoch Colby, and Samuel Bartlett — within a 
mile below, would not have dissented. I have conversed with people wha 
remembered the three. One stood on John Sanborn's, opposite Moses Web- 
ster's home lot. No. 21, one at Walnut Hill, not far from Robert Shirley's, 
and the third at the Long Meadows, between Samuel Aiken's (Charles C. 
Grant's) and David Witherspoon's (the Hardy place). Mrs. Whittier, 
daughter of Samuel Aiken, recollects this house, or of hearing her parents 
tell about it." — Chase. 

In 1746 the selectmen charge: 

f J. d. 

Paid unto master Wood 66 o o 

Paid unto Decn Ebenezer Derbon, for boarding 19 9 o 
Paid unto Insd Jacob Sargent, for hording ye 

master 4 10 o 

Paid unto Abel Morse, for hording ye master. . 512 o 
Paid unto John Haiseltine, for hording the 

master 8 11 o 

Paid unto Andrew Crag, for hording the master 820 
Paid to Capt. Morse, for three days, horse and 

man, for going after a Coolmaster i 15 o 

1847. Master Wood is paid 80 o o 

and Dea. Dearborn, John Haseltine, and .Xn- 

drew Craige, for boarding 80 o o 

1748. Master Wood is hired again at 44 o o 

and Capt. Blunt, Joseph Calf and Dea. Dear- 
born boarded. 
John Robie is paid for bringing up the master, 

time and expenses 2 o o 

Master Wood, it seems, lived somewhere down country, and is probably 
the one who was afterwards Doctor George Wood. 



252 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

£ J. d. 

1749. Paid Doctor Samuel Moores, for schooling. .108 o o 

Paid to the Long meadow Quarter for Schooling 31 o o 

The Long Meadows had one-quarter of the money paid to them. Doctor 
Moores is said by Eaton ("History of Candia," page 91) to have come from 
Hampstead. He settled at Candia Corner. 

f J. d. 

1750. Paid to mr Henry Herring, for Schooling 112 o o 

P'aid to mr John Hickey, for Schooling 88 o o 

Paid to mr Samuel Moores, for Schooling 40 o o 

for a journey to newbury after a Schoolmaster. ... 2 00 

for time and expence hireing Schoolmaster 3 o o 

175 1. Paid to mr John Hickey, for Schooling 104 o o 

Paid to mr James Dresler, for Schooling 27-10 o 

Paid to mr nehemiah mc neal. for schooling 32 o o 

Paid to Nathaniel Blaisdell, for hording the masters. . . 15 00 

for three Days, man and horse, after a Schoolmaster. . 4 10 o 
for one day of a man and two horses, bringing uj) the 

• • master from Bradford . 2 o o 

. , • for time and Expense hireing Schoolmasters .1 10 o 

for time and expense making up with Schoolmasters. . 100 

In 1752, Master McNeil is paid £154. Deacon Haselton, Andrew Craig. 
Enoch Colby, Peter Dearborn, Mr. Carr. Deacon Dearborn, Mr. Knowles, 
and Mr. Basford are paid for boarding. It seems that this year, though 
they had no school house, they had a school in the north part. 

In 1753, Mr. Haselton and Mr. McNeale were the masters, and Deacon 
Dearborn, Mr. Craige, Jacob Chase, and John Knowles boarded. 

In 1754, "master Heseltine. master mcfarson, and master mcneal, at the 
Longmeadows," were masters, and Deacon Dearborn. Jacob Chase, and 
Thomas Haseltine boarded. 

In 1755, "Paid to mr. Hessard. for teaching school, £132; To mr. Boies, 
for teaching school, £28." 

The Presbyterian Church. — In most of the towns of New England the 
congregation of the church was co-existent with the settlement of the town. 
So it was in Chester, but, unlike most other towns, the church here was of 
the Presbyterian order instead of the Congregational, which in the province 
history of this country might have been truly styled the "State" church. 
The first pastor was Rev. ^Marks Hall, from 1730-34. Subsequent pastors 
were as follows: John Wilson, from 1734-79; Rev. Mr. Clark, supply; T. 
Howe, A. S. Stickney, Hutchinson, Pickle, James Davis, D. Aman, David 
McGregore, Z. Colby, William Harlow. Clement Parker, Abel Manning, 
Benjamin Sargent, and Rev. Samuel Ordway. In 1843, ^^r. Ordway organ- 
ized the Second Congregational Church of Chester (now Auburn), and the 
Presbyterian Church of Chester dissolved and passed into history. 

In 1728 the following votes were passed by the town concerning the 
building of a church, etc. : 

"Voted, That there shall be a meeting house built according to these 



oz 

ZC 



-45 




AND REPRESENTATIVE CmZENS. 255 

Dimensions; Imprs, lifty foot in length, and thirty-tive foot wide & twenty 
foot post, and finish it completely, lx)th inside & outside, to ye turning of 
ye key, and set upon ye place appointed and before voted. 

"Voted, That a Committee be chosen to agree wth ye Carpenter or Car- 
penters to build a Meeting house according to ye Dimensions before men- 
tioned, and that Dr. Edmond Toppin, & Saml Ingalls & Nathaniel Heally, 
be ye Committee to agree wth ye Carpenters in ye behalf of ye proprs of 
Chester. 

"Voted, That tlK-re shall be Raised forty shillings in Money on Every 
full proprs share in Chester to be paid unto ye town treasurer (Jacob Sar- 
gent is chosen), at ye next proprs meeting towards ye building of a meet- 
ing house in Chester to be drawn out by the Committee as there shall be 
Occasion; viz.. Dr. Edmond Toppin and Samll Ingalls & Nathaniel Haley, 
a Committee. 

"\'oted. That there shall be Raised twenty Shillings in money on Every 
full proprs lott in Chester for ye paying the town Debts, to be paid unto 
ye Constable for ye town's use at ye next proprs Meeting in Chester." 

The Congregational Church. — The meeting which called Rev. Ebenezer 
Flagg, the first pastor of this church, was held June 23, 1736. He accepted 
the call, and remained pastor until 1793. His successors in the pastoral office 
have been as follows ; Rev. Mr. Bradstreet. Leonard, Jewett, Joel R. Arnold, 
Jonathan Clement, L. Armsby, H. O. Howland, J. L. Tomlinson, and Rev. 
Charles Tenney. 

Mr. Tenney's pastorate closed in October, 1888. His successor is Rev. 
J. G. Robertson who was installed July 30, 1889, having graduated from 
Williams College in 1886 and Yale Divinity School in i88g. On July i, 1914, 
he will complete his 25th year of service. 

The Baptist Church. — Although there were individuals who were Bap- 
tists in Chester, and might have been occasional preaching, there was no 
organized church until 1819, when a church was organized by the Rev. Wil- 
liam Taylor, of Concord, consisting of sixteen members, of whom Capt. 
Pearson Richardson, Walter Morse, Jacob Green, and Timothy Smith, of 
Sandown, were prominent. Col. Stephen Clay and Josiah Chase united after- 
wards, and were active members. \Valter Morse and Josiah Chase were the 
deacons. They worshiped in Captain Richardson's hall until 1823, when a 
meeting-house was built on the west side of the Haverhill road. 

They had for preachers, besides Mr. Taylor, Rev. Josiah Davis, of 
Methuen, and the Rev. Duncan Dunbar, a Scotchman, afterwards of New 
York City. Gibbon Williams was installed ; George Kallock and John Upton 
were ordained pastors. A difficulty arose about a preacher, a part of the 
society believing him to be corrupt and a part adhering to him, which for a 
time disorganized the church and society, and they had no preaching, and 
their early" records were lost and the meeting-house went to decay. 

At a meeting of the Portsmouth Association, held at Newton. 1845, a 
committee, consisting of Brethren Ayres, of Dover; Gilbert, of Northwood; 
Wheeler, of Plaistow ; and Swain, of Brentwood, were appointed to visit the 
church in Chester and attempt to settle their difficulties. The committee met 
the church January 13. 1846, and recommended to disband the existing church 



256 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and organize a new one, which was accordingly done, and a church of fifteen 
members was formed and WilHam Bell chosen deacon and clerk. The old 
church was sold and a new building was erected near the town-house and 
dedicated August 29, 1861. 

Among the ministers who have officiated for this church are mentioned 
the names of H. W. Day, Andrew Mitchel, Horace Eaton, Joshua Clement, 
J., W. Merrill, and Daniel Gage. The present pastor is Rev. Thomas J. Cate. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church. — There was a church organized in 1851 
by Rev. Elisha Adams, the presiding elder for Dover District, and Rev. 
James M. Young, a member of the New Hampshire Conference, supplying. 
The same summer a church edifice was erected near the south line of No. 
36, 2d P., 2d D., on the road from Chester to Candia. It was built under 
the direction of Joseph Smith, Amos Southwick, Samuel M. Edwards, John 
Maynard, Isaac L. Seavey, and Simon Haselton, and dedicated in October. 
It cost about one thousand dollars. 

The following are the names of the preachers who have administered to 
the church and society: James M. Yovmg, Charles U. Dunning, George M. 
Hamlin, Jesse Brown, Henry Nutter, C. Henry Newell, Edwin S. Chase, 
Charles W. Harkins, Joseph T. Hand, John Keogan, True Whittier, Ezekiel 
Stickney, Abraham Folsom, Silas Higgin, James Stedman, James G Price, 
Josiah Higgin, William H. Stewart and Edward May. Rev. J. VV. Presby has 
been assigned for 1914 for Chester and Auburn. 

Chester was incorporated May 8, 1722, under the name of Chester, and 
included within its bounds, in addition to its present territory, the present 
towns of Candia, Raymond, Auburn, and portions of Derry and Hooksett. 

To7vn Officers chosen at the first meeting under the charter of the Town 
of Chester, held the 28th day of March, 1723: 

Thomas Phipps, Esq., moderator; Clement Hughes, clerk; Samuel Ingalls, 
Clement Hughes, Caleb Tole, selectmen; Zaccheus Clifford, constable; Capt. 
Thomas Phipps, Maj. John Gilman, Col. Peter W'iar, or any two of them be 
a committee to receive and allow the accounts; Benjamin Smith, Clement 
Messarvy, Samuel Ingalls, surveyors of highways. 

At Exeter, March 31, 1726. — Clement Hughes, moderator; Clement 
Hughes, clerk ; John Sanborn, Clement Hughes, Robert Smith, selectmen ; 
James Whiting, constable; Samuel Ingalls, Thomas Smith, James Whiting, 
lot-layers; Samuel Ingalls, surveyor of highways. 

1727. — This and all future meetings were held at Chester. 

MILITARY HISTORY 

"The finst military law passed in New Hampshire was in 1718. All the 
means of knowing about the military or.ganization in Chester is the titles 
prefixed to the names of the inhabitants. The first found on our records was 
in 1 73 1. Samuel Ingalls has the title of captain, Ebenezer Dearborn of lieu- 
tenant, and Jacob Sargent of ensi,gn, which is probably nearly as early as 
there was any military organization. Thomas Smith is lieutenant in 1732; 
John Talford is cai>tain. and Thomas Wells lieutenant in 1744; Abel Morse 
IS captain in 1746. and Thomas Wells in 1748; Thomas Craige is lieutenant. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 257 

James Varnuni is ensign, and Robert Calfe sergeant in 1749; Enoch Colby 
is also ensign, and Eben Dearborn, Jr., sergeant, in 1749; Silvanus Smith, 
lieutenant in 1752, Samuel Robie in 1753, and Benaiah Colby in 1756, and 
Jonathan Blunt captain the same year. John Lane was appointed cornet 
of the Ninth Troop of the First Regiment of cavalry, commanded by Col. 
John Downing, September 17, 1754, by Benning VVentworth ; John Tolford 
is major, and Andrew Jack lieutenant in 1757; James Shirley is captain, 
and James Ouentan ensign in 1759. Henry Hall is ensign in 1761, Samuel 
Robie captain in 1764, Robert Wilson lieutenant in 1765, Captain Underbill, 
Lieut. Joseph Basford and Ensign Joseph True in 1765: Oliver Morse and 
Henrj' Moore lieutenants, and Samuel Hazelton cornet in 1766; Richard 
Emery major in 1769; Andrew Jack captain in 1770; Joseph True captain. 
Lieutenant Witherspoon in 1775 ; Major French ( Jabez), 1774; Hugh Shirley, 
1775; David Witherspoon captain, and James Dunlap lieutenant in 1766. 
Stephen Dearborn had a commission of captain under the king. May 3, 
1767, and under Congress, September 5, 1775; major, March 25, 1785; heu- 
tenant-colonel, April 5, 1793; resigned September 18, 1800. 

"A militia law was passed September 19, 1776, enrolling in train-bands 
all able-bodied men from sixteen to fifty years of age; exempting nearly all 
officers, ministers, Quakers, negroes, Indians, and mulattoes ; each company 
to be mustered eight times a year. 

"Then there was to be an 'alarm list.' composed of all male persons 
from sixteen to sixty-five years of age not included in the train-band, with 
some exceptions, if of sufficient ability, to be inspected twice a year. The 
captains of the "alarm list' by custom had a brevet title of colonel. There 
was to be a military watch kept by those belonging to the train-band and 
alarm list, under the direction of the commissioned officers of the town. 

"In looking over the rolls of the men in the French and Indian wars from 
1745 to 1760, in the 'Adjutant-General's Report' (vol. ii.), 1866, I find the 
following Chester names, although it is not certain that they were all Chester 
men, and some Chester men may ha\'e been overlooked : 

"In the winter of 1745-46, Capt. John Gofic had a company of thirty- 
seven men scouting the woods on snow-shoes, of which Samuel Brown was 
a sergeant; under Jeremiah Clough, Henry Irvine; under Andrew Todd 
scouting at Canterbury, 1746, Archibald Miller, Adam Wilson, William 
McMaster, John Grimes, and James Wilson. Adam Wilson and Archibald 
Miller afterwards lived in Chester, but probably went from Londonderry. 

"Capt. Daniel Ladd's company, at Canterbury, 1746: Enoch Rowel, 
Zebedee Berry, Paul Healey, Samuel Moore, and John Nutt; William Presson 
and Henry Ervine, July to December, 1746; Samuel Moore again in 1747. 
Daniel Foster (lived "near Martin's Ferry) was in Eastman's company. Under 
Moses Foster at Suncock. John Moore, John Carr. John Webster was 
lieutenant in Tohn Goffe's scouting party in 1748: he might have been Colonel 
Webster, of Chester. He was afterwards captain, and raised a scout of 
twenty men, and none of them Chester men; it is probable that he was not 
the man. In what way these men were raised, whether by voluntary enlist- 
ment or impressment, or both. I do not know. 

"It has been seen that in 1747 the town voted to petition the governor 



258 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and council 'to stop, and save any more men being sent out of the town 
into the service, and to have a suitable number of men kept in the service 
in our own town.' In 1748 there were petitions sent from ditYerent parts of 
the town to the captains, and by John Tolford and Thomas Wells to the 
governor and council for men ; but probably Chester never had any direct aid. 

"In the expedition against the French forts, Du Quesne, Niagara, and 
Crown Point, in the winter of 1755, New Hampshire furnished a regiment 
of 600 men, under Col. Joseph Blanchard, in which the following Chester 
names appear : Joseph Morril. Daniel Martin, Caleb Dalton, Robert Gordon, 
John Shackford, Nathan Morse, Samuel Towle, Samuel Emerson ( son of 
Samuel Emerson, Esq., died at Albany, November 17, 1755), Robert Ken- 
nedy, John Rowe, John Craig, Samuel Dudley, James Eaton, John Hall, 
clerk (might have been the first town clerk of Derryfield), Ithiel Gordon, 
James Fulerton, Samuel Dalton, Reuben Towl, Curtis Bean, John Dalton, 
Jonas Clay. W'illiam Aiken. Robert Witherspoon, William Wilson, Daniel 
Wilson, James Aiken, John Gage, Nathaniel Etherage. 

"For the expedition against Crown Point in 1756, New Hampshire raised 
a regiment of 700 men, under the command of Col. Nathaniel Meserve, of 
Portsmouth, in the roll of which the following Chester names appear: Jesse 
McFarland, William McMaster, John Nutt, Robert Gordon, Francis Towle, 
Joseph Dudley, John McCIellan. Benj. Fuller. William Baker. Gideon Rowel. 
Benj. Bachelder. James Shirley. 

"In 1757 New Hampshire furnished a regiment of 500 men for the Crown 
Point expedition. Chester names : Robert Kennedy, Hugh Ouinton, John 
Carr, Samuel Towle (sergeant), Paul Healey (corporal), Benjamin Bach- 
elder, Edmund Elliott, Ebenezer Eaton. Samuel Hazelton, Amos Merril. 
Jonathan Towle, Stephen Dearborn. 

"The Sixth Company was commanded by Richard Emery. Richard 
Emery, of Chester, married Mary Blunt, 1765, and is styled major in Chester 
records in 1767. The Kennedys might have been Goffstown men, and the 
Chester Daltons did not spell their names Daulton. 

"In August. 1757, a reinforcement was sent to Charleston No. 4, which 
served until November. Timothy Foss. David Webster. David Hill. Samuel 
Dalton. Isaiah Rowe, Benj. Fuller and Samuel Brown are Chester names. 

"There was a company sent in 1757 to garrison Fort William and Henry. 
Chester names : Benjamin Libley, Stephen Marden and Nathaniel Rand. 

"In 1758 another regiment was sent to Crown Point, in which Samuel 
Towle is second lieutenant, and several Chester names before mentioned, and 
James Clay, Benj. Currier, Nath'l Wood, Hugh Ouinton. Thomas Wason, 
John Mills, Joseph Linn, Matthew Templeton, Hugh Shirley. Robert McKin- 
ley, Oliver Morse, second lieutenant of the Eighth Company, Joshua Pres- 
cott, Ezekiel Morse and John Ouimby. 

"In 1760 a regiment was raised to invade Canada. John GofTee was 
colonel, and Richard Emory, probably of Chester, major. Hugh Ouinton. 
David Weatherspoon. James Graham, Archibald McDuffee. Robert McKinley, 
James Ouinton. Hugh Shirley. Robert Wasson. James Weatherspoon. Sanniel 
Haseltine, David \Vebster, Jacob Basford (died), Ebenezer Basford, Jonas 
Clay, David Craige, Jonathan Emerson (.son of Samuel Emerson, Esq., died 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 259 

at Crown Point. November 7, 1760), John Gage, Samuel Ingalls, John 
Karr, John Seavey, Titus Wells, Jacob Griffin, Stephen Webster, John Mills, 
Jacob Ouimby, Nathaniel Maxfield, and Nathaniel Rand were from Chester. 

"Besides the foregoing found on the rolls, it is said that Matthew, son 
of Samuel Gault, was an officer, and died at Cape Breton, 1759. His will 
was proved August, 1759. William Otterson, the grandfather of the Hook- 
sett Ottersons, is said to have been in the army and drowned in crossing 
Lake Champlain in 1760. It has also been said that Abraham Morse was 
in the French war, and that Elijah Pillsbury was before Quebec when Wolfe 
was killed. He probably enlisted at Newbury. Wells Chase went from New- 
bury a campaign under Governor Shirley to Xorridgewock in 1754, and 
was in the battle of Ticonderoga in 1758. Archibald McDuffee was in the 
French war. The king issued a proclamation, dated February 19, 1754, 
offering certain bounties in land to such officers and soldiers as should enter 
his service against the French ; and another proclamation, dated October 7, 
1763, ordering the land for the New England States to be laid off in the 
State of Virginia, about one hundred miles above the mouth of the Ohio River. 
In 1816, James ^liltimore. of Windham, came along and procured powers of 
attorney from the Chester soldiers, among whom were Wells Chase, Robert 
McKinley, Matthew Templeton, and Archibald IMcDuffee, empowering him 
to recover and sell the lands, and gave bonds back to pay them one-half of 
all that he should receive. I think nothing further was heard about it. 

"The news of the battle of Lexington spread with amazing rapidity. 
Nathaniel Emerson received the news at midnight at Candia, and aroused the 
people, and drummer David Hill beat up for recruits, and Moses Dustin is 
said to have been the first to fall in, and he served through the war. They 
soon raised a squad, which soon started for the scene of the war. Probably 
more than half the able-bodied men started, with such arms as they had and 
with such conveyance as was at hand, and went to Cambridge, the head- 
quarters of the army. A jMrtion of the men enlisted, and the rest returned 
home. So far as the action of the Town of Chester is concerned, by votes in 
town-meeting, it has been given in the history of those years. The army 
rolls, and other papers relating to the war, are contained in eleven large 
volumes in the adjutant-general's office. The matter is very voluminous 
and difficult to arrange, and I know of no better way than to give the rolls 
containing Chester men, always including Candia and Raymond, designating 
the respective towns. Chester A. Candia B, and Raymond C. so far as prac- 
ticable. I will also supply any seeming deficiencies by documents or tradi- 
tion." — Chase. 

"According to the report of the adjutant-general, 1866, vol. ii.. New 
Hampshire had three regiments in 1775, the first commanded by John Stark, 
the second by Enoch Poor, the third by James Reid. Stark's and Reid's 
were stationed at Medford, and were at Bunker Hill: and Ci>lonel Poor re- 
mained on duty at home. The Tenth Company of the Third Regiment was 
commanded byHezekiah Hutchins, and Amos Emerson, of Chester, was lieu- 
tenant : and the names of David Currier, Josiah Morse, Peter Severance, 
Thomas Wilson, and Samuel Moore appear on the roll. Capt. David Shaw 
savs that William Gross, his mother's half-brother, was in the Bunker Hill 



260 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

battle, under Emerson. There were two other men known to be in the battle 
whose names I have not found, — Caleb Hall, who went down at the time of 
Lexington battle and enlisted, and Dea. John Hills, of Candia, who, while 
lying behind the rail fence stuffed with hay, had a ball strike his foot, 
which he picked up, and not fitting his gun, he brought it home. There is a 
letter from Parker JMorse to Deacon Hills extant, directed to him as belonging 
to Hutchins' company at Mystic. Some of the men who went down at that 
time and stayed might have enlisted in Massachusetts regiments before the 
New Hampshire ones were organized. 

"Chester — Hczek-iah Hiif chins' Company. — Simon Merril, A; William 
Shannon ; Joseph Smith, A ; Saml. Brown, A ; James Gross, A ; Peter Sever- 
ance, A; Saml. Morse; Reuben Sanborn, A; Josiah Morse, Jr., A; Joseph 
Spillad, A; David Currier, A; Thomas Wilson, B; John Lane. Jr., A; John 
Tucker, C; John Lane, 3d, C; Simon Norton. .\ ; James Randal, C; William 
Randal, C. 

"Those from Chester are marked A. Candia B, and Raymond C. and the 
uncertain are left unmarked. 

"In the selectmen's accounts for the year ly/O there are the following 
items charged : 

"I'aid Joseph Linn, Hugh Cromby, Andrew Aiken, John Vance, Alex- 
ander Wetherspoon. Timothy Lunt. Jeams Craft their wages for service done 
at Med ford. 

"Paid Joseph Louge, Samuel Webster, and Benj. Long for service done at 
Medford. 

"In 1775 there is a charge for pork sent to Cambridge, £6 7s. 5(/. 
"Paid to Maj. Jabez French money that we hired to support the dele- 
gates that went to Philadelphia, £9 8.y. 6d. 

"There are also charges for blankets, and for numbering the people. 
"Philip Tilton, captain, Jacob Webster, heutenant, both of Raymond, and 
John Tilton, second lieutenant, of Sandown, were the officers of the Third 
Company, Second Regiment. June 12. 1775, and Caleb Richardson's name is 
on the roll. 

"There is a ijav-roll of Capt. Nathan Brown's company, David Gilman's 
regiment, April 10. i77<i. in which are Chester names: Nathaniel Blasdel, 
James McFarland, John Shannon. John Lane, Reuben Hall. Zachariah Butter- 
field. Jacob Lane, William Shannon. Theophilus Lovereign. of Raymond. 
Hugh Crombie, James Aiken. 

"July, 1776. A roll of Capt. Joseph Dearborn's company, No. h. in Colonel 
^\'yman■s regiment, in the Continental service against Canada, as mustered 
and paid by John Dudley. Esq.. muster-master and paymaster of said 
company : 

"loseph Dearborn, captain. -\ ; David Wethersiwon, lieutenant. A: Mat- 
thiasHaines, private, C; \\'illiam Leatch, A: Samuel Webster. A; Jeremiah 
Richardson. A: Jeremiah Towle. A: Thomas Wells. A; Samuel Dinsmore. 
A. died: .\nthony Towle. A: Gideon Currier, A: John Knowles. A: Richard 
Payne: Joseph Knowles. Jr.. A; Josiah Wells. A: John Roberts. C: Thomas 
\\'ason."B: John Wason; Nathan Lane. C. died September 26: Israel Griffin; 
Benjamin Cass. B; John Prescott • Moses Hills. A; Peter Moores. B: Joshua 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 261 

Moores, B; Enoch Colby, B; Jacob CHfford, B; Obadiah Hall, A; Benjamin 
Hall, A or B ; James Aiken, A; James Bell; Joseph Linn, A; Hugh McDuffee, 
A; Moses McFarland, A; John McClellan, A; David Taylor; Joseph Hills, 
Jr.. A; Ezekiel Morse, C; John Batchelder : John Leavitt, C; Ezekiel Knowles, 
B ; James Wilson, A ; James McFarland, A ; John Vance, A ; Ebenezer Collins ; 
Asa Dearborn, A. 

"Each private received ten pounds, four shillings, and nine pence ; sum 
total, six hundred and twenty pounds, nineteen shillings, and three pence. 
Extra wages: paid four sergeants, viz., William Leatch, Enoch Rowel, B, 
Caleb Alorril, and I^Ioses Sanborn, A, eight shillings ; four corporals, viz., 
Anthony Towle, A. Benaiah Colby. A, Ezekiel Knowles, B. and Asa Heath, at 
four shillings each: David Hill, B, drummer, four shillings. 

"Muster and pay-rool of men in Capt. Samuel AlcConnel's company, Col. 
David Oilman's regiment, raised out of the regiment commanded by Col. John 
Webster to reinforce the Continental army at New York, and mustered and 
paid by Col. John Webster. December, 1776: 

"Ezekiel Worthen. lieutenant. A; Ichabod Robie, sergeant. B; John Clark, 
corporal, B ; Timothy Jewel, private ; Abraham Brown ; Josiah Forsaith. A ; 
Paul Eaton, B; Amos Knowles, B; John Clay, B; David Underbill, .\; 
Isaac Blasdel, A; Nathaniel Blasdel, .V; Eliphalet Gordon, C: Peter Sever- 
ance, A ; Daniel Moody, C ; Dearborn Heath, A. 

"Muster and pay-roll of men raised in Colonel Thornton's and Colonel 
Webster's regiment, to serve in Captain Runnels' company. Col. Thomas 
Tasker's regiment, September 26, 1776. This company was raised from the 
Londonderrv and Chester regiments. Men from Londonderry marked L. as 
far as known : 

"Daniel Runnels, captain. L: Samuel Haselton. lieutenant. .A: Samuel 
Buswell, ensign, B ; Ichabod Robie, B : James Sfiarley, A ; Jeremiah Conner. 
A; Caleb Smith. C; Oilman Dudley, C; John Berry. A; Jonathan Dearborn, 
A; Nicholas Oilman, C; Derbon Heth, A; William Ander.son, B; Moses 
Turner, B : \\'illiam Wilson, B ; William Moore, A ; Samuel Pierce. A : Joseph 
Presby, A; William Wilson, A; Simon Towle, A; Jonathan Underbill, A; 
JacobHills, A: Henry Campbell, L; James Mooreland, L; John Morrison, L; 
John Cochran, L; Thomas Wilson, L: Oeorge Orr, L: Joseph Caldwell, L; 
David Morrison, B; John Ferguson, L; William Moore, A: John Clifford, C; 
Tohn Sargent, C ; Peter Haselton, A : Alexander ; Shirley, A : Daniel Whitcher, 
C: Thomas Archibald, L: Thomas W'allace, L; James Cambel, L; Samuel 
Hart: Benjamin Haseltine. A: John Colby. C: James Richardson: Robert 
W^ason. B: Bracket Towle. A: John Shirley. A; David Mills. A: Samuel 
Morse. L: James Hazard. .\ : Samuel Dunlap: Josiah Dearborn. A: Samuel 
Thompson, L: Pierce Cage, L: Richard Hall: Zibah Kimball. L: John Wil- 
liams, L: John McOown, L: John Tarbox, L: James Sprague. L: Abiel Cross, 
L: Arthur Darrah, L: Peter Robin.son : Samuel Spear; Robert ]\Iorrisson, 
L: John Hughes. L: William Layers. L: Jonathan Holmes. L: John Stuart. 
I. -Tames Ferguson. L: Joseph' Hobbs. L: Andrew Robertson, L; John 
Turner : Humphrey Holt, L ; Nathan Plummer. L : Samuel Tasker. L ; Robert 
Wilson, B: Robert Boid, L: Mathew Dickey, L: Elijah Town, L; Stephen 
Donald, L. — September 26, 1776, by John Webster. 



262 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

"Chester and Londonderry probably belonged to one regiment up to 

1775- 

In Raymond records, Jmie 15, 1775, 

"Voted, To impower John Dudley, Esq., with some other persons, to 
nominate suitable persons for field officers for the regiment that did belong to 
Colonel Thornton's regiment. 

"Voted, unanimously, That they are willing that the said regiment should 
be divided into two regiments. 

"Pay-roll of Capt. Stephen Dearborn's company, Thomas Stickney's regi- 
ment, in General Stark's brigade, which company marched from Chester, in 
the state of New Hampshire, and joined the Northern Continental army, 
1777, from July 19th to September i8th: 

"Stephen Dearborn, captain. A; Ezekiel Lane, lieutenant, C, killed; John 
Lane, Jr., 2d lieutenant. A, advanced to ist lieutenant, August 16; Robert 
W'ilson, ensign. A, advanced to 2d lieutenant, August 16; Andrew Aiken, 
sergeant. A, advanced to ensign August 16: Nathaniel Maxfield, B; Ichabod 
Robie, B; Ebenezer Dearborn, A; David Currier, A; Joseph Brown, A; Josiah 
Gordon, A ; Sherburne Dearborn, A ; Robert Dinsmore, A ; Joseph Cass, ser- 
geant, B ; Bracket Towie, sergeant, A ; Thomas Dearborn, sergeant, B ; 
John Underbill, sergeant. A; advanced to sergeant August 16; Benjamin 
Fellows, corporal; Levi Swain, corporal, C; David Underbill, corporal. A; 
Robert Rowe, private, A: advanced to corporal August 16; Israel Clifford, 
private, B ; Nathaniel Griffin, .A. : Joseph Peavey ; John Gamniet, B : Daniel 
Allen, A; John Blake: Moses Leavit, C: Moses Webster, Jr., A; Josiah Hall, 
.\: David Perkins; Benjamin Smith, B; Enoch Osgood, C; Samuel Robie, A; 
Simon Towie, A; Anthony Clifford, B: John Patten, A; James McFarland, 
A ; James Presby, A ; Joseph White, .A : Stephen Fogg, C ; Jacob Chase. A ; 
Samuel Hills, A; William Towie; Jacob Elliot, A; James Richardson, A; 
David Patten. A; Moses Webster, A; Benjamin Haseltine, A; Isaac Blasdel. 
A; Sinkler Fo.x; William Pattredge Fox; Jonathan Bachelor; Daniel Todd, 
C; Amos Kimball, A; Joseph Robins; Samuel Fogg, C; Samuel Moore, B; 
Samuel Dearborn, B ; Amos Knowles, B ; James Libbey. B ; Benjamin Eaton, 
B; Benjamin Wodley, B; Philip Morse. C: Robert Wilson, Jr.; Oliver Smith, 
B ; Elisha Thomas ; Enoch Coll>y, B ; John Bagley. B ; John Clay, B ; IMoses 
Emerson, B; Benjamin Fuller, A; John Knowles, A; William Brown, A; 
Wilkes West, .\ ; Thomas Wilson, B; Benjamin Packard; John Moore. B, 
died .\ugust 21 ; John Elliott, drummer. A; David Hall, .\. 

"This regiment served in the battle of Bennington. .August i6th. 

"Pay-roll of Capt. Moses Baker's company of volunteers, who marched 
from Candia, in the State of New Hampshire, and joined the Northern Conti- 
nental army at Saratoga, September, 1777. 

"Entered September 27th, discharged November 3d. 

"Moses Baker, captain, B; Abraham Fitts. lieutenant, B: Jonathan Bagley, 
ensign, B; Isaiah Row, sergeant, B; Joseph Clifford, sergeant, B; Sewall 
Brown, private, B; Jonathan Ring, B; John Sargent, B; Nathaniel Burpee, 
B; Tacob Clifford, B; Benjamin Hubbart, B; Richard Clough. B; Stephen 
Palmer, B; Enoch RowelLB; James Hazard, A; Silas Cammet, B; Samuel 
Bagley, B; John Hills, B; Jesse Eaton, B; Benjamin Whitcher, C; Nathan 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 263 

Fitts, A ; Samuel Haselton. A ; John Dearborn, A ; Josiah Flagg, A ; Edward 
Robie, A ; Moses Haselton. A ; Stephen Hill, A. 

"Pay-roll of Capt. Joseph Dearborn's company, in Col. Moses Nichols' 
regiment: marched to Rhode Island; entered August 5th, discharged 28th 
plus 2 days' travel home. 

"Joseph Darbon, captain, A; Benj. Cass, lieutenant, B; Jacob Worthen, 
ensign. B; Jabesh Hoit, sergeant, A; Benj. Bachelder. sergeant. B; Samuel 
Runel, sergeant: Ephraim Fitts, corporal. A: Zebulon Winslow, corporal, B; 
Aaron Brown, corporal, B: Benj. True, private, A: Benj. Currier, A: John 
Lane. A : James Whitten. C : William Mills, A : Asa Dearborn. A : John Emer- 
son, A: Benj. Haselton. A: Joseph Knowles, A; James Pierce, A; Robert 
Runnels. A : Wilks West, A : John Wilson, A : Caleb Hall, B : Philip Morse. 
C : Obed Edom Hall, B : Jonathan Camet, B : Silas Camet, B : Walter Clay, 
B : Henry Clark, B : Joseph Bean, B : Amos Knowles, B : Enoch Colby, B ; 
Caleb Brown, B; Thomas Wilson. B; Ohver Smith, B: Burleigh Smith, B; 
William Shannon, B ; Sewel Brown, B : Jonathan Pilsbury, B. 

"Allowance for forty horses at f 10 each. 

"In the summer of 1778 a brigade was sent from New Hampshire to 
Rhode Island. 

"There was a company attached to Colonel Peabody's regiment, of which 
Daniel Reynols, of Londonderry, was captain. Bracket Towle first lieutenant, 
and Jacob Elliott second lieutenant, a portion of which was from Chester. 
Entered service June i, 1778. discharged January i. 1779: 

"William ]\Ioore. corporal, A ; James Hazzard, corporal. A : Jacob Lane, 
corporal, C : Samuel Robie, drummer, .\ : Dearborn Heath, A : Isaac Blasdel, 
A: Samuel Robie, Jr.. A: Moses Webster: Samuel Shannon, A; Paul Healey, 
A: Jethro Colby. B: Thomas Shannon. B; John Shannon, B: Nath. Griffin. 
A : Isaac Colby, killed August 2-j : Thomas Morse, C. 

"In James Aiken's company for Rhode Island, 1778, Thomas Shirley, 
James Otterson, Samuel Davis, and Benj. True went to Rhode Island in 
Captain Marston's company. 1777. 

"In the early part of tlie war the soldiers were mainly citizens, and enlisted 
for short terms, and many of them appear on several rolls, and with a degree 
of accuracy can be assigned to their respective towns, but later many strangers 
were enlisted, who, when their names appear on a roll, cannot be assigned 
to any town with any certainty. There are recruits credited to the towns, 
some without any mention of what companies they were assigned to or what 
service engaged in. 

"Credited to Chester, 1777. — Michael Lamey. Captain Richard's company; 
James Russ (killed), Isaac Farewell's company: Barthow Stevens and Saml 
Dolten, Ebenzr Fry's company: Stephen Lovekin, Jonathn Forsaith (died) 
and John Lane, Blodgett's company: Josiah Hills (died), Saml Hoyt, Reuben 
Hall, John Berry (killed), Ebenezr Berry. James Akin, John McClennen, 
Jeremh Towle, James .\kin. Jr.. and Wilm White. Emerson's company: Enos 
Jewell. Robertson's company: Thos Wells, Carr's company: Wilm Furnell, 
McClary's company: Benj in .\kin, Emer.son's company: Saml Wells and 
Peter Wells. Morrill's company: Wilm Moore. Robertson's company: Jonathn 



264 HISTORY OF ROCKTXCHAM COUNTY 

Karr, Fry's company; Daniel Shirly, Henry True and Saml Akin, Emerson's 
company; John Vance, Fry's company. 

"Recruits Sent by Colonel Webster, July ij, ijjg. — Thomas W'hittaker. 
residence, Chester ; went for Chester ; Reuben Sticknee, residence, Raymond ; 
went for Chester ; Timothy Clay, residence, Candia ; went for Chester ; Samuel 
Nay. residence, R ; went for Chester ; Timothy Ingalls, residence, Chester ; 
went for Chester; Jacob Elliott, residence, Chester; went for Chester; Phineas 
Bean, residence, Candia; went for Candia; Joseph Marston, residence, Deer- 
field ; went for Candia ; Josiah Tucker, residence, Nottingham ; went for 
Raymond, 

"Recruits Sent by Chester. — Thomas W'ells, Saml Hoit, George Cooi)er. 
Enos Jewell, Sanuiel W'ells, Jeremiah Griffin, enlisted for war. (jiven up to 
Meredith: Peter Wells, enlisted for war; \Vm Garrison and Richd Flood, 
enlisted for three years. Lived in Raymond : Stephen Keyes, enlisted for 
three years. Lived in Plymouth : Valentine Sargent, enlisted for three years. 
Lived in Londonderry: Joseph Davis, Samuel Richardson and George Mans- 
field, enlisted for three years ; Saml Houston, enlisted for six months. Lived 
in Bedford : Moses W'ebster, Saml Robie, Reuben Tole and Danl Parker, 
enlisted for six months. 

"Troops Raised in ij6q for Serz'ice iu Rhode Island. — Thoiuas Whittaker, 
Reuben Stickney (Raymond, enlisted for Chester), Timothy Clay, Samuel 

Nay ( Raym'ond, for Chester), Timothy Ingalls, Jacob Elliott, 

Hardy (July 2S. 1779. two months). Dearborn Heath (July 28. 1779. 
two months ). 

"Jul\ I, //(S'o. — Jonathan Wilson, William Moore, Benjamin True, Saml 
Walker, John Knowles, John Brown, Robert Runnels, Isaac Blasdell. Moses 
Webster, John Aiken, James Russ, Jona. Burrow (sergeant), Chas Hanson, 
Jedediah Knock, Saml Akens, Barnard Merrill, Jona Rankin, Phineas Stevens 
(Tamworth hired him first), Daniel Shirley, Samuel Wells, Samuel Holt, 
William Moore, Stephen Lufkin, Robert Hastins, Reul^en Hall, Geo. Cooper, 
James Aken (died), Jeremiah Towle, Henry True, John McClennen, Jona. 
Knock, Abiel Stevens (Tamworth hired him first). 

"Captain Li^'erniore's Co., Third Regiment. — Thos. Shronfler (died), 
James Thompson, Josiah Wells (died), Thomas Wells, William White 
(died), John Barry, Ebenr Barry, John Lane, William Furnal. Saml Dalton, 
Jona. Forsyth, John "Vance and Bartho Stevens. 

"July I, I/81. — Parker Morse (.sergeant), Robert Sharle. Daniel Shade, 
W^illiam' Moer, Jo.seph Brown, John Spiller, Benj. True, Jr., Caleb Richard- 
son, Gilbord Morse, Theoder Morse, Wm Garrison (mustered, but claimed 
by Massachusetts). Richd Flood, Stephen Keyes, "Valentine Sergent, Jos. 
Davis, Saml Richardson, Saml Houston (six months), Moses W-^ebster (six 
months), Saml Robie (six months), Reuben Tole (six months), Danl Parker 
(six months), Geo. Mansfield (three years), Thomas Wells, Saml Hoit, Geo. 
Cooper, Enos Jewell (Southampton), Peter Wells, Joseph Davis, Valentine 
Sargent ( Londonderry ) . 

"August 2^. ij8i. — Thomas Wells (war), Samuel Hoit (war), Joseph 
Davis. Saml Richardson. George Cooper (war), Enos Jewell (war), Jere. 
Griffin ( war. given up to Meredith ), Peter Mills (three years), William Gar 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 265 

rison (three years). Richard Flood (Raymond), Stephen Keyes (Ports- 
month), Valentine Sargent (Londonderry), Geo. Mansfield, Saml Houston 
(Bedford, six months), Moses Webster, Saml Robie, Reuben Tole, Daniel 
Parker, Charles Mann and Jonathan Conant. 

"April 12, 1J82. — John Worth, Reuben Stickney, Joseph Tucker, Daniel 
Clay, Abraham Brown, Edw Hamilton. Moses Basford, Thomas Dollof, 
Ebenr Currier, William Batchelder. William Hall. Daniel Doyne. Robt H. 
Hill and Andrew Nelson. 

"There is a history of the First New Hampshire Regiment, by Frederic 
Kidder, 1868, containing a roll of the enlisted men who served between 
January, .1777. and January, 1782. which contains the names of John Knook 
and David Shirley, of Chester, and of Thomas Capron, of Candia, not on the 
foregoing list. 

"The foregoing is a list of the soldiers furni.shed by. Chester, as correct 
as can be conveniently made from the army rolls ; but those cover so much 
ground, and so many strange names occur, which are not assigned to any 
particular town, that it is probably ven,' incomplete. There are names of men 
on the town accounts to whom bounties were paid, and the names of others 
to whom notes were jiaid. ]")robably for bounties, without being so designated, 
which mostly, if not all. are included in the foregoing rolls, so that it was not 
thought best to spend the time in collecting and space in the history to print it. 

"Great exertion had to be used to raise men. The town was divided into 
classes, according to the number of men to be raised, and one or more men 
assigned to each class, which they were required to raise. The town was also 
classed to raise beef and corn for the army, and also to support the soldiers' 
families. 

"The following specimen of the recpiisitions was found among the pa])ers 
of Col. Stephen Dearborn : 

" 'To Capt. Stephen Dearborn and Robert Rowe: Agreeably to an 
act of the General Court and a vote of the town, the following persons who are 
named, with the amount of their ratable estate, are to procure an able- 
bodied, effective man for the Continental service three years, or during the 
war. to be ready to be mustered in on or before the loth day of May next, 
or pay the fine agreeable to law and the vote of the tow n. You are desired to 
notify each one in this list to meet and prescribe such method as they shall 
think proper in order to procure sd man. 

" "Chester, April 29, 1782. 

" ' Jabez Hoit, 
" 'Stephen Morse. 
" 'Joseph Blanchard. 
" 'Select)iirn of Chester. 

£ .?. (/. 

"'David Richardson... i 9 i '-'^ut. John Lane 2 17 7 

Joseph Carr 3 6 10 Jona. Norton 2 10 11 

Ezekiel H. Kellev 10 o Simon Norton 12 o 

Widow Ann Carr 9 3 J"sei)h Norton 2 iS 8 



12 


I 


14 


4 


1 6 


6 


3 





i8 


.S 


2 


8 


17 


2 


14 


2 



266- HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 



Juna. Rerry 2 14 5 Calel) Hall i 

Jereuiiali Griffin i 6 o Jona. Emery i 

Robert Roue i 16 2 Samuel White 

Samuel Murray i 13 6 Stickney 

Barnard Bricket 2 10 i Moody Chase i 

John Clark i 7 o Wells 2 

Abraham Morse 12 o Jere. L'nderhill i 

Capt. Stephen Dearborn 2 14 o Xathl Wood i 

"The follcnving are recruits furnished by Candia, as found oij various 
muster-rolls, and as found in the adjutant-general's office: 

"i///- John Magoon. Stevens Bailey, Jonathan Green, Isaac Morse, John 
Colby, Eleazer Ouiniby, John Taylor. 

"1778. Nehemiah Leavitt, John Kent, Asa Pierce, John Mitchell, Ebenr 
Williams, William Wilkins, Henry Gotham, Nat. Wadley, David Bagley, Wm 
Patten, Daniel Libbie, John Caldwell, John Loveren, John Kent, James Tiel, 
Thomas Capron, James Jeel, James Bragdon, David Hill, Robt Holland, 
Jonas Perry, Henry Kimball, Joseph Gilman, Humphrey Hunt. 

"1779. David Libbie, John Cakhvell, Michael Poor, John Anderson, John 
Loverin. Jnhii Kent. Phineas Bean, Joseph Marston, John Grattan (two 
months). 

"1780. Benjamin Eaton, Samuel Clay, Edward Currier. Samuel Shan- 
non, John Eaton, Alexr Eaton. 

"1781. Col. John Webster certifies that he .sent forward the following 
four men for Candia, when there ought to have been five : John Wasson, 
Jonathan Davis, Nathaniel I'nderhill, Thomas Anderson. 

"1782. Jona. Morris, Peter Cammet, Ebenr Eaton, Mo.ses Norris, John 
Moore, Benja. Sanborn, Jason Hazard. 

"Recruits Furnished by Raymond. — Captain Mark's Company, Colonel 
Long's Regiment. — Benj. Fox, James Fullington, Ezekiel Holman. 

"Col. Nathan Flale's Regiment. — Wm Tole, David Batchelder, Jona Ful- 
lonton. Jos Fullongton, Theor Lovering, Ithiel Gorden. 

"Captain Wait's Company. Colonel Stark's Regiment. — Richard Robinson. 

"Captain Rowell's Company, Col. Nathan Hale's Regiment. — William 
Towle, Joseph Fullington, Ithiel Gordon, junr.. Eliphalet Gorden. Amos 
D. Leavitt, Aaron Sanborn, James Hersey. John Lane, Caleb Gilman, Thomas 
Taylor, Joseph Jewel. 

"1779. Hezekiah Pollard, John Moore, James Libbey, James Mack, 
James Delap, Josiah Tucker, from Nottingham, enlisted for Raymond ; Jona- 
than Fullerton, Rowell's Co.; John Fox, for two months: Benj. Whittier, 
enlisted for Kingston; Thomas Dolloff. enlisted for Kingston; Jos. Dolloff 
Leavitt, enlisted for Kingston. 

"1780. Wm Pat. Prescott, Timothy Jewell, Smith Cram, Richard Flood. 

"178 1. Elipht Gordon, James Libbey, of Candia, Theor Loverin, Elijah 
Pollard, Ezekl Pollard, Barton Pollard, Hezekh Pollard, Richd Robinson, 
Capt. Boston's Company; Nat. Richardson, Wm. Towle, James Wells, John 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 267 

Moore, of Chester; James Dunlap, of Massachusetts State; Ithiel Gordon, 
Elipht Gordon, Theor Lovrin, Joseph Fullerton, Wilham Towle. 

"The following is a list of soldiers who enlisted in the amiy from Chester 
in the war of 1812, furnished by Josiah Forsaith ; 

"Josiah Forsaith, died August 18, 1868; Jonathan Currier, died at Sack- 
ett's Harbor; David Dolbier, of Raymond; Josiah Sanborn, discharged at 
Concord ; Bradbury Moody Carr, died at Concord ; John Colby, died at 
French Mills ; ^\.bner Blasdel, said to have deserted ; Ebenezer Blasdel, died 
at Acworth; Samuel Davis, died at Concord; Joseph Neal; John Crawford, 
died at Nottingham in 1866, aged eighty; Josiah Moore, died in 1821; 
Henry Moore, killed in battle ; Moses Underbill, Jr. ; Benjamin Currier, Jr. ; 
Nathan Webster; John Dunlap, died in 1867; Nath'l Griffin; William Griffin, 
died in the army. 

"From Raymond. — Amos Davies. killed at French Mills; Theophilus 
Stephens, died. 

"Drafted Men. — There was a draft made of men to defend Portsmouth 
Harbor. The following is the roll of a company which served from May 24 
to July 4, 1814, and were from the Seventeenth Regiment. Those from 
Chester are marked A ; Candia, B ; Raymond, C ; jVllentown, D : 

"George Evans, captain, D; Samuel Aiken, Jr., lieutenant. A; Noah Week, 
ensign, A; William Stanwood, sergeant. A; Jonathan Morrill, sergeant. A; 
Samuel W. Evans, sergeant. D; Reuben Bean, sergeant, B; True C. Graves, 
corporal ; John Dinsmore, corporal, A ; Moses Dudley, corporal, B ; James 
Wilcomb, corporal, A ; Moses Crichet, musician, B ; Moses Chase, musician, A. 

"Privates. — Josiah Anderson, B; Andrew Buntin, A; John Brown, 3d; 
David Brown. 3d, Jona. S. Brown. Ebenezer Brown, Jonathan Ball, A; 
Joseph Calfe, A; Zacheus Colby, A; Jonathan Cass, B; Jeremiah Chandler, 
Samuel Clark, Joseph Cressy, A; James Dinsmoor, A; Benjamin Edgerly, 
Nathan French, David Glidden, C; William Greenough, A; Phineas Haley, C; 
Henry Hall, A; John Johnson, A; Amos Kimball, A; John Lane, C; Thomas 
Leonard, John Mars, Charles Marston, A; Moses C. Magoon, C; Richard 
Morse, Supply Morse, Nath. Martin, Thomas Montgomery, A; Peter Niel, 
A; Nathan Poor, C; Jacob Randall, A; Richard Robie, B; Wadley Richard- 
son, B; John P. Rowell, A; Orlando Spofford, A; John Seavey, A; Richard 
Straw, Jona. H. Shaw, Henry Thatcher, C; Elisha Towle, C; Samuel Thomp- 
son, Daniel Towle, C; Enoch Worthen, B; John Wilson, 3d, A; Stephen 
Worthen, Jr., A; Abram. Smith, Edmund Richardson. 

"The' following is a roll of the company of Capt. Sanuiel Collins, of 
Deerfield, which served three months from September 12, 1814: 

"Moses Hezelton, 3d, lieutenant, A ; Henry Osgood, ensign, C ; Jonathan 
Cass, sergeant, B; James Severance, sergeant. A; Josiah Whicher, corporal, 
B- John Brown, Jr., corporal, C; James C. Rand, corporal, A. 

' "Fm'a^'J.— Squires Bachelder, B; Ebenezer Brown, C; John Brown. A; 
Joseph Clifford, B; Nehemiah Clay. A ; Joseph Chase. Jr., A; Daniel Carr, A: 
Henry Clifford. C ; Richard Currier. B ; Gilman D. Cass. B ; Jonathan Emer- 
son B ■ David Emerson. A ; James P. French. B ; Reuben Gale, B ; Phmeas 
Healey B- Peter M. Mills. .A.; Henry Morse. C; Samuel Roberts, C; Daniel 
Robey'c'john Towle, B; Halv True. C; Daniel McDuffee, A. 



268 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

"The following is a roll of the company of Capt. Samuel Aiken, Jr., of 
Chester, which served sixty days from September 26, 1814: 

"Samuel Aiken, Jr., captain, A; Joseph Hubbard, first lieutenant, B; 
\Vm. Stanwood, ensign, A; Jabez Crooker, sergeant and clerk. A; William 
Turner, sergeant, B ; Jonathan Morrill, sergeant, A ; Abel Read, sergeant, B ; 
Jeremiah Chandler, sergeant, C ; William Aiken, sergeant, A ; Samuel Lane, 
corporal. A; Francis Folsom, corporal, C: Benjamin Rowe, corporal. B; 
James Wilcomb. corporal. A; Nathan Brown, musician, C; Richard Eaton, B; 
Gilman Lovering, C. 

"Privates. — Orlando Spofl:'ord, A: John Hall, A; Benjamin Mills, A; 
William Greenough, A; John Davis, A; Ebenezer Wilcomb, A; David Mor- 
rill, A; David Murry, A; John Shirley, A; Samuel Lane, Jr., A; Josiah 
Turner, B ; Daniel Taylor, B ; Gilman Richardson, B ; Isaiah Lane, B ; John 
Clark, B ; Willis Patten, B ; Moses Patten, B ; John Colby, B ; John Butler, A : 
Benjamin Preston, A ; Daniel Ball, A ; John Dolby, A ; Robert Wilson, A ; 
^^'illiam Dearborn. A; Jeremiah Rand, Jr., A; L. H. Seavy, A; Jonathan 
Norton, A; Theodore Jewett, A: Robert Mills, A: Nathan Webster, A; 
John Seavey, A; John Wilson, A; Henry West, A; David Leach, A; James 
Calfe, A; Israel Blake, A; Reuben Dinsmore, A; Stephen J. Worthen, Jr., A; 
Mead R. Underbill, A ; John Chase, A ; Mattliew Dickey, A ; Jonathan Wil- 
liams: Samuel Thompson, A; John Hosden, A; Joseph Brown, A; John A. 
Otterson, A; Joshua Martin, Jr., A; Jeremiah Brown, B; Parker Hills, B; 
Benjamin Eaton, B: Moses Stephens, B; Sewall Brown, B; John Moore, B; 
Moses Critchet. B ; Biley Smith, B : Sargent French, B ; James Wilson, B ; 
Aaron Rowe, B ; William Eaton, B ; Jonathan Robey ; Nathan Thorne, 
B ; Joseph Rand, B ; Samuel Moody, C : David Clifford, C ; David Gill, C ; 
David Brown, Jr., C. ; Supply Morse, C; Moses Healey, C; Daniel Scribner, 
C: James Dudley, Jr., C; Jonathan Holnian, C; Isaiah Cram. C; Nathaniel 
Towle, C; David Robie, C: John Smith, C." 

A ROLL OF MEN SENT INTO THE ARMY FROM CHESTER DURING 
THE REBELLION, 1861-65 

Second Regiment. Mustered Into U. S. Service June lo, 1861 — Three 
Years. — Company C. Andrew Nichols, wounded at Gettysburg; died in An- 
dersonville June, 1864. Company C, Charles J. Rand, discharged for dis- 
ability. Company E, Arthur T. Leonard, corporal, discharged for disability. 
Company E, George S. Brown, promoted to corporal. Company E, Aaron 
Everet, discharged for disability. Company E, Joseph Everet, discharged 
for disability. * 

Recruits. — Company I, W'illiam Broard. transferred to navy; Company I, 
Frank Donaghue; Company K, James Farrel; Company I; James McGuire, 
wounded June 3, 1864; Company I, Frank Strickland: Company A, John 
E. Hartwell, enlisted September, 1865, mustered out December, 1863. 

Third Regiment — Three Years. — Company B, Converse B. Weymouth, 
wounded severely; discharged for disability January, 1865. Company D, 
John S. Blasdel, re-enlisted veteran; discharged for disability 1865. 

Fourth Regiment — Three Years. — Company C, Orrin T. Dodge, re-en- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 269 

listed February, 1864. Company I, Franklin A. Brown, corporal, discharged 
for disability July. 1862; Company I, Charles M. Ordvvay, re-enlisted F"eb- 
ruary, 1864. Company K, Stickney S. Gale, sergeant, re-enlisted February, 
1864. 

Fifth Regiment — Three Years. — Conii)any K, Joseph Bronilland, received 
December, 1863; killed at Petersburg June, 1864. Company H, Jacob Pol- 
latscheck. received December, 1863. Company C, James Rogers, received 
August, 1863. Company C, Joseph Trickey, received December, 1863; 
wounded June, 1864: died August, 1864, at Alexandria, Va. 

Sixth Regiment — Three Years. — Company D, James Farrel, received 
November, 1863; deserted Camp Nelson, Ky., December, 1863. Company C, 
Henry Scott, received Ma}', 1864. Company E, Thomas J. Wilson, received 
November, 1863. Company C. William ]\I. Locke, re-enlisted December, 
1863; promoted to corporal: discharged for disability August, 1864. Com- 
pany C, William Smith. recei\ed May, 1864; discharged for disability Sei>- 
tember, 1864. 

Seventh Regiment — Three Years. — Company A, Flenry O. Davis, re- 
enlisted February, 1864: promoted to corporal; wounded severely October, 
1864; discharged for disability December, 1864. 

Eighth Regiment — Three Years. — Company A, James M. M. Elliott, 
.nustered November, 1861 ; discharged May, 1862. Company F, Joseph 
Everett, corporal, December, 1861 ; promoted to first sergeant; killed Port 
Hudson, May, 1863. Company F, Charles H. Kent, mustered in December, 
1861 ; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps May, 1864. Company F, Sam- 
uel C. McDuffee, mustered in December, 1861 ; discharged for disability 
December, 1863. Company F, John Robinson, mustered in December, 1861 ; 
discharged for disability February. 1863. 

Ninth Regiment — Three Years. — Company A. James A. Cole, mustered 
in July 3. 1862. Company B. Charles F. Shaw, mustered in July 3. 1862; 
discharged for disability Fredericksburg, January, 1863. 

Elercnth Regiment — Three Years. — Company I, John Underbill, ser- 
geant, September, 1862; wounded December, 1862; discharged March, 1863. 
Company I. Daniel S. West, corporal. September. 1862; wounded severely 
May. 1864. Company I, William E. C. Cooledge, September, 1862. Com- 
pany I, James M. M. Elliott, September, 1862. Company I. Warren J. Hills, 
September, 1862; missing in action July, 1864. Company I. Dudley J. Mar- 
ston, September. 1862; wounded December. 1862. Company I. Cyrus E. 
Roberts, September, 1862; transferred to I. C. September. 1863. Com- 
pany I. Edmund T. Roby. September. 1862; deserted June. 1864. Company 
I.Thomas O. Reynolds. September, i8r)2; wounded December. 1862. Com- 
pany I. Sewell W. Tenney, September. 1862; wounded December. 1862; 
discharged April. 1863. Company I. Nathaniel West, Jr.. September. 1862. 

Fourteenth Regiment — Three Years. — Franklin C. Weeks, assistant sur- 
geon, September. 1862; discharged for disability March, 1864. Company F, 
Charles A. Clark, received January. 1864. 

Fifteenth Regiment— Nine Months (October, t 86 ^).— Company K. Wal- 
lace T. Larkin, second lieutenant. November. 1862; discharged to accept 
promotion August. 1863. Company K, Luther C. Stevens, sergeant. Com- 



270 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

pany K, Alfred F. B. Edwards, corporal. Company K, John A. Hazleton, 
corporal. Company K, Marston L. Brown. Company K, Milton S. Brown, 
discharged for disability July, 1863. Company K, Henry N. Brown. Com- 
pany K, Emerson Childs. Company K, David F. Clay. Company K, John 
S. Currier, discharged for disability July, 1863. Company K, David C. 
French. Company K, Matthew Forsaith. Company K, George M. D. Mead. 
Company K, Samuel V. Osgood. Company K, Benjamin F. Spofford. Com- 
pany K, John W. West, 2d. 

Eighteenth Regiment — Three Years. — Silas F. Leamard. major, July, 
1865; not mustered; mustered out as captain July, 1865. Company D, 
William S. Greenough, captain, commissioned September, 1864. Company 

D, John Underbill, second lieutenant, commissioned September, 1864. Com- 
pany D, Albert F. B. Edwards, corp., September, 1864; promoted to sergeant. 
Company D, Perley C. Ingalls, wagoner, September, 1864. Company D, 
Richard H. Currier' Company D, Samuel V. Osgood, promoted to corporal. 
Company D, George S. Smith, promoted to corporal. Company D, Francis 
Savoie. Company D, Aaron D. Sergent, discharged for disability. Com- 
pany D, Isaac F. Underbill, promoted to corporal. Company D, Albert Ha- 
son, discharged for disability at City Point, October, 1864. Company H, 
Silas F. Learnard, captain, commissioned February, 1865; promoted to major 
July, 1865. Company H, Cyrus S. Dolloff, sergeant. Company H, Augustus 
P. Greenough, sergeant. Company H, John T. Lovitt, corporal. Company 
H, Joseph R. Morse, musician. Company H, Ephraim Nichols, wagoner. 
Company H, Samuel S. Adams, promoted to corporal. Company H, Willard 

E. Coburn. Company H, Albert B. Goldsmith, discharged for disability at 
Concord, N. H., February, 1865. Company H, Henry H. Hook, discharged 
for disability at Concord, N. H., February, 1865. Company H. Richard C 
Lawrence, promoted to corporal. Company H, Fred. D. Morse. Company 
H, William B. Robie. Company H, William H. Underbill. Company H, 
Benjamin F. Underbill. 

Heavy Artillery. — James P. Batchelder, mustered August, 1863; dis- 
charged for disability March, 1864. Company C, Joseph W. Chase, mustered 
September, 1864. Company K, Charles P. Abbott, appointed artificer, Sep- 
tember, 1864. Company K, Jacob J. Elliott, September, 1864. Company K, 
John W. Hazeltine, September, 1864. Company K, George H. McDuffee, 
September, 1864. Company K, Charles F. True, September, 1864. Com- 
pany K, George F. Tebbetts. Company K, Elbridge Wason. Company K, 
Clement A. West. Company K, George W. Wilcomb. Company K, Charles 
H. West. Company K, John W. West, 2d. 

Sharpshooter. — Silas ^^^ Tenney, mustered November, 1861. 

"The foregoing list is made from the report of the adjutant-general. 
There has been a list made by Miss Noyes, of Chester, which she calls the 
'Roll of Honor," which does not contain the names of a number of foreign 
recruits credited to Chester, and contains the following names not in the 
foregoing list: 

Louis Bell. John Bell. Henry Beals, William Brown Mark Carr, Perley 
Chase, Joseph Dane, Charles A. Dearborn, David J. Dearborn, Lloyd G. 
Gale, James Gerah, Nelson Gillingham, Jesse Hall, Joseph W. Hazelton, 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 271 

Kinniston, Cyrus F. Marston, Benjamin F. Morse, Frank Morse, 

Daniel Osgood, Samuel S. Parker, Curtis B. Robinson, Charles B. Robie, 
Edward I. Robie, Joseph S. Rowell, D. Leroy Sanborn, Page R. Smith, 
Alphonso P. R. Smith, John P. Spofford, Frederick Spollett, Charles L. 
Seavey, Daniel A. Webster, Robert Wason, Frank C. Wood, Charles C. 
Willey, Charles S. Wells, Charles H. Weymouth. 

The Chester Free Public Library was founded in 1894. In 1895 a build- 
ing was purchased and remodeled for the purpose of containing the books, 
which were then housed in a grocery store. When completed the Ladies' 
Social Library Association of Chester turned over to the town 900 volumes 
and closed their circulating library. The number of volumes at present in the 
Public Library exceed eleven hundred. Miss Elizabeth M. Fitts is the 
librarian. 

The societies are: Chester Grange, P. of H. ; Bell Post, G. A. R. ; 
Woman's Relief Corps; Jr. O. U. A. M. 

J. S. Roberts is the physician. 

See chapter "Bench and Bar," for biographies of John Porter. Arthur 
Livermore, Samuel D. Bell, David Pillsbury and Samuel Bell. 

Gen. Louis Bell, of the Fourth New Hampshire Regiment, was bom 
in Chester March 8, 1837. He was mortally wounded on January 15, 1865, 
when leading his brigade at the attack on Fort Fisher. 



CHAPTER XXII 

DANVILLE 

Gcuijraf^liy — Topography — Petition for Parish — Documentary History] — 
Ecclesiastical History — Military Record — Public Library 

Danville lies near the centre of the county, and is hounded as follows : 
On the north by Fremont, on the east by Kingston, on the south by Kingston 
and Hampstead, and on the west by Sandown. 

This town originally formed a part of Kingston (see Chapter XXXVII.) 
It was incorporated as a separate parish February 20. 1760. The following 
is a copy of the petition for a new parish, which was presented to the governor 
and council January 2, 1760: 

"To His Fxcellency P.enning Wentworth, Esq., Captain General, Governor 
& Commander-in-Chief in & over His Majestys Province of New Hamp- 
shire, The Honourable His Majestys Council And House of Representa- 
tives in General Assembly Convened, the Second Day of January, lyCyo. 
"The Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of that Part of Kingston in 
-Said Province adjoining on the Parish of Sandown, Humbly shews, 

"That whereas Providence hath placed us at a great Distance from any 
place of stated public Worship in Town & so render our Attendance thereon 
very difficult & our Families often impracticable : \Ve have built a meeting 
House among us to accommodate ourselves & Families, That we & they 
might more conveniently attend the public Worship of God & with more 
ease & comfort enjoy the Word & ordinances necessary for Salvation, And 
being disirous at our own cost & charge to maintain the Worship of God 
among us. We petitioned The Town to Set us off to be a Parish Separate 
from them. But they (as we apprehend) not regarding our difficult Circum- 
stances have unreasonably denied our Request : Wherefore W'e humbly 
pray that we may be sett off & incorporated into a Parish distinct from them 
in the following manner, vizt, bounding Westerly on Sandown East Line, 
thence to extend Easterly, carrying the whole Breadth of the Town till it 
comes half way between our new meeting house & the old meeting house in 
Town. And that we may be discharged from paying to the ministry & the 
School in the other jiart of the Town & enjoy the powers & priviledges of 
other Parishes. 

".'Xnd your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever Pray, &c. 
"Samuell Webster, John March, Obediah Elkins, Jonathan' French. Israel 
Dimond, William Clifford, Daniel Brown, Henry Morrill, Anans Camell, 
Jonathan .Sanborn. Benjamin Webster, Thomas W^elch, Joshua Webster, 

272 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 273 

Samuel March, Jeremiah Ouiniby. Joseph Sweat, Juhn March, Jr., Ezra 
Tucker, John Paige, Samuel Quimbe, Elias Rano, Nathan Jones, Ezra Jones, 
Jonathan Blake, JMalachi Daves, Stephen Barnard, John Quimby, Thomas 
Eliot Colby, Elisha Clough, Benjamin Selly, Joseph Brown, William Brusel ? 
Dyer Hook, Humphrey Hook, Joseph Worth, Elisha Bachelder, Jacob Hook, 
Edward Eastman, Jr., Reuben Bachelder, Samuel Sargent, David Tilton, 
Aron Ouimljy, Jeremiah Flanders, Ephraim Paige, Moses Quimby, Henray 
Hunt, John Collins, David Quimby, Benjamin Darling, Joseph Clifford, 
Joshua Webster, Jr., Benjamin Webster, Jr.. Paul Pressey, Wihiam Selley, 
John Sanborn, Jr., Thomas Wadley, William Morey, Thomas Eastman. 

"In Council, Jan. i6th, 1760. 

"The within Petition read & ordered to be sent down to the Honble 
Assembly. 

"Theodore Atkinson, Secy. 

"In Council, Jany. 17th, 1760. 

"Read & Concurrd. 

"Theodr Atkinson, Secry. 
"Province of i* In the house of Representatives Feby ic)th, 1760. 
New Hampshire ( This petition having been read. The parties on Each 
side appear'd by themselves & attorneys & after being 
fully heard thereon. Voted, that the prayer thereof be granted So far as to 
be agreeable to the minutes on the Back of the plan & that the petitioners 
ha\e liberty to bring a Bill accordingly. ^' 

"A. Cl.\rkson. Gierke. 
"In Council, Feby ^Oth, 1760. 

"Read & Concurred. 

"Theodore Atkinson, Sccry." 

The first settlements within the bounds of this town were made in about 
the year 1735, by Jonathan Sanborn, Jacob Hook, and others. Among the 
prominent old families whose ancestors can be traced back more than one 
hundred years as residents are mentioned those of Page. Fowle, Blake, San- 
born. Spofford. Elkins, French, Diniond, Colby, Teksbury, Quimby. Collins, 
Bradley, Eaton, Eastman, and Currier. 

Methodist Efyiscopal Church. — It is impossible to ascertain the date of 
organization of this church, as there are no early records in existence. It 
was, however, doubtless organized prior to or about the year 1800, as Mr. 
John Collins, \\ho had been a member fifty-four years, said he has known of 
its existence seventy-five years. The society fomierly worshiped in the old 
meeting-house, now the town house. It subse(]uently occupied the Free-Will 
Baptist and Union churches one-fourth of the time. 

The Free-Will Baptist Church was organized June 17, 1820. Until 1841 
the service of preaching was rendered chiefly by itinerant ministers. From 
that year the pastors have been Revs. Joseph Fullonton, W. P. Merrill, 
T. Kimball, J. Blore, P. S. Burbank. M. \V. Burlingamc. M. Cole. P. S. Bur- 
bank a second time, and J. A. Lowell. In the year 1832 the church and 
society erected their house of worship in the southern part of the town. 
Previous to that year the church had worshiped chiefly in private houses.. 
Rev. A. C. Keith' is the present minister and the Free Baptist is the only 



274 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

church in Danville that has a settled minister. 

The Univcrsalist Church. — The Universalist Church in this town was 
organized in May, 1850. The first society of the kind here was organized 
May 2, 1832, the town at that time being known as "Hawke." This first 
society, having neglected to hold a meeting in 1849, ceased to exist, and the 
present one began the year following. Preaching was had regularly except 
during one year (1858), when Rev. J. H. Shepherd supplied the pulpit 
every eighth Sunday. 

Congregational Cliiirch. — It is not known when a church originated here, 
but it is supposed to have been previous to the settlement of a pastor. 

The first pastor was Rev. John Page, who was ordained December 21, 
1763. and remained until his death, January 29, 1783. 

Military Record. — The following is a list of those who enlisted from 
this town during the late Rebellion, furnished by Adjutant-General Ayling: 

Josiah T. Blaisdell, Company B, 3d Regiment; enlisted August 22, 1861 ; 
discharged August 2^, 1864. Samuel C. Blaisdell, Company B, 3d Regi- 
ment; enlisted August 22, 1861 ; discharged August 2^1, 1864. Harris C. 
Hall, Company B, 3d Regiment; enlisted August 22, 1861 ; re-enlisted Feb- 
ruary 22, 1864; died June 18, 1864. Ephraim C. Currier, ist lieutenant 
Company K, 4th Regiment; enlisted September 20, 1861 ; promoted to cap- 
tain January 17, 1862; died Augu.st 12, 1862. Charles R. Wright, Company 
H, 4th Regiment; enlisted December 26, 1863; discharged June 13, 1865. 
John H. Sargent, Company K, 5th Regiment; enlisted October 12, 1861. 
John P. Spofford, Company K, 5th Regiment; enlisted October 12, 1861 ; 
died of disease July 20, 1862. James Holding, 5th Regiment; enlisted 
August 19, 1864; supposed to have deserted en route to regiment. Sewell 
Eastman. Company B, 5th Regiment; enlisted August 11, 1863; discharged 
June 28, 1865. Charles Bruce, Company F, 5th Regiment; enlisted August 
9, 1864; deserted October 12, 1864. John Roarke, 5th Regiment; enlisted 
August 18, 1864; supposed to have deserted en route to regiment. David 
B. Currier, ist lieutenant Company B, 7th Regiment; enlisted November i, 
1861 ; resigned April 28, 1862. Theodore Burke, Company I, 7th Regiment; 
enlisted December 29, 1863; discharged July 18, 1865. Thomas Bluer, 
Company I, 7th Regiment; enlisted December 29, 1863; absent, sick, July 20, 
1865; no discharge furnished. David Nichols, Company B, 7th Regiment; 
enlisted November i, 1861 ; re-enlisted February 28. 1864; deserted May 20, 
1864; gained from desertion June 5, 1864; absent, sick, July 20, 1865; no 
discharge furnished. Calvin B. Griffin, Company H, 8th Regiment; enlisted 
December 20, 1861 ; discharged April 10, 1862. Charles N. Godfrey, Com- 
pany G, nth Regiment; enlisted December 19, 1863; died July 19, 1864. 
Michael Maloney, Company K, nth Regiment; enlisted December 22, 1863; 
transferred to 6th Regiment June i, 1865; discharged July 17, 1865. Charles 
Williams, Company C, nth Regiment; enlisted August 21, 1862; discharged 
June 6, 1865. Alonzo Ferrin, Company E, nth Regiment; enhsted August 
29, 1862; discharged March 16, 1863. Peter Stacy. Company G, nth Regi- 
ment; enlisted December 23, 1863; died May i, 1864. Bernard Brady, 
Company K. 12th Regiment; enlisted December 17, 1863; transferred to 
U. S. N. April 29, 1864. William Murphy, Company K, 12th Regiment; 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 275 

enlisted December 17, 1S63. George W. March, Company D, 14th Regi- 
ment; enlisted September 23, 1862; discharged December 3, 1864. Albe O. 
Buzzell, Company K, 15th Regiment: enlisted October 16, 1862; discharged 
August 13, 1863. Hiram French, Company K, 15th Regiment; enlisted 
October 16, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. Charles \V. Griffin, cor- 
poral Company K, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 16, 1862; discharged 
August 13, 1863. Lendon C. Buzzell, Company K, 15th Regiment; enlisted 
October 16, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. Moses Griffin, Company K, 
15th Regiment; enlisted October 16, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. 
Obadiah O. Johnson, Company K, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 16, 1862; 
discharged August 13, 1863. James M. Ladd, Company K, 15th Regiment; 
enlisted October 16, 1862; discharged January 20, 1863. Josiah T. Ladd, 
Company K, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 21, 1862. John Matthew, 
Company K, 15th Regiment; enlisted Octoljer 31, 1862. Lewis G. Tucker, 
Company K, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 29, 1862; discharged August 
13, 1863. Lendon C. Buzzell, Company C, i8th Regiment; enlisted Sep- 
tember 13, 1864; discharged June 10, 1865. Franklin P. Woods, Company 
D, i8th Regiment; enlisted September 13, 1864; promoted to corporal; 
discharged June 10, 1865. Thomas Cobridge, Company L, ist Cavalry; 
enlisted August 11, 1863; discharged July 15, 1865. Andrew B. Clifford, 
Company I, ist Cavalry; enlisted March 28, 1865; discharged July 15, 1865. 
Joseph Aver}', Company I, ist Cavalry; enlisted March 28, 1865; discharged 
July 15, 1865. William Wills, enlisted August 16, 1864; organization and 
other facts unknown. Patrick Kelley. marine; enlisted August 6, 1864; no 
record at this office. Daniel Lang, marine; enlisted August 13, 1864; no 
record at this office. Thomas Kelley, marine; enlisted August 5, 1864; no 
record at this office. William McCrillis; enlisted August 17, 1864; organiza- 
tion and other facts unknown. Hugh McClark; enlisted August 13, 1864; 
organization and other facts unknown. Hans P. S. Peterson, enlisted August 
27, 1S64; organization and other facts unknown. James Holden, enlisted 
August 19, 1864; organization and other facts unknown. Fred. M. Daniel- 
son, enlisted August 30. T864; organization and other facts unknown. 

The Danville Public Library was started with 130 books on its shelves 
in 1892 in a room in the town hall, and in 1906 had increased to 1,152 vol- 
umes, and to i,8oo.in 1913. P. F. Collins is the librarian. To accommodate 
North Danville, cards are left and books are sent to the postoffice in that 
village. 

The societies are: Danville Grange. P. of H. ; Woman's Relief Corps; 
Rockingham Lodge. A. O. L'. W. 



CHAPTER XXIII 

DEERFIELD 

Gcofjrapliical — Tof^ographical — Petition for Parish Incorporation — First 
Town-Mcetinij — The Rcz'olntion — Ecclesiastical — The Deerfielil Acadony 
— Early Paniilies — Delec/ates to Provincial Congress — Pnblic Library. 

Deerfield lies in the northwestern part of the county, and is bounded as 
follows: On the north by Northwood, on the east by Nottingham, on the 
south by Raymond and Candia, and on the west by ]\Ierrimac County. T!ie 
population is 917. 

The territory embraced within the bounds of the present town of Deer- 
field originally comprised a portion of Nottingham. The first petition for the 
organization of a separate parish was presented in 1756, but was not granted. 
In 1765 the inhabitants again petitioned for separation from the parent town 
and the prayer was granted, and the new parish took the name of Deerfield. 

Incorporation. — The act cyf' incorporation bears the date January 8, 1766, 
and is signed bj' Gov. Benning W'entwo'rth. The petition was signed by the 
following persons : "Samll Leavitt, Obadiah Marston, Thos Simpson. Eliph- 
elet Griffeen, Abraham True, Isaac Shepard. Samuel Tilton, Peter Batch- 
elder, Robert Cram, Patten Simpson, Nathaniel Batchelder. Jr., Thomas 
Brown, John Batchelder. Moses Thomson, Samll Ho\-t. Peter Leavitt, 
Ephraim Pettingell, Eliphelet Marston, Theo Griffin. Reuben Marston, Ben- 
jamin Cotton, Josiah Smith, Samuel Elkins, Jude Allen, John cram, Samuel 
Kelley, W'adleigh cram. Samll Leavit. Junr, Samuel Marston, Reuben Brown. 
Nathan Griffeen, Reuben Marston. Theophilus Grififin, Junr, Samuel W'inslow, 
Nathaniel Meloon, Benjamin Page. Daniel Page. Samuel Perkins. Josiah 
Chase. Moses Chase. John Gile. neniiah cram. Joseph Graves. Jedediah Pres- 
cutt. David Batchelder. Josiah Prescutt. Samuel Pulsfer. Josiah Sanbon. 
Thomas Robie. \\'illiam Sanbon. Joseph Mason. John mason. Jeremiah Eas- 
man. Owen Runnels. Daniel West. Benjamin hilyard. Benjamin Beachelder. 
Israel Clifford. John Robinson. Joseph Roberd. Joshua 'S'oung. Jeremiah 
Glidden. Joseph pidkins. Ricard Gliden. Andrew Glidden. John Young. Jona- 
than Glidden. Jonathan Hill. Daniel Lad. John Lad. Nathaniel Smith. Benja- 
min Folsom. Moss Thirston. Jeremiah Foslom. Moses Clough. Increse 
Batchelcr, Benjamin Batchelder. natlian Batcheler. Josiah Sawyer. Samuel 
marston. 

The First Tozi'ii-Meeting. — The first legal meeting was held at the house 
of Samuel Leavitt on Thursday, the 30th day of January, 1766; Wadleigh 
Cram was chosen moderator; Thomas Simpson. Esq.. parish clerk; .Samuel 
Leavitt. John Robinson. Eliphalet Griffin, selectmen ; Benjamin Batchelder, 

276 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 279 

constable; Jolin Gile, Jacob Longfellow, Daniel Ladd, Obediah Marston, and 
Nathaniel Maloon, surveyors of highways: Jonathan Glidden and Samuel 
Tilton, assessors; Abram True and Jeremiah Eastman, auditors; Jedediah 
Prescott, Jeremiah Eastman, Samuel Tilton, Benjamin Folsom, Thomas 
Burleigh, Capt. Samuel Leavitt, Thomas Simpson were chosen "a Committee 
to look out for a Suitable Place to Sett a meeting-house upon and a Return 
att the next anual Meeting from under the major part of their hands and the 
Same to be received or Rejected by the Parish as they Shall think proper." 

Fifteen pounds lawful money were voted to be "assessed to defray parish 
charges." 

The first annual meeting was held "at the house of W'adleigh Crams," 
March i8, 1766, when John Robinson was chosen moderator; Thomas Simp- 
son, parish clerk ; and the same men for selectmen at last year ; Dr. Jonathan 
Hill and Jeremiah Eastman were chosen auditors. 

A new committee was raised for locating the meeting-house. "\'oted 
Jno Robinson, Abram True, Eliphalet Eastman, Samuel Winslow, Nehemiah 
Cram be a Committee to Look out a Suitable place for to Sett a meeting-house 
on and Look out where the Roads will best accommodate to Come to Said 
Meeting-house." 

The first money voted to be raised for preaching the gospel was fifteen 
pounds, on the 15th day of December, 1766. At the same time it was voted, 
"That Capt. John Dudley be the Person to Look out for Some Suitable to 
supply the I'arish of Deerfield with Preaching So far as the money above votefl 
shall Extend." 

Tlic Rcz'oliitioii. — Deerfield was active in its opposition to British oppres- 
sion, contributed liberally in men and money. It appears that men from Deer- 
field gallantly fought at Lexington and in Rhode Island, and wherever New- 
England men were found struggling for liberty. The names of eighteen 
persons from this town wlio died in the Revolution are preserved. For names 
of Deerfield soldiers that served in the Revolution see Northwood and Not- 
tingham. It is believed that Maj. John Simpson fired the, first gun upon the 
British with fatal result in that immortal battle at Bunker Hill. It was a 
premature discharge of his musket, but one that was immediately followed 
by a general engagement. Major Simpson died October _'8, 1825. Joseph 
Mills, an officer in Colonel Cilley's regiment during the Revolution, was 
afterwards an efficient magistrate and a worthy representative. He died in 
June, 1809, aged sixty years. Hon. Richard Jenness, who acted so important 
a part in the early history of this town, died July 4, 1819, aged seventy-three 
years, greatly respected as a magistrate, representative, senator, and judge of 
the Common Pleas Court. 

One hundred and thirty-nine of the inhabitants subscribed to the follow- 
ing declaration and fourteen refused : "We, the Subscribers, do hereby 
solemnly engage and promise that we will to the utmost of our power, at 
the risk of our lives and fortunes, with arms oppose the hostile proceedings 
of the Briti.sh Fleets and Armies against the United .\merican Colonics." 

Ecclesiastical. — The first religious services in the town were held by the 
Congregationalists, and the first settled pastor was Rev. Timothy L'phani, 
who officiated in tliat office from 1772 until his death in r8i i. His succes.sors 



280 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

have been as follows: Rev. Nathaniel Wells, 1812-41 ; Rev. Ephraim Nelson, 
1841-49; Rev. William A. Patten, 1850-52; (for three years the pulpit was 
sup])lie(l by Rev. W. A. Forbes and E. F. Abbott) ; Rev. U. W. Condit, 1855- 
64: Rev. Lyman White succeeded the second ministry of Mr. Patton, com- 
mencing his labors in 1874. Rev. Mr. WJiite graduated from Dartmouth in 
1846; at Andover in 1849; preached at Epping five years, at Easton (Mass.) 
seven' years, at Phillipston (Mass.) eight years, at Pembroke (N. H.) four 
years and a half. Mr. White was pastor till October, 1882. His successors 
have been as follows: J. A. Kingsbury. 1884-7: Frank Mansfield, 1888-9; 
O. M. Lord, 1891-3; Tilton G. H. Bouton. 1894-6: J. G. Emerson, January, 
1897 to March, 1907, illness: Sam'l Bell, 1897-1900: Geo. F. Bradford. 1900- 
4: J. F. Babb, 1909-13: Chalmers Holbrook, June, 1913. present pastor. 

There is a Baptist Church here but has been closed since the coming of 
Mr. Babb in 1909, many of the people feeling that it was better to support one 
well than starve two. 

Baf'tist Church. — This church was organized in 1770 with fourteen mem- 
bers. The first pastor was Elifelet Smith. It was disbanded in 1787. A 
i)ranch of the Brentwood Church was organized soon after, which subse- 
(|U(.-ntly became extinct, and in 1816 (September 12th) the "First Baptist 
Church of Deerfield" was organized. 

The first house of worship occupied by the Baptists was built 1770. and 
located about one mile and a half southeast of the center of the town. In 
1822 it was removed to the center and occupied in connection with the Free- 
Will Baptists, and was called the "Union Meeting-House." The Baptists 
completed and dedicated their sanctuary in October. 1834. 

Among those who have occupied the pastoral office are mentioned Revs. 
James Barnaby, Isaac Merring, Bela \\'ilcox, Igaac Sanger. O. O. Stearns, 
Noah Hooper. James N. Chase. L. C. Stevens. Edward T. Lyford. Oliver 
Ayer. Henry O. Walker, etc. 

Frcc-U'ill Baptist Clmrch. — This church was organized in 1799. They 
worshiped many years in the LTnion meeting-house, which was burned in 1839, 
and rebuilt in 1840 by the Free-Will Baptist people alone, and is occupied by 
them now. This house is pleasantly located at the center of the town, midway 
between the Congregational and Calvin Baptist churches. 

Among those who have labored as pastors of this church are John Kimball, 
S. B. Dyer, I. S. Davis, G. D. Garland, P. S. Burbank, C. S. Smith, Aaron 
Ayer. Ezra Turtle. G. S. Hill. Ira Emery and E. Blake. 

The Dccrficld Academy. — The families that settled here and on lands con- 
tiguous were to an unusual degree possessed of wealth and intellectual cul- 
ture : and besides caring for the district school, they supported a high school, 
which for many years was known as the academy, founded about 179S by 
Joseph Mills, Esq., Col. Joseph Hilton, Gen. Benjamin Butler, Maj. Isaac 
She])ard. and Andrew Freeze, Esq. It was a flourishing school in its day. 
Phineas Howe, a young lawyer at the Parade, was its first preceptor, and 
continued at its head until about 181 2. Mr. Jewett, Nathan T. Hilton, and 
"Master James Husey" were the most prominent successors of Mr. Howe. 

This academy building was ultimately sold to the Parade school district. 
and destroyed by fire about 1842. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 281 

Attorneys. — Among the attorneys who have practiced here were David 
Frank, Edmund Toppem, Phineas Howe, Moody Kent, Josiah Butler, Jason 
Merrill,. N. P. Hoar, D. Steele, Jr., F. H. Davis, Josiah Houghton, Ira St. 
Clair, .Nathaniel Dearborn and H. G. Cilley 

In addition to the above, Francis D. Randall, of Deerfield, was register 
of deeds from 1834 to 1840. 

Richard Jenness was judge of Court of Common Pleas from 1809 to 181 3. 

Dudley Freese was judge of Court of Common Pleas from 1832 to 1842. 

Benjamin Jenness was sheriff from 1830 to 1835. He was son of Judge 
Richard Jenness. 

Peter Chadwick was clerk of the Court of Common Pleas from 1S17 to 
1834, and clerk of the Superior Court from 1829 to 1837. 

Peter Sanborn was for several years state treasurer. 

Physicians. — The physicians of Deerfield have been Edmund Chadwick, 
Thomas Brown, Stephen Brown, John Hidden, Dr. Young, and Dr. G. H. 
Towle. 

Early Families. — Among the early families are mentioned those of 
Batchelder, Bean, Brown, Butler, Gate, Chadwick, Chase, Churchill, Cilley, 
Collins, Cram,, Currier, Dearborn, Eastman, Freese, French, Furnald, Ger- 
rish, Gilman, Griffin, Haines, Hilton, Hoag, James, Jenness, Maloon, Marston, 
Mills, Moore, Page, Prescott, Rand, Sanborn. Sawyer, Simpson, Smith, 
Stevens, G. H. Towle, Thompson, Tilton, True, Veasey, Weare, Whittier, 
White and Woodman. 

Delegates to Profiiicial Co}igress. — The following is a list of delegates 
to Provincial Congress from 1774 to 1788, inclusive: 

1774, January 25. — Capt. Daniel JNIoore, Moses IMarshal, deputies to meet 
at Exeter to choose delegates to represent the province at Philadelphia. 

1775, May 8. — Simon Marston. Timothy Upham, delegates to Provincial 
Congress at Exeter. 

1775, December 12. — Jeremiah Eastman, representative for parishes of 
Deerfield and Northwood to a Congress to be held at Exeter, December 

21, 1775- 

1776, December 2. — Jeremiah Eastman, representative for Deerfield and 
Northwood, at Exeter, third \Vednesday, December. 

1777, December 11. — Jeremiah Eastman, representative for Deerfield and 
Northwood. at Exeter. 

1778, May 28. — Simon Marston, Richard Jenness, delegates at convention 
to be holden at Concord, June loth next, to frame and lay a permanent form 
of government. 

1778, December i. — Jeremiah Eastman, representative to Congress at 
Exeter, for one year. 

1779, November 30. — Jeremiah Eastman, rei>resentative to Congress at 
Exeter, for one year. 

1780, December 5. — Simon Marston, representative to Congress at Exeter, 
for one year. 

1 78 1, December 4. — Jeremiah Eastman, representative for Deerfield and 
Northwood. 



282 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

1782, May 13. — Joseph , Dr. Edmund Chadwick, delegates to Con- 
vention at Concord on the first Wednesday in June to frame a constitution. 

17S3, December i. — Jeremiah Eastman, representative to General Assem- 
bly, Concord, first Wednesday in December next. 

1784. — Jeremiah Easton, representative to General Assembly, Concord, 
third Wednesday in June. 

1785. — Moses Barnard, representative to General Assembly, Concord. 

1786. — Moses Barnard, representative to (ieneral Assembly. Concord. 

1787. — Voted not to send. 

1788, January 14. — Dr. Edmund Chadwick, delegate to Exeter, February 
13th, agreeably to request of General Assembly. 

1788, March 18. — Richard Jenness, representative General Assembly at 
Concord. 

The Philbrkk-J allies Library at Deerfield was established December 18, 
1880. It is a free public library, although it did not receive state aid. It is 
located in the town house and has over four thousand volumes on its shelves. 
It is soon to move into a new building of its own to cost about eight thousand 
dollars. The first donors were Hon. Frederick P. James of New York, a 
native of the town and Hon. John D. Philbrick also a native of Deerfield who 
soon after left a large amount and the library was named the Philbricl<- 
James. Carroll E. Legro is the librarian. 

The Societies are the Jere E. Chadwick Post, G. A. R. ; Woman's Relief 
Corps ; Umon Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; Silver Lake Rebekah Lodge ; Deerfield 
Grange, P. of H. ; Progressive Grange, P. of H. For eminent lawyers, see 
Bench and Bar Chapter. 



CHAPTER XXIV 

DERRY 

Geographical — The Acailcniics — The Banks — Derry Fair — Military Record — 
750//! Anniversary — 77/f Press — Public Library — Ecclesiastical History. 

As the territory of Derry formed a large and important part of "Xut- 
field." or Old Londonderry, its history, down to the time when division became 
a necessity, is to be found in connection with that town. Derry was incor- 
porated July 2. 1827. Prior to that time the town-meetings had been held 
alternately at the East and West Parish Meeting-houses with ecjual division 
of the offices. It was found, however, that the large size of the town made 
it very inconvenient to attend the town-meetings. The East Parish therefore 
called for a division, the West opposed it; but after a short, sharp, but decisive, 
contest the New Hampshire Legislature divided the town. In the autumn of 
1827 a meeting was held, officers were chosen, and the new town put upon its 
course. The basis of division gave to Derry three-fifths of the valuation 
of the old town and three-fifths of the population. The number of inhabit- 
ants in Derry at that time was about twenty-two hundred. The population 
by the 1910 census was 5,123. It is the largest town in Rockingham County. 

It is an hour's ride by train from Boston and many of its residents com- 
mute daily. The distance from Manchester is twenty minutes. There are ten 
trains to Boston daily, and trolley connections are with East Derry, Beaver 
Lake, Chester, Londonderry. Manchester, Nashua, and by the two latter 
points with practically all New England. 

The principal industry is the manufacture of shoes. For years, in fact, 
since the town first l)egan to develop more than a generation ago, it has been 
a shoe town, known as such far and wide. At present there are five big 
shops with 1,800 employes and nearly seven acres of floor space. 

There are turned out every working day more than twenty thousand pairs 
of shoes from the Derry shops. Assuming that every man. woman and child 
gets a new pair of shoes every three months, the shops of Derry would be able 
to keep shod four states the size of New Hampshire. 

Street railway service is by the Derry and Chester Street Railway, which 
is one of the smallest independent railways in the country. It operates only 
between Derry Village, East Derry, Bea\er Lake and terminates in Chester. 

The public school system is strictly up to state standards. The schools 
were among the first to be graded years ago, and the development of the 
system recently has been under the earful suwrvision of a superintendent 
of schools. Instead of a high .school the town has Pinkerton Academy, one 

28:i 



284 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of the oldest and best known private institutions of higher education in the 
state. 

While Pinkerton Academy is governed by private trustees, the town has 
an arrangement with the board whereby any graduate of the common schools 
of Derry may attend the academy just as soon as he or she would an ordinary 
high school. The tuition fees are paid by the town. 

Pinkerton Academy. — Pinkerton Academy has been in successful opera- 
tion since 1815, the year following its incorporation. It was named for Alaj. 
John Pinkerton and Elder James Pinkerton, "old-time merchants of London- 
derry," who gave an endowment sufficient to assure the permanence of the 
school during the first seventy years of its existence. 

John M. Pinkerton. a son of one of the original founders, at his death in 
1 88 1 left a munificent beciuest which became available in 1886 and enabled 
the trustees to increase the facilities in respect to buildings, apparatus and 
number of instructors, and to provide for an enlarged and advanced form 
of work. 

The Pinkerton Alemorial Tablets placed in 1906 in the outer vestibule 
of the main building were designed by Daniel Chester French and the inscrip- 
tions arranged by President Charles \\'. Eliot of Harvard University read 
as follows : 

'Tn memory of Maj. John Pinkerton, 1736-1816, and Elder James Pinker- 
ton, 1747-1829, old-time country merchants of Londonderry, whose far- 
sighted beneficence in 1814 made this institution. 

"In memory of John Morrison Pinkerton, 1818-81, a native of London- 
derry, Alumnus of Yale and lawyer in Boston, whose generous becjuest in 
1881 strengthened the good work begun here by his uncle and father." 

The act of incorporation was secured by the name of the Pinkerton 
Academy in Londonderry. This name was afterward changed to Pinkerton 
Academy. 

The trustees named and appointed by the act of incoriwration were "the 
Rev. William Morrison, John Pinkerton, Jr., Escjuire, John Burnham, 
Esquire, Isaac Thom, Esquire, Deacon James Pinkerton, Re\'. Edward L. 
Parker, John Porter, Esquire, Alanson Tucker, Esquire, and Dr. Robert 
Bartley, all of said Londonderry." 

The first president was Elder or Deacon ( for he was called by both titles) 
James Pinkerton, the younger of the original founders. Then followed, in 
1819, Rev. Edward L. Parker, the minister of the East Parish. In 1822, 
Rev. Daniel Dana, then minister of the West Parish, and afterwards presi- 
dent of Dartmouth College. Doctor Dana was succeeded in 1826 by Hon. 
William M. Richardson, of Chester, long the chief justice of the Supreme 
Court of New Hampshire. Rev. John H. Church, D. D., of Pelham, became 
president in 1838, and Rev. Edward L. Parker, the second time, in 1840. 
On the decease of Mr. Parker, in 1850, John Porter, Esq., of Derry, "an 
eminent jurist," was chosen his successor. In 1858, Samuel H. Taylor, 
LL. D.. of Andover, Mass.; in 1871, John M. Pinkerton, Esq., of Boston; 
and in t88i. Rev. Ebenezer G. Parsons, of Derry, w-ere successively elected 
to the office on the demise of their predecessors. 

The first preceptor was Samuel Burnham. Esq., who had been teacher of 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 285 

a classical school many years in the Upper or East Village. Mr. Burnhain 
resigned in iSi8. JMr. Weston B. Adams was preceptor one year, and was 
followed by the most renowned of the teachers who have successively filled 
this chair. Abel Fletcher Hildreth. Mr. Hildreth was born in 1793, fitted for 
college at Phillips' Exeter Academy, and graduated at Harvard in 1818. He 
entered upon his duties as preceptor of the academy in October, 1819, and 
resigned in 1846. He died in Somerville, Mass... October 6. 1864, aged 
seventy-one years. 

Space is not allowed to give the honored names of gentlemen who ha\e 
successively and nobly filled the offices of president, trustees and preceptor in 
this school, nor of the long list of students who have received their earlier 
education here. Several thousands is their number. Very many of them 
have been greatly useful in the dififerent walks of life: a large proportion of 
them have been eminent in the professions or pursuits in which they have 
engaged. One hundred and thirty of them are included in the roll of honor 
reported at the semi-centennial anniversary, which gives the names of former 
members of the school who served in the late war. and of whom many laid 
down their lives for their country. 

Pinkerton Academy was originally a mi.xed school. This arrangement 
continued until the opening of the Adams Female Academy in the Upper \'il- 
lage. now East Derry. It was then changed into a boys' school, and remained 
such till 1853, \\hen it was again opened to both sexes. 

The semi-centennial anniversary of this institution was celebrated Sep- 
tember 12, 1866. by special services commemorative of its founding, history, 
and influence. The citizens of Derr)- antl Londonderry' engaged in it with 
zeal. A great crowd of the memliers and friends were present, including a 
number of those who were members of the school in its earliest years. 

In 1 881 a princely bequest of 8200,000 was made to the funds of the 
academy by John Morrison Pinkerton, Esq.. of Boston, son of the younger 
of the original founders, a trustee since 1850. and president from 1871 until 
his death. 

The academy has liad a long and honorable record as a college prepara- 
tory school. It sends yearly a large luimber of its graduates directly to posi- 
tions of usefulness in the world. 

In September, 1909, several new courses have been added and old ones 
strengthened. While continuing to fit for any college, the academy now 
attemiJts to serve as well the needs of those pupils who cannot go to college 
by providing courses intimately related with the life of the home, the farm, 
the office and the shop. However, the necessity for a broad, general education 
is not forgotten in this more specialized work. The acarlcmy is not. and 
never will be, a trade school. Equal opportunities are provided for all students 
in the pursuit of knowledge of an essentially cultural nature, such as Latin, 
English literature, history and modern languages. 

As set forth in the act of incorj)oration, the academy was established "for 
the purpose of promoting piety and virtue and for the education of the j'outh 
in the liberal arts and sciences of languages." While it is not sectarian, it 
is truly Christian. It is not forgotten that character is more than scholarship, 
that "life is the highest of arts," that education means knowing how to live so 



286 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

as not to fail of life's great end. Daily chapel exercises are so conducted as 
to furnish an incentive to scholarly ideals, true manliness and to purity of 
character. 

The present trustees are: Rev. Robert W. Haskins. Reading. Mass.; 
Rev. John P. Newell, Litchfield; George L. Clark, Esq., Worcester, Alass. ; 
John C. Chase, Esq., Derry; Frank N. Parsons, LL. D., Franklin; Greenleaf 
K. Bartlett, Esq., Boston, Mass.; Perley L. Home, A. M., Honolulu, T. H. ; 
Rev. Charles L. Merriam, Newton, Mass. ; Charles W. Abbott Esq., Derry. 

Officers: Rev. John P. Newell, president; John C. Chase, secretary; Fred- 
erick J. Shepard, treasurer. John J. Marrinan, B. S., principal; George W. 
Bingham, A. M., principal emeritus. 

The library is given more than the usual prominence in the school plan. It 
has been brought to a high state of efficiency as a working library, numbering 
over six thousand volumes' of reference materials and general literature, to 
which additions are made systematically according to the needs of the school. 
It is kept open a large part of each day, and constant recourse is had to its 
shelves in every department of work. Under the instructor in charge, not 
only is reading encouraged, but direction and instruction are given in the right 
use of books. The library room, large and well lighted, has recently gained in 
attractiveness, together with the other rooms of the building, by numerous 
accessions in art, reproductions of famous paintings and casts from the antique. 

The main building was opened for school use September 5, 1887. Its 
arrangements for lighting, heating and ventilation are first class and no pains 
are spared to secure the_ safety, convenience, health and comfort of students 
and teachers. In this building are the chapel, library, laboratories, ofifice and 
five large, well-lighted and well- furnished recitation rooms. The basement 
contains the lavatories, coat rooms, heating apparatus, storage room and work- 
shop. 

The old building, dating Ijack to 181 5, ha\ing been re])aired and re-ar- 
ranged, is now devoted to the departments of domestic science and agriculture. 

In Hildreth Hall, non-resident students are domiciled under the immediate 
charge of one of the faculty. It is named for Abel F. Hildreth, preceptor of 
the school from 1819 to 1846, a man of strong Christian character, who con- 
tributed much to the earlier successes of the school. Two hundred and eleven 
students were enrolled in 19 13. 

Adams Female Academy. — This is the first academy in New Hampshire 
that received incorporation from the Legislature as an institution for the 
education of young ladies alone. They had been allowed the privileges of the 
Piukerton Academy for a few years after its establishment, but when a change 
was made allowing only males to attend the school the citizens thought best 
to have an academy where their daughters as well could get a suitable educa- 
tion. Hence the origin of the Adams Female Academy. .\ classical school 
had been taught for several years previous in a building erected about 1793, 
on the East Parish Meeting-house common, near the cemetery. The first 
teacher in this school was Z. S. Moor, subsequently president of Williams and 
Amherst colleges. His successor was Samuel Burnham, a noted teacher in his 
day, who held the position more than twenty years. In 181 4 a new and larger 
academy was built on the site of the old one, then gone to decay. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 287 

In 1823, upon receiving a bequest of $4,000 from the estate of Jacob 
Adams, the school was incorporated by the name of the "Adams Female 
Academy." The next year it went into operation under charge of Miss Zilpah 
P. Grant, assisted by Miss Mary Lyon. After three years" continuance with 
the school, during which it enjoyed great prosperity, they resigned. Follow- 
ing are the names of the successive teachers : Charles P. Gale, ten years ; John 
Kelley, three years ; Miss Laura W. Dwight, three years. In the winter of 
1841-2 extensive repairs were made upon the building. The next teacher was 
Edward P. Parker, who had charge of the school four years. He was suc- 
ceeded by Miss Alary E. Taylor, afterwards the wife of Governor H. Fair- 
banks, of Vermont : Rev. E. T. Rowe. Henry S. Parker, N. E. Gage, Miss E. 
C. Bubier, A. J. Marshall, Jennie M. Bartlett and Mary A. Hoyt. 

In i860, Miss Emma L. Taylor took charge of the school. She held the 
position seventeen years and was succeeded by Miss E. F. Billings, Miss Carrie 
Clark and Mrs. David S. Clark. The academy celebrated its semi-centennial 
on July I, 1873. The academy is leased by the town of Derry for one of its 
district grammar schools. The building remains unchanged in outside appear- 
ance and the inside is practically the same as it has always been. 



In 18J9 a bank was incorporated in the town by the name of Deny Bank. 
Alanson Tucker was chosen president, and James Thom, cashier. They were 
chiefly instrumental in its organization, and held their positions respectively as 
president and cashier until the expiration of the charter in 184CJ. Mr. Tucker 
was born in Bridgewater, Mass., January 25, 1777, and died at Derry, June 16, 
1863. He was for about seventeen years a successful merchant in Boston, 
Mass. He retired from business at middle life, came to Derry, then London- 
derry, with an ample fortune, and purchased the historic Li vermore- Prentice- 
Derby estate, upon which he resided for a time. Subsequently he built the 
large mansion where he passed the closing years of his life. James Thom, 
born in Londonderry, August 14, 1785, was the son of Doctor Isaac and Persis 
(Sargent) Thom. He graduated at Dartmouth in 1805, studied law, and prac- 
ticed his profession in his native town until chosen cashier of the bank. He 
served as captain for a short time of a company during the last war with 
England. He possessed fine conversational powers, a social disposition, and 
had large influence in town. He died November zj, 1852. 

Derry National Bank was chartered in 1864 with $60,000 capital. The 
first cashier was Da\id Currier, from Chester, N. H.. who was succeeded by 
his son, George C. Currier, John P. Xewell, and Fred Johnston Shepard. The 
present officers are: F. J. Shepard, president: J. B. Bartlett, cashier. Direc- 
tors: F. J. Sheppard, J. B. Bartlett, \'. H. Moody, H. .\lexander. G. K. Bart- 
lett, \\'. H. Benson and Chas. r.arlk-tt. The surplus and profits, $15,870 and 
deposits, $265,770. 

The First National Bank was established in 1906. Its capital is $25,000, 
.surplus and profits $4,100 and deposits $63,460. President, F. N. Young; 
cashier, I. H. Weston: directors, C. G. Emerson, L. M. Packer, J. G. Mac- 
Murphy," E. X. Whitney. V. X. N'oung and E. L. Davis. 



288 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Dcrry Saiiiiys Bank was incorporated in 1903. It has total resources of 
$142,252. Volney H. Moody is president and F. J. Sheppard, treasurer. 

The Nuffield Scniiigs Bajik was incorporated in 1905. It has total resources 
of $73,464. John C. Chase is president and J. G. MacMurphy is treasurer. 

Cemetery: — The old part is on land laid out to Rev. James McGregore. 
It was the hrst land in the old town used for burial purposes, and has date 
very near the first settlement. There were deaths shortly after the settlers set 
foot upon the soil, and nothing is known of other places of burial. Three 
additions have been made, one in 1826 and another about 1845, ^"d in 1852 
a cemetery association was formed, and land purchased on the western side of 
the old yard. The new part occupies all the ground between the resting-place 
of the fathers and the highway. No more beautiful repose for the dead can 
anywhere be found. All that art, money, and taste can command has been 
summoned to the task of fitting a place 

"Where the long concourse from the neighboring town. 
With funeral pace, and slow, can enter in. 
To lay the loved in tranquil silence down. 
No more to suffer, and no more to sin." 

It is, however, to the middle part of this cemetery that the steps of the 
antiquary are directed. Here he will find much to gratify his taste and stimu- 
late his peculiar lines of thought. The curiously-carved stones with the quaint 
inscriptions carry him back to the "good old times" so much celebrated in story 
and in song. Let us pause for a moment at the grave of John W' ight, whose 
wit and skill as a maker of headstones for his contemporaries have survived the 
rough discipline of one hundred and seven years. His stone, a single one, 
with two heads for man and wife, with a dividing line down the middle, 
evidently the work of his own. hands, stands very near the entrance of the 
cemetery, "Here lies the body of John Wight, who died December 3, 1775, 
aged seventy-two years." He lived on what is now the Thomas Bradford 
place, where he plied his calling as a gravestone cutter. The traditions of the 
town delight to recall the sharp repartee he made to Dr. Matthew Thornton 
a few months after the doctor came to Londonderry. It is well known that 
Thornton had an endowment of wit that often cropped out. Riding up one 
morning on horseback to the shop of Wight, who was busily engaged on a 
stone, the doctor accosted him, "Good-morning, Mr. Wight, I supix)se you 
quarry out your headstones, and finish them so far as to cut the words Tn 
memory of,' and then wait till some one dies, when you complete it with the 
appropriate name." "Well," replied Wight, "that used to be me practis till 
one Doctor Thornton come to town, but now when I hear that he has called 
upon any one I just keep right on." Many of the grantees of the town are 
buried in this cemetery, and the first six ministers of the East Parish lie among 
the people to whom they ministered. Rev. David McGregor, the first minister 
of the West Parish, found also his last resting-place here. Very few of the 
stones furnish any history of the sleepers who lie beneath. The inscription 
on the stone placed to the memory of the wife of John Barr very nearly fixes 
the date of the emigration of the Barr family : "Here lies the body of Jean 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 289 

Barr, who died November ii, 1737, in the sixty-sixth year of her age, who 
hved seventeen years in this land." On the east side of the old part of the 
cemetery is a stone inscribed as follows : 

"Here lyeth the 

Body of the Re vend 

Mr. James Morton 

Minister of Glasg 

ows daughter Gr 

izel. She died June 

22, 1746." 

Post offices. — The first postoffice was established September 30, 1795, and 
Dr. Isaac Thorn appointed postmaster. He kept the office in the hoiise^aken 
down by Hon. William H. Shepard, at the time he built his house; February 
20, 1817, the office was removed to Derry Lower Village, on the turnpike and 
Daniel Wiltmore was appointed postmaster. 

Postoffice at Derry Depot. — The first postoffice "set up" at this place was 
on the 1 8th of September, 1854, Samuel H. Quincy, postmaster. The office 
was discontinued February 6, 1855, but restored November 5, i860, and the 
Hon. James Priest appointed postmaster. He kept the office at the depot of 
the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad. July 21, 1869, ^t was removed across 
the road to the store of Henry E. Eastman, who was postmaster until the 
appointment of George S. Rollins, June 2, 1876. 

East Derry Postoffice. — This office was established, and Frank W. Parker 
appointed postmaster, April 7, 1870. 

Derry Fair. — This in its day was a matter of great importance to the 
people, and until it fell into abuse was of much service before stores had been 
"set up" for the public accommodation. It had its origin in the charter, which 
granted the "privilege every Wednesday in the week forever to enjoy a 
market for the selling and buying of goods, etc." Also two fairs annually, one 
in the spring and the other in the autumn. It does not appear that much 
account was ever made of these privileges except the last, which was held on 
the 8th day of October annually, unless that day fell on Sunday, in which case 
the fair began on Monday, the 9th. Many are the sayings and doings told of 
Derry Fair. Beside the usual accompaniments of such gatherings, horse-racing 
was the favorite pastime. The fair was continued until about 1834 or 1835, 
when it was transferred to the tavern stand of Capt. Reuben White, in the 
north part of Londonderry, he claiming a right to hold a fair under the pro- 
visions of the charter. Nothing but evil resulting from it, the citizens of Lon- 
donderry procured a repeal of that part of the town's charter relating to the 
matter, and "Derry Fair" passed into history. 

Derrv East Village. — This place, for many years the most important part 
of the old township, has never lost the beauty of its immediate situation or its 
surroundings, although Inisiness has sought more convenient localities. From 
here the eye takes in a j^rospect that won the admiration of General Lafayette 
at his visit in 1824. The view extends from Kearsarge on the north, and 
sweeping over the vally of the Merrimac. includes the lesser summits of the 



290 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Unconoonocks in Goffstown, the historic Jo English hill in New Boston, and 
the loftier heights of the Temple and Peterborough Mountains, to the W'achu- 
sett, in Massachusetts, on the south. It is here we find the town hall, the 
Taylor Library, the first church on the hill, and the burial-place of the old and 
later generations ; and around here cluster many of the memories and tradi- 
tions of the fathers. The beauty of the place and the high character of the 
people invite the stranger from abroad during the summer months. 

Derry Village. — There were but few houses in this village prior -to the 
incorporation of the Londonderry turnpike in 1804, and but little business was 
transacted. The turnpike was built soon after the charter was granted, and 
immediately thereafter stores were erected and various kinds of business gravi- 
tated there, so that in a few years the village became a center of considerable 
importance. Jonathan Bell, son of Hon. John Bell, had some years before 
kept a store in a building which then stood in front of the Thornton house. 
In 1806, James and Peter Patterson, of the West Parish, built a store in which 
they traded a few years. They were succeeded by Peter Patterson and Capt. 
William Choate, and they again by the Nesmiths — Thomas, John and Colonel 
James. This store was the residence of Mrs. William Butterfield. No store in 
its day was better known that that of Adams & Redfield, built about 1810. 
A very large and profitable trade was carried on by them for several years. 
As an illustration how modern ways have supplanted the old, it may be stated 
that all of their heavy goods, such as salt, molasses and rum, were brought 
from Boston to Lowell by way of the Middlesex Canal, and thence up the 
Merrimac River by boat to a landing below Thornton's Ferry, and thence 
across the sands and through the woods of Litchfield ten miles to the store. 
Col. Samuel Adams was a man of note in his day. He was born in Newbury, 
Mass., April 2, 1779, came to Londonderry with his father when ([uite young, 
and died there September 12, 1861. The village has always enjoyed the 
services of the physician and the lawyer. In the past generations Dr. Matthew 
Thornton, a hundred years gone by, and in later years Dr. Luther V. Bell held 
high prominence. Dr. James H. Crombie and Dr. David S. Clark are now 
in successful practice. Hon. John Porter, born in Bridgewater. Mass., Feb- 
ruary 26, 1776, a graduate of Dartmouth in 1803, a resident of Derry from 
1806 till his death, December 4, 1857, held high rank as a connselor-at-law. 
He was many years a member of the House of Representatives, and in 1827-8 
he served on the commission that revised the laws of New Hampshire. Hon. 
David A. Gregg, nearly a lifelong resident of the village, was held in high 
esteem as a lawyer and a citizen. 

Derry Depot. — Before the construction of the Londonderry turnpike the 
business'center of the town was on the hill in the East Parish, there were the 
leading hotels and stores, and there the postoffice. If any of the townspeople 
were unfortunate enough to need a ]:)hysician, a law^'er, or a sheriff, all these 
were to be found within the limits of what is now East Derry Village. But 
the turnpike changed all this, and the lower village became the center. In 
like manner measural)ly has business been diverted to Derry Depot by the 
building of the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad, which opened November 
13, 1849. The land occupied by the western part of the village was laid out 
in 1722 "to lohn McClurg, Elizabeth Wilson, and Mary, her daughter"; 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 291 

other portions to William Ayres, James .\lexander, and Joim Goffe. At the 
time the railroad went into operation there was but one house between the 
dwelling of Alfred Boyd, on the east, and that of Jonathan (now John) 
Holmes, on the west, near the brook. 

In due time after the cars commenced running, Benjamin Eastman, a resi- 
dent of East Derry, and a man of remarkable capacity for business, erected a 
hotel and the large store of L. H. & W. S. I'illsbury, which were destroyed 
by hre. August 19, 1882. Air. Eastman also built the extensive shoe manu- 
factory of Col. \V. S. Pillsbury. August 19, 1882, a fire in the heart of the 
village destroyed property to the amount of about seventy-five thousand dollars. 
The buildings burned were the hotel of A. B. Smith, in which the fire began, 
the store owned by A. P. Hardy and W. S. Pillsbury, the store of Smith & 
Rollins, the depot of the Manchester and Lawrence Railroad, and several other 
places of business. Several houses were burned, and fourteen families made 
homeless. 

The Milk Biisiiwss. — This is carried on by H. P. Hood & Sons, is extensive, 
and is the source of nnich prosperity to Derry. Londonderry, and Windham. 

M1LIT.\RY 

Mexican Jl'ar. — There were two Derry men in this war: John G. Bond 
and Hiram Rowell. The former, whose health was broken down in the 
service, died at Concord, N. H., in 1876. 

Derry in tlic Rebellion, 1861-65. — This town, like most New Hampshire 
towns, promptly responded to the call of the Lnited States Government for 
troops, and all through the unhappy contest contributed its full share of means 
and men. The first year of the war about thirty men volunteered in the service 
of the I'nited States. In August, 1862, the town sent ten men, paying each 
$200 bounty. Under the draft of August 11, 1863, Derry paid each of the 
drafted men $300. October 17, 1863, twenty-two men were enlisted, costing 
the town $13, 2"7(). February, 1864. thirteen volunteers were paid $2,502, and 
three were drafted, who received $900. July 18, 1864. nineteen three years' 
men were "put in," at the cost of $11,400, one two years' man, $600, and 
thirteen one year men, at an expense of $6,000. December 19. i86j. the town 
paid $7,350 for seventeen enlisted men, making in all 114 men, at the aggre- 
gate cost of $48,828. 

Roll of men who enlisted ; In the First Regiment New Hampshire Volun- 
teer Infantry, three months' mefl. Colonel Tappan, were Melvin Chase and 
Frank .\. Flint, who were mustered in May 2, 1861, and mustered out .\ugust 
9, 1861 : Marian P. Clark and William J. Bassett, mustered in May 3, 1861, 
and out August 9. i86t. 

Fourth Regiment. Col. Louis Bell: Nathaniel H. Brown, captain, com- 
missioned September 20, 1861 ; resigned October 6, 1862. John Christie, 
George W Carr, Albion K. Goodwin, George S. Greenough, Joseph Johnson, 
Louis' Londean. Horace Tilton. Horace F. Abbott, Joseph Anderson. Patrick 
Colbert, Thomas Grimes, James Kane, John G. Oates, Robert Wellington. John 
S. Lovering. Charles M. Ordway, and George E. Fitch, captured at Drury's 
Bluff. Mav"i6, 1864: A. D. W. Emerson. 



292 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Fifth Regiment, Colonel Cross: William \V. Cook, major, commissioned 
September 24, 1861 ; resigned July 17, 1862. Edwin Brickett, died of disease 
June 2, 1864. Isaac L. Gardner, wounded June 17, 1864. John Otto. Nehe- 
miah Robinson, wounded June 3, 1864. 

Sixth Regiment, Colonel Griffin: Isaiah A. Dustin, honorably discharged 
May 17, 1864. George E. Upton, first lieutenant, killed near Petersburg, Va., 
July 30, 1864. Charles Bodwell. Benjamin D. Foster, killed at Bull Run, 
Va., August 29, 1862. Issachar O. Foster, wounded June 24, 1864. Dwight 

E. Hale, Charles Black, Daniel Drew, John \V. Law, Charles Miller, and 
James Flanders. 

Seventh Regiment, Colonel Abbott : William A. Hill, first lieutenant, 
wounded June 18, 1864. Thomas Simington. 

Eighth Regiment, Colonel Fearing: Thomas S. Dustin, died at Baton 
Rouge, La., January 19, 1863. Stephen Mills, Warren P. Home, George 
McKenny. James W. Novell, died at Baton Rouge, La., April 14, 1863. 
George F. Boyd, Matthew Senter, J. D. Morse. 

Ninth Regiment, Colonel Fellows: George W. Randall, Charles Laroni, 
Alexander Morrison, Lafayette Decker, John H. McGibbon, Nelson Foster. 

Tenth Regiment, Colonel Donohoe : J. T. G. Dinsmore, Jr. David H. 
Adams, died at Falmouth, Va., January 18, 1863. Decatur McCarter. 

Eleventh Regiment, Colonel Harriman : J. Charles Currier, captain ; 
Henry G. Dillenback, Charles L. Reynolds, Charles R. Rogers, Edward 
Armond, James Blake, J. C. Barron, Thomas McGuire, J. McGovern, James 
Parker, Michael Sorhew. 

Twelfth Regiment, Colonel Potter : Robert W. McMurphy, Adam Debas, 

F. Markhoff, Andrew J. Goodwin. 

Thirteenth Regiment, Colonel Stevens : Col. Aaron F. Stevens was born 
in Derry. He was commissioned colonel August 26, 1862, having served as 
major in the first N. H. Regiment. He was wounded June i, 1864, and 
again, severely, September 29. 1864. Marcellus C. Shattuck. Tenny Major, 
John H. Parker. 

.Seventeenth Regiment. Colonel Kent : George O. Everett. 

Eighteenth Regiment : John Bowiey, George E. Merill, William Marshall, 
George Reed. Edgar H. Shepard. The last named was son of Hon. W^ H. 
Shepard, of Derry. He died at Concord, N. H., March 6, 1865. 

New Hampshire Battalion, First Regiment New England Cavalry, Major 
Nelson : William A. McMurphy, Charles B. Radcliff, E. L. Currier. 

First Regiment New Hampshire Cavalry, Colonel Thompson: N. H. 
Brown, captain of Troop F; Henry Forger, Samuel Harvey, John Smith, 
Thomas Tyrie, Warren E. Clark. Alfred Clifton, Frederick Davis, James 
Evans, Frank A. Lincoln, John H. Low, Henry M. Moulton, John R. Moulton, 
Daniel Shattuck, George B. Tuttle, C. F. Whidden, and John E. Webster. 

First Regiment New Hamp.shire Volunteer Heavy Artillery, Colonel Long: 
Daniel Owens, Francis Owens, George Major, Jeremiah Garvin, Charles 
Aldrich, James E. A/Iorrill, Nathan Morse, George R. Barker. Theodore Dins- 
moore, W. K. Hayes, Charles A. Nowell, H. A. G. Storer, Kimball J. Wilson, 
Charles T. Wheeler. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 293 

There were several men from Derry who served in the war, but their names 
are unknown to the writer. 

Enrohment of Derry, April 30, 1865, 155; total of quota under all calls 
for men from July, 1863, 95; total credits by enrollment and draft, loj; sur- 
plus, 7. 

Mr. Daniel G. George, a resident of Derry, enjoys the honor of being 
the man who pulled the lanyard of the torpedo that destroyed the rebel boat 
"Albemarle" cluring the late war. He has received $10,000 from the United 
States Government as a reward for his bravery. He has also a beautiful 
medal, the gift of Government, in acknowledgment of his services. 

Londonderry Celebration. — June 10, 1869, 150 years from the settlement 
of the town, a vast concourse of people from all parts pf the country assembled 
on the plains a few rods east of Derry Depot, and celebrated the occasion with 
feasting, speech and song. Many thousands of the citizens of Old London- 
derry and other towns in the vicinity assembled in a large tent, raised for the 
purpose, and listened to speeches from some of the eminent men of the day. 
Hon. George W. Patterson, of Westfield, N. Y., a native of the town, presided, 
and Hon. Charles H. Bell, of Exeter, N. H., made the leading address. He 
was followed by Hon. James W. Patterson, of Hanover, N. H., Horace 
Greeley, Dr. S. H. Taylor, Hon. E. H. Derby, Gen. Aaron F. Stevens, Rev. 
C. M. Dinsmore, and Hon. A. H. Cragin. 

A little after noon the vast assembly was provided with a generous enter- 
tainment by the ladies of Derry, Londonderry, and Windham. 

It was an occasion of rare enjoyment to all who participated in the serv- 
ices of the day. 

A compilation of the exercises was made by R. C. Mack in a volume of 
124 pages. 

Nezvspapers and Prinhng. — A printing office was "set up" many years ago 
by Isaiah Thomas or his brother on Doak's Plains, now Boyd's Plains, a little 
east of Derry Depot. How long he was there or just where his office was 
situated is not known. In the summer of 1876, Charles Bartlett opened a 
printing office in Derry village, and uniting with this the sale of books and 
stationery, he has carried on a successful business since. In connection with 
N. C. Bartlett, in 1880, he commenced the publishment of the Derry News. 
At the end of the year Mr. N. C. Bartlett retired, leaving the control of the 
paper to Mr. Charles Bartlett, who in April, 1882, enlarged it to a twenty-four- 
column folio. The paper is a success, and is much appreciated by the citizens 
of Derry and Londonderry and former residents of both towns. E. P. Trow- 
bridge is the present jniblisher of the Derry News and of tht Enterprise, the 
weekly edition. 

First Library . — A few of the leading people in town a little l>efore 1800 
established a library of several hundred volumes. It was kept at first at the 
house of Capt. James Aiken, otherwise known as Deacon Aiken, in the .Xiken's 
Rano-e, Derry. When the village began to assume importance the books were 
removed to the Thornton House, and Maj. Peter Patterson served as librarian. 
They were mostly of an historical and religious character, were well read, 
and were kept together till the division of the town in 1S27, when they were 
divided among the stockholders. John Porter. Esq., for those who lived in the 



294 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

new town, and Robert Alack, for Londonderry, made the di\ision. The rule 
they adopted was to give the interested parties each a pile of books of about 
equal size. A few volumes of that old library are yet to be found in various 
families in both towns. 

The Library. — Upon the death of Miss Harriet Taylor the town secured 
from her estate $i,000 to found a library. It went into operation February 
2T„ 1S78, with about one thousand volumes. The library now contains 6,986 
volumes. C. Louise Bachelder is the librarian. At a recent town meeting it 
was \oted to rebuild the .\dams Memorial buildings, which formerly housed 
it. This building of brick and stone was given to the town years ago, and 
this winter burned down. It will be reconstructed in 1914 fully as beautiful 
as it was before and suitable cpiarters will be arranged in it for the library, 
the court, the town offices and an auditorium. 

Masonry. — St. Mark's Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, No. 44. This 
lodge was chartered June 14, 1826. 

Odd-Fclloivship. — Echo Lodge. April 17, 1879, a lodge of Odd-Fellows 
by the above name was instituted in Derry. The initial meeting numbered 
nineteen persons, eight being charter members and eleven by admission. The 
first officers were Henry S. Warner, noble grand ; R. R. Merrick, vice grand ; 
F. A. Cross, secretary; Charles L. Cutler, treasurer. 

Grand Army. — George E. Upton Post, No. 45. This post is named after 
Lieut. George E. Upton, who enlisted as a private November 28. 1861, in Com- 
pany G, Sixth New Hampshire Volunteers, and was promoted to first lieu- 
tenant October 30, 1863, and was killed near Petersburg, Va., July 30, 1864. 
The post was chartered September 4, 1879. Following are the names of 
the charter members: David S. Clark, James H. Crombie, Charles H. Cuni- 
niings, Isaiah A. Dustin, James Evans, Charles F. Fields, Isaac N. Hunt, 
Francis Owens, A. A. Pressey, George Richards, C. M. Tilton, George B. 
Tuttle. Henry C. Vining, Caleb F. Whidden, and Amos M. Young. 

Nutficld Grange, No. ;-. — The Patrons of Husbandry organized Sep- 
tember 2T,. 1874, a grange, to which the appropriate name of "Nutfield" was 
given. The first Master was W . O. Noyes. 

Societies : Derryfield Lodge, A. O. U. W. Beaver Colony Pilgrim Fathers ; 
Rockingham Lodge, K. of P. : Rathbone Division, U. R. K. of P. ; Mystic 
Encampment, I. O. O. F. ; Mizpah Rebekah Lodge: Wesley B. Knight Post; 
Geo. E Upton Post, G. A. R. : W . B. Knight and G. E. Upton Relief Corps; 
Ivanhoe Temple, No. i ; Molly Reid Chapter of the Daughters of the American 
Revolution; Bell Chapter, A. F. & A. M.; Ransford Chapter. O. E. S. ; Derry 
W. C. T. U. ; Honesty Lodge, N. E. O. P. ; Court Nutfield, F. of A. ; Golden 
Cross, Woman's Club ; Nutfield Dramatic Co. : Red Men ; West Derry Grange. 
P. of H. ; Eagles ; Knight's of Alalta : Knight's of .America ; Noeskateta Coun- 
cil, Daughters of Pocahontas; Owls. 

The physicians are: G. H. Berkley, C. E. Newell, T. B. Perkins, S. T. 
Cogswell and L. G. Dearborn. 

'Lawyers: G. K. & B. T. Bartlett, J. G. Crawford, E. B. \\'eston, H. L. 
Grinnell, Jr. See Bench and Bar chapter. 

Public Rcqiic.it.'s in Derry. — This town has enjoyed a larger share of public 
bequests than falls tn the lot of most towns. .\s early as 1722 the hard- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 295 

pressed settlers were generously aided by gentlemen of Portsmouth in the 
building of their church. In 1815, Maj. John Pinkerton endowed the Pinker- 
ton Academy with a fund of $12,000, and his brother, Deacon James Pinker- 
ton, added $1,500 to this amount. Mr. Jacob Adams, who died in 1823, by 
his will devised about four thousand dollars to the Adams Female Academy. 
Mr. Adams also donated $800 to the East Church in Derry, to aid in pur- 
chasing a bell for that meeting house. The late Mrs. Abby C. McGregor left 
the sum of $1,000 to the Adams Female Academy. In 1870, Richard Melvin 
ga\e the F"irst Congregational Society a fund of $1,000. Dr. Sylvanus Brown 
bequeathed about seven thousand dollars to the town, the yearly income of 
which is to be expended in the purchase of flannel for the destitute people of 
the town as the selectmen for the time being shall designate. Doctor Brown 
also left $500, the Annual interest to be used in "picking the small stones from 
the public highways." He devised likewise a small sum to remain at interest 
until 1919, at which time the whole shall be used in payment for "nuts and 
cider" for all persons present at the celebration of the two hundreth anni- 
versary of the town's settlement. Hon. E. H. Derby, of Boston, an eloquent 
and sincere friend of the town, gave to Pinkerton Academy $1,000 for a 
library. The academy also received about five hundred dollars from various 
persons at its semi-centennial in 1878. Miss Flarriet Taylor, daughter of 
Deacon James Taylor, formerly an honored citizen of Derry, betpieathed in 
1876 $1,000 to found a public library in town. The elegant clock in the 
steeple of the East Derry Church, whose two broad faces may be seen far and 
wide, was placed there by her generous bounty. Mrs. Philip Nowell left 
$2,000 to the town, to be expended in the erection of a town hall. She also 
gave .?500 to the Cemetery Association, and the same sum for the benefit of the 
old part of the cemetery, and also $1,000 to the Adams Female Academy. The 
late David Bassett left $3,000 to repair the East Derry Church. But the most 
munificent bequest is that of $200,000 to the Pinkerton .Academy by the late 
John M. Pinkerton. 

RELICKU'S 

First Meeting House. — h>om the town records the initial steps towards 
the erection of a house of w orship aiipear to have been in a vote taken in gen- 
eral town meeting, June 3, 1720: "The Town voated that there shall be 
a small house built that may be convenient for the inhabitants to meet in 
for the worship of God, & that it shall be built as sune as it can with.con- 
veniency; allso that the house shall l>e built as near the center of the one 
hundred & five lots as can be with convenience." A few days later a location 
was agreed upon. It was "voated that the meeting-house shall be built within 
seven^rods of a black stake set up either ui>on or near unto Mr. McGregor's 
lott." The matter rested till the January following, when the town "voated 
that a meeting-house shall be built as speedily as may be, & that the said 
house shall be 50 feet in length, forty-five feet broad, and so high as may be 
conveneant forgone set of galeryes." The galleries of this house were reached 
by steps or stairs built on the outside, at the side or end. 1728, "Voted that the 
stairs to go up to our galleries for the meeting-house shall be brought to the 



296 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

inside, & that there shall be windows struke out in the nortli side, one on each 
side of the pulpit." It appears from this that steps to reach the galleries were 
on the north side of the house, and that the pulpit faced the south. The 
difficulty arising from inability to procure the necessary materials delayed the 
W'Ork, and two years elapsed before the house was finished and ready for 
occupancy. Its location was between the present church in East Derry and the 
leading highway through the village, a little nearer the church than the road. 
This house answered the purjwse of the parish till 1769, when a new one, the 
present edifice, sixty-five by forty-five feet, was built. The high and massive 
steeple, with its immense timbers used at that time, made the erection of 
churches an affair of great importance, especially the raising. To accom- 
plish this ropes and machinery were brought from afar, the most resolute and 
energetic men were summoned to the task, and often several days were needed 
to get the building ready for the boards. It is no wonder that "four 100 weight 
of cheas, 2000 Bisket, 3 barl of Rhum, & 5 barl of Syder" were used at the 
raising of the first church. Matthew Thornton, Moses Barnet, and James 
Wallace were the building committee. 

This house was enlarged in 1824, by cutting it through the middle, moving 
the eastern end twenty-four feet, and finishing between the parts. "In 1845 
it was thoroughly remodeled as to internal construction, and so arranged as to 
afford not only a large and spacious church, but also a Town Hall, a vestry, a 
room for the session, a room for the Parish Library, and other uses." 

Ministers of the East Parish. — Rev. James McGregor. The character of 
most of our early New England towns was largely due to the influence of the 
clergy. With rare exceptions this influence was on the side of everything 
conducive to the spiritual and material interests of the people. In the long 
and arduous labors of the settlers in subduing the wilderness, and establishing 
their communities on a basis of order and good government ; in their resolute 
and heroic conflicts with "principalities and powers, with things present and 
things to come," the clergy of New England were always at the front doing 
battle for the right. Pre-eminently may this be said of the McGregors, father 
and son, of Londonderry, the former the Rev. James McGregor, first minister 
of the East Parish, and Rev. David McGregor, first pastor of the West Parish. 
No people ever enjoyed wiser or better counselors. The former assumed 
charge of his society, as there was no Presbytery in New England to formally 
install him in office. He continued in charge till his death, March 5, 1729. 
Doctor Belknap gives him the character of a "wise, affectionate, and faithful 
guide to his people both in civil and religious matters." 

Rev. Mr. Parker says, "From traditional remarks, as well as from some 
few manuscripts of his which have been preserved, we are led to consider 
him a man of distinguished talents both natural and acquired. He evidently 
possessed a vigorous mind, and was strictly e\angelical in his doctrinal views." 

Rev. Matthew Clark succeeded to the pastoral office in the First Church 
immediately after the death of ]\Ir. McGregor. Although never installed over 
the people, he is usually enrolled among the ministers of that parish. He died 
January 25, 1735, aged seventy-six years, having had charge of the ch.urch 
about six years. Notwithstanding his brief term of .service, more is known 
of him at the present day than is known of his predeces,<or and his first and 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 297 

second successors, although their united pastorates amount to about sixty-five 
years. Scarcely a word of their sayings or a line of their writings have come 
down to us, but those of Matthew Clark still live in the memories of the 
people, and are common in the literature of the day. This is due partly to his 
wit and the eccentricity of his character, and partly to the military renown that 
attaches to his name as an officer in the famous siege of Londonderry 1688-9. 
So many anecdotes are credited to him that it is difficult to find a new one. 
Preaching one day he read the words of Peter with the subjoined commentary: 
"Master, we have forsaken all and followed thee."' "Poor boasting Peter! ye 
left a' did ye? and what had ye to leave but a crazy auld boat and a wheen of 
rotten nets ?" 

Rev. Mr. Parker sums up his character as follows : "He was sound in the 
faith, decided and independent in his sentiments, and fearless in defense of 
what he judged to be correct in doctrine and practice." 

Rev. Thomas Thompson. — The freeholders and inhabitants of London- 
derry "Voted, November 3, 1732, that the Rev. Mr. McBride, of Bellemory, 
Ireland, and Mr. Robert Boyer, of Londonderry, are chosen commissioners to 
prefer our call for a minister in Ireland," and the same day "Voted to pur- 
chase Hugh Craige's half lot for said minister, and to bestow 100 acres of land 
upon him." Robert Boyer, Esq., went to Ireland, and returned in October, 
1733, bringing with him Rev. Thomas Thompson, who was cheerfully received 
and accepted by the people. He died September 22, 1738, after a short but 
successful ministry of five years, lea\'ing a widow and one son, for whose 
education the town voted a gratuity of seventy pounds. 

Rev. William Davidson. — He was installed in 1739. Rev. Mr. Parker 
briefly sketches his life : "He was a man of very amiable character, possessing 
a peculiarly mild, friendly, and benevolent disposition. He did not excel as 
a theologian or as a public speaker. He was supposed to be inclined to Armin- 
ianism, yet as a pastor he was diligent and affectionate." He left two sons 
and two daughters. John, the eldest son, became a loyalist, and was pro- 
scribed and banished by the act of the New Hampshire Legislature, November 
19. 1778. Both sons removed to Nova Scotia at the commencement of the 
Revolution. Mr. Davidson's daugheer Ann married Rev. Solomon Moor, of 
New Boston, N. H. 

Rev. Jonathan Brown. — After a vacancy of four years, Mr, Brown, in 
1795, was installed by the London Presbytery over the East Parish. This 
action of the Presbytery proved unwise, as it led to dissention in the parish, 
which resulted in the formation of a Congregational society two or three years 
after. The seceding part maintained a feeble existence about twelve years, 
worshiping in the lower hall of Dr. Isaac Thorn's tavern. In 1809 it came 
back to the Presbyterian fold. Mr. Brown was dismissed in 1804, and died in 
February, 1808, aged eighty years. 

Rev. Edward Lutwyche Parker was named for the loyalist, Edward Gold- 
stone Lutwyche. of Merrimac. N. H., whose estate was confiscated and sold to 
Hon. Matthew Thornton. He was ordained September 12. 1810, and died 
suddenly while pastor of the church, July 14, 1850. Mr. Parker was the 
author of the valuable history of the town, published in 185 1 by his son, 
Edward P. Parker. He was succeeded June 18, 1851, by Revs. J. W. Wellman, 



298 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

E. X. Hidden, L. S. Parker. Uavid Breniiner, E. S. Huntress. John G. Harris, 
and Frederick L Kelley, the present pastor. 

The Meeting House of the First Congregational Chnrch was erected in 
1837. on a fine eminence overlooking Derry village. It cost about thirty-five 
hundred dollars. In 1872 $3,700 were expended in repairs. The society has a 
parsonage (nirchased in 1881 at a cost of $2,300. 

Ministers of the Central Congregational Cluireh. — This church was con- 
stituted .\ugust 3. 1837. and consisted of forty members from the Presbyterian 
society in Derry and twenty-three from the Presbyterian Church in London- 
derry. 

Their first j^astor was l\e\'. Pliny !'>. Day. a graduate of .\niherst and 
Andcner. Pie was ordained October 4, 1837, and dismissed June 9, 1851. 
His successors are as follows : Rev. Ebenezer G. Parsons, who graduated at 
Bowdoin and Bangor, was installed October i, 1851. and dismissed October 
7, 1869; Rev. Robert W. Haskins, a graduate of the New York University 
and Andover, ordained November 19, 1872, and dismissed October 15, 1878: 
Rev. Daniel \V. Richardson, 1880-5; R^^'- Hiram B. Putnam, 1 885-1 90 1 ; 
Rev. Charles L. Merriam, 1902-10: Rev. Charles F. Robinson, 1911-13. 

During Rev. Mr. Merriam's pastorate new social rooms were acquired at 
an. expense of $4,000. 

The seventy-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Central (rongrega- 
tional Church was commemorated August 4. 1912. 

Methodist Chiireh and Ministers. — A Methodist Episcopal Church was 
organized in Derry .\ugust C>. 1834. October 25, 1834, notice was published 
of the formal organization of a society. It was signed by Caleb Dustin, John 
Taylor, Gilman Dinsmore, and William S. Follansbee: Mr. Dinsmore, clerk. 
The society held services at first for a short time at the houses of its members, 
but soon occupied the "Brick Schoolhouse" at the lower end of the village. 
The church prospered, and more and better accommodations being needed in 
1836 a meeting house was erected. Following is a partial roll of clergymen 
of this church and society : I^hilo Bronson, James McCane, Samuel Hoyt, 
William H. Brewster, Michael Ouiniby, Jonathan Hazelton, S. S. Matthews, 
James Adams, G. W. T. Rogers, F. O. Barrows. James Palmer, Isaac S. Cush- 

man. Charles Smith, Hamlin, Parkhurst, John W. Adams, Lorenzo 

Draper, Rufus Tilton, E. Lewis. N. G. Cheney, \\\ P. Ray, W. W. H. Pills- 
bury. James Noyes, Elihu Scott, W. B. Osgood, J. \V. Dearborn, A. E. Higgins. 
A. B. Carter, S. C. Farnham, N. .Alger, \V. \V. Smith. O. A. Farley. Frederic 
C. Pillsbury and C. W. Martin. The present pastor. I^ev. G. \V. Farmer, 
was assigned to Derry Village and St. Luke's at the April conference. 

St. Luke's Methodist Church was established as a mission in 1885 and 
organized as a church February 12, 1888, with Rev. W'm. Ramsden, pastor, 
till April, 1889: C. W. Taylor, 1889-92: Daniel Onstott, 1892-4; \V. A. Mayo, 
i8c;4-5: H. E. Allen, 1895-9: J. H. Trow, 1899-1900; D. C. Babcock, 1900-4; 
VVm. Thompson. 1904-6; H. F. Ouimby, 1906-9: C. W. Martin, 1909-12; 
G. W. Fanner, 1912-14. 

.S7. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church of Derry, X. H. — Mass was held for 
the first time in Derry at the home of John Dufify in 1869 by the Rev. John 
O'Brien. Rev. William McDonald afterwards visited the town occasionally 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 299 

and held services. In 1885 it liecame a mission of the Cathedral parish. In 
1888 it was organized as an independent parish by the Rev. William J. O'Con- 
nor. Father O'Connor was instrnmental in building the church and it was 
dedicated by Bishop Bradley in November, 1889, under the patronage of St. 
Thomas Aquinas. Rev. Daniel J. Dunn, the present pastor, came to the church 
in 1896. He has been a very faithful and earnest priest for his parish. Under 
his care the church property has been greatly improved and the membership of 
the parish largely increased. Rev. E. N. Durette is the curate of the parish and 
proves an able assistant to Father Dunn. Rev. G. E. Haslem is the pastor of 
the Episcopal Mission. 

First Baptist Church of Derry was organized October 10, 1S80, with four- 
teen members, including Re\'. A. S. Stowell and wife. Their place of worship 
was in Smith's hall until the great fire of .\ugust 19, i88j, afterwards in a 
schoolhouse, and then in a building erected for temporary use by three or four 
brethren. In the spring of 1884 their fine edifice on the corner of Broadway 
and Crystal Avenue was erected and dedicated. Rev. .\lfred S. Stowell was 
ordained November 17, 1880, and was pastor for nine years. Rev. J. H. 
Nichols served from December, 1889, to April, 1910. Their present pastor. 
Rev. Irving J. Enslin. began in December, 1910. 

Episcopat Church. — The Episcopal church in Derry was erected in 1905, and the 
Rectory two years later. The cost of the buildings was about $8,000.00. In the year 1890 there 
were weekly afternoon services, consistin'g of evening prayer, sermon and music, main- 
tained in a private house, from March i6th to October 12th, inclusive. These services were 
given by the Rev. Jesse G. MacMurphy, who was born in Derry and had returned to his 
native town after living in Wisconsin many years. In the year 1899, services were begun 
in this town that have continued every Sunday since without interruption. On the 6th day 
of August, 1899. the Rev. Edward M. Parker, the present bishop of New Hampshire, and the 
Rev. William Northey Jones, had canvassed the town and called together the scattering 
communicants of the church for that evening. And as that was a festival day in the calendar, 
the society soon adopted the name, "The Church of the Transfiguration." The Rev. Wendell 
Phillips Elkins had charge of the services for about a year, and was followed by the Rev. 
Donald Brown. Two services were now held each Sunday and the Rev. Jesse G. MacMurphy 
assisted and supplemented the work as warden and priest. The Rev. John Gregson followed 
in the charge of the church, being here one Sunday in each month, the Rev. Jesse G. Mac- 
Murphy officiating in his absence. These clergymen served Derry in this way for about two 
years each. Then the society came under the charge of the Rev. James C. Elanders, who 
also was assisted by the Rev. Jesse G. MacMurphy. During his time the church edifice was 
erected and the services transferred to the new quarters. The present rector, the Rev. George 
Haslam, came to the society in 1907. Rev. Jesse G. MacMurphy either officiated in the church 
at Derry, or went to one of the other towns for Sunday services. The organization of the 
church is as follows : Rev. George Haslam. rector : Rev. Jesse G. MacMurphy, assistant 
(also assistant warden); Louis M. Packer, junior warden; S. Howard P)ell, treasurer; 
J. Frank Stewart, clerk. 

There is a vested choir of men and boys; also an efficient Women's Guild, of which 
Mrs. George Haslam is president, Mrs. J. G. MacMurphy, secretary, and Miss Susie Dugan, 
treasurer. There is also a Junior Guild, of which Miss May Bond is president. Miss Ida 
Stewart, secretary and Miss I. Hanscom, treasurer. The Sunday scliool is also organized with 
officers and teachers. There is a Boys' Club, of which the Rector is president and the 
Assistant, vice president. 



CHAPTER XXV 

EAST KINGSTON 

Early History — First Settlers — The Clutrchcs — Military Record — Public 

Library 

Early liistory, etc. — Tlie cliarter of Kingston was granted by the Pro- 
vincial Assembly, under the administration of Lieut.-Gov. John Usher, 
August 6, i(;)94, embracing a tract of land commencing seven miles west of 
the meeting-house in Hampton, which is the line between East Kingston 
and Kensington and extending ten miles west and by north into the country. 
Its breadth was four miles north from Shapley's line, the present boundary 
between East Kingston and South Hampton. This line was represented 
in the charter as three miles north of JMerrimac River, though it was really 
nearer five miles. This territory comprised what now constitutes East 
Kingston. Danville, Sandown, and the larger part of Kingston. In 1738 
fifty-three persons in the Town of Kingston united in a petition to the General 
Assembly to be set off into a separate parish. The petitioners were Jeremy, 
Ebenezer, John, Thomas, and Andrew Webster. Nathan, Phinehas, Josiah, 
and Ebenezer Batchelder. Ichabod, Caleb, and Theophilus Clough, XVilliam 
and Abraham Smith, Jacob Gale, William Whickee, Benjamin ^lorrill, Joseph 
Greele, James Tappan, Isaac Godfrey, and Josiah Tilton. 

Of the remaining thirty-two there is not one of whom anything is known, 
or whose known descendants live in the town. Of most of them their names 
are not recognized by the present generation. They prayed to be set off 
"into a separate parish, with their families and possessions, to enjoy all the 
rights and privileges that other parishes have and do by law enjoy." The 
reason they assigned for wishing to be incorporated into a distinct parish 
were "their great distance from the place of public worship in the said 
town of Kingston, and attending on the same; have built a meeting-house in 
that part of the town where they live convenient for themselves and their 
families, and being desirous of hax'ing a gospel ministry among them," they 
pray "to be exempted from paying taxes for the support of schools and the 
ministry to the said Town of Kingston after the year 1738, and to choose 
their own parish officers and assess and collect taxes." These privileges 
were all granted in their charter, "provided the said petitioners maintain an 
authorized minister of the gospel among them." The parish was incorporated 
November 17, 1738. Jeremy Webster was authorized to call the first meet- 
ing, which he did, and an organization was effected January 10, 1738-39. 
Joseph Greele was chosen moderator, and Jeremy Webster, clerk. A call 
was then extended to the Rev. Peter Coffin to settle with them as their 
minister, which was accepted August 31, 1739. 

300 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 301 

By an act of the Provincial Council in August, 1740, tlie boundaries 
between the East Parish of Kingston and the Town of Kingston were estab- 
lished as follows: "Midway between the meeting-houses of Kingston and 
the East Parish in a straight line a stone was set up on the highway called 
Salisbury road. . . . 

"From said stone north by compass to Exeter line, and from the stone 
aforesaid south to the path going from Kingston to Amesbury by the way 
of Trickling Fall ; there a beech-tree was marked, not knowing the bounds 
of Salisbury or Amesbury." The boundaries of East Kingston are north by 
Kingston and Exeter, east by Kensington, south by South Hampton and 
Newton, and west by Kingston. Whoever is inclined to look at the county 
map will see that the town is in the form of a parallelogram, the longest 
sides being from north to south. From the northwest angle is a large area 
taken off and attached to Kingston. This is known as "Exeter road." The 
question is raised how this portion came to remain as Kingston, as the 
boundary according to the act would be on the north by Brentwood, leaving 
this territory in the East Parish. In the act authorizing the running of the 
boundary line in 1740, any person so disposed was allowed to poll off to the 
Town of Kingston. 

Forty-three persons availed themselves of this provision. Among these 
were a number of names of persons well known in the district at the present 
time, such as Eastman, French, Sanborn, Long, and Judkins. These persons 
not wishing to be included in the new parish, and having polled off to the 
Town of Kingston, the line was drawn as it now exists for general convenience. 

Since that time a number of efforts have been made to restore the bound- 
aries as originally enacted. 

In 1795 it was proposed "to build a new meeting-house twenty rods north 
of Capt. John Currier's, on the road to Exeter." The town voted "they were 
willing to receive all who had polled off." Nothing came from it. 

In 1826 the reannexation of Exeter road to this town, so as to restore 
the original parish lines, was again agitated, and the town voted "to receive 
the inhabitants of Kingston, on Exeter road, so called, into the Town of 
East Kingston, as by their petition, and the order of the Legislature thereon 
for a day of hearing." Many were anxious to be reannexed. and others in 
this town were desirous they should be; but some influential men were so 
decidedly, not to say violently, in opposition to the project that it failed, 
and the "day of hearing" had no favorable result. No propositions of the 
kind have since been made. 

Misunderstandings arose between the two parishes in relation to the 
parsonage, maintaining the poor, and various other matters. The conten- 
tions were such as came near bringing on a lawsuit ; but wiser counsels pre- 
vailed, and it was decided "that each parish must maintain their own poor 
and support their own schools." But such w^ere their remaining and continued 
difficulties, and so far were they from a settlement, that the town voted, in 
1750. "that we are willing the Rev. Mr. Coffin request the Rev. Mr. Secomlje 
that the parsonage land be divided between them, and in case such division 
cannot be obtained peaceably, we will support the Rev. Mr. Secombe to obtain 



302 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

such division." Xo lawsuit followed, but alter long controversy and strife 
the whole matter of parsonage was settled in March, 1761, in articles of 
agreement, drawn up by committees from each of the towns of Kingston, 
East Kingston, Hawke, and Sandown. Thus it was twenty-two years before 
this controversy was concluded. Mr. Coffin continued here as the minister 
of the town thirty-three years. In 1772 he was dismissed after much con- 
tention. That there was great fault on both sides the impartial reader at 
this time, more than a century afterwards, can have no doubt. 

The salary of Mr. Coffin for the first nine years after his settlement in 
1739 was an average of forty-five pounds, New England currency, annually, 
or the equivalent of $150. To this was added the use of the parsonage, twenty- 
five cords of wood, and other perquisites. In 1748 it was 320 pounds, old 
tenor, which at that time was worth not far from fifty cents on the pound 
silver money. In 1760 he received sixty pounds lawful money, or $200. 
A pound lawful money was twenty shillings New England currency, equal 
to three and one-third dollars. At the close of his ministry in 1772 he was 
receiving seventy pounds. To these sums add an acre of land given him on 
which to build a house, one hundred pounds to aid him in building the house, 
assistance in building the barn, wood supplied by the parish from the par- 
sonage wood lot, with some other gifts and allowances, and sixty pounds 
when he was dismissed in payment of constructive services, with various other 
allowances amounting to fifty pounds, and we have a pretty correct idea of his 
income for the thirty-three years he was their minister. These payments 
were generally made in paper money, but there seem to have been reasonable 
efforts to pay him in a fair circulating currency. 

Soon after the dismission of Mr. Coffin there was an effort to obtain 
a successor. The town voted in October, 1772, to call and settle a minister, 
with a salary of eighty pounds and the use of the parsonage. A number of 
candidates were tried, but upon none of them could there be an agreement 
for settlement. 

With the opening scenes of the Revolution the attention of the people was 
turned somewhat from ecclesiastical to political duties. In patriotism East 
Kingston was not behind her sister towns. A committee was chosen to meet 
committees from other towns in Exeter, July g, 1774, in convention, to choose 
delegates to represent this province in a congress proposed to be held by dele- 
gates from the several colonies and provinces in North America, and agreed 
"That they will pay their part of the expenses and charges in sending dele- 
gates, and will draw the money out of the Parish Treasury." 1775. May 
8th, a committee was chosen to meet at Exeter on the 17th inst., with delegates 
from the several towns of this province, "who, when met with the other dele- 
gates shall be fully empowered and authorized to pursue such measures 
as may be judged most expedient to preserve and restore the rights of this and 
the other colonies, and that such deputies shall be empowered to act in behalf 
of themselves and their constituents." They also voted at this meeting '"to 
raise thirteen men. called 'minute-men.' who shall be ready at any sufficient 
alarm for the defense of the colonies, 'each man when called for to join with 
the army of observation.' " They were to be provided with a "coat and 
blanket, arms, ammunition, and provisions, and paid for their services from 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 305 

the town treasury." A "Committee of Safety" of nine persons was chosen, 
which was continued through the war, though its members were a number 
of times changed. It embraced during its existence most of the principal 
citizens. 

1776. Eight men were raised for the exiiedition against Canada. Meas- 
ures were taken to raise money to pay bounties to these men, and also to pay 
their expenses. 1777, May 21st, a vote was passed to enlist a sufficient num- 
ber of men as cheap as they can to fill the quota, and tax the parish 
to raise the money and pay the same. It was also voted "that every one in 
this parish must get himself ready and properly equipped for military service, 
both alami and training-band, by next Monday, and then stand ready to march 
at a minute's warning." Also voted "supplies and preparations for an 
invasion." 

1778. Voted supplies liberally and preparations in expectation of an 
invasion, as the "Committee of Safety have received advice, and for the men 
to be ready at a moment's warning." 

1779. April 19th, voted "To give a bounty of $1,500 each to three 
men to enlist in the service." This, of course, was in depreciated paper cur- 
rency. Nearly as large sums were given afterwards in a number of instances. 

1780. Great exertions were made to raise and pay soldiers, to whom 
large bounties were given in addition to their wages. 

1781. The town voted "we are willing to raise our proportion of soldiers 
for the Continental army:" chose a "committee to raise men to fill the 
quota." 

"The book containing the plan of government having been read and dis- 
cussed, it was voted to receive it, under certain limitations." 

1783. Approved of the plan of government and voted for its continuance. 

We have now given extracts from the records of specimens of the spirit 
and action of the people. Through the war public meetings were held fre- 
quently, and at different hours of the day and evening. They often adjourned 
to a day not far distant without especial business, but looking for something 
to occur which would require concerted action and a vote of the town. 
The quotas were promptly filled, though sometimes at enormous prices. 

Military preparations continued long after the close of the War of the 
Revolution, and soldiers styled "minute-men" were always in readiness. 

181 2. It was voted "To make up to each soldier $15 per month, with what 
Government allows." .At this date the war had broken out usually termed 
the War of 1812-14, or "last war with Great Britain," and our people were 
found prepared for it. In 181 3-1 5 committees were chosen to look after the 
drafted men, to hire men to fill the quotas, to serve for the defense of the 
state. The calls of the Government were promptly answered and the quotas 
of the town always filled. 

In 1818 it was "voted to sell the parsonage, invest the money, and lay 
out the interest annually in preaching." 

The "Toleration Act," passed by the Legislature of New Hampshire, July. 
1819, provides that "no person shall be compelled to join or support any 
congregation, church, or religious society without his express consent first had 
and obtained." . . . ".And any person may, if connected with a society. 



306 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

by leaving a written notice with the clerk of the society, be exempted from 
any future expenses." This act ended all controversy in relation to taxing 
the people to support a ministry. Thereafter every society attended to their 
own affairs. There has occasionally, and of late, been a little agitation and 
a slight ripple of feeling in relation to the disposition of the parsonage money; 
but nothing has ever resulted from it, and probably never will. 

1830. The meeting-house, which had stood ninety-two years, was torn 
down, and the town-house erected in its place. It was finished w-ith pews. 
The house was completed, the pews sold at auction, and titles given May 2, 
1831. It was to be occupied by the town whenever needea for town purposes; 
at all other times, and on Sabbaths, by the several religious societies such a 
proportion of the time as they owned pews. The selectmen decided annually 
what Sabbaths each society should occupy the house during the ensuing 
year. 

1837. On a petition of twenty legal voters a town-meeting was held July 
1st at the town-house, which was called to order by one of the selectmen, 
when John Philbrick was chosen clerk pro tern., and Charles Sanborn was 
chosen moderator. It was then, on motion, "Voted, That no one has a right 
to hold abolition or anti-slavery meetings in the town hall or other public 
buildings belonging to said town." A division of the house being called for, 
seventeen were for opening the house and forty-seven were against it. Voted, 
"That the town authorize the selectmen, or any freeholder in the town, to 
clear the public buildings in said town of any person or persons delivering 
or attempting to deliver any abolition lectures or addresses, and at the expense 
of said town." We do not think any arrests were made under this town 
authority, and we do not know what attempts were made to hold meetings 
or lecture on slavery for a number of years thereafter in any of the public 
buildings. Still, the legality of this whole proceeding has been well doubted. 

In 1847, March 9th, at the annual meeting it was voted. "That the vote 
passed July i, 1837, relative to the using of the public buildings to hold aboli- 
tion or anti-slavery lectures or addresses in, be reconsidered." Since that time 
the town-house has been open for public meetings without regard to the 
political complexion of the speakers or their friends. 

1859. By votes of the town the rights of individuals to the pews in the 
town-house were purchased and taken away, and movable settees substituted. 

When the Civil war broke out there was much party feeling, but no lack 
of patriotism. 

At a town-meeting called May 9, 1861, it was voted to authorize the select- 
men to hire $1,000 to pay soldiers. 

October lOth. Voted to adopt the act passed at the last June session 
of the Legislature, chapter 2480, entitled "An act authorizing cities and 
towns to aid the families of volunteers, and for other purposes," and that the 
selectmen carry this vote into effect. 

1862. August 1 8th, the selectmen were authorized to hire $5,000 to pay 
volunteer citizens, $300 each. August 21st, the selectmen were authorized 
"to pay the bounty of $300 to as large a number of volunteers as may be 
sufficient to cover all quotas called for by the President." 

1863. August 1 2th, voted, that the .selectmen be authorized to hire such 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 307 

sum of money as may be necessary to pay each drafted man the sum of 
$300. August 15th, voted, "That the town raise and pay to every inhabi- 
tant thereof who have been or shall be drafted or conscripted to serve in the 
army of the United States under the present draft, or to the substitute of such 
drafted or conscripted inhabitant, the sum of $300 bounty." 

1S64. June 13th, voted, that the selectmen be authorized to pay a bounty 
of $100 to each person who has entered into the service of the United States, 
and has not been paid a town bounty since May, 1863. July 20th, the select- 
men were authorized to borrow $5,000, and from the same to pay 
each volunteer or substitute who may be accepted and mustered into the mili- 
tary service of the United States . . . such sums as they may find neces- 
sary or deem expedient, not exceeding- the limit prescribed by law. 

There went from this town forty-five volunteers and eleven substitutes, 
making the whole number fifty-six. 

The surface of the town is moderately uneven. The soil is of a good 
quality, and well adapted to the cultivation of farm and garden products, and 
to grasses and all kinds of grain. It produces large crops of Indian corn, 
barley, oats, potatoes, and esculent roots. 

The Boston and Maine Railroad runs through the town from a point in 
Kingston near the southwest part of East Kingston to the extreme northeast, 
where it enters Exeter. From the station-house, near the center of the town : 

Boston is distant forty-five and three fourths miles by the railroad, forty 
miles by the carriage-road as usually traveled, and thirty-five miles south 
five degrees west in a direct line. 

Portland is distant sixty-nine and three-fourths miles by the railroad, 
eighty miles by the carriage-road, and sixty-two miles north thirty-seven 
degree east in a direct line. 

Powow River flows through the southwest part of the town, having its 
source in the ponds of Kingston. The cutting of ice in the river is quite an 
item of business for the very cold weather. The making of brick is by the 
New England Brick Company. 

First Settlers. — It has generally been supposed that \Villiam and Abraham 
Smith settled here when there were no others within the limits of the present 
town. Every gazetteer and history which refers to the subject states that they 
were the first settlers or among the earliest settlers. On the contrary. William 
Sm.ith, the elder of the brothers, was born in 1703. and it is a tradition of the 
family that he came here to live in 1724. when he was twenty-one years 
old. We do not think any two men were first settlers. They came as colonists 
from Hampton to Kingston, in companies. So far as can now be ascertained, 
the earliest were Ebenezer Webster ( i ) , Ebenezer Stevens ( i ) . John Swett, 
Nathaniel Sanborn, and Capt. John Webster. 

The south part of the town and a part of the main road emigrated from 
Salisbury and Amesbury. The Greeleys and the Frenches early made a settle- 
ment. Edward French and Abraham Brown located or purchased lands, but 
personallv never settled on them. They were obtained for their children. 
The Curriers and Blaisdells secured lands at the Falls, and moved in as early 
as they thought it prudent to do so on account of the Indians. It is claimed 
that Ralph Blaisdell was the first who crossed Powow River from the south 



308 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

for a settJenient. and that the old cellar and well are yet to be seen where the 
road was straightened, near the Goodrich and Webster places. The mill- 
grant was laid out March 15, 1710. This is the earliest date of records we 
have found. The deed of the French place is dated June 16, 1710. Benoni 
Clough purchased the Caleb Webster place in 1715. A part of the Brown 
place, with improvements thereon, was purchased in 1716. The first land was 
laid off by the lot-layers, hence no person obtaining land by deed was the 
first settler or owner of that land. 

Capt. John Webster was made a freeman in 1705, and some years later 
had land assigned him by the lot-layers on the north road, where his son, 
Jeremy Webster, lived. 

The homestead of El:)enezer Webster ( i ), one of the grantees of Kingston, 
which was also the homestead of Ebenezer W'ebster (2), where Ebenezer 
Webster (3), who was the father of Hons. Daniel and Ezekiel W'ebster, 
was born, was located earlier than either we have named. This place is 
situated on a moderate eminence on the north side of the Salisbury road or 
highway leading to Kingston. It is less than a mile west of the railroad 
station, and half a mile east of the boundary line of Kingston. For a time it 
was owned by Capt. John Currier, and was set off to his widow as a part of 
her thirds. It is known by the family as Old Orchard. 

C ongreyationalists. — We learn from the first church book "That the Gen- 
eral Court of New Hanipsliire did, by their act of 17th November, 1738, erect 
a new parish in the easterly part of the Town of Kingstown, by the name of the 
East Parish in Kingstown." 

The inhabitants of said parish, after solemn seeking to God for direction, 
having the pastors of the neighboring churches join with them, and 
preach . . . according to the direction of the province law in such cases, 
assembled on the 17th July, 17^9, in a parish meeting legally warned, to make 
choice of some person to be set over them in the work of the ministry, and 
voting as usual in such cases, they did with the utmost unanimity make choice 
of and call I'eter Coffin, A. M., of Exeter, unto said ministerial employment 
among them, who after seasonable deliberation did, on the 31st of August 
following, return answer with acceptance of their call. 

During the thirty-three years of Mr. Coffin's pastorate there were 691 
baptisms, or an annual average of twenty-one. There was rarely over forty 
or less than four in any one year, generally somewhere midway between these 
extremes, decreasing in some measure towards the last of his pastorate. 

1744, March 28th, it was voted, "That there shall be a tankard full of 
wine, that shall be left, given to the pastor after every sacrament." 

These tankards of wine yielded bitter fruit in the end. It stnjng "as an 
adder." 

In 1746, Ebenezer .Sleeper and Obadiah Elkins and their wives were 
charged with absenting themselves from meetings and communions, and 
"going to Exeter and other places to Separate meetings," thus violating their 
church covenant. Susannah Morril. "Separatist." Sarah Sleeper, who found 
it more profitable to attend Separate meetings, and others were charged, 
examined, and suspended, but all these were eventually restored, and dismissed 
to more congenial church relations. 



AXD REPRESExXTATIVE CITIZENS 309 

Their defense was, in the language of Sleeper, "That tlie preachers they 
heard preach at tlie Separate meetings at Exeter opened the Scriptures more 
to their understanding, and they profited more by their preaching than they 
could by the preaching at home ; that God had met and blessed them, and they 
were not sensible of having done wrong." This was the character of the 
defense of all. 

It is a fair supposition that the preaching of Whitefield was the occasion 
of the Separate meetings in Exeter and other places. The doctrines of the 
"New Lights" were more satisfactory to spiritual minds than the meetings at 
home. 

"The failure to settle a minister after the dismission of Mr. Coffin in 1772 
was not entirely due to the low state of religion in the place, but to the same 
causes which unsettled many ministers and which prevented many from 
settling. The agitation produced by the political state of the country at the 
commencement of the Revolutionary war called off the attention of men from 
the subject of religion to other duties, and the drafts of men and of money 
for the prosecution of the war left the people in many parishes unable to 
contribute for the support of public worship, so that many preachers, dependent 
on their salaries for su]>port, wer" '^'iged for the time to engage in other 
occupations. 

For over a quarter of a century exertions were made to support and 
sustain Congregationalist sentiments, doctrines, and usages. The last of those 
who supplied the pulpit regularly was the Rev. Nathaniel Kennedy. He 
preached and resided in the town some time, we are unable to determine 
how long. He removed to Philadelphia about 181 7. 

Methodists. — The first preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
New England was Jesse Lee, a Virginian, who, in 1789, preached in the 
State of Connecticut, in Lynn, Mass., and on Boston Common. 

The first sermon by a Methodist in New Hampshire was preached by him 
in Portsmouth, July, 1791. The first society was organized at Chesterfield, 
in the southwest part of the state, in the latter part of 1795. It is not easy 
to ascertain when the first sermon was preached here or the first class was 
formed. We are inclined to the opinion that there was preaching earlier than 
1799, but that no society was formed before 1802. In that year Thomas 
Rawlin and Orin Fairbanks were stationed here and in Poplin. Then fol- 
lowed a long list of circuit preachers. In 1820 Eleazer Steele and in 1824 
Amos Binney and others until 184.2, when a commodious house was erected, 
and James M. Young was stationed preacher, and various preachers had short 
terms until 1857. Then for seventeen years the conference did not station 
preachers here. 

In November. 1879, the church was reorganized. In 1880 and 1881 Rev. 
Fred E. White was in charge and in 1882 Rev. Alexander McGregor. Rev. 
E. May has been assigned as pastor for 19 14. 

The Baptists. — The Baptists were first known in this town some time 
between 1750 and 1776. The first Baptist Church in New Hampshire was 
organized in Newton in 1755, and it is probable that some of its members 
resided in East Kingston. ' Seven persons, viz. : Jonathan Blasdell, Henry 
Blasdell, Samuel Carter, Philip Rowell. .\braham Brown, Edmund Pillsbury, 



310 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and Sarah Graves, were freed from paying minister tax to the town for the 
year 1776 and thereafter, they being Quakers, churchmen, and Baptists. 

In the winter of 1781, Abraham Brown tool< his family on an ox-sled to 
meeting at the old Philip Morrill house, beyond the Falls, where probably a 
portion of the worshipers were from South Hampton and Newton. Mr. 
Brown died in February, 1781. The Sabbath previously he attended meeting 
at Little River, in North Hampton. On his way homeward he was assaulted 
in the woods, causing a bruise which he carried to his grave the following 
week. He died on Thursday, at the age of thirty-five years. He evidently was 
a teacher among his brethren, though not an ordained preacher. 

His widow kept open house for public worship and the hospitable enter- 
tainment of preachers and others. 

Dr. Samuel Shepard, who was born in Salisbury, Mass., in 1739, was 
ordained at Stratham in 1771, and had settled in Brentwood, where a church 
was formed the same year, which a number of persons from East Kingston 
joined. Dr. Shepard often preached and baptized at East Kingston and neigh- 
boring tow'ns accessible to the Baptists of this place. He had the care of the 
young and struggling churches in this vicinity, and fully earned the title of 
bishop among them. "In this town and South Hampton there were many 
converted during the summer of 179-." 

Thomas Nichols, of Harvard, Mass., preached here and in various towns 
in the vicinity. "He was a faithful man, but of slender constitution, whose 
zeal went beyond his strength in his labors." 

Rev. John Peak, a native of Walpole, N. H., removed to Deerfield in 1793, 
preaching not only there but in this and other towns. In 1795 Mr. Peak settled 
in Newton, and continued to preach frequently and baptize in East Kingston. 

In 1797 the town "voted that the Baptists should have a portion of the 
parsonage money, and lay it out as they see fit, and have the meeting-house 
when not occupied." For many years from this there were contentions among 
the several denominations in regard to their rights in the meeting-house and 
to the parsonage, sometimes one and then another party prevailing. In 1812 
the controversy was partially settled by "allowing the several denominations 
their proportionate share of the meeting-house and of the parsonage money, 
and refraining from raising money by tax to support preaching." 

Benjamin Paul, a mulatto, preached for a time. 

After the removal of Elder Peak from this vicinity, the death of Dr. 
Shepard and others, the Baptists had meetings less frequently. 

Mrs. Corliss died January 13, 1858, in the sixty-eighth year of her age. 
Mr. Corliss died April 5, 1859, aged eighty-one years. Since their time 
there has been little effort made to advance the Baptist cause. In 1876, Rev. 
James Graham came to this place: an interest was awakened, several persons 
were hopefully converted, and others reclaimed from a backsliding state under 
his ministry: but he and his friends thought it not profitable to the cause of 
God to build up a separate denominational interest. 

Other ministers who have labored here, and of whom honorable mention 
should be made, are Revs. Ferdinand Ellis, Samuel Cook. John Newton 
Browne, Timothy P. Ropes, and James A. Boswell. 

Adventists.- — In the autumn of 1839. William Miller gave a course of lee- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 311 

tures in Exeter, whicli attracted unusual attention. Many from this place 
went to hear, and were interested. Other public speakers who had embraced 
Mr. Miller's views lectured in the place, among them the eloquent Rev. Charles 
Fitch. In 1841 a camp-meeting was held here, which attracted a large crowd. 

Many exaggerated reports were circulated concerning this and other 
kindred gatherings. That this meeting did not partake of the obnoxious 
qualities charged against them appears by the following account, written by 
John G. Whittier, one of the most enlightened and impartial observers: 

"On my way eastward," says Whittier, 'T spent an hour or two at a camp- 
ground of the Second z^dventists in East Kingston. The spot was well 
chosen. A tall growth of pine and hemlock threw its melancholy shadow 
over the multitude, who were arranged on rough seats of boards and logs. 
Several hundreds, perhaps a thousand, people were present and more were 
rapidly coming. Drawn about in a circle, forming a background of snowy 
whiteness to the dark masses of men and foliage, were the white tents, and 
back of them the provision-stalls and cook-shops. \Vhen I reached the ground 
a hymn, the words of which I could not distinguish, was pealing through the 
dim aisles of the forest. I know nothing of music, having neither ear nor 
taste for it, but I could readily see that it had its effect upon the multitude 
before me, kindling to higher intensity their already excited enthusiasm. The 
preachers were placed in a rude pulpit of rough boards, carpeted only by 
the dead forest leaves and flowers, and tasseled not with silk and velvet, but 
with the green boughs of the sombre hemlocks around it. One of them 
followed the music in an earnest exhortation on the duty of preparing for the 
great event. Occasionally he was really eloquent, and his description of the 
last day had all the terrible distinctness of Annell's painting of the 'End of 
the ^^'orld.■ Suspended from the front of the rude pulpit were two broad 
sheets of canvas, upon one of which was the figure of a man, the head of gold, 
the breast and arms of silver, the belly and sides of brass, the legs of iron, 
and feet of clay. — the dream of Nebuchadnezzar. On the other were depicted 
the wonders of the .\pocalyptic vision, — the beasts, the dragons, the scarlet 
woman seen by the Seer of Patmos, — oriental types and figures and mystic 
symbols, translated into staring Yankee realities exhibited like the beasts of a 
traveling menagerie. One horrible image, with its hideous heads and scaly 
caudal extremity, reminded me of the tremendous line of i\IiIton. who, in 
speaking of the same evil dragon, describes him as "swingeing the scaly horrors 
of his folded tail." To an imaginative mind the scene was full of novel 
interest. The white circle of tents, the dim wood arches, the upturned, earnest 
faces, the loud voices of the speakers, burdened with the awful symbolic 
language of the Bible, the smoke from the fires, rising like incense from forest 
altars, carried one back to the days of primitive worship, when the groves 
were God's first temples." 

From this meeting an influence went out into all the surrounding country. 
It was a season of awakening and religious zeal, even with those who did not 
embrace these peculiar views. At this time the believers in Advent doctrines 
were numerous, and there were many conversions from the world, as well as 
proselytes from the churches. 

From 1841 to 1846 there was a continued interest, and a large number of 



312 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHA.M COUNTY 

])ersons professed to submit themselves to God. Not only in these years, but 
afterwards in 1847 ^i"**^ 1854- very many were earnest and sincere in looking 
for the coming of the Lord "in the clouds of heaven." They have as yet been 
disappointed, but still cling to the hope very firmly, with Scotland's fairest 
poet, that 

"The morn will come, nay. He himself. 
Brighter than morn's best ray. 
Shall come to bid the night depart. 
And bring at last the day." 

In July, i860. Rev. James White, of Portsmouth, preached here, and in 
the following November moved his family into the town. He stayed nearly 
two years, and in a letter said. "Forty persons were converted." "Most of the 
people were favorable." 

The Universalists. — We cannot ascertain when the Universalists first came 
to this town. Revs. Sebastian L. Streeter and Hosea Ballou were early 
preachers here, and the earliest of which we have certain knowledge. Mr. 
Streeter commenced his pastorate in Portsmouth in 181 5, and closed it in 
1824. During this time he occasionally preached here. His "home" or stop- 
ping-place was with Esquire Edward Greeley, who died November 5, 1817. 
From the above and traditional accounts our conclusion is that it was not far 
from 18 14. 

A lady, born in 1806, remembers well Esquire Greeley and Mr. Streeter, 
and thinks we are as nearly correct in the time as can be ascertained, unless 
there are records somewhere to which we have not access. 

Rev. E. H. Lake with his family resided in town a numlier of years, but 
preached here only a part of the time. 

One-fourth of the inhabitants are strongly attached to Universalist doc- 
trines and usages, and are not favorably disposed to what are usually termed 
"evangelical views." though they claim that theirs are the most evangelical of 
any that are promulgated. 

There is now a singular apathy existing with them in relation to meetings. 
They ha\e had but a few for a number of years last past. Several families 
attend service on the Sabbath in Kingston, where is a prosperous society. The 
ministers who preached here after Messrs. Streeter and Ballou were : Revs. 
Russell Streeter, Charles Spear, Thomas G. Farnsworth. Thomas Whittemore, 
James Shrigley, S. S. Fletcher, Calvin Damon, Willard Spaulding, Henry 
Jewell, Nathan R. Wright, J. P. Greenwood, J. J. Locke, and Edwin J. Lake. 
Most of these were men of ability and accomplishments, who were active and 
fervent in their labors. None of them preached for a great length of time. 
They have never had a permanent settled pastor. 

The Christians have had for many years an influence and a few adherents. 
As early as 1792, Rev. Elias Smith, then a Baptist, preached here and baptized. 
Graduallv he separated from the Baptists, and with others started a new party 
called Christians. Aher this he preached here and in other towns in this 
vicinity. He possessed superior talents and was a great favorite with his 
friends, but was unstable in his doctrinal views. Others who have preached 
here acceptably are : Revs. Henry Rottlc, John Harriman, Elijah Shaw, 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 313 

Julius C. Blodgett, Henry Pluninier, Sipieon Swett, Edwin Burnhani, and 
Daniel P. Pike. But more than any other was Rev. Samuel E. Brown, whose 
home was here for many years, and who labored without fee or reward. 

The Frce-lVill Baptists have had preaching here in past years, but no 
membership, as they at once coalesced with the Christians. The Rev. Benja- 
min Fernald, who had labored in places not very far distant, came here in 
1856 and preached from two to three years, including the years 1857 and 
1858, to good congregations and general acceirtance. He preached to a Union 
congregation, and made no efforts to build up his or any other denomination. 
A number of other Free-Will Baptist preachers have officiated here. 

Military Record. — The follow ing is a list of the soldiers of East Kingston 
in the War of the Rebellion : 

John A. James, Co. I, 2d Regiment; enlisted November 30, 1863; pro- 
moted to corporal January i, 1865: discharged December 19, 1865. 

Daniel McNichols. Co. K, 2d Regiment: enlisted November 17. 1863; 
transferred to U. S. N. April 29, 1864. 

George H. Myron, Co. I. 2d Regiment; enlisted December 2. 1863; pro- 
moted to corporal July i, 1864; to sergeant May i, 1865; discharged Decem- 
ber 19, 1865. 

Thomas H. Campbell, Co. H, 5th Regiment; enlisted December 10, 1863; 
transferred to U. S. N. April 22, 1864. 

Henrv Dodge. Co. K, 5th Regiment; enlisted Decemlaer 7, 1863; missing 
June 3, 1864. 

Edward Colcord, Co. C. 6th Regiment; enlisted December 10. 1S61 ; dis- 
charged June 24, 1862. 

George H. Marsh, Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861 ; 
re-enlisted corporal December 26, 1863; promoted to sergeant; absent, sick, 
since June 3, 1864; no discharge furnished. 

Elvin Marsh, Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861 ; killed 
August 29, 1862. 

Ebenezer K. Mardin, Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November zy, 1861 ; 
discharged June 24, 1862. 

Daniel P. Pierce, Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861 ; dis- 
charged August 29, 1862. 

John A. Webster. Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 2y. 1861 ; 
re-enlisted December 23, 1863; captured May 28, 1864. 

\\'illiam Carter, Co"^, C, 6th Regiment; enlisted September 3, 1862; trans- 
ferred to V. R. C. July I, 1863. 

Thomas C. Goodrich, Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted September 3, 1862; 
promoted to sergeant; discharged June 4, 1865. 

John G. Colcord, Co. I, 6th Regiment; enlisted December 20, 1863; pro- 
moted to corporal ; discharged May 27, 1865. 

Evander A. Goodrich, 6th Regiment; enlisted December 20, 1863; trans- 
ferred to V. R. C. January 20, 1865; discharged September 3, 1865. 

Henry McCabe.' Co. D, 7th Regiment; enlisted November 16, 1864. 

Manuel Marks, Co. C, 7th Regiment; enlisted January 3, 1865; discharged 
July 20, 1865. 



314 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

Julin San Francis, Co. D, 7th Regiment; enlisted November 16, 1864; 
discharged July 20, 1865. 

Franklin Cass, Co. B, 7th Regiment; enlisted September 10, 1862; dis- 
charged June 26, 1865. 

Sylvester W. Bartlett, Co. B, 8th Regiment; enlisted December 20, 1861 
promoted to corporal May i, 1863; killed June 14, 1863. 

David D. Lawrence, Co. B, 8th Regiment; enlisted December 20, 1861 
died May 27, 1863. 

Alonzo L. Tappan, Co. B, Sth Regiment; enlisted December 20, 1S61 
discharged July 5, 1862. 

.Smith N. Welsh, Co. B, 8th Regiment; enlisted January 4, 18(^14; dis- 
charged October 28, 1865. 

James M. Tappan, corporal Co. A, 9th Regiment; enlisted July 3, 1862; 
died November i, 1862. 

Benjamin D. James, Co. A, 9th Regiment; enlisted July 8. 1862; dis- 
charged April 30, 1863. 

Charles H. Webster, Co. A, 9th Regiment; enlisted July 10, 1862. 

John Hill, Co. I, loth Regiment; enlisted August 11. 1863. 

James McDonald, Co. I, lOth Regiment; enlisted August 11, 1863; trans- 
ferred to jd Regiment June 21, 1865; discharged December 19, 1865. 

Alexander McDonald, Co. K, loth Regiment; enlisted August 11, 1863; 
discharged February 22, 1864. 

George W. Davis, Co. I, loth Regiment; enlisted August 11, 1863. 

Peter Frigwirg, Co. D, loth Regiment; enlisted August 11, 1863; trans- 
ferred to 2d Regiment June 21. 1865. 

Calvin B. Magoon, sergeant Co. I, nth Regiment; enlisted September 3, 
1862; died May 17, 1864. 

Jacob M. Phillips, corporal Co. I, nth Regiment; enlisted September 3. 
1862; discharged April 22, 1864. 

Charles M. Burleigh, Co. I, nth Regiment; enlisted September 3, 1862; 
promoted to corporal; discharged June 4. 1865. 

John W. Nichols, mustered Co. I, nth Regiment; enlisted September 2. 
1862; discharged in general hospital; authority and date unknown. 

Cilman N. Dow, Co. I, nth Regiment; enlisted September 3. 1862; dis- 
charged January 13, 1863. 

Kingsley F. Hale, Co. F nth Regiment; enlisted September 3, 1862; dis- 
charged June 4, 1865. 

Nathaniel Swett, Co. F nth Regiment; enlisted September 3, 1862; died 
January 11, 1863. 

George Swett, Co. F. Tith Regiment: enlisted September 3. 1862; dis- 
charged June 3, 1865. 

Charles Crocker. 12th Regiment; enlisted December S. 1863; supposed to 
have deserted en route to regiment. 

John Rossengrist, Co. C. 12th Regiment; enlisted December 12. 1863; 
transferred to 2d Regiment June 2T. 1865. 

Jacob Anderson, Co. F 12th Regiment; enlisted December 8, 1863; trans- 
ferred to FT. S. navy April 29. 1864. 

Philip Smith. Co. D, 13th Regiment; enlisted August n, 1863. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 315 

Henry H. Titcomb, Co. D, 14th Regiment; enlisted September 23, 1862; 
promoted to corporal October 31, 1864; discharged July 8, 1865. 

William Miller, Co. F, 14th Regiment; enlisted August 11, 1863. 

Joseph Terry, Co. E, 14th Regiment; enlisted July 28, 1864; discharged 
July 8, 1865. 

Charles E. Batchelder, sergeant Co. A, H. Artillery; promoted to ist ser- 
geant October 26, 1854; discharged September 11, 1865. 

William F. Currier, Co. A, H. Artillery; enlisted July 18, 1863; dis- 
charged September 11, 1865. 

Amos M. Batchelder, Co. A, H. Artillery; enlisted February 19, 1864; 
discharged September 11, 1865. 

Charles C. Marsh, Co. A, H. Artillery; enlisted July 18, 1863; discharged 
September 11, 1865. 

George AV. Marden, Co. A, H. Artillery; enlisted February 19, 1864; 
discharged September 11, 1865. 

Daniel P. Pierce, Co, A, H. Artillery; enlisted July 18, 1863; discharged 
August 7, 1865. 

Charles T. C. Pierce, Co. A, H. Artillery; enlisted August 10, 1863; dis- 
charged September 11, 1865. 

Andrew J. York, Co. A, H. Artillery; enlisted July 22, 1863; discharged 
September 11, 1865. 

James R. Gray, sergeant Co. E, H. Artillery; enlisted September 5, 1864; 
discharged June 15, 1865. 

\A'arren Balch, Co. E, H. Artillery; enlisted September 5, 1864; discharged 
June 15, 1865. 

Adoniram J. Sawyer, sergeant Co. G, H. Artillery; enlisted September 6, 
1864; discharged June 15. 1865. 

George B. Kendall, Co. D, H. Artillery; enlisted September 4, 1S64; dis- 
charged June 15, 1865. 

Edwin S. Sweatt, Co. E. H. Artillery; enlisted September 5. 1864; dis- 
charged June 15, 1865. 

Isaac H. Heath, Co. E, U. S. S. S. ; enlisted September 9, 1861 ; discharged 
April I, 1863. 

Lewis B." Morrill. Co. C, 6th Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861 ; 
drowned at Big Black River, Miss., July 22, 1863. 

Edward Colcord, Veteran Reserve Corps; enlisted December 2, 1863; date 
of discharge unknown now. 

Charles Freeman. U. S. C. T. ; enlisted January 3. 1865 ; date of discharge 
unknown now. 

Edward Davis. U. S. C. T. ; enlisted December 30, 1864; date of dis- 
charge unknown. 

Henry H. Titcomb. 

Amos F. Varney, sergeant Co. G. i8th Regiment; enlisted November 16. 
1864; reduced to ranks March 13, 1865; discharged July 29, 1865. 

Frank Clark, enlisted July 28, i8'64. three years; credited to town; no 
further record given. 

David Roberts, enlisted July 29, 1864, three years; credited to town; 
no further record given. 



316 HISTORY Ub' RUCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

Abel Gale, enlisted August 2, 1864, three years; credited to town; no 
further record given. 

John Smith, enlisted November 17, 1864. three years; credited to town; 
no further record given. 

James R. Grey, corporal Co. C, 6th Regiment ; enlisted November 2y, 
1861 ; discharged January 22, 1864. 

The East Kingston Public Library was established July 11, 1894, under 
the library law. Its 1,418 volumes are located in the town hall. Annie M. 
Buswell is the librarian. 



CHAPTER XXVI 

EPPING 

Geographical- — Topographical — Petition for a Parish — Petition of the Inhabi- 
tants of Epping for Men to Protect Them, iJ4y — Parish Taxes, IJ48 — 
War of the Revolution — The Lottery Bridge — Military Record — Soldiers 
of the War of the Rebellion — Ecclesiastical — Native Ministers — Physi- 
cians — Public OfHcials — .4ttorneys-at-Lazv — Banking — Origin of the Name 
of the Town — Public Library. 

The town of Epping lies in the nortlieastern part of the county, and is 
bounded as follows: On the north by Nottingham and Lee; on the east by 
New Market, South New Market, and Exeter ; on the south by Brentwood and 
Fremont; and on the west by Raymond and Nottingham. 

The surface of the town is rolling and the soil generally fertile. Epping 
originally formed a portion of Exeter, and the first settlements were among the 
earhest in the state. 

Petition for Parish. — In 1741 the population and taxable property had 
increased to such an extent that the settlement considered itself of sufficient 
importance for incorporation into a separate parish, and on the 15th of Janu- 
ary, 1 74 1, the following petition for a parish was presented to the General 
Court : 
To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr Governor & Commander in Chief 

in & over His Majestys Province of New Hampshire in New England. 

The Honble His Majesty's Council & House of Representatives in Gen- 
eral Court Convened : 

The Humble Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of the North \\'esterly Part 
of the Town of Exeter in said Province Shews. 

That your Petitioners l>eing Settled in the aforesaid part the said Town 
Labour under Great Difficulties in attending the Public Worship of God by 
Reason of the Distance & badness of the Way to the Meeting House Most of 
em living More than seven miles from it, & some above nine, so that. many 
Persons in their Families can attend the Public \Vorship but seldom. 

That being most of them new Settlers ( tho" upon good land) are not able 
to maintain a Minister among themselves while they are Subjected to & actually 
pay their proportion to the maintenance of the Gospel & other Charges in the 
Town. 

That a considerable Parish might be set ofif from the said Town by the 
following Metes & Bounds v'z. Beginning at the North West Corner of 
Exeter & from thence running South iq Deg. W. partly by Nottingham and 
partly by Chester line four miles and an half & from thence to extend carrying 

317 



318 



HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAAI COUNTY 



that breadth of four miles and an half East & by South till it comes to the 
head line of New Market Parish being bounded North'ly partly by Notting- 
ham & partly by Dover Line and Easterly partly by New Market & partly by 
Exeter the said four miles & an half being something Broader than New- 
Market & so extending a little beyond it upon Exeter which would Compre- 
hend \-our Petitioners Estates & yet leave a Large and able Parish at the 
Town below 'em (which would hardly miss 'em) And tho' they are but few 
& Poor in Comparison of the rest of the Town yet they would Gladly bear 
the charge of Supporting the Gospel among themselves were they Exonerated 
from that & other Town Charges & duties in the other part of the Town — 
But as the aforesaid Bounds Comprehends a Tract of very Good Land they 
have reason to think from that as well as by experience that they shall Licrease 
in number every year & Especially when accommodated better with respect to 
the Public Worship. 

That a Parish Incorporated by the aforesaid Boundaries with the usual 
Privileges & Immunities would be a Considerable means of Cultivating & 
Improving a large Tract of Land which is now unsubdued, inasmuch as People 
will be thereby Encouraged to go out & Settle there, & the Public in General as 
well as the said Town in Particular Benefited thereby. 

Wherefore your Petitioners Pray This Honble Court would Please to take 
the Premises under Consideration and Grant that they may be Incorporated 
into a Parish with the usual Parish powers & Privileges by the Metes and 
bounds aforesaid & Exonerated from paying to the Support of the Minister 
of the Town & other Town charges & duties that so they may support & Main- 
tain the Gospel a school &c, among themselves with more conveniency for 
themselves & Families — Or in such other manner as this Honble Court in their 
Great Wisdon: & Goodness shall think proper & your Petitioners as in Duty 
Bound Shall Ever pray &c. 



Jacob Smith 
David Laurens 
James Norris Jun. 
Samuel Elkins Jun. 
Elias Smith 
John P21kins 
Daniel Elkins 
Jonathan ^lorris Jun. 
James -Rundlet 
John Rowell 
Joseph Avery 
Joseph Norris 
Jonathan Rundlet 
Joel Judkins 
Nathan Samhorn 
Samuel Smith 
Jonathan Smith 
Ithiel Clifford 
Joseph Gordon 



John Carty ? 
Timothy Morgen 
Jeremiah Present 
Richard Sanborn 
Simon Garlon 
Job Rowell 
James Norris 
Jonathan Gidden 
John Hal! 
Theophilus Wodley 
Jeradiah Blacke 
Joseph Blake 
Benjamin Rolings 
George Been 
Nathan Hoight 
Samuel Norris 
Samuel Elkins 
Elezar Elkins 
Jeremiah Elkins 



Caleb Gillman 
Israel Gillman 
Jacob Sanborn 
John Sear 
Israel Shaperd 
Hezakiah Swain 
James Chase 
Daniel Lad 
Joseph Malom 
Benjamin Poter 
Jonathan Foulsham 
Ebenezer Marden 
John Norris 
Jonathan Norris 
John Folintown 
Jeremiah Present Jun. 
Joseph Edgley 
Moses Rolings. 



AND REPRESEXT \TIVE CITIZENS 319 

In the House of Representatives Jan 15th 1741 The within Petition Read 
and Voted That the Petitioners forthwith Serve the Select Men of Exeter 
with a Coppy of the Petition and the Votes thereon — That the Town of 
Exeter may appeare at the Genal Court or Assembly next Tuesday fortnight 
to Shew Cause (if any they have) why the prayer of the Petition may not be 
granted — And if the General Court or Assm Shall not be then sitting, Then 
to appeare the Third day of the Sitting of the next Sessions of Genl Assembly. 

James JetYry Cle Assm 
In Council Jan 21 1741-2 
Read & Concurrd 

Richd W'aldron Sec 
Jan 21 I74I-2- 

Assented to B. Wentworth 

In the House of Representatives Feb. the 2d 1741 The within Petitioners 
were heard and the dellegates from the Town of Exeter and they agreed that 
the Bound shall be as followeth viz. to begin at Durham Line at the North 
West corner of the p'ish of New Market and from thence Bounding on the 
head Line of said New Market to the South west Corner of the same, and 
from thence to run South abt twenty nine degrees West parallel with the 
head Line of the Town of Exeter Extending to half the breadth of the Town- 
ship of Exeter from Durham Line aforesaid and from thence to run West 
& by north to the Midle of the head Line of the Town of Exeter and from 
thence to bound upon Chester and Nottingham to the North West corner of 
Exeter and from thence bounding East & by South on Nottingham & Dur- 
ham to the first bounds. 

Therefore Voted that the prayer of the Petition be granted & that they 
be set off by the Bounds aforesaid and have all powers within themselves as 
any Town within this Province Keeping & supporting an Orthodox Minister 
to preach among them ( excepting the Choice of Representves) and untill they 
shall have liberty to have one among themselve they have liberty to Joyn 
with the Town of Exeter in the choice of Men to Represent the Town as 
usuall and that they pay their Proportion of the charge of such Representa- 
tives and that they be not Exempted from paying any charge of the Town 
of Exeter that has already been assest upon them and that they have Liberty 
to bring in a Bill Accordingly. James Jeffrey Cler. Assm 

In Council Feb. 3, 1741-2 

Read and concurred 

Richd \\'aldron Secy. 

Feb. 3. 1 74 1 -2 

Assented to B Wentworth 

At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the town of 
Exeter holden at the town house in sd Exeter Feby ist 174 1-2 

1 Voted Samuel Gilman Esqr Moderator of sd Meeting 

2 Voted That two men be chosen to make answer to the Petition preferr'd 
to the General Court or assembly by the Northwesterly part of the town with 
power to act before sd Court on behalf of the town as they shall think proper. 



320 



HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 



3 Voted That Samuel Gilman Esqr & Lieut Theophilus Smith be thee two 
men for the End aforesd 

A true Copy Attest Ehsha Odlin town Clerk 

Petition of the Inhabitants of Epping for men to protect thetii. 
To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr Governour and Commander in 

Chief in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire and the 

Honble His Majesties Council and House of Representatives for said 

Province in General Assembly Convened 

Humbly Sheweth the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Epping in sd 
Province that your Petitioners are Sensible of the weak and Defenceless State 
of the Town of Nottingham which Lies on our Border — That the Inhabitants 
there Seem very much Discouraged Insomuch that Some are Removed and 
others are about Removing out of Town. That if that Settlement should 
Break up this Parish with Part of New Market and Durham will become 
Frontiers which we of ourselves Shall not we fear be able to Defend and the 
Enemy who will be much Incouraged will have near access to the very Bowells 
of the Province which may Possibly have very Fatal Consequences. 

We Do therefore by these Presents Humbly Request your Excellency and 
Honours to take the Premises with other Reasons that may occur into your 
wise Consideration and if it appear Proper make Provision for and send to 
said Town of Nottingham to be Kept there for their Safeguard and Defence 
— Such a number of Men as may be needful for that Purpose and as that 
Town is very much Exposed we Humbly Presume that a much Larger num- 
ber will be necessary for that End than has been allowed them in years Past, 
and as the Common Road between Red Oak Hill so called and Nottingham 
is very Dangerous to Pass we \\''ould Request that a Small Scout of Men 
May be sent to the named Gareson on Pantuckaway road to scout from thence 
to Sanborns Garrison when not wanted for that to Guard the People at sd 
Garrisons. May it Pleas Your Excellency and Honours it appears to us that 
our Safety in a Great Measure Depends upon the safety of Nottingham 
which we Hope you will Effectually Provide for and we shall Esteem it as an 
Instance of your Paternal Care not only of Nottingham but of your Peti- 
tioners also who as in Duty Bound shall Ever Pray &c. 



Edward Stevens 
Jonathan Foulson 
Benjamin Rawlings 
David Page 
Richard Samborn 
Nathan Samborn 
Jonathan Keesey 
Joseph Goodhue 
Onisipherous Hage 
Joseph Edgerly 
John Elkins 
Daniel Elkins 
Samuel Elkins 
Robert Hinkson 



James Chase 
Jacob Freese 
John Present 
William Eaton 
Jonathan Gliden 
Joseph Noris 
Moses Noris 
John Noris 
Elias Smith 
Jeremiah Present 
\^'illiam Present 
Abraham Brown 
John Rowell 
Tohn Page 



Ezekiel Brown 
Abraham Folsom 
Jonathan Smith 
Jonathan Rundlet 
Eleazer Elkins 
Teremiah Elkins 
Is'rel Blak 
Joseph Blak 
Jediah Blake 
Jeremiah Prescot 
John Manten 
Daniel Manten 
Ebenezer Manten 
Caleb Gillman 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 321 

John Hinkson James Whidden Israel Gillman 

John Dudley Joseph Emory John Morison 

Moses Hoyt Joseph Cass 

Epping March 5th 1747 
In Council March 8th 1747 

read & ordered to be sent down to ye Honble House 

Theod Atkinson Seer 

Parish Taxes for 1748. — 
Pro of New / To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esqr Commander 

Hampshire i in cliiefe in & over his Majesties province of the New Hamp- 
shire & his Honourable Counsell and House of Representatives now mett, 
whereas there was an act past in this his Majesties Court in the year 1747 that 
all the Lands in the parish of Epping should be taxed in order to Enable the 
Inhabitants to Build a Meeting House, purchase a parsonage, and Build a 
house for the minister of ye Gospel, and Likewise By Said act the Select men 
are obliged to Lay an account of the Disposall of Said money Before your 
Honrs annually or Forfeit Said Money, wee therefore the Subscribers would 
Lett your Honours Know that there was no money Raised upon Said Lands 
in ye year 1747 By Reason of the War that Summer which was a hindrance 
to Runing Lines Between other towns and measuring grants, which was Neces- 
sary in order to make Said Rate, But in the year 1 748 wee the Subscribers have 
made Said Rate and Disposed of the Same as followeth. 

Money Raised Two Hundrid & fifty Seven pounds four Shillins 

257, 4,0 

Copies out of the propriators Records 11, 1,0 

Running the Lines Betwext other towns and Said parish 47,1 1,2 

Makeing Rates 4.03,0 

Advertiseing 12,03,0 

Collecting 15, 0,0 

Expence and makeing up accounts with ye Constable 14,07,0 

The Remainder of the money By a Vote of the parish paid toward Building 
a house for our Revnd Minister. 

Dated at Epping this Eighteenth day of June Anno Domini 1749 

Ezekiel Brown ] 
Nathan Samborn I ^^,^^^ ^^^ 
Ben I a Baker | 

John Page J 

Trouble in the Enlistment of Men for the War of the Revolution. — 
State of New Hampshire To the Honourable Counsel and House of Rei>- 
Rockingham ,f,y resentatives Now Setting in Exeter in the 

County of Rockingham in the State of New Hampshire may it Please your 
Honors your Humble Petitioners Humbly Shews that the Honourable Nicho- 
las Oilman Escir Collonel of the 4th Rigement of milities in the County of 
Rockingham has Sent forth his orders to the Several Captains of the Com- 



322 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

panys in Eppin in said County under his Command Requireing them forth 
with to Inlist or Draft ten Able Bodies and Effective men out of their Com- 
panys being their Proportion of Six hundred men &c and Pursuance to said 
orders the Said Captains exerted themselves in the Best way and manner they 
Posabley Could in order to Procure Said ten men but Could not engage them — 
by Reason that the Said Captains has been very much obstructed by one Capt 
Ezekiel Worthing of Eppin aforesaid for that whereas the said \Vorthing have 
entered the next State and have undertaken to Inlis a Number of men in their 
Service and accordingly have returned back to Eppin and have Inlisted twelve 
men all belonging to Eppin aforesaid and the said Worthing Says that it is 
now in his Power to hurt Eppin and that he means to do it if it is to the Velue 
of a hundred thousand dollars and will Inlist as many men as he Can in Eppin 
for the use and Service of another State and many other Injeries and hard 
Speeches the said Worthing have uttered against the town of Eppin and 
against the Government of this State which is to the great damage of the town 
of Eppin in Supporting Common Cause that we are now ingaged in and in 
Consideration of the ill treatment that the town of Eppin have Received from 
the Said Worthing — we the Subscribers Humbly pray your Honours will be 
Pleased to take this our Petition under your wise Consideration and examine 
into the facts Set forth in this our Humble Petition against the Said Ezekiel 
Worthing — as we are in duty Bound and ever Pray — Epping June ye 23rd 
A.D. 1780 

William Coffin ) Selectmen 
Abraham Perkins I of Eppin 

The Lottery Bridge. — 
State of New ) To the Honbl Council and House of Representatives for 
Hampshire S Said State in General assembly Conven'd A.D 1780 at Ports- 
mouth _' I St October 

Humbly Shew We the Subscribers freeholders and Inhabitants of the town 
of Epping in Sd State, that Newmarkett and Stratham Lottery Bridge So 
Called is now become ruinous and almost impassable and unless Speedily 
Repaired the great Expence of building it, and great Benefit & Convenience 
the Public Might Still Receive therefrom, will be entirely Lost, As the Bridge 
was Built by Lottery for the Public advantage and as no particular Towns are 
chargeable with the Repairs thereof your Petitioners humbly conceive that a 
Lottery for the Repair of Said Bridge would be found the most eligible way 
Wherefore your Petitioners humbly pray, that your Honours would as in Some 
cases you have, granted a Lottery for that purpose or that the Same bridge 
may be Supported in future at the Charge of the County of Rockingham or 
in Such other Manner as your Wisdom may dictate and your Petitioners as in 
Duty bound will ever pray 

Jonth Eliot Josiah Tilton Moses Dalton 

Jeremiah Sanborn Bradr Gilman John Barker 

Jonathan Meloon Samuel Gilman Thomas Harley 

Samuel Veazey Benjn Johnson Simon Derborn 

David Tewett ' Daniel Sanborn Phinehas Blake 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 323 

Timothy Jones Zebulon Edgerly Thomas Rawlins 

Tristram Samborn John folsom Joseph Hodgdon 

James Johnson Nathaniel Mansfield Jonathan Rawlins 

Simon Drake William Gill Joseph VVitcher 

Moses Coffin Samuel Jewett 

In 1779 a committee was chosen to "Receive & Adjust the amott as services 
that each inhabitant of said Epping hath Done in Caring on the present warr 
with Great Britain." This committee consisted of Josiah Norris, Seth Fogg, 
Enoch Cotifin, Lieut. Simon Dearborn, and Daniel Folsom. 

The names of 209 signers of the association test in Epping are on record 
and names of eleven that refused to sign. 

The "American Gazetteer," published in Boston in 1804, contains the fol- 
lowing concerning Epping : 

"Epping, a post town in Rockingham Co., N. Hampshire, taken from the 
N. W. part of Exeter, and incorporated in 1741. It contains 1121 inhabitants, 
6 miles N. W. from Exeter, and 23 W. of Portsmouth." It had the distinction 
of being a "post town." This was a common phrase in these old gazetteers, 
and indicated that the privilege of a postoflice was enjoyed by the citizens, 
which was not the case with those of every town. 

In the life of the late Governor and United States Senator William Plumer, 
of this town, by his son, the late Hon. William Plumer, Jr., we find the follow- 
ing paragraph in a letter to Judge Jeremiah Smith, giving an account of his 
fMr. Plumer's) election as Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Repre- 
sentatives, June II, 1797: "The mail going from this place (Concord) but 
once a week is a sufficient excuse for my not writing to you sooner." In a 
footnote by the author we find the following statement : "My father's letters 
were usually ten or twelve days in reaching him from Philadelphia. There 
was then no Post Office in Epping, and he sent nine miles to Exeter for his 
letters and papers, which at a later period were brought to him by a post rider 
once a week." 

The "Gazetteer" above referred to gives Epping, from the census of 1800, 
1 121 inhal)itants. But if we examine the census reports farther back we shall 
find there had been a considerable loss. In 1767, thirty years before the date 
of Governor Plumer's letter above referred to, the town had 1410 people in 
it, and six years later, 1773, there were 1648, making it the fourth town in 
population in Rockingham County — Exeter then 1741, Londonderry, 2399, 
and Portsmouth, 4466. There was a loss from this time till the census of 1800, 
after which there was a gain during each decade till 1850, when we had a 
population of 1663, which was the largest we have ever had. In 1870 we 
receded again to 1270, a loss in two decades of 398. This embraces the war 
period, and was a time of general decrease in farming towns, and rapid growth 
in manufacturing centers. The population by the census of 1880 was 1536 
and showed a gain during the previous ten years, which was owing to the 
introduction of the shoe manufacturing business, and increased railroad facili- 
ties by the construction of the Nashua and Rochester line. And yet the town 
had less population than at a period some time previous to the date of Governor 



324 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Plumer's letter, when there was no postoffice nearer than Exeter, with a mail 
once a week. The population by the census of 1910 was 1649. 

At present there are approximately twenty-three million brick made in 
Epping yearly, and 500,000 cans of corn canned each year. 

Stillivan Lodge, No. IQ, F. and A. M. — Columbian Lodge, No. 2, of which 
this lodge is the successor, was instituted in Lee, probably not far from 1800. 
It went down, and in 1S07 Sullivan Lodge was instituted at Deerfield, with 
Joseph Mills, Michael McClary, Seth Fogg, John Butler, James H. McClary, 
Daniel Cilley, Benjamin Moody, William Gordon, Benjamin Butler. John T. 
Coffin, Samuel Locke, and Simon A. Heath as members. The lodge v\ as sub- 
sequently removed to Lee, and in 1869 to Epping. 

Societies. — Rockingham Grange, T. of H. ; Albert M. Perkins Post, G. A. 
R. ; Woman's Relief Corps; Geneva Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; Fei-n Rebekah Lodge; 
Queen Esther Chapter, O. E. S. ; Paul Revere Council, No. 15, Jr. O. U. A. M. 

MILITARY RECORD, 186I-O5. 

George \\ . Kendall, Company H, First Regiment; enlisted May 3, 1861 ; 
discharged August 9, 1861. 

George Clough, Company H, First Regiment ; enlisted May 3, 1861 ; dis- 
charged August 9, 1861. 

John F. Mudgitt, Company H, First Regiment; enlisted May 3, 1861 ; dis- 
charged August 9, 1861. 

Marcus M. Tuttle, Company C, Second Regiment; enlisted June i, 1861 ; 
discharged August 24, 1861. 

Van Buren G. Blye, Company K, Second Regiment; enlisted June 8, 1861 ; 
re-enlisted January i, 1864; promoted to corporal July i, 1864; promoted to 
sergeant December i, 1864; discharged December 19, 1865. 

William B. Perkins, Company B, Third Regiment; enlisted January i, 1864; 
promoted to corporal; promoted to sergeant luly 4, 1865 ; discharged Julv 20, 
1865. 

Daniel H. W iggin. Company B, 1 bird Regiment; enlisted February 24. 
1864; absent, sick, July 20, 1865; no discharge. 

Richard Thomas, Company K, Third Regiment; enlisted January i, 1864; 
absent, sick, since May 7, 1864; no discharge. 

George A. Tarbox, Company K, Third Regiment; enlisted February 11, 
1864. 

Woodbury C. Blye, Company K, Third Regiment; enlisted February 11, 
1864; promoted to sergeant August 26, 1864; absent on furlough July 20, 
1865 ; no discharge. 

John Grady, Fourth Regiment; enlisted December 27, 1864; discharged 
August 23, 1865. 

Andy Nolan, Company E, Fifth Regiment; enlisted September 10, 1864. 

George Smith. Company H, Fifth Regiment; enlisted September 12, 1864; 
discharged June 28, 1865. 

John Doherty, Company B, Fifth Regiment; enlisted September i. 1864. 

Stephen L. Hicks. Company C. Fifth Regiment; enlisted August 11, 1863; 
promoted to corporal January 10, 1865 ; discharged June 14, 1865. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 325 

William Sullivan, Company E, Fifth Regiment; enlisted August 8, 1864. 

Dudley W. Miles, Company H, Fifth Regiment; enlisted August 11. 1863; 
discharged April 21, 1864. 

Thomas H. Lutheran, Company I, Fifth Regiment; enlisted August 11, 
1863; transferred to U. S. Navy September 19, 1S64. 

James Hoffman, Company I, Sixth Regiment; enlisted December 30, 1863; 
absent, sick, since July 17, 1865; no discharge. 

John Howard, musician. Company A, Sixth Regiment; enlisted January 5, 
1864; discharged July 17, 1865. 

George Pierce, Company C, Sixth Regiment; enlisted January 5, 1864. 

George Clark, Company D. Sixth Regiment; enlisted January 5, 1864. 

Isaac Graham, Sixth Regiment; enlisted January 5, 1864. 

Moses Anderson, Company I, Sixth Regiment; enlisted December 31, 
1863. 

WilHam H. Muzzy, Company I, Sixth Regiment; enlisted December 31, 
1864; absent, sick, July 17, 1S65; no discharge. 

James O'Neil, Sixth Regiment; enlisted December 31, 1863. 

Philip Decowen, Company E, Seventh Regiment; enlisted S.eptember 22, 

1864. 

Dennis Johnson, Company D, Seventh Regiment; enlisted September 8, 
1864; discharged June 16, 1865. 

Darius Johnson, Company D, Seventh Regiment; enlisted September 12, 
1864; discharged June 26, 1865. 

Donald Campbell, Company E, Seventh Regiment : enlisted September 22. 
1864; discharged July 20, 1865. 

George H. Fogg, Company K, Seventh Regiment; enlisted August 11, 
1863 ; died April 3, 1864. 

Almon M. Davis, Company B, Eighth Regiment; enlisted December 20, 
1861; discharged July 5, 1862. 

Darius D. Johnson, wagoner, Company D, Eighth Regiment; enlisted 
December 20, 1861 ; discharged April 22, 1864. 

Newell O. Carr, corporal. Company D, Eighth Regiment ; enlisted Decem- 
ber 20, 1861 ; promoted to sergeant April 22, 1862; promoted to second lieu- 
tenant December 16, 1863; promoted to first lieutenant April i, 1864; not 
mustered; discharged as second lieutenant May 22, 1864. 

Lyman F. Gate. Company D, Eighth Regiment; enlisted December 20, 
1861 : discharged January 18, 1865. 

Oliver B.''Hobbs, Company D, Eighth Regiment: enlisted December 20. 
1861 ; discharged July S. 1862. 

Harland P. Higley. Company D, Eighth Regiment ; enlisted December 20. 
1861 ; died November 29, 1862. 

George \\' Kendall. Companv D. Eighth Regiment ; enlisted December 20. 
1861; re-enlisted January 4. 1864: Company A. Veteran Battalion: dis- 
charged October 28, 186^. ,. , t^ u 

Charles A. Roberts, Company D. Eighth Regiment ; enlisted December 20. 
i8fii : died November 2. 1862. . , r^ . 

Charles E. Rogers, Company D, Eighth Regiment: enlisted December 20. 
i86t : died June 26, 1862. 



326 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

David Stickney, Company D, Eighth Regiment; enhsted December 20, 
i86i ; discharged January 18, 1865. 

Augustus H. Smith, Company D, Eighth Regiment ; enhsted December 26, 
1861 ; died September 15, 1862. 

George B. Willey, Company D, Eighth Regiment; enhsted December 20, 
1861 ; died November 6, 1862. 

David G. Kelley, sergeant, Company B, Eighth Regiment Veteran Bat- 
tahon; enlisted January 4, 1864; discharged October 8, 1865. 

Charles J. Simonds, second heutenant, Company K, Ninth Regiment; 
enhsted November i, 1864; promoted first heutenant, Company A, February 
I, 1865; discharged June 10, 1865. 

Benjamin H. Perkins, Company A, Ninth Regiment; enhsted July 3, 1862; 
promoted to corporal; absent, sick, at Manchester, N. H., June 10, 1865; no 
discharge furnished. 

John F. Tuttle, Company A, Ninth Regiment; enhsted July 3, 1862; 
wounded June 18, 1864; discharged with loss of all pay May 15, 1865. 

James Sinclair, Company A, Ninth Regiment; enlisted July 3, 1S62; died 
October 27, 1863. 

Florace C. Bacon, captain, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted Sep- 
tember 4, 1862; discharged June 11, 1864. 

George N. Shepard, first lieutenant. Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; 
enlisted September 4, 1862; promoted to captain May 6, 1864, Company I; 
discharged June 4, 1865. 

Gilman B. Johnson, second lieutenant. Company A, Eleventh Regiment; 
enlisted September 4. 1862; promoted to quarter master April 22, 1864; dis- 
charged June 4, 1864. 

Charles E. Bartlett, sergeant. Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted 
August 28, 1862; promoted to second lieutenant July 25, 1864; promoted to 
first lieutenant February 17, 1865; discharged June 4, 1865. 

James S. Plumer, sergeant. Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted 
August 28, 1862; died of wounds December 16, 1862. 

Charles E. Durant, sergeant. Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted 
August 28, 1862; died November 17, 1862. 

Willard Wilson, corporal, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted 
August 28, 1862; promoted to sergeant; discharged May 20, 1865. 

Thomas F. Caswell, corporal, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted 
August 28, 1862 ; promoted to sergeant; died October 30, 1864. 

John C. Harvey, corporal, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted 
August 28. 1862; transferred to Invalid Corps, January 15, 1864. 

Andrew J. Coffin, musician. Company A, Eleventh Regiment: enlisted 
August 28, 1862; promoted to principal musician December 26, 1863; dis- 
charged June 4. 1865. 

Henry S. Durgin. musician. Companv .\. Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted 
August 28, 1862: died August 15, 1863. 

Ezekiel B. Brown, Company A. Eleventh Regiment : enlisted August 28, 
1862; died December 18. 1862. 

Frank A. Bartlett, Company A. Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28. 
1862 ; discharged June 4. 1865. . ■ ' ' 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 329 

David A. Burnhani, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted August 28, 
1862; died June 9, 1863. 

William F. Caswell, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 
1862; transferred to V. R. C. March 15, 1864; discliarged August 11, 1865. 

George E. Caswell, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted August 28, 
1862; promoted to sergeant; discharged June 4, 1865. 

John F. Gear, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; 
discharged March 6, 1863. 

Nelson Gillingham, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted August 28, 
1862; discharged June 4, 1865. 

George A. Ham, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted August 28, 
1862; discharged June 4, 1865. 

John H. Ham. Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; 
missing in action at Wilderness, May 6, 1864. 

George W. Hopkinson, Company A, Ele\enth Regiment; enlisted August 
28, 1862; transferred to Invalid Corps, September 30, 1863. 

Albert Knight, Company A, y<lleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862 
discharged June 3, 1865. 

John H. Kennard, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28 
1862; died November 22, 1862. 

Jay P. Little, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28. 1862 
discharged June 4, 1865. 

James H. Locke, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted August 28, 
1862; transferred to V. R. C. September i. 1863; discharged August 27, 1865, 

David N. Merden, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28 
1862; discharged June 4, 1S65. 

George A. Miles, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28 
1862; transferred to V. R. C. March 31, 1864; discharged August 28, 1865 

John S. Osgood, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 
1862; promoted to corporal; discharged June 4, 1865. 

Enoch Parks, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862 
discharged June 4, 1865. 

Charles E. Parks, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 
1862; discharged June 4, 1865. 

Charles F. Purrington, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 
28, 1862; discharged February 4, 1865. 

Joshua W. Purrington, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 
28, 1862; transferred to V. R. C. September 30, 186^; discharged August 28, 
1865. 

John D. Purrington, Company A, Eleventh Regunent ; enlisted August 28, 
1862; died December 14, 1862. 

Charles A. Shepard, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 
1862 ; discharged June 4, 1865. 

Samuel T. Shepard, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 2S. 
1862; transferred to V. R. C. March 31, 1864; discharged August 28, 1S65. 

James M. Sleeper, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 
1862; died December 14. 1862. 



330 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Chandler Spinney, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted August 28, 
1862; discharged June 4, 1865. 

Charles F. Stickney, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 
i8b2; promoted to corporal; killed July 12, 1863. 

William C. Tarbox, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 
1862. 

Joseph 1'. Titcomb, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 
1862; died March 21, 1864. 

Samuel D. Thurston, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted August 28, 
1862; died February 28, 1863. 

Henry J. Thurston, Company A, Ele\enth Regiment; enlisted August 28, 
1862; died October 12, 1863. 

James Thurston, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted August 28, 
1862; transferred to V. R. C. September 30, 1863; discharged August 28, 
1865. 

\\ illiam H. 1 owle, Company A, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted August 28, 
1862; discharged February 16, 1863. 

George W. Tuttle, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 
1862; died January 12, 1864. 

Thos. V. Webb, Company A. Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 2S, 1862; 
died December 11, 1864. 

John Willey, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28. 1862; 
discharged May 17, 1865. 

Samuel J. W'illey, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted August 28, 
1862; promoted to corporal; discharged June 4, 1865. 

John McDonald, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted December 19, 
1863; transferred to Sixth Regiment June i, 1865. 

Joseph W'itham, Company A, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted March 17, 
1865; transferred to Sixth Regiment June i, 1865. 

George H. Chesley, Company B, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted December 
7, 1863 ; died July 2, 1864. 

Dennis Coleman, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted July 28, 1864. 

William Johnson, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted December 19, 1863. 

William Eowring, Eleventh Regiment ; enlisted July 26, 1864. 

Walter S. Kelley, sergeant, Company E, Fifteenth Regiment; enlisted 
October 9, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. 

Horace C. Paige, corporal. Company E. Fifteenth Regunent ; enlisted 
October 9, 1862; discharged August 13, 1863. 

Joseph Flennel, Conipanv E, Fifteenth Regiment; enlisted October 10, 
1862. 

Tames Richards, Company E, Fifteenth Regiment; enlisted October 10. 
1862 ; discharged August 13, 1863. 

Alphonzo Caswell, Company C. Eighteenth Regiment ; enlisted September 
14, 1864; discharged June 10, 1865. 

Ralph Carr, Company D, First Cavalry; enlisted April 22, 1864; died 
Mav 15, 1865, 

'lohn Carr, First Cavalry; enlisted April 22. 1864. 

Prater Foster, First Cavalrv; enlisted February i, [864. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 331 

Stephen Durgin, Company F, Second Regiment U. S. S. S. ; enlisted 
November 26. 1861. 

John W. E. Robinson, Company F, Second Regiment U. S. S. S. ; enhsted 
November 26, 1861. 

Orrin West, Company F, Second Regiment U. S. S. S. ; enhsted November 
26, 1861 ; re-enhsted March 22, 1864; transferred to Fifth Regiment January 
30, 1865; absent, sick, June 28, 1865: no discharge furnished. 

Lewis T. Clark, Company F, U. S. S. S. ; enhsted January 5, 1864; trans- 
ferred to Fifth Regiment January 30, 1865 ; discharged May 12, 1865. 

Charles Fox, Company F, U. S. S. S. ; enlisted January 5, 1864; trans- 
ferred to Fifth Regiment January 30, 1865; discharged June 9, 1865. 

Matthew Burns, V. R. C. ; enlisted April 24, 1864; no further record given. 

Jeremiah Mack. Company K, Fifth Regiment; enlisted October 12, 1861 ; 
discharged March 7, 1863. 

James Peacock, Company H, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted December 5, 
1863; transferred to V. R. C. April 17, 1865; discharged June 7, 1865. 

Jacob Aul, enlisted September 2, 1863; credited to town; no further record 
given. 

Henry Catgrover, enlisted September 23, 1864; credited to town; no 
further record given. 

Alexander Seaver, enlisted September 13, 1864; credited to town; no 
further record given. 

Frank S. Tebbetts, enlisted September 2, 1864; credited to town; no 
further record given. 

James Wardell, enlisted August 11, 18O3; credited to town; no further 
record given. 

Barnard Marble, enlisted September 2, 1863; credited to town; no further 
record given. 

Theodore Gressner, enlisted September i, 1863; credited to town; no 
further record given. 

True W. McCoy, enhsted September 3, 1863; credited to town; no further 
record given. 

Timothy G. Davis, enlisted August 19, 1864; credited to town; no further 
record given. 

Isaiah W. Purinton, enlisted September 2, 1864; credited to town; no 
further record given. 

Elijah L. Purinton, enlisted October 4, 1864; credited to town; no further 
record given. 

Tohn Valley, enlisted September 6, 1863; credited to town; no further 
record given. 

James Seaver, enlisted October 26, 1864; credited to town; no further 
record given. 

Thomas Moran, enlisted September 9. 1864; credited to town; no further 
record given. 

Michael McGuire. enlisted September 9, 1864; credited to town; no further 

record given. 

Elbridge G. Bean, marine; enlisted September 3. 1864; credited to town; 
no further record given. 



332 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

John F. Gear, marine; enlisted September 3, 1864; credited to town; no 
further record given. 

James A. Johnson, marine; enHsted September 9, 1S64; credited to town; 
no further record given. 

John Connors, marine; enhsted September 9, 1864; credited to town; no 
further record given. 

George Coy, U. S. C. T. ; enHsted August 11, 1864; credited to town; no 
further record given. 

John Thomas, U. S. C. T. ; enHsted October 17, 1864; credited to town ; no 
further record given. 

Congregational Church. — When Epping, originally a part of Exeter, was 
incorporated, February 12, 1741, the parish and the town were virtually the 
same, and all legal business respecting the institutions of religion was trans- 
acted in regular town-meetings. According to the town records, volume i., 
among the votes passed at the first town meeting was one whereby Jonathan 
Norris and others "were chosen to be a committee to agree with a minister 
or ministers for the ensuing year." Votes are also on record "respecting the 
erection of a meeting house." 

On the 3rd of September, 1744, it was voted that "Ensign Jonathan Rund- 
lett" and others "be a committee to agree with a minister to preach with us." 
The town voted, March 11, 1745, that David Lawrence and others "should 
be a committee to agree with a minister." 

Mr. Lawrence was grandfather of Hon. David L. Morrill, a native of 
this town, who was once pastor of the Congregational Church in GotYstown, 
afterwards U. S. senator, and in the years 18^4-26 governor of the state of 
New Hampshire. 

Similar votes were passed in succeeding years, showing that the early 

inhabitants of this town viewed the preaching of the word as indispensable. 

The following "Copy of an Epping paper," sent the writer by the "Depy 

Secy State, as recpiested by ex-Gov. B. F. Prescott," is equally expressive of 

the same interesting point : 

"To His Excellency Benning W'entworth Esqr Captain General and Com- 
mander in Chief in and over His Majesties Province of New Hampshire 
and the Honble His Majesties Council and House of Representatives for 
sd Province the Humljle Petition of the Free Holders and inhabitants of 
the parish of Epping in said Province Humbly Sheweth 
"That your Petitioners Having with Great Labour and Expense Sur- 
mounted many Difficulties that Have Attended our first Settlement in this 
Place, are yet very Likely to be much Burdened by Charges Necessarily Com- 
ing on the Parish in order to the Settlement and Support of a Minister of the 
Gospel Buying Land for a Parsonage Building a Parsonage House and a 
House for the Publick Worship of God all which we apprehend very Necessary 
to be Done but our own Inability together with some other Difficulties have 
Caused these things (Necessary and Desirable as they are) to be yet unac- 
complished. That there is Scarce one Fifth Part of the Land in the Parish 
Improved the owners of many Large tracts Living out of the Parish who 
are not Obliged by any Law in Force to bear any part of the Public Charges 
So that the Improvers and Settlers alone have Hitherto been obliged to bear 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 333 

not only the Burden of Taxes but to Clear and Repair the Highways and to 
Maintain Several very Chargable Bridges and all this under the Troubles 
and Hardships of the War. That the value of the Non-Residents Lands is 
much Increased by the Settlements which we are making amongst them in 
almost all Parts of the Parish. And that the Building a Meeting House and 
Settlement of a Minister being Designed for the Good of the Whole Parish 
it is Likely that many of those owners of Lands Here who are not at Present 
Inhabitants may be Equal Sharers with us in the Benefits accruing therefrom. 

"We do therefore Humbly Petition your Excellency and Honors to take 
the Premises into your Consideration and if it shall appear Just and Reason- 
able by a Law to Inipower the Select Men of the Parish Aforesd to Rate all 
the Owners of Lands in Said Parish who are not Inhabitants in it or to 
Charge their Said Lands in Such Proportion and for So Long a time as to 
your Excellency and Honours Shall Seem Proper for the Ends aforesaid and 
your Petitioners Shall as in Duty bound Ever Pray ac : 

'"Epping March ye 30th 1747" 

Signed b}^ "Jacob Freeze Joseph Edgerly Jonathan folsom David Ladd 
Israel Blake Jonathan Rundlett Jeremiah Prescut Thomas Burley'" and 
thirty-five others. 

"In H. of Rep. May 21st 1747 Voted — That in answer to the preceding 
petition all ye Lands in said Epping be subjected by an act to a Tax of two 
pennys a acre per annum for four years next ensuing for & towards ye Build- 
ing a Aleeting House & Settling a minister & that ye Inhabitants of sd Epping 
make it appear by an account to be rendered annually to ye Genl Assembly 
that ve money has been applyd for ye uses aforesaid on pain of refunding ye 
same. D. Pierce Clk" 

Our regular church records commence as follows : 
"Decmr ye 9th 1747 

"The Rev. Robert Cutler was ordained to be pastor of the chh of Christ 
in Epping 

— and the first pastor — " 

The church is supposed to have been organized about this time. The next 
record is : 

"I'he first Church meeting — 

"May ye 6th 1748. The Chh met according to de sire to choose a deacon 
or Deacons and to consult other affairs that might be thot : necessary." 

"After serious and earnest prayer to God for direction, Jacob Freese was 
chosen sole Deacon." 

Other business was transacted, among which was the adoption of a cove- 
nant, and, according to the custom of those days, a half-way covenant, being 
for the accommodation of persons who wished to be baptized and have their 
children baptized, though they were not ready to be received into full fellow- 
ship. 

Agreeably with the advice of a council, December 9, 1755, Mr. Cutler 
asked for "a dismission from his people." which was granted December 23, 

1755- 

At the organization of the church and durmg Mr. Cutler's pastorate of 



3rJ4 HISTORY OF^ ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

S years 240 w ere baptized, 34 owned tlie covenant, and 67 became members of 
the churcli in full fellowship. 

Rev. Mr. Cutler was a native of Cambridge, Mass., and a graduate of 
Harvard College in the class of 1741. He was settled over the church in 
Greenwich, Mass., February 16, ijbo. where he died February 24, 1786, aged 
about sixty-eight years. 

After the dismissal of Mr. Cutler the ordinances of the gospel were admin- 
istered by several ministers for more than two years. Thirty-six were 
baptized. 

Pastorate of Rev. Josiah Stearns, thirty years and four months. A paper 
was drawn up, May 18, 1757, addressed to Mr. Josiah Stearns, of Billerica, 
Mass., and signed by "freeholders and inhabitants of the parish of Epping, 
with the members of the church," in all 166 men, urging the importance of 
his becoming their minister, and assuring him that they w^ould vote him an 
"honorable support," and "do anything" for his "comfort and support during 
his ministry." As the result, Mr. Stearns "was ordained pastor of the church 
March 8, 1758." 

The people were true to their engagement, and after his death, which 
occurred when he was in the fifty-seventh year of his age, after a pastorate 
of thirty years and four months, July 25, 1788, "the parish of Epping gen- 
erously assumed all funeral charges, and voted to continue his salary to his 
widow for the eight remaining months of the year." (See town records.) 
During his ministry 1,060 were baptized, 259 owned the covenant, and 68 
joined in full. 

During the four and a half years between the death of the last pastor 
and the settlement of another the pulpit was supplied by thirteen candidates. 
Pastorate of Rev. Peter Holt, twenty-eight years and two months. Rev. Peter 
Holt, born in Andover. Mass.. June 12, 1763. and graduated at Harvard 
College, 1790, was ordained and installed pastor of this church February 27, 
1793. In 1803 the parish of Epping erected the most commodious and finely- 
finished meeting house which has ever adorned this town. 

Col. Seth Fogg, who died November 20, 1806. left a bequest of $100 to 
the selectmen of this town, the interest of which he evidently intended to be 
used annually towards the support of the ministry of this church. 

During Air. Holt's ministry the laws of New Hampshire were so altered 
as to leave it optional with each citizen to contribute towards the support of 
public worship or not. The old "parish of Epping" ceased and the "Congrega- 
tional Society" took its place. Other denominations offered ministerial serv- 
ices for less pay, while on the part of very many there was a growing disre- 
gard of all religious observances. As a natural consequence the attendants 
and supporters of public wor'ship here decreased. Under these discourage- 
ments Mr. Holt resolved to leave this field of labor. At his urgent request his 
remaining people, though ardently attached to him. united with him in calling 
a council, which resulted in his dismission April 25. 182 1. By him eighty- 
nine were baptized and sixty-four received into the church. 

After Mr. Holt left, the people were much disheartened. No move being 
made to employ a preacher. Deacon Stearns gave notice that he would go to 
the meeting house and read a sermon. He pursued the usual order of worship. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS ;5:j5 

At his request neighboring pastors came and administered the Lord's Supper. 
Journeying ministers occasionally spent the Sabbath with said deacon and 
preached. At length he wrote to the New Hampshire Missionary Society, 
and they sent a minister for several weeks. Then the people raised some 
money and employed one minister after another. 

Rev. Forest Jefferds' pastorate covered five years. He was born in Wells, 
Maine, August 4, 1794, educated at Bangor Theological Seminary, and 
ordained and installed pastor of this church October 25, 1S26. When settled, 
the contract between him and the society "ran for five years," at the close of 
which time he was regularly dismissed. 

Some time after Mr. Jefferds left. Rev. Samuel Utley was employed as 
stated supply; after him Rev. John Le Bosquet in like manner. 

In the summer cjf 1842 the former meeting house was abandoned and a 
new one was built in the most compact part of the town. 

Rev. Calvin Chapman, born in j^ethel, Maine, November 8, 1814, grad- 
uated at Bowdoin College 1839, .Andover Theological Seminary 1842, was 
ordained and installed pastor of this church December 8. 1842. He was 
regularly dismissed April 10, 1845, 

-After the dismission of Mr. Chapman the pulpit was supplied by Rev. 
Enoch Corser, a sound and able preacher. During his ministry, in 1846, 
Capt. Joseph Blake, not a member of the church, but of the society, died, 
leaving by will to the society about one and three-quarters acres of valuable 
mowing land, the income of which is to be annually appropriated towards 
the support of preaching in this church. 

Rev. Lyman White's ministry, fi\e years and six months. Mr. White was 
a native of Roxbury. a graduate of Dartmouth College in 1846, of .Andover 
Seminary. 1849. He was employed here as stated supply September 9, 1849; 
was soon ordained as an evangelist, and January 4, 1854, was installed pastor 
of this church. He was regularly dismissed May 2, 1855. 

Though the last ministry was prosperous, at its close the people were not 
ready for immediate, united, efficient action. They had some preaching, how- 
ever. 

The ministry of Rev. Josiah H. Stearns was from June i(). 1857. He. 
born in Epping, October 1, 181 2, a sun of a fomier deacon of this churcli 
and grandson of a former pastor, became a member of said church September 
3, 1830. He graduated at Dartmouth College 1840, .Andover Theological 
Seminary 1843. Being under engagement with the Congregational Church in 
Dennysville, Maine, he went immediately to labor with them, and was ordained 
and in.stal!ed pastor November 6. 1844. He was regularly dismissed, by 
advice of council, that he might labor with this church, and arrived here June 
16, 1857. Having preached to his former people on the previous Sabbath, he 
preached to this people on the next following. His long pastorate continued to 
the year of his death in 1882. His successors have been : Rev. W. P. Clancy. 
1887-93 ; Rev. E. C. Smith, 1S93-1901 ; Rev. T. G. Langdale, iQOi-6: Rev. 
C. W. Fisher, 1907-9; Rev. E. T. Pitts, 1910-14. 

The church edifice was thought to be unfavorably located, and during the 
summer and fall of 1875 an eligible site was purcha.sed by the society, the 
house was iiKived upon it. enlarged, and greatly improved at a co.st of 



336 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COl'XTV 

$h.jij.6T,. This sum co\-ers improvements on the surroundings of the house, 
and some finished work done soon after. 

By the etYorts of our own people, in which our ladies have acted a noble 
part, aided by the generosity of a few family friends, among whom stand 
prominently Mr. D. B. Fitts and family, of Newpori, R. I., the premises were 
free of debt. In October, 1882, the church was destroyed by fire and rebuilt 
the following year. The parsonage was l)urned in 1891 and rebuilt a year or 
two later. 

Brother Dudley Norris died March i, i860, leaving to this church .$525, 
the income of which is to be appropriated to the support of preaching. 

One thousand dollars, raised by subscription, was paid for a pipe organ, 
which was built here for the church, and ready for use August 21, 1866. 

August 21, 1865, this church received from Brother Isaac B. Morrill, 
deceased, a bequest of five shares in a railroad company, the income of which 
is to be appropriated to the support of preaching. September i, 1867, a 
beautiful church service was received as a present from Deacon Jacob E. 
Prescott. 

The records of this society, which no doubt were meagre enough in those 
earlier days, have unfortunately been lost, and we have no written evidence 
of what transpired up to 1846. We can, therefore, give in this sketch only 
such items relating to this period as we have been able to glean from Stevens' 
"Memorials of Methodism," and such minutes of the Conference as we have 
had access to, and the uncertain recollections of some of the oldest of our 
people now living. Epping was no doubt connected with neighboring towns 
in those days, forming part of a circuit, as was the custom of the time. 
In 1805 and 1806, Nathan Fox was the preacher on a circuit embracing 
Epping, Poplin (now Fremont), and Sandown. Mr. Fox was followed in 
1806 and 1807 by Rev. Henry ]\Iartin. In 1808, Rev. Wm. Stevens was the 
"preacher in charge." In 1809 and 1810, Revs. Asa Kent. Daniel Hyde and 
Daniel W'entworth were the preachers. In 1810, Salisbury, Mass., Poplin 
(Fremont), and Salem were connected with Epping in a circuit. Revs. Asa 
Kent, Benjamin Sabin, and John Jewett were the preachers. In 181 1, Revs. 
John \\'illiamson and Orlando Hinds were the preachers. In 1812 the circuit 
embracing Epping, Poplin, and Salem, Revs. B. F. Lombard and Orlando 
Hinds preachers. In 1814, Revs. Ebenezer Blake and Elias :\Iarble, preachers. 

We have no more record till 1826, when Rev. O. Hinds and Rev. John 
Brodhead were the ministers. Members reported 207 white and one 
"colored." In 1830, Rev. Warren W'ilber preached in Epping. In 181 2, Rev. 
S. Green and Rev. J. Woorster were the preachers. In 1833, Rev. Jared 
Perkins preached in Epping, and Rev. Samuel Hoyt w-as his associate. 

Rev. Mr. Perkins was one of the most prominent ministers of the church 
in New Hampshire. He was for many years a presiding elder. He repre- 
sented the Third New Hampshire District in Congress. In 1835 Rev. Silas 
Green was pastor in Epping. which appears disconnected with any other towns. 
Sixty-seven church members were reported. In 1836, Rev. C. Fales was the 
pastor, and Rev. S. A. Gushing in 1837. Members, sixty-six. 

In 1838, Rev. Samuel Hoyt was the preacher on the Epping charge. Revs. 
SanVl Prescott, 1840: John Smith. 1842-3: Matthew Newell, 1844: Caleb 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 337 

Dustiii, 1845; H. N. Taplin, 1846-7; A. C. Manson, 1848; C. H. Chase, 1849; 
John Gould, 1851 ; J. N. Hartwell, 1852; Ehhu Scott, 1853; Lorenzo Draper, 
1854; Kimbal Hadley, 1855; Jibenezer Smith, 1856. From 1857 to 1863 
the church was suppHed by students. 

Rev. A. Folsom came to the church in 1863, and served two years with 
great acceptance and success. He hved at his home in Raymond, and walked 
back and forth, and all over his held of labor, holding numerous meetings 
and visiting the people. A good revival was enjoyed, and several persons 
were added to the church. It was during Mr. Folsom's ministry that the 
proposition to purchase the Universalist meeting-house began to be agitated. 
Mrs. Gardner Tilton offered to give $200 towards the fund for that purpose. 
It was principally through the friendly agency of Dr. Nathaniel Batchelder 
that the proprietors of the house were induced to sell out their rights to this 
church. Mr. Folsom aided this enterprise by his best efforts, and it became 
a certainty before his term expired, but was not taken possession of till May, 
1866. 

Rev. C. E. Hall came in 1866, having just been received on probation in 
the conference. In 1867 Rev. James Noyes served and he was followed by 
various ministers serving one or two years each until 1879 when Rev. J. 
Thurston was appointed. He compiled during his three years' pastorate an 
historical sketch of the church. He was succeeded by able pastors to date. 
Rev. L. D. Braggs has been assigned to succeed Rev. G. A. Jones, the recent 
pastor. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church. — The Congregational Church was the 
only ecclesiastical organization in the town (if we may except a Society of 
Friends) till the introduction of Methodism, which event came to pass near 
the beginning of the 19th century. 

As nearly as can now be learned, the first sermon preached here by a 
Methodist minister was by Rev. Epaphras Kibby in 1799. He was sent by 
Rev. George Pickering, presiding elder, to preach to a vacant Congregational 
Church in Kingston, as w-as sometimes done in those days, and making fre- 
quent evangelizing tours into the neighboring towns, he came to Epping 
and was invited by Rev. Mr. Holt, the Congregational pastor, to preach in his 
church, which he did, greatly to the satisfaction of the people. Mr. Holt was 
not aware at the time that Mr. Kibby was a Methodist, and when he learned 
that he was of the sect "everywhere spoken against" he very naturally refused 
him admission to his pulpit on his subsequent occasional visits to the town. 

In a sketch of the church Rev. James Thurston in 1882 wrote as follows: 
"We should not be too severe on these old Puritan pastors for their frequent 
refusals to countenance these early itinerants. They felt that they were con- 
stitutional guardians of the flocks, and they were honest in their suspicions and 
prejudices towards these strangers, who came, as they thought, in a dis- 
orderly and irregular way, and brought doctrines they had been trained to 
regard as dangerous heresies, and proclaimed them with a zeal which seemed 
to them the fruit of ignorance and fanaticism. Nothing but the good sense 
and true piety of these early pioneers could have enabled them to finally win 
their way among the people, and even to the respect and fellowship of these 
honest but mistaken pastors, as they did after no very long time." 



338 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

When Mr. l\ibby was denied the use of the regular pulpit, he was invited 
by the late Capt. Jonathan Fogg to hold his services in his hospitable home, 
near the center of the town. • 

I\'lr. Kibby ajipears to have been a young man, and is represented as a 
"traveling preacher on trial." He was a man of marked abilities as a preacher, 
and was afterwards distinguished as a leading minister in New England 
Methodism. 

During the years 1800, 1801, 180J there was no regular Methodist preach- 
ing in this to\\n, but occasional services by Mr. Kibby, Daniel Webb, and 
probably some others. In 1803, William Gookins' name is mentioned in con- 
nection with Epping, and he probably also preached in Hawke, now Danville, 
and Poplin, now Fremont, and some other towns. Of this man we have no 
further information. 

Rev. George I'ickering preached, mostly in the house of Captain Pogg, 
in 1804. 

The interest in the Methodist meetings continued and increased, and it 
was felt that some permanent place of worship was needed, but the friends 
of the cause were few and not rich in this world's goods. Captain Fogg was 
moved to build a house of worship for the Methodists, and proceeded to con- 
struct a small chapel. 

Hedding Camp-Meeting Association. — Camp-meetings \\ere held _ in 
Fowler's Grove, in South Newmarket, annually from 1857 to 1862, inclusive. 
At the meeting in 1862 arrangements were made for a permanent campn 
meeting establishment, and a committee of ministers and laymen was appointed 
to secure a suitable location, purchase land, and make preparations for a meet- 
ing in the autumn of the next year. 

The ground now occupied at East Epping was bought of Daniel and Ezra 
F. Barber and cleared and otherwise prepared, and the first meeting was held 
in 1863. under the direction of Rev. A. C. Manson, presiding elder of the 
Dover District. Reverend Calvin had acted as agent of the committee in 
the purchase aVid preparation of the ground. An act of incorporation was 
secured from the Legislature of 1863, the organization taking the name of 
the "Hedding Camp-Meeting Association," in honor of the late Bishop 
Hedding. 

The charter declares that the corporators, "their associates and successors 
to be made a body politic and coriwrate for such religious, moral, and charita- 
ble, and benevolent purposes as said corporation may from time to time 
designate." 

The association consists of all the pastors within the bounds of the New 
Hampshire Conference who may be in attendance, all "tent-masters," and 
owners of cottages on the grounds. The Executive Committee, consisting 
of the president of the association (who is chairman), secretary and treasurer, 
and eight committee-men. all chosen annually by the association except the 
president, who holds his office by virtue of his presidency for the time being. 
Additional land has been purchased from time to time, and the association 
now own 350 acres, are out of debt and in good financial condition. 

Society 'of Friends. — Friends, commonly called Quakers, first settled and 
formed church organization in Hampton and Dover, N. H., prior to 1^80, and 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 839 

about the same time set up .Monthly Meetings, each of which were composed 
of several particular meetings lying contiguous. These Monthly Meetings 
were held monthly for religious worship and for the transaction of the varied 
concerns which interested them as a church and society, and kept record 
thereof. 

The first hYiends' meeting-house built in Rockingham County was at 
Hampton (now Seabrook) in 1702, at or near the spot where the meeting 
house now stands. The earliest record which has been preserved by Hampton 
Monthly Meeting bears date 5th mo. 15, 1701. An unbroken record has 
been preserved. 

Hampton IMonthly Meeting was changed to that of Seabrook in 1793, 
because Seabrook was taken from Hampton and incorporated a separate town 
some time before. Since its organization the Monthly Meeting has been held 
a portion of the time at various other places within its limits, namely, at 
Amesbury, West Newbury, Epping, Pittsfield, and W'eare. 

Weare was separated from Seabrook Monthly Meeting in 1795, and was 
constituted a separate Monthly Meeting, called \\'eare Monthly Meeting of 
Friends. 

The next Friends' meeting-house built in this county and within the limits 
of Hampton Monthly Meeting was. at Newtown (now Newton), where a 
Friends' meeting-house was built prior to 1810 by some Friends living there. 
A meeting was set up by the Monthly Meeting, and continued for about eighty 
years; many of its members bore the name of Peasley. Their history dates 
back to the earliest settlements in Massachusetts, as Joseph Peasley died in 
Haverhill in 1662, the father from whom descended the Peasley family. 

The descendants of the Newton Peasleys are scattered from Maine to 
California, some of wiiom are yet connected and in fellowship with the 
society of Friends. 

The Friends' Meeting at Newton was discontinued in 1804. 

A few Friends resided in Brentwood as early as 1738, held religious meet- 
ings around at their houses at first, and built a house for worship in 1740. 
James Bean was a preacher among them. Samuel Dudley and Jonathan 
Beede were prominent members for a time. Hampton Monthly Meeting 
approved of this organization in 1746, but some of the individuals composing 
this meeting, including James Bean, did not conduct the meeting or otherwise 
behave to the satisfaction of the Monthly Meeting, and it was discontinued in 
1748. James Bean still continued his disorganizing course, and in a few years 
the meeting was entirely broken up, and those constituting it moved to other 
localities or ceased to be members of the Society of Friends. 

A few Friends resided in Epping prior to 1746, and attended meeting 
with their friends in Brentwood until the disorganizing course pursued by 
some of its members. The Friends at Epping withdrew from them, and held 
meetings for religious worship at their houses until 1788, when Friends at 
Epping built their first meeting-house on the ground near the present post- 
office at West Epping. 

A new house was built by Friends of West Epping for religious worship, 
near the old one, in 1851. 



340 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Seabrook Monthly Meeting of Friends was held three times each year at 
West Epping. 

Universalist Society. — Between 1835 and 1840 a movement was made to 
organize a Universahst Society. A Hberal rehgious sentiment had strongly 
developed itself here as elsewhere. It finally resulted in the associating 
together of several gentlemen of wealth and social influence, who purchased 
a site and erected the edifice occuped b}' the Methodist Society. This structure 
was built in about 1837. The first pastor was James H. Shrigley, who 
preached here one-half of the time and the other half in Exeter. He was a 
gentleman of pleasing address, and a forcible speaker. He was followed by 
a Mr. Moore, who remained only about one year. The Revs. Hosea and 
Moses Ballou, Henry Jewell, Thomas Whittmore, and other eminent ministers 
of this denomination preached occasionally, and the Rev. Nathaniel Gold- 
smith occupied the pulpit for several years. The interest which first brought 
the society into existence soon began to abate. Men died or moved to other 
places, so that it was found impracticable to sustain preaching and keep the 
church in repair. The result was the Methodist Society abandoned their old 
house of worship and purchased this, and refitted it to meet the wants of this 
society. The Universalist Society occupied this church, and kept u\i their 
organization for about twenty-five years. 

The St. Joseph Catholic Church of Epping was erected in 1897. Before 
then there was a little chapel, which was sold to P. C. Roy and converted into 
a store. Before 1898 the congregation was attended to by the pastor of 
Derry, Father O'Connor, who had charge of the mission for about eight 
years. Before 1890, the mission was attended from Exeter, N. H. The 
mission was made a parish January i, 1898, Rev. H. J. Bellefleur being the 
first pastor. He remained three years and was succeeded by Rev. L. J. A. 
Doucet, who remained six years. He was succeeded by Rev. F. G. Dashoies, 
who remained one and one-half years. The present pastor is Rev. J. A. Roy, 
who was appointed to the place in August, 1908. The majority of the 
parishioners are French, twenty-five Irish people only. There is a parochial 
school attached to the church attended by seventy-five children. The church 
is a wooden structure worth about $4,000, having 250 seats. 

Natiz'e Ministers. — Many gentlemen from this town have chosen the pro- 
fession of ministers of the gospel, and among them may be mentioned Rev. 
Nicholas Dudley, David L. Morrill, Samuel Stearns, and Josiah FI. Stearns, 
who were members of the Congregational Church ; Revs. Caleb Fogg, Jacob 
Stevens, Daniel W. Barker, Nathaniel Ladd, George Barker, and John W. 
Sanborn were members of the Methodist Church; Benjamin F. Shepard was 
an Episcopalian, and Norris Hodgdon was a Universalist. These gentlemen 
made honorable record in their profession. 

Physicians. — Of the physicians who were natives of the town, mention 
may be made of Theodore and George W. Kittridge. both of whom became 
eminent. 

Nathaniel Bachelder practiced medicine for a long period, following his 
father. Dr. Nathan Bachelder, who practiced long before him. They were 
both eminent and had a large practice. Among those physicians who were 
not native of the town may be mentioned Ebenezer Fisk. Eliphalet How, O. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 341 

Williams, George Kittredge, John Ladd, Ebenezer Moore, William Oilman, 
L. H. Angell, Locero J. Gibbs, Doctor Eastman, J. Chesley, and others. The 
physicians now present in town are A. W. Mitchell and A. C. Buswell. 

Piibhc Officials. — This town has occupied a prominent position in the 
state for one of its size, and many of its citizens who have remained within 
its hmits, as well as those who have gone elsewhere, have occupied conspicuous 
positions in the county, state, and national governments. The following, 
though an incomplete list, will give the positions some have held, and all to 
the satisfaction of those who appointed or elected them to their places of 
trust : 

Governors of the State. — William I'lumer, from i8i_> to 1813, and from 
1816 to 1819; David Lawrence Morrill, from 1824 to 1827; Benjamin F. 
Prescott, from 1877 to 1879. Governor Morrill resided in Goffstown at the 
time he occupied the chair, but he was born in Epping, June 10, 1772, and 
died February 4, 1849. He was a student at Phillips' Academy in Exeter 
in 1790. He studied medicine, and commenced the practice of his profession 
in Epsom, N. H., in 1793. He then studied theology, and was ordained a 
pastor, but relinquished that profession to resume the practice of medicine. 
He was a representative to the general court of the state in 181 1, 1812, and 
in 1816. He was United States senator for six years. He was chosen state 
senator, and served as its president in 1823. He was a gentleman of varied 
learning, and wrote much on religious and secular topics. He was one of 
the prominent men of the state. During his administration as governor, 
General Lafayette visited this country and was given a public reception at 
Concord. 

Col. Joseph Towle, of Epping, was then in command of a portion of the 
militia of the state, and was present on this memorable occasion. Colonel 
Towle subsequently became major-general of the forces of the state. 

United States Senators. — William Plumer, from 1802 to 1807: David L. 
Morrill, from 1817 to 1823; John Chandler, from 1820 to 1829. Mr. 
Chandler was a native of this town, and was born of humble parentage on 
what is known as "Red Oak Hill." He removed when young to the province 
of Maine, and there by industry became prominent in the affairs of that state, 
and when the province was a part of Massachusetts he represented it in the 
State Senate from 1803 to 1805, and in the Congress of the United States in 
the lower house from 1805 to 1808, and for three years was sheriff of Ken- 
nebec County. In 1812 he was ap]3ointed a brigadier-general, and took a con- 
spicuous part in the Canadian campaign. He was wounded and taken 
prisoner at Stony Creek, and in that engagement had his horse shot from 
under him. He was elected to the Lmited States Senate in 1820, being one of 
the first two senators from the state of Maine after its separation from Massa- 
chusetts. He served in this position two terms, until 1829. In 1829 he was 
appointed collector of the port of Portland, serving till 1837. He died at 
Augusta few years later. 

Representatives in Congress. — William Plumer, Jr., from 1819 to 1825; 
George W. Kittredge from 1853 to 1855. Dr. Kittredge resided in New- 
market at the time he was chosen. John Chandler, of Maine, an account of 
whom is given under the head of United States senators. 



342 HISTORY OF R0CKIXGHAR1 COUNTY 

Frcsiiloits of the Nczu Hampshire Senate. — Williaiii I'lumer. 1810: David 
L. Morrill, 1S23. 

Speakers of the Netv Hauipshirc House of Representatives. — William 
Plumer, 1791, 1/99; David L. Morrill, 1816; George \V. Kittredge, 1852. 

Secretary of State. — Benjamin F. Prescott, 1872, 1873, 1875, 1876. 

Electors of President and Vice-President. — William Plnmer was one of 
the electors in 1820. He cast his vote for John Ouincy Adams, while the 
others voted for James Monroe. But for this vote Mr. Monroe would have 
had a unanimous election. The favorite of Mr. Plumer was the next president. 

State Councilor. — Samuel P. Dow in 1872, 1873. 

State Senators. — William Plumer, 1810-11 a.nd 181 1-12 ; Joseph Shepard, 
1816-17: Samuel P. Dow, 1858-39. Mr. Dow was a citizen of Newmarket 
when he was elected senator. 

Attorneys at LaziK — There have Ijeen many prominent and successful 
lawyers in town, especially in its early history, before it became the practice 
for members of the bar to locate in places more densely populated, .\inong 
this number can be mentioned Jotham Lawrence, William Plumer, Sr. and 
Jr., Samuel Butterfield, Amos A. Parker, Hiram Osgood, Silas Betton, Daniel 
Clark, James McMurphy, John S. H. Frink, Horace C. Bacon, Enoch Eart- 
lett, Joseph ¥. Wiggin, J. W'arren Towde, George Stickney, George W. 
Stevens, H. F. Hopkins, Elijah B. Hazen, W. H. Drury, and others, who 
remained for a short period. Epping for many years was a business center, 
and the practice of the law was cpiite prominent in town. For other lawyers 
see Bench and Bar chapter. 

Banking. — There has never been in town liut one bank of discount, and 
that was incorporated under the state law, and closed before the present 
national banking system went into operation. The name of this bank was 
"Pawtuckaway." It was chartered in 1854. with a capital of $30,000. John 
H. Pearson, of Concord, was its president, and Charles W'. Sargent, of 
Epping, cashier. It was a successful and well-managed institution. The 
larger portion of the stock was owned in Concord. This bank surrendered 
its charter in 1864, after ten years of successful business. 

Origin of the Name of the Toimi. — Col. Joseph L. Chester. LL. D., of 
London, England, a native of Connecticut, but now lately deceased, the lead- 
ing anticpiarian of England, in reply to an mquiry of Hon. Benjamin F. Pres- 
cott. in January, 1876, in reference to the origin of the name of Epping. in 
the I'nited States (and there is no other town of that name except Epping in 
Rockingham County), says, in a letter dated February 12, 1876. "Epping is a 
nice little town in Essex, about seventeen miles from London. The parish is 
called Epping-Upland, and Epping is a market town in the parish. The town 
is in about the middle of the fore.st called 'Epping Forest," but the town gives 
the name to the forest and not vice versa. Epping was originally a royal 
manor, and the forest a royal chase. It now belongs to the nation, and the 
forest is free to the public. We are very proud of having so large a bit of 
woods so near London, and the forest has always been a great resort for 
holiday-makers. No doubt some of the early settlers of your place came from 
Epping or its vicinity. Epping, according to writers on such subjects, is 
derived from Gippan, the possession of Gippa, a man's name in the old .\nglo- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 343 

Saxon times, — i. e., Gippa's Forest, Epping I<"orest. The forest was probably 
the possession of one Gippa at the period when there were no surnames." 

Epping Public Library.— At the March election in 1892 the town voted 
to accept the provisions of the library act passed at the previous session of the 
Legislature and organized with G. N. Shepard as chairman and Mrs. L. H. 
Buswell as librarian. In 1906 the vokmies numbered 1452. Mrs. Fannie 
Osgood is librarian. The following are the societies : Rockingham Grange, 
P. of H. ; z\lbert M. Perkins Post, G. A. R. ; Woman's Relief Corps; Geneva 
Lodge, I. O. O. F. : Fern Rebecca Lodge ; Sullivan Lodge A. F. & A. M. ; 
Queen Esther Chapter, O. E. S. : Paul Revere Council No. 15, Jr. O. U. 
A. M. ; Sally Plumer Chapter, D. A. R. 



CHAPTER XXVII 

EXETER 

Geographical — The First Settlement — John Wheekmght and Others — The 
Exeter "Combination" of 16^4 — Indian Hostilities — Edzvard Cranfield's 
Despotism- — War of the Rcvolutioti — The Industries — Prominent Resi- 
dents — Firmness of Stillivan — Washington Visit. 

The town of Exeter lies in the eastern part of the county, and is bounded 
as follows : On the north by South Newmarket, on the east by Stratham, 
on the south by Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, East Kingston, and 
Kingston, and on the west by Brentwood. It is forty miles southeast of Con- 
cord and fourteen miles west of Portsmouth. There are stages to Kensington 
and East Brentwood, and electric railroad to Amesbury and via Hampton 
Beach and Rye to Portsmouth. The surface of the town is generally level and 
the soil fertile. The population in 1910 was 4897. 

The earliest permanent settlement of New Hampshire by Europeans was 
made at Little Harbor, now within the limits of Rye, and at Dover Point, in 
i6_'3. How soon afterwards the more adventurous of the "fishermen and 
traders." who constituted the early population there, explored the river as far 
upward as the Falls of Squamscott we have no record. There is a distinct 
tradition, however, that there were residents in Exeter before the arrival 
of Wheelwright and his followers from Massachusetts in 1638. Whether 
they were occupying under the deed of the Indian sagamores of 1629 to 
Wheelwright, or whether the alleged deed of that date is spurious, are 
questions which need not be discussed here. 

Rev. John W'heelwright, a friend and fellow-collegian of Oliver Crom- 
well, who had been vicar of Bilsby, in Lincolnshire. England, brought his 
family to this country in 1636, landing in Boston. The next year he was 
banished from the colony of Massachusetts on account of alleged "anti- 
nomian and familistic" religious opinions, and in the spring of 1638 estab- 
lished himself, with several persons who were driven from Massachusetts 
for the same cause, with a number of his fomier friends and parishioners from 
England, and with others of whom we have no definite previous knowledge, 
at the Falls of Squamscott, to which he gave the name of Exeter. Mr. 
Wheelwright at once gathered a church here and became its minister. He 
also drew up a form of civil government, which was essential for the peace 
and good order of the infant settlement, as the laws of Massachusetts were 
not in force here, and New Hampshire had as yet no laws. The instrument 
drawn by Wheelwright was styled a "combination," and was signed by the 
heads of families and inhabitants. The following is a copy of the com- 
bination : 

344 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 345 

Combination at Exeter, i6^p. — Whereas it hath pleased the Lord to 
move the heart of our dread sovereign Charles, by the grace of God king, 
etc., to grant license and liberty to sundry of his subjects to plant themselves 
in the western parts America, we, his loyal subjects, brethren in the church 
in Exeter, situate and lying upon the river Pascataquacke, with other inhabit- 
ants there, considering with ourselves the holy will of God and our own 
necessity, that we should not live without wholesome laws and government 
among us, of which we are altogether destitute, do in the name of Christ and 
in the sight of God combine ourselves together to erect and set up amongst 
us such government as shall be ta our best discerning agreeable to the will 
of God, professing ourselves subjects to our sovereign lord King Charles, 
according to the liberties of our English colony of the Massachusetts, and 
binding ourselves solemnly by the grace and help of Christ and in his name 
and fear to submit ourselves to such godly and Christian laws as are here 
established in the realm of England to our best knowledge, and to all other 
such laws which shall upon good grounds be made and enacted amongst us 
according to God. that we may li\e quietly and peaceably together in all 
godliness and honesty. 

Mo. 5, 4, 1639. 

John Wheelwright. William Wardhall. 

Augustine Storer. Robert Smith. 

Thomas Wright. Robert Seward. 

\\'illiam Wentworth. Richard Bulger. 

Henry Elkins. Christopher Lawson. 

George \\'alton. George Barlow. 

Samuel Walker. Richard Morris. 

Thomas Petit. Nicholas Needham. 

Henry Robv. Thomas \^'ilson. 

William Winborne. George Rawbone. 

Thomas Crawley. William Cole. 

Christopher Helme. Jenness \\'all. 

Darby Field. Thomas Leavitt. 

Robert Read. Edmund Littlefield. 

Edward Rishworth. John Gramme. 

Francis Matthews. Philemon Purmot. 

God f rev Dearborne. Thomas Wardhall. 

It was modified after a time, and readopted in its primary form in 1640. 
as appears by the original instrument of that date, in the handwriting of 
AVheehvright. and signed l:>y him and thirty-four others, now i)reserved in the 
town clerk's ofifice. 

\^'heelwright"s Church, which was of course a primitive structure and of 
small dimensions, was situated on the hill north of the Bliss house, and near 
the brick and tile manufactory. It was the fashion of that day to make a 
burial-ground of the yard which surrounded the church, and for many years 
it has been common to find the bones of the early settlers of Exeter in the clay 
excavated for the manufact^rv. Wheelwright's house is located bv tradition 



3i6 HISrORV OF ROCKIXliHA.M COLXTV 

a little southwest of the church, in the held in rear of the house formerly 
occupied by the Misses Rowland. The first minister of Exeter remained here 
but about four years, when, upon the extension of the jurisdiction of Massa- 
chusetts over the settlements of New Hampshire, he removed, with some of 
his warmest supporters, to Wells, in Maine. 

The people of New Hampshire remained under the government of Massa- 
chusetts until 1680. During that period Exeter was a place of little political 
importance, not being once represented in the "great and general court," 
as were Dover. I'ortsmouth, and Hampton nearly every year. Yet the material 
interests of the people were steadily on the increase here, and there were 
valuable accessions to the population. 

When John Cutt was appointed the first governor of the province, Exeter 
furnished him one of his ablest councilors in the person of John Gilnian. 
Then came the eventful period of the Indian hostilities, in which Exeter, being 
on the frontier, was for a series of years greatly exposed to the incursions 
of the savages. Many of her citizens lost their lives and others were carried 
into captivity during this trying period of her history. 

Exeter partook largely of the popular indignation that was aroused in the 
province by the tyrannical conduct of Governor Cranfield. and at a later date 
was the scene of a rather serious outbreak against the crown officials for 
attempting with a high hand to enforce the laws against persons charged with 
trespassing upon the forest pines marked for masts for his majesty's navy. 
In i(i8_'. Edward Cranfield came to New Hampshire as governor. He soon 
exhibited himself in his true colors as a grasping, unprincipled despot. The 
people of the province feared and hated liim. and when his arljitrary conduct 
became intolerable, some of them were so enraged that they actually entered 
into a combination for the avowed purjxjse of overturning the government. 

On the Jist of January. 1683. the little village of Exeter witnessed a strik- 
ing spectacle. A dozen horsemen, armed with swords, pistols, and guns, with 
a trumpeter, and headed by Edward Gove, a member of the Provincial 
Assembly from Hampton, w-ith a drawn sword, rode through the snowy street 
of Exeter towards Hampton. A son of Gove and the brothers Wadleigh. 
Joseph. John, and Robert. Thomas Rawlins. Mark Baker, and John Sleeper 
were undoubtedly of the party, and probably Nathaniel Ladd, Edward Smith, 
W^illiam Healy. and John Young also. .Ml of them were well known in 
Exeter, and the greater part of them were residents, and they made no secret 
of their purpose to rise in arms against the tyrannical government of Cranfield. 
But it was yet too early for a successful resistance to the arbitrary measures 
of a royal government, and when next the good people of Exeter saw their 
insurgent townsmen it was after they had been tried and convicted as accom- 
plices in the crime of high treason and ha<l been, by direction of the crown, 
respited and pardoned. 

Though this lesson failed to teach Cranfield moderation, it showed the 
people of Exeter that they must adopt a less hazardous mode of resistance to 
the unwarranted acts of the authorities. In the course of the year the gov- 
ernor, being disappointed in his designs of making great gains from his office, 
resorted to the illegal expedient of taxing the people without the consent of the 
Assembly. To Jolin Eolsom. constable, was committed the tax against the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 347 

inhabitants of Exeter fur collection, but he reported to the governor that the 
people refused to pay, on account of the illegality of the assessment. There- 
upon the warrant was delivered to the provost-marshal of the province, who 
was ordered to collect the taxes or imprison the delinquents. But he found the 
duty no sinecure. He first went to the house of Edward Oilman, wltere he 
was met by the wife of Councilor John Gilman, who informed him that "she 
had provided a kettle of scalding water for him if he came to her house to 
demand any rates." He received at the same time a like hospitable assurance 
from the wife of Moses Gilman, and other women took pains to let him 
know that they were preparing red-hot spits, so as to give him a warm recep- 
tion. Some half a score of the sturdy yeomanry of Hampton, on horseback 
and armed with clubs, then made their appearance on the scene, in order to 
insure that the marshal and his deputy should receive all due attention ; and. 
to cap the climax, the Rev. John Cotton, at that time probably officiating as the 
clergyman of Exeter, joined the company, "with a club in the hand," the 
emergency seeming to justify a resort to carnal weapons. The assembled party 
then began good-humoredly but systematically to hustle the marshal and his 
deputy up and down the house, and laughingly inquired of them. "\Miat did 
they wear at their sides?" alluding to their swords, which were indeed rather 
ridiculous appendages on such an occasion. The unfortunate officers soon 
betook themselves to the Widow Sewell's hostelry, ostensibly for refreshment ; 
but their tomienters followed them there, and pushed them about, called them 
rogues, took the bridles off their horses, and then turned them loose, and in 
short made the place in a thousand ways too hot to hold them. The marshal 
at length found that he had brought his wares to a poor market, and in despair 
abandoned the attempt to collect illegal taxes in Exeter, w hich. it is believed, 
was never resumed. 

A half-century again elapsed before Exeter witnessed another outbreak of 
popular feeling. The sovereigns of England depended much upon their 
American colonies for ship timber for the royal navy, and very stringent 
laws were enacted against the felling of any pine trees suitable for masts which 
stood upon common lands. The surveyor-general of the woods kept a sharp 
eye upon all such timber, and markefl it with the broad arrow, which denoted 
that it pertained to the crown. It may naturally be supposed, however, that the 
lumbermen of the frontiers would pay but scanty heed to the regulations which 
forbade them to touch the finest growth of the forests. When the surveyor's 
back was turned, it is probable that the woodman's axe spared few of the 
monarch pines, whether they bore the king's mark or not. The surveyors 
could not help suspecting, if they did not know, that the laws were disregarded, 
and jealousy and bitter feeling necessarily sprung up on this account between 
the king's officers and the inland inhabitants of the province. 

In 1/34 David Dunbar was lieutenant-governor and sur^-eyor-general of 
New Hampshire. He was arbitrary, having been a soldier, needy and jealous. 
He became convinced that the lumbermen of Exeter were cutting about the 
mill at Copyhold, now in Brentwood, trees which belonged by law to his royal 
master, and determined that he would put a stop to it. Accordingly he paid 
a visit to the mill in person, but while he was looking about for evidence of 
the violation of the law, he was greatly terrified by shouts and shrieks from the 



348 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

surrounding woods, and the discharge of tire-arms nearer than was agreeable. 
Dunbar therefore determined that discretion was the better part of valor, and 
beat a retreat. 

A few (lays after, however, he dispatched ten men in a barge up the 
river from i'ortsmouth, with directions to seize and bring off the suspected 
timber The men arrived at the village in the evening, and put up for the 
night at the public house kept by Capt. Samuel Gilman on Water Street next 
to the town hall. After a part of them were in bed, and while the others 
were carousing there at ten o'clock at night, they were suddenly set upon by 
a party of men in disguise, who threw some of them out of the windows, 
and drove the others out at the doors. The party assailed made for the river 
in all haste, but in the mean time the bottom of their barge had been bored 
through, the sails cut to pieces or carried away, and the mast hacked down. 
They undertook to make their escape in her. but were obliged to return to the 
shore and hide until the next day, when they found means to return igno- 
miniously to Portsmouth ; but a part of them having lost their clothes, were in 
a particularly woeful plight. 

The party who were engaged in this act of defiance of the survevor- 
general's authority were from the outskirts of Exeter, then a very large town- 
ship, but included men of respectability and standing. Thomas and Nathaniel 
Webster. Jonathan, Samuel, and Philip Conner. Trueworthy Dudley, and 
F.7ekiel Oilman are .'^aid to have been among the as.sailants. They assembled 
at the public house kept by Zebulon Giddings. known as the Rowland House, 
and there painted their faces and altered their dress so as to defy recognition 
before setting off on their expedition. Dunbar believed that a part of them 
were Natick Indians; so it is probable that they adopted a disguise calculated 
to give that idea. We do not learn that any further attempt was made to 
enforce the mast-tree laws, nor that any punishment was inflicted upon the 
parties concerned in this breach of the peace; but Dunbar was so mortified 
and enraged that he caused the courts to be taken away from Exeter, and bore 
a bitter grudge against the inhabitants so long as he remained in the province. 

The earlier half of the eighteenth century was a severe te.st of the pluck 
and endurance of the inhabitants of New Hampshire. We learn that the 
winters were often of unusual length and severity. The labors of the husband- 
men met with but scanty returns, and the domestic animals were terribly 
reduced in numbers by the extreme cold and the want of food. Exeter must 
have suffered greatly in these years, though, as the Inisiness of her people 
was not exclusively agricultural, she proljably esca])ed with less injurv than 
some of the neighboring towns. 

After the extension of the settlements of New Hampshire which followed 
the close of the French war, there was a time of greater prosperity Exeter, 
during the administration of the last royal governor, was a thriving and 
important town. Governor Wentworth. who was fond of parade, encouraged 
the formation of a battalion of cadets here, officered by the leading citizens, 
and armed and uniformed in the handsomest style, according to the governor's 
taste. Some of his Excellency's warmest and most trusted friends were resi- 
dents here. P.ut when the first mutterings of the storm that led to revolution 
and independence were heard, the men of Exeter ranged themselves at once 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 349 

on the side of the colonists; and throughout the times that tried men's souls 
this town was the headquarters of the state, in both civil and military matters. 

Revolutionary. — The feeling inspired in the breasts of the people of 
Exeter by the oppressive acts of the British Parliament, which led to the 
American Revolution, found utterance in a series of patriotic resolutions, 
adopted "almost unanimously" at a town meeting in January, 1774. After 
specifying, in indignant terms the grievances of the colonists, the town concen- 
trated their views into the resolve, "That we are ready on all necessary occa- 
sions to risk our lives and fortunes in defence of our rights and liberties." 
These were bold words, but they were supported by acts of equal boldness, as 
we shall see. The two most obnoxious of the British ministers, Lords North 
and Bute, were burnt in effigy in front of the old jail. We can imagine the 
exultation of the Liberty Boys at a demonstration so expressive and decisive. 

In September, 1774, when the inhabitants of Boston were reduced to sore 
straits by the operation of the Boston Port Bill, our town imposed a tax, 
assessed in regular form upon the citizens, and to be enforced by distraint, to 
raise money to relieve them. But in December of the same year the men of 
Exeter were called upon to put to the proof their principles of resistance to 
tyranny, and were found equal to the occasion. A plan was devised among 
the bolder leading patriots of the province to seize the arms and ammunition 
of Fort William and Mary, at the entrance of the harbor of Portsmouth, 
which was then slenderly garrisoned, but which was soon to be fully manned. 

It was arranged that the party which was to proceed down the river, under 
the leadership of John Sullivan, John Langdon, and others to make the seizure, 
should be supported by a stronger body of men from Exeter, who were to 
make their appearance in Portsmouth in season to secure the withdrawal of the 
warlike stores in spite of all opposition. Accordingly, a detachment of about 
twenty-five armed horsemen, under Nathaniel Folsom. Nicholas Oilman, and 
Doctor Giddings, left Exeter in the night fixed for the undertaking, and rode 
into Portsmouth about daybreak in the morning. They ordered coffee at the 
inn of James Stoodley. who looked with no small astonishment on their martial 
array. But they made no allusion to the business which brought them there. 
About eight o'clock in the morning, James Hackett, with fifty or sixty of the 
bold Exeter boys, on foot, marched into town and took their station at the 
haymarket in Portsmouth, where they waited for orders. 

This, of course, created great astonishment, but little information could 
be elicited by any inquiries. At nine o'clock Langdon made his appearance at 
Stoodley's, and acquainted the party there that the raid was completely suc- 
cessful, and that Sullivan was then passing up the river in the boats loaded with 
the munitions which had but lately been the dependence of one of His 
Alajesty's forts, but were ere long to be used against his authority by the 
oppressed and indignant colonists. 

Thus, in this first o\ert armed resistance of America to the British 
authority, the men of Exeter took a part. The principal citizens of the town 
were open and decided in their determination to oppose the parliamentary 
measures. John Philli])s. the founder of the academy, a man of learning, 
wealth, and cultivation, though little fitted by habit or inclination for strife, 
was firm and outspok'en for the liberties of America. Nathaniel Folsom, who 



350 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAAI COUNTY 

had been distinguished as an officer in the I-"rench and Indian wars, and who 
was a member of the first Continental Congress, was ready to take up arms 
in his country's cause at a moment's notice, and did afterwards render vahiable 
service as a provincial major-general untd he was, by reason of the unworthy 
jealousies of others, allowed to be dropped. 

Xicholas Oilman, the trusted friend of the royal governor, was no less 
firmly devoted to the defense of popular rights, and with his active and 
eflicient sons, then just come upon the stage, was a most important and indis- 
pensable aid to the cause. He was afterwards the successful manager of the 
finances of the infant state, and the stay and staff of President Weare ; and 
his sons became in their turn favorite and important officers of New Hamp- 
shire. 

Enoch P*oor had been for some years engaged in ship building in the town, 
antl. accustomed in the management of men, was ready to tender his best 
services in aid of America's cause. His appointment in the army was 
peculiarly fortunate for the country. He became a general of light infantry; 
was greatly esteemed by Lafayette and by Washington, and his early death 
was deeply lamented. 

James Hackett was also a ship builder, and as such labored for his country 
faithfully and well. He was appointed a lieutenant-colonel of one of the 
regiments, but his services could not be spared from the coast defenses. He 
did, however, serve in Rhode Island on one occasion as an officer in John 
Langdon's company of light horse. Such were a few of the leading spirits of 
the town as the alarm of war was about to be sounded. 

The Lexington Alarm. — The famous exjjedition of the British troops from 
Boston to Lexington and Concord took place on the 19th of April, 1775. Early 
in the evening of that day a flying report of the affair reached Exeter, which 
was soon after confirmed by news received from Haverhill that the enemy 
was at Lexington, that the country was in arms, and a severe action had 
commenced, which was raging when the messenger left to alarm the inland 
towns. Our streets were filled with excited men until a late hour at night. 
About daybreak an express arrived in town with further and more authentic 
intelligence. The bells were immediately rung, and the drums beat to anns. 
It ha])pened that three of the leading patriots of the town — N. Folsom, N. 
Gilman, and E. Poor — were absent at Do\er, but there were enough others to 
deternfine what part Exeter should take in the emergency. The unanimous 
voice was for every man who could possibly be spared to march at once to the 
help of our suffering brethren. John T. Gilman, then twenty-one years of age, 
was peculiarly active in forwarding the preparations of the Exeter volunteers. 
Bullets were cast and cartridges made with all speed, and every one lent a 
helping hand. The women encouraged their brothers and sons to ofifer their 
services, and contributed their aid to fit them out for their hurried campaign. 

\bout 9 o'clock in the morning, no less than 108 of the brave boys of 
Exeter were paraded at the courthouse (nearly opposite the lower church), 
armed and equipped, and ready to march. 

"What road shall we take?" "Bv Haverhill." "Who shall lead us?" 
"Captain Ilackett." "Are you all ready?" asked Hackett. "Yes." was the 
unanimous response. "March !" was the laconic order. 



AXl) REPRESEXTATIVE CITIZENS 351 

One who was of thai extemporized band of soldiers has left an account 
of their march. He says that the men wore sad countenances while taking 
leave of their wi\es and friends at home, but there was no flinching. Once 
fairly upon the way, however, their spirits rose, and they soon resumed their 
cheerfulness. They had a drum and fife, but no flag, for the Stars and Stripes 
were yet in the future. But they were well armed, esecially those who had the 
bright muskets which Governor Wentworth had taken pains to provide for his 
"cadets," little suspecting that they were so soon to be used in rebellion against 
his royal master. The Exeter company marched through Haverhill to the 
ferry, but found that town in great distress. A destructive fire had raged 
there only forty-eight hours before, consmning the finest part of the village; 
this, in addition to the intelligence of tlie commencement of hostilities, was 
particularly depressing to the inhabitants. At nightfall they reached Bragg's 
Tavern in Andover, and passed the night in that town. 

Resuming their march at an early hour the next morning, they reached 
Menotomy at noon, and halted upon the common at Cambridge about 2 
o'clock. Here they were taken charge of by some officers; their alarm-post 
was assigned them, and two or three rooms in one of the college buildings 
were given them for cjuarters. There tliey passed the first night of their 
military service, without even knapsacks for pillows, and the college floors, 
as one of their number quaintly remarked, "as hard as any other floors!" 
The next morning the company made choice of officers. James Hackett was 
elected captain; John W. Oilman and Nathaniel Gookin, lieutenants; and 
John T. Oilman, Gideon Lamson, and Noah Emery, sergeants. 

The company soon after went through their exercises on the common, 
and evidently attracted no little attention. The next day a report came that 
the British were landing at Chelsea. Captain Hackett had the honor of 
being the first to receive marching orders ; the company from Londonderry 
followed. They marched as far as Aledford, where they were met by the 
information that the British had reembarked. At Medford they found 
N. Folsoni and E. Poor, who were going to the headcjuarters of the army. 
General Heath reviewed the New Hampshire troops, and on Sunday Doctor 
MacClintock, of Greenland, and Doctor Belknap, of Dover, preached to 
them. The Exeter company remained at Cambridge not far from a fort- 
night, and were highly complimented by General Heath. Then, the emer- 
gency having passed, and arrangements being in progress for forming a 
pemianent military establishment, they were permitted to return home. 

Exeter had also its committee of corresixjndence. charged with looking 
after the interests of the patriotic cause. An example of the work which 
fell to their share may be found in a dingy letter, which is still preserved, 
dated at Portsmouth. April 21. 1775. and signed by H. Wentworth. chair- 
man, by which the committee of Exeter are informed of "the attack upon 
the people of If^szvich," and of the expectation of the arrival of two shii)s of 
war in Portsmouth, and containing a request for "four or five barrels of 
powder." On the back of the letter is a receipt by the messenger for four 
barrels of powder, which were delivered by N. Oilman and Doctor Giddings. 
together with a memorandum of sixty-eight barrels more in the possession 
of the friends of liberty in Exeter and the neighboring towns. This powder 



352 JllSTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

was iiiulimhlcdly a part of that which was seized at Fort W'ilhani and Mary 
in December, 1774- 

Hitjlrd'ays. — The change in the character of the pubhc highways since 
1776 is worthy of special notice. For many years before the Revohition the 
himl)er trade was the chief business of the town. Vast quantities of the 
choicest spoils of the forest were brought each year from inland points to 
the Exeter landing, a part to be used for the construction of ships here, and 
the remainder to be rafted or otherwise transported down the river. The 
greater share of the money raised for the repair of the highways was ex- 
pended on the roads towards Brentwood and Epping, over which the staple 
commodity in which our citizens were so deeply interested was hauled to 
tide-Wcxter and a market. The result of it was that the other ways were 
sadly lieglected. Fortunately this was of less consequence from the fact that 
most of the travel at that period was upon horseback. The river, too. served 
admirably as a public highway in former times between the settlements upon 
its banks. So long as people could do their business by means of boats, they 
were not so particular about the condition of the roads. 

Nai'iyatioH. — The basin of the Salt River sixscore years ago presented a 
far busier scene than it does today. The channel was then capable of afford- 
ing a [passage to vessels of considerable size, and ships of from 200 to 500 
tons burden were built here, six or eight of them each season, it is said. Sev- 
eral vessels were owned here, and made voyages along the coast, and to the 
West Indies and Europe. With ships unloading their cargoes at our wharves, 
with carpenters and calkers plying their Inisy trades in our shipyards, and 
with long lines of teams dragging the mighty pines to the riverside, the 
spectacle must have been full of life and animation. Perhaps something of 
the same sort may again be realized when the obstructions to the navigation 
of the Squamscot shall be removed. As the Revolution drew nigh the lumber 
trade declined, and the business activity of the place diminished. The break- 
ing out of hostilities sent some of the most enterprising citizens into the 
army; commerce was suspended and shipbuilding was no lojiger lucrative. 
The mechanics became soldiers or sought employment elsewhere, and Exeter, 
its limited resources drawn upon to the utmost to sustain the war, looked 
forward with anxious hope to the issue that was to bring peace and restore 
prosperity. 

In 1776 Exeter could boast but two churches, and those both Congrega- 
tional ; nor was there either academy or seminary then. But in the article 
of public houses a hundred years have probably given us no increase. There 
were then two taverns on the east side of the river, and the whole number 
was no doubt greater than it is now. This is to be explained In' the different 
habits of the earlier generation. Auction sales and many kinds of public 
business were formerly transacted at the inns, as they were usually called. 
They were places where the citizens of all classes used to meet, especially in 
the evenings, and the convivial habits of the past age contributed essentially 
to their being well patronized. 

Exeter during the period of the Revolution was a place of great resort, 
and as those were not days when men could whirl into town from their 
homes bv the train in the morning, and whirl liack again to their own firesides 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 355 

in the evenino;, nearly every visitor here had to pass a night or two under 
the roof of one or another of our hospitable landlords. 

At the close of the Revolution Exeter had but just assumed the position 
in the province to which its size and importance entitled it. Forty years 
before, the town had become an object of jealousy and dislike to some of the 
dignitaries under the crown at Portsmouth, and "in consequence thereof had 
been tabooed and "left out in the cold," so far as it was in their power to 
accomplish it. The last royal governor, John VVentworth, however, was too 
sensible and politic to allow his conduct to be influenced by an old grudge. 
He took particular pains to conciliate the inhabitants of Exeter, visited the 
town repeatedly in much state, formed and commissioned a companv of 
cadets here, embracing many leading men, as a kind of bodyguard to the 
occupant of the gubernatorial ofifice, and established relations of intimacy 
vvith several of the prominent citizens. He labored zealously and con.scien- 
tiously for the good of the province, and at the same time to uphold the 
power of Britain over it. He hoped no doubt that his special friends in 
Exeter might adhere to the cause of the crown, as so many of his connec- 
tions and dependents in Portsmouth did. But he reckoned without his host. 
When the tocsin of war was sounded Exeter might be said to be a unit on 
the side of liberty, and the men whom Governor Wentworth had delighted to 
honor were the first to declare in favor of their oppressed country. 

Exeter then became, and remained for many years, the capital of the 
province and state. The Legislature held its sessions here, and during its 
adjournments the committee of safety took its place, and exercised its func- 
tions. The courts were again established here, and the town became prac- 
tically the headquarters of all military undertakings in which New Hamp- 
shire was concerned. And here on the 5th day of January, 1776, was 
adopted and put in operation the first written Constitution for popular gov- 
ernment of the Revolutionary period. The honor of taking the lead of her 
sister colonies in this momentous "new departure" belongs to New Hamp- 
shire, and Exeter may well be proud to have been the scene of an occurrence 
so interesting and so memorable. 

The Old Poivder-Housc. — The structure in our town which has perhaps 
retained its old-time appearance most perfectly for the past century is the 
powder-house, situated on the point near the river on the east side. It was 
built about 1760, and has apparently undergone little repair since that time. 
It probably first held military stores destined for the French and Indian war, 
which, however, terminated before they could have been much needed. A 
few years later it was opened, no doubt, to receive a part of the powder cap- 
tured by the provincials in the raid, under Sullivan, upon Fort ^\'il!iam and 
Mary in Portsmouth Harbor in December, 1774. But as powder without 
ball hardly met the requirements of the times, the selectmen of Exeter pur- 
chased lead for the "town stock" from John Emery, and sent for a further 
supply to Portsmouth by Theodore Carlton ; employed Thomas Gilman to 
"run it into bullets," and finally stored the leaden missiles in a chest, which 
Peter Folsom made for the purpose, at a cost of three and sixpence. The 
ammunition was dealt out from time to time to other places which stood in 
greater need, very sparingly though : for notwithstanding Exeter had a pow- 



356 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

der-mill in 1776, the explosive dust was too precious to be wasted through a 
large i)art of the Revokitionary war. The old powder-house is now some- 
what weather-beaten and dilapidated, and perhaps past its usefulness ; but 
we hope it may be spared, on account of the good service it has done in 
former days. May no vandal hand be laid upon it, but may it remain a land- 
mark for many years to come ! 

The Old Jail. — Another prominent object on the east side, which survived 
until a recent date, was the jail, on the spot occupied by the house of Mr. 
N. K. Leavitt. It is supposed to have been built about the year 1770, when 
the province was divided into counties. It was a wooden structure, of lim- 
ited capacity, and at first was surrounded by no exterior fence or wall. It 
could not have been a very secure place of confinement for a person of in- 
genuity and resources ; and indeed more than one prisoner made his escape 
from it. The notorious Henry Tufts, who ]Hiblished his memoirs thirty years 
afterwards, tells us that he was incarcerated there before the Revolution, and 
made his way out without much difficulty. After 1775 the jail became 
crowded ; not only were the persons in this province suspected of disaffection 
to the American cause committed there, but Tories from other jurisdictions, 
counterfeiters of the colonial paper money, and deserters and skulkers from 
the Continental army. So much apprehension was then felt that the building 
was not strong enough to contain its inmates that anned guards were con- 
stantly stationed at the door. 

The courthouse, known also as the townhouse and statehouse, stood at 
what is now the easterly corner of F"ront and Court streets, on the site of 
the dwelling of the late Mr. Joseph Boardman. The building had formerly 
been the meeting-house of the first parish. When it was moved across the 
street and devoted to judicial purposes, it was flanked by the stocks and the 
whipping-post. Possibly the former instrument of discipline may have dis- 
appeared before 1776, but the latter undoubtedly lasted till then. The horse- 
thief 1"ufts was flogged there shortly before that date, unfortunately without 
eradicating his inborn propensity to appropriate unlawfully the property of 
other people to his own use. 

One of the town schools ( for the excellence of which Exeter was early 
noted) was long kept in this townhouse. A "grammar school" was likewise 
maintained at the expense of the town in 1775-76, under the charge of 
Clement Weeks, a room being hired of Samuel Davis for the purpose. 

The town and courthouse was the place of assembly for the Legislature 
of New Hampshire, whence it received the additional name of statehouse. 
Its halls in the "times that tried men's souls" continually echoed to the tread 
of the wisest and bravest of the dwellers among our granite hills. Sullivan 
and Folsom, Stark and Poor, Cilley and Scammell, Dearborn and Reid, in 
their military attire of blue and buff, often trailed their swords along its 
corridors ; while \\^eare and Langdon, Oilman and Bartlett, Thornton and 
Whipple, and a host of other patriots in civil life assembled periodically 
within its walls to devise the ways and means for keeping an army in the 
field, until the power of Britain was at length broken, and peace crowned 
the independence of America, 

The meeting-house of the first parish occupied nearly the same spot which 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 367 

its successor, the present church, does now. But the yard which surrounded 
it was then of greater extent, and was filled with substantial stone monu- 
ments, bearing inscriptions in memory of the dead who were interred beneath. 
A number of years ago those monuments were carefully leveled with the 
ground, placed above the bodies they were intended to commemorate, and 
thinly covered with earth. The rank grass soon sprang up and obliterated 
all traces of the burying-ground. Subsequently the street was widened in 
front, and it is understood that the present sidewalk passes over a portion 
of what was formerly the churchyard. The good taste and propriety of 
these alterations has been questioned by some of the present generation, we 
believe; but there is a consolation in the reflection that the memorial stones 
were neither destroyed nor removed from their proper locations, so that should 
occasion require, the infonnation they contain can at any time hereafter be 
made available. A portion of the main floor of the old meeting-house was 
left open to all worshipers indiscriminately, except that the men and women 
occupied dififerent sides. 

Comparatively few persons had private seats. The privilege of erecting 
a pew was highly prized it would appear, for in 1775 the rights to build three 
of them in the meeting-house were sold at auction to the highest bidders, and 
realized handsome premiums. The services in the religious meetings at that 
period were conducted in most respects as in our own day. We no longer 
have tithingmen, however, to look after the sleepers and the uneasy youngsters 
in sermon time. And we do have church-organs and an abundance of hymn- 
books, which our predecessors did not, by reason of which there has been 
an essential change in the style and manner of the sacred music. The "pitch 
pipe" alone was formerly employed to "set the tune," and in good old Deacon 
Brooks' day the hymn in the first church was "deaconed'" out, a line at a 
time, before it was sung by the choir. 

In 1776 the meeting-house was opened on two occasions of peculiar 
interest to the society. The first was on the 14th of March, when funeral 
services were performed over the remains of the Rev. Woodbridge Odlin, 
who had been the pastor of the church for many years. We learn from a 
contemporary record that a great congregation assembled to witness the 
solemn ceremony, for the deceased clergyman was highly esteemed. The 
other occasion was on the 9th of October, when the Rev. Isaac Mansfield, 
of Marblehead. Mass.. was ordained as the successor of Mr. Odlin. The 
Rev. Messrs. Thayer, of Hampton. Fogg, of Kensington, and Webster and 
Noyes, of .Salisbury, were present and took part in the exercises. 

Ordinations were great events in the last century, and we read of one 
in a town in Massachusetts during the Revolution where the Council during 
their session disposed of no less than thirty-eight nmgs of flip, twenty-four 
mugs of cider, eleven gills of rum bitters, and two mugs of sling! But we 
have no reason to suppose that the good clergymen and brethren who assisted 
on the occasion referred to in our town found it such thirsty work. On the 
contrary, it seems to have been accomplished with all due decorum. It may 
be necessary to remind readers of the present day that houses of worship a 
hundred years ago contained neither fireplaces, stoves, nor other heating 
apparatus. The congregation, so far as temperature was concerned, were 



358 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

not imicli more comfortable in the winter season in-doors than out. But the 
generation of that day was brought up to bear hardships without complaint. 
The good mother used to rely upon a few coals in a foot-stove to keep up the 
vital heat, and perhaps the youngest child was bundled up so as to be kept 
comfortable; but the big boys had to take the severity of the weather seated 
on the bare boards, with little protection in the way of extra clothing. It is 
a question how large the attendance in our churches would be if the old 
fashion of cold rooms were to be resumed. Luckily for the enjoyment as well 
as for the size of the congregation, in the matter of conveniences and com- 
forts there is no retrogression. Improvements once introduced become neces- 
sities ; and New England will never go back to cold churches. 

The meeting-house of the first parish had long been provided with a bell, 
and the town books inform us that in 1776 it was daily rung by Pompey Peters 
at I and 9 o'clock P. M., according to ancient custom, which has also been 
continued down to our own day. The present church was not built till more 
than twenty years after that date. It has been much admired for its archi- 
tectural proportions, and is undoubtedly a fine specimen of the ecclesiastical 
edifices of the last century. Having fortunately escaped destruction by fire. 
which threatened to consume it, it is to be hoped it may now safely survive 
its centennial in perfect strength and condition. 

The other meeting-house in the Exeter of 1776 was that of the second 
parish, and stood on the lot now occupied by the house of \V. N. Dow. It 
was a building of ample size, and had resounded to the voice of the eloquent 
Whitefield in former years. The church in the academy yard is its lineal 
successor. No other place of religious worship existed in the town a century 
ago, unless the few Quakers who lived here and in the vicinity may still have 
occasionally held meetings. Twenty years before, they are said to have used 
a building which stood upon Front Street, where now the residence of 
Doctor Day is, as the place for the dumb devotions. No doubt they here 
received occasional visits from itinerant brethren of their sect, who in "good 
old colony times" perambulated the whole country, and kept up communica- 
tion and interest between the families and communities of Friends in every 
section. In the Revolutionary times, however, the peaceful principles of the 
Quakers became unpoinilar, and their numbers here had probably dwindled, 
so that it may be doubtful if the small remainder did any acts to attract 
public attention. 

The residence of the Rev. Woodbridge Odlin was in Front Street, on or 
near the spot where the house of Mr. B. L. Merrill now stands. Mr. Odlin's 
father, the Rev. John Odlin, lived there before him, and the Rev. John Clark 
occupied the same premises at a still earlier date, and as the Rev. Dr. Isaac 
Hurd subsequently passed some forty years of his life in the same place, it 
would be difficult, probably, to find another lot of land in New England 
which has been the home of successi\-e clergymen for so long a period. The 
Rev. Woodbridge Odlin is described as portly in person, and a perfect gentle- 
man in his conduct and deportment. He was outspoken in his patriotic sen- 
timents. 

The Rev. Daniel Rogers, the pastor of the second parish, was a very 
estimable man, and possessed much learning. During the long term of his 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 359 

residence here he kept a ilaily journal of occurrences, which our local anti- 
quaries, a generation ago, greatly relied on as containing materials for the 
history of the town that somebody has been always going to write. What 
has now become of that journal we know not. Mr. Rogers lived in a house 
that formerly stood about where the entrance to Franklin Street now is. It 
faced towards Water Street, and was long ago removed to another situation. 

The "great bridge," perhaps the grandfather of the present one, spanned 
the river in 1776, as at present. Of course it did not receive its designation 
froni its abstract niagnitude, but by way of distinction from its neighbor, 
the "string bridge," which, much less than a century ago, consisted of merely 
a single string-piece of timber flanked by a hand-rail, over which only pedes- 
trians could pass. 

The ne.xt house to the Rev. Mr. Rogers', probably on the west, was that 
of "Brigadier" Peter Oilman, as he was universally called. It is still stand- 
ing. It was built by Councilor John Oilman, if we may credit tradition, near 
two centuries ago, and is undoubtedly the oldest structure in the town. The 
main body, which was the original edifice, has its walls composed of squared 
logs, making it what was called a garrison house, for protection against the 
attacks of the Indians. It was formerly much more quaint in its external 
appearance than now; but the interior is still worthy of inspection, as an 
example of the primitive domestic architecture of the country. The front 
wing is an addition of later date, made by the brigadier. 

Peter Oilman's career extended back to an early period in the history 
of Exeter, he having been born in 1703, and as he lived to the good old 
age of eighty-five, he witnessed many changes, and in the end very great 
improvements, in his native town. He was for a long period a leading citizen. 
He had the command of a regiment in the French war and served with 
much credit, receiving subsequently the honor of a brigadier-general's com- 
mission. For twelve successive years he was speaker of the Assembly of the 
Province, and in 1772 and 1773 he was a member of the Oovernor's Council. 
He was undoubtedly inclined to question the expediency of resisting the 
royal authority, and in 1775 was required by the Provincial Congress to con- 
fine himself to the town of Exeter, and not depart thence without the con- 
sent of the proper authorities. But he was evidently not looked upon as a 
dangerous foe to liberty, and his scruples appear to have been respected by 
those who took the opposite side. His fellow-citizens chose him moderator in 
1775, which could hardly have been done if he had been a Tory in the worst 
sense of the temi. Brigadier Oilman was a great admirer of Whitefield, 
and an amusing story is told of the power of the great preacher's eloquence 
upon him and others, causing them to roll upon the floor in an agony of 
penitence. Another tradition represents him as sending off a press gang, 
which had come from Portsmouth to Exeter to seize men for the king's 
service, by admonishing them that every individual tliey took would be rescued 
from their hands before they reached Stratham. The brigadier appears to 
have stood up manfully for his townsmen, and hence they naturally stood 
by him. He was about the only Exeter man of note whose fidelity to the 
American cause came early under suspicion. 

At a later period, however, another person who had previously held him- 
self out as a zealous Whig was found guilty of the blackest defection. This 



360 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

was Robert Luist Fovvle, the printer, whose office in 177G, as he advertised, 
was "on the grand country road, near the State House," — probably on Water 
Street not far from the present Court Square. Fowle had been employed 
to [)rint the paper money of New Hampshire, and was afterwards suspected, 
on very good grounds, of using his press for issuing counterfeits of the same 
to be put in circulation by disaffected persons ; it being considered a legitimate 
way of opposing the popular government to discredit its circulating medium. 
Fowle was arrested and held in durance for a time, and apparently under- 
took to secure his own safety by betraying his accomplices. Perhaps he was 
thought to be playing false in this ; for we are informed that he owed his 
escape at last to the unfaithfulness of his jailor, whose carriage was believed 
one stormy night to have conveyed him away, and he sought refuge within 
the British lines. 

The inhabitants of Exeter were almost to a man in favor of resistance 
to the oppressive measures of the British Parliament. Conspicuous among 
the patriots was Col. Nicholas Oilman, the father of Governor Gilman. At 
the commencement of the Revolution he was forty-four years of age, in the 
very prime of his powers, a man of resolution, firmness, and sound judgment. 
He was largely engaged in business, and was commanding officer of a regi- 
ment of militia. He was a great favorite with Governor W'entworth. who 
undoubtedly used all his influence tu keep him on the side of his royal master, 
and it is said never ceased to retain his attachment for him. But Colonel 
Gilman occupied no doubtful ground. Early declaring himself on the side 
of his country, his counsel and services were eagerly sought for in her behalf 
and cheerfully rendered. Money, the sinews of war, was the thing most need- 
ful, and he was placed at the head of the fiscal department of the state, where 
he accomplished almost as much for New Hampshire as Robert Morris 
did for the country. But his efforts were not limited to any narrow sphere. 
No plan for the public security or advantage was adopted until it received the 
sanction of his approval. President Weare held the chief executive office, 
and Nicholas Gilman was his premier. The two sons of Colonel Gilman 
who were old enough for the military service took up arms at the beginning 
of the Revolutionary struggle. John Taylor, the elder, served in the company 
of volunteers who marched to Cambridge on the morning after the first effu- 
sion of blood at Lexington and Concord. Afterwards he became an assistant 
to his father at home, and rendered in\'aluable aid to the patriot cause through- 
out the war in various capacities. The second son, Nicholas, entered the army 
early, and served in it six years and three months. He was assistant adjutant- 
general during the latter part of his service, and as such returned an acount 
of the prisoners captured on the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktov-'U. 
Nathaniel, the third son of Col. Nicholas Gilman, was but sixteen when 
the war began, and did not take part in the fighting, thougli very desirous to 
do so; but he was useful to his father in his manifold employments, and suc- 
ceeded him at an early age in his official positions. 

Detachments from Colonel Gilman's regiment were from time to time 
called into the field for active duty, and there is no doubt that they received 
his su|>ervision there. But it is not known that he served in person during 
any campaign, though it is likely that he was from time to time at the front. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 361 

It is related that lie visited Gates' headquarters in 1777 for the purpose of 
doing his devoir in aiding to arrest the invading march of Burgoyne, but that 
the decisive battle had been fought before his arrival. He probably enjoyed 
there the opportunity of w itnessing the surrender of an entire British army 
to the power of united America, which must have yielded him heartfelt satis- 
faction. Colonel Oilman resided, in 1776, in the house afterwards long occu- 
pied by Col. Peter Chadwick. 

Gen. Nathaniel Folsom acted an important part in the Revolutionary 
drama. A native of Exeter, and descended from one of its most ancient 
famihes. he had been a soldier long before that time. In 1755, at the age of 
twenty, he was entrusted with the command of a company in a New Hamp- 
shire regiment, raised to serve under Sir William Johnson against Crown 
Point, and distinguished himself greatly by his gallantry and good conduct. 
He afterwards received promotion in the militia, and in 1774 was in the 
commission of the peace, which was then no small honor. He had also been 
for several years a member of the Assembly of the Province, and was regarded 
as one of the leaders of the popular cause. In 1774 he was chosen one of the 
members to represent New Hampshire in the General Congress at Philadel- 
phia. Apparently Governor Wentworth hoped to the last that Folsom might 
be brought to repent and renew his fealty to the king, for it was not till the 
22d of February, 1776, that he cast him off. On that day Folsom had the 
honor of receiving a letter of the following tenor: 

"Sir:— I am commanded by his Excellency to acquaint you that he has, 
with advice of his Majesty's Council, ordered your name to be erased from 
the commission of the peace for the County of Rockingham — that it is done 
accordingly, and that you act no more as a justice of the peace for said county. 

"By his Excellency's command. Is. Rindge, 

"Clerk of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace for the County 
of Rockingham." 

The ex-justice did not make himself unhappy over the loss of his commis- 
sion, but was undoubtedly glad to be freed from the very semblance of holding 
ofifice under the king, or rather, as the phrase then was, under the king's min- 
isters, for the Americans commonly believed that his gracious majesty was 
at heart very friendly to them, and that his advisers were solely responsible 
for every tyrannical act visited upon the colonies. At a later period the pub- 
lication of the letters of George III. to Lord North showed that this idea 
was totally erroneous, and that the American Revolution was due to the 
obstinacy, folly, and despotic notions of the king himself. Colonel Folsom 
(for that was his title in the beginning of 1775) was evidently held in the 
highest estimation as a military commander, for on the 24th day of May, 
in that year, a month after Lexington, and a month before Bunker Hill, he 
received the appointment of major-general of "all the forces raised (by New 
Hampshire) for this and the other American colonies." The province had 
then three regiments in the field — Stark's, Poor's, and Reed's. 

General Folsom at once repaired to Cambridge to take the command of 
the brigade. Stark complained (without reason) at Folsom being put over 
him. and was inclined to despise the authority of this colony, till his native 
good sense taught him to act more wiselv. The misunderstanding and rivalry 



362 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

between Folsoni and Stark, however, prevented the nomination of either as 
a general officer on the Continental establishment, and Sullivan was selected 
as brigadier from New Hampshire. General Folsom remained in command 
of the New Hampshire troops at Cambridge until the adoption of the army, 
and the appointment of its commanders by Congress. He then returned 
home, but though not again called actively to the field, he was allowed no 
respite from military or civil employment. He was retained in command 
of the militia, who w-ere continually kept in readiness for active service in 
emergencies, and frequently called forth. In the course of the war he was 
four years a member of the Committee of Safety; was repeatedly chosen to 
the Legislature, and in 1777, and again in 1779, elected a delegate to the 
Continental Congress; and in addition to all the rest, was made a judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas. There was evidently an incompatibility, or at 
least an impropriety, in a single person exercising such diverse functions at 
the same time, and some exception was taken to it in the Legislature; but a 
majority were of the opinion that the occasion justified a departure from 
ordinary rules, and the perfect confidence reposed in General Folsom's honesty 
and patriotism silenced all criticism. General Folsom lived in a house which 
formerly stood where Mr. George Sullivan's residence ( now the Squamscot 
House) was afterwards built. 

Enoch Poor w-as one of the most active business men of Exeter when the 
war began. He had come here some ten years before from Andover, Mass., 
his native town, and had engaged in trade and ship-building. He showed 
himself to be decided, bold, and fitted for command, and as he was an ardent 
friend of liberty, he was regarded at an early period as a leader in organizing 
resistance to the British authority. He was absent from home when the first 
shot was fired at Lexington, but in a very short time was found at Cam- 
bridge marshaling the sons of New Hampshire, who at the first note of alarm 
had quitted the plow to take up anns in behalf of their imperiled brethren of 
Massachusetts Bay. He was at once made colonel of the Second Regiment 
of New Hampshire troops, and thence forward until his death shared the for- 
tunes of the American amiy. He was in command of his regiment on the 
Canada expedition, and was appointed a brigadier-general in 1777. in which 
capacity he did excellent service in Gates" army in the battles which resulted 
in the capture af Burgoyne. In Valley Forge he bore his part in the priva- 
tions and sufferings of the troops, and at Alonmouth he won distinction by 
his efiforts in retrieving the fortunes of the day, at first imperiled by Lee's 
"ill-timed retreat." He accompanied Sullivan in 1779 in his expedition 
against the Indians; and in 1780 was put in command of a brigade of light 
infantry under the orders of Lafayette, who had a high opiniotti of him. He 
died at Paramus. N. J., on the 8th of September in that year, of fever, after 
a short illness. 

General Poor was much esteemed by his brother-officers. Washington 
wrote of him in terms of high commendation ; and when Lafayette visited 
this country, half' a century ago, he paid a graceful tribute to his merit, as 
well as to that of another distinguished New Hampshire officer, by giving as a 
sentiment on a public rxcasion. "The memory of Light-infantry Poor and 
Yorktown Scammell." The residence of General Poor was in the house 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 363 

formerly at the easterly corner of Centre and Water Streets, where his widow 
continued to live during the fifty years that she survived him. We have, 
unfortunately, no portraits of many of the principal citizens of Exeter one 
himdred years ago. But a likeness of General Poor is still extant. The 
tradition is that it was drawn by the accomplished Polish engineer in the 
American service, Thaddeus Kosciuszko, upon the fly-leaf of a hvmn-book in 
church. It represents the general in the Continental uniform, wi'th a cocked- 
hat and epaulets. The features are bold and prominent, and we can easily 
believe that the original must have been a man of mark. 

Another of the foremost men of that time was Col. John Phillips, the 
location of whose dwelling has already been described. Though he wore a 
military title, he was noted not so much for his warlike as for his civic achieve- 
ments. He was, however, the commanding officer of the Exeter Cadets, and 
a very well drilled and disciplined corps it was said to be. He was also a 
decided friend of his country, it is understood, notwithstanding he took no 
active part in public affairs in the Revolution. He was bred to the ministry, 
though he was engaged in business as a merchant for the greater part of his 
working life. He employed his large accumulations wisely and generously 
in promoting the cause of education in this and other states. 

In the house formerly occupied by Mr. Jojin W. Getchell lived Col. James 
Hackett in 1776. He had been for some time engaged in ship-building here, 
and was a man of enterprise and determination. He was no laggard in evinc- 
ing his willingness to enlist in his country's cause, for he was one of the 
first to march to the scene of hostilities on the morning after the Concord 
fight. The unanimous voice of his fellow-volunteers made him the commander 
of the extemporized company, and he acquitted himself well of the trust. 
Repeatedly afterwards during the war he was chosen to important military 
commands, but his contriving head and skillful hands were so constantly 
needed in constructing ships-of-war and flotilla for offensive and defensive 
purposes on our coast that he is not known to have served as a soldier in any 
campaign, except in Rhode Island, under General Sulli\-an, in 1778. where he 
held the post of lieutenant of a company of light horse, o^f which no less a 
person than John Langdon was captain. Colonel Hackett appears to have 
passed much of his time, at a later period, in Portsmouth, where he pursued 
the business of ship-building, and on the occasion of Washington's visit to 
New Hampshire in 1789 commanded a battalion of artillery, which received 
his excellency on his arrival in Portsmouth with a grand salute. 

The same house was years afterwards tenanted by another person, who 
filled during the Revolution a still more conspicuous public position. This 
was Gen. Nathaniel Peabody, who was in 1774 a physician in Plaistow, prac- 
ticing his profession with great success. He was popular and aspiring. He 
denounced the usurpations of Britain at the outset, and is said to have l)een 
the first man in the province to resign the king's commission from political 
motives. He was repeatedly chosen to the Legislature, and upon the Com- 
mittee of Safety, and was in 1779 and 1780 a delegate to Congress. Besides 
these, he held numerous other offices, civil and military, of dignity and 
importance. As adjutant-general of the state his only active service, by a 
singular coincidence, was in the same Rhode Island campaign in which his 



364 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

predecessor in the habitation, Colonel Hackett, lirst heard the sounds of actual 
conflict. Alter the war, General I'eabody's popularity was undiminished, and 
he received frequent testimony of the conhdence of his fellow-citizens m the 
shape of elections to office. He afterwards removed his residence to Exeter, 
where he passed the remainder of his life. Towards the close of his career 
he was annoyed by pecuniary troubles, and is said to have become petulant and 
rough in his manners. ' Many stories are yet current of his sharp speeches and 
harsh conduct. They furnish an exemphfication of the truth of the oft- 
quoted words of Shakespeare: 

"The evil that men do lives after them. 
The good is oft interred with their bones."' 

(/eneral I'eaboily was luidoubtedly possessed of ability far abo\-e the 
average, and rendered valuable service as a legislator to his state and country, 
and in his professional capacity to the sick and suffering. We can make 
allowance for faults of temper, and even for more serious defects in one who 
so stanchly defended the rights of his country in the hour of her sorest trial, 
and bore so important a part in laying the foundations of the nation's pros- 
perity and greatness. 

Where the town-house now is, Josepli Gilnian lived in 1770, in the gambrel- 
roofed house which, having been reduced one story in height, now occupies 
a place on the north side of Franklin Street. Mr. Oilman was bred to mer- 
cantile pursuits, and for several years before the Revolution was a member of 
the firm of Folsom. Gilnian & Gilman, w hich did a large business in Exeter, 
in trade, in ship-building, and in ventures at sea. A printed shop-bill of the 
concern has been preserved, which shows that ahiiost as great a variety of 
merchandise found a sale among the good people of the place three or four 
generations ago as now. "Crimson, scarlet, and various other color'd Broad 
Cloths ; scarlet and green Ratteens ; scarlet, blue, and green Plushes ; crimson, 
cloth color'd and black figur'd cotton waistcoat Shapes ; Velvet of most colors 
for capes; crimson, scarlet, black, blue, green, and cloth color'd Shaloons," 
are all articles which indicate the prevailing taste of that day for bright colored 
clothing; a taste which must have rendered an assemblage of ladies and gentle- 
men a spectacle much more imposing and pleasing to the eye than a company 
attired in the sombre hues, or the white and l:)lack, which are prescribed by 
more recent fashions. 

Folsom, Gilman & Oilman dealt in hardware also, and in their enumera- 
tion of merchandise of this description, we find almost identically the tools 
and iron utensils which are advertised by their successors in the same line of 
business in 1876. Of course there are more or less Yankee inventions of 
modern date, however, which have superseded the older contrivances. The 
almost universal use of cooking-stoves, for example, has rendered much of 
the apparatus of the old-fashioned fireplaces obsolete; gun-flints are little 
in demand since percussion locks were invented ; hour-glasses are now mere 
matters of curiosity, and "H and HL hinges," thumb-latches, warming-pans, 
and shoe and knee-buckles are certainly no longer articles of common use. 
.Some of the goods are described by names that sound strangely to our modern 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 365 

ears. Tanimys and Durants, Dungereens, Tandems, Ronialls, and Snail Trim- 
mings would be inquired for in vain, we fear, at our dry goods stores; and it is 
doubtful whether Firmers, Jobents, Splinter Locks, or Cuttoes would be 
recognized under those designations among our dealers in ironmongery. 

In connection with this subject it may be mentioned that another printed 
Exeter shop-bill of the ante-Revolutionary period is still extant. It contains 
a brief list of the articles to be sold by VViUiam Elliott, "at his shop formerly 
occupied by Mr. Peter Cofiin, and opposite Peter Gilman, Esq'rs." It indi- 
cates that Mr. Elliott's stock in trade was also quite miscellaneous, compris- 
ing dry goods, hardware, and groceries. 

Indeed, there was one article under the last head that was then kept by 
every trader,— spirituous liquor. Its use was all but universal. We have 
already related an incident to show that good men, engaged in a religious 
duty, sometimes partook of the enticing cup with freedom. In fact, there 
was no occasion of unusual interest, from a christening to a funeral, but must 
be observed by a plentiful oblation. The selectmen when they met to transact 
the town business repaired to a tavern, where it was convenient to obtain 
the means to moisten their clay; and the landlord duly scored the mugs and 
bowls of fragrant beverages which they consumed to the account of the 
town, and his bill was promptly met at the close of the year. The judges on 
their circuit were unable to hold the courts without spirituous refreshinent. 
We have seen a biU of the "Courts' Expences,'' of somewhat earlier date 
than the era we have been referring to, in which the dinners each day were 
supplemented by a liberal number of "Bottels of wine" and "Coules of 
punch." 

Mr. William Elliott left his business when the country called for armed 
defenders and joined the army. He was adjutant in the regiment of Col. 
Nathan Hale in 1777, and at the disastrous fight at Hubbardtown was taken 
prisoner. He was probably exchanged subsequently. 

The house of Mr. Joseph Gilman was the place where most of the meet- 
ings of the Committee of Safety were held during the war. The Legislature 
was in session more than one-third part of the year 1776, and the committee 
nearly the entire residue of the year. It would seem to be a hazardous thing 
to delegate to a dozen men the power to arrest, imprison, and release at their 
pleasure any of their fellow-citizens of the province. If they had been vin- 
dictive, here was ample opportunity to wreak their vengeance; if they had 
been rapacious, here were plenty of chances to fill their pockets. Many who 
were apprehended by their authority made bitter complaints, of course ; but 
the action of the Committee of Safety is believed, on the w hole, to have been 
characterized by much prudence and moderation. They had a great variety 
to deal with. Not a few of the men of wealth and position were opposed to 
resistance to the British authority. They feared the result of an organized 
insurrection against the power and warlike resources of England, and they 
preferred to submit to what they considered the small evil of taxation without 
representation rather than to incur the hazards of rapine and confiscation 
which might come in the train of a rebellion suppressed by force of arms. 
These timid souls were treated tenderlv. and after a taste of jail-life were 



366 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

allowed to go at large upon giving security for their good behavior. It may 
have been one of these who wrote to the committee the following letter: 

"Prison in Exeter. 24th Apl. 1776. 
"may it Please your Honors, 

"Gratitude being a Duty Incumbent on those who have Receiv'd P'avors, 
begg Leave to Return your Honors most sincere thanks for the Very Great 
Favor you have Done me in admitting me to Bail for the Liberty of this 
house and the Yard thereto adjoyning, & am with the utmost Respect, Sin- 
cerity & Esteem 

"yr Honors most obedient Servant, 

"John Patten. 
"The Honorable Committee of Safety." 

As the "liberty of the yard" is alluded to in this letter, a word on the 
subject of that ancient legal fiction, as it may be termed, will perhaps not be 
void of interest to the people of this age, to whom imprisonment for debt is 
happily unknown. In former times, when a man who could not pay what he 
owed was liable to compensate for his inability by the loss of his personal 
liberty, debtors in many cases could enjoy the privilege of living outside the 
jail walls, provided they did not exceed certain limits, which were fixed at 
a convenient distance — for a long time 200 rods — from the building in every 
direction. In order to secure this advantage, which was obviously a great 
relief from actual incarceration, the debtor was obliged to give a bond, with 
good sureties, that he would keep within the prison "yard," as the limits were 
called. And if he overstepped the line, even for a single inch, his bond was 
forfeited, and his sureties were liable to pay the debt. 

A story is told of a debtor in Exeter in the olden times who, being under 
bond to confine himself to the jail yard, saw a child who had fallen into the 
river struggling for its life at a point just beyond the line which he was 
bound not to transcend. His humanity outweighed all other considerations, 
and he broke bounds without hesitation and saved the child. It is pleasant to 
record that though the creditor might have extorted his debt from the bonds- 
men, for this act of mercy on the part of their ])rincipal, he never made the 
attempt. If he had forgiven his debtor in full it would have been better 
still. 

P)Ut some of the Tories who came under the cognizance of the Committee 
of Safety were not to be handled with too much tenderness. They were sullen 
and vindictive, and ready to do anything to obstruct the progress of popular 
government. One of the men concerned with Fowle, the printer, in emitting 
counterfeit paper money was of this description. He had occupied a position 
of some distinction in the province. It was a bitter humiliation for him to 
lie in the jail with common malefactors, but he was too proud and obstinate 
to recant the opinions he had often expressed ; and so he chafed in confine- 
ment, until by the aid of friends without he was enabled to make his escape. 
This was the well-known Col. Stephen Holland, of Londonderry. His 
influence on those about him must have been rated high, since it was deemed 
necessary to imprison his negro man Cato as well as his master. After the 
colonel's flight, the committee appear to have issued hand-bills for his appre- 
hension, and employed Benjamin Boardman to go express to Boston, "to carry 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 367 

advertisements after the Col. Holland." They turned out to be "after'" him 
indeed, for he was so far in advance of them that he reached the enemy's 
lines in safety. He was banished by a formal act of the General Court, and 
his property confiscated. 

Mr. Joseph Gilman was himself chairman of the Committee of Safety 
at one period, and held various public trusts during and after the war. His 
wife was a woman of thorough education and many accomplishments. His 
house appears to have been repeatedly visited by strangers of distinction dur- 
ing the Revolution. Some of the high-bred French officers who drew their 
swords in behalf of America are said to have expressed their admiration for 
the culture and esprit of Mrs. Gilman, as beyond anything they had witnessed 
elsewhere in the country. Samuel Adams passed a night at Mr. Gilman's 
house in the latter part of 1776, just before the victories at Princeton and 
Trenton had relieved the feeling of despondency caused by the prior disasters 
to our anns : and all Mrs. Gilman's powers of pleasing were said to have been 
exerted to cheer the drooping spirits of the patriot without effect. A military 
success was then the only cure for the gloom of the stern king-hater. 

The dwelling-place of Maj. Jonathan Cass, one of the veterans of the 
Revolution, was where the house of Mr. Henry W. Anderson now is. At 
the outbreak of the war he was twenty-two years of age, and according to 
description was an erect, handsome man, with keen black eyes. He enli.sted 
in the army as a private soldier, and served until peace was established, having 
taken part in most of the principal battles. As early as 1777 his merits pro- 
cured him promotion to an ensigncy, and at the close of the war he was a 
captain. He then resumed his residence in Exeter for a few years, and his 
distinguished son, Lewis Cass, was born here in 1782. About 1790 the father 
re-entered the army in command of a company raised for the defense of 
the western frontier, and subsequently received the commission of major. 
He was so much pleased with the appearance of the western country that he 
established his home in Ohio, where he died in 1830. 

Lewis Cass remained in Exeter till he finished his studies at the academy, 
and received a diploma, signed by the principal and president of the board of 
trustees, certifying his proficiency and good conduct, a copy of which, in his 
own youthful handwriting, is still preserved. His career after he quitted the 
home of his youth is a matter of familiar history. 

Col. Samuel Folsom, a brother of Gen. Nathaniel Folsom, was a well- 
known and respected citizen in 1776. His house was at the easterly corner 
of Court Square and Water Street, and is now occupied by the Hon. John 
Scammon. It is believed to have been built a year or two before the date 
mentioned, probably to replace a former edifice removed or destroyed. Colonel 
Folsom kept a public-house, as his widow continued to do many years after 
his death. He was lieutenant-colonel of the Exeter Corps of Independent 
Cadets, commanded by Col. John Phillips. He was intrusted with much 
important business during the Re\olution, requiring sound and tried capacity 
and devotion to his country's interests. 

After John Langdon, in the midst of the apprehensions excited by the 
triumphant incursion of Burgoyne, inspirited the people of New Hampshire, 
by the offer of his private property to organize an expedition under General 



368 HISTORY OF ROCKIXCiHAM COUNTY 

Stark, with the purpose of turning l)ack the invader. Colonel I'^olsoni was 
delegated by President Weare, chainnan of the Committee of Safety, to visit 
General Stark, to convey him money for contingent expenses, to learn how 
his expedition was progressing, what articles it stood in need of, and to 
"advise with all persons in the service of this state on such things as he thought 
needful to forward the business they are engaged in." His confidential and 
discretionary mission appears to have been executed to the satisfaction of all 
parties : and we know how thoroughly Stark was enabled to perfomi the part 
required of him when he met the enemy at Bennington. .\ couple of years 
afterwards Colonel Folsom was selected by the General Court to discharge 
the agreeable duty of presenting in behalf of the state of Col. Joseph Cilley 
a pair of pistols which had been the property of Col. Stephen Holland, the 
Tory absentee; and the receipt of Colonel Cilley remains to testify that the 
commission was duly accomplished. It was at the house of Colonel Folsom 
that President George Washington stopped and partook of a collation when he 
visited Exeter 'in his tour through the Eastern States, in the autumn of 1789. 

If time would pemiit. information could be obtained, no doubt, which 
would enable us to fix the residences, and give some account of the services, 
of many others of our former townsmen who responded to the call of the 
country in the struggle for independence. But the brief space allowed for 
the completion of these sketches forbids extended inquiry and research, and 
we must be content with recording such fragments of personal history of that 
character as are to be collected at short notice. 

Peter Coffin, the predecessor of W^illiam Elliot in his store, near the 
western extremity of the great bridge, was a major in Col. David Gilman's 
regiment. His family name was once familiar here, and his ancestors are 
said to have lived in what is now the yard of the academy. .An orchard which 
belonged to them then bore its fruit on the gmund now covered by the 
academy. 

The old Exeter family of Robinson was well represented in the Continental 
service, two of its members holding commissions therein : the one. Caleb 
Robinson, as captain, and the other. Noah, as ensign. 

Noah Emery, a name handed down for generations here, was a paymaster 
in Col. Isaac Wyman's regiment and commissary. In the latter capacity he 
had the charge of a large amount of stores, which tradition says were 
housed in a building in Spring Street, familiarly termed "the State's barn." 

Dr. .Samuel Tenney was a surgeon in one of the Rhode Island regiments. 
He had previously settled in this town, and returned and married a wife here 
at the expiration of his service. He was a person of uncommon literary and 
scientific attainments, and contributed articles to the publications of the 
American .Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a topographical account of 
Exeter to the Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society. He felt a 
warm interest in political matters also, and was for seven years a representa- 
tive in Congress. He was also judge of probate, and was highly respected. 

Another citizen of Exeter who served in the medical department of the 
army was Dr. \\'illiam Parker, Jr. He was a grandson of Judge William 
Parker, of Portsmouth, whose father married, it is said, a daughter of the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 369 

English patrician house of Derby. Doctor Parker died in Exeter of yellow 
fever, w hich he contracted from a patient. 

James McClure was the adjutant of a New Hampshire regiment in the 
Continental service. 

Benjamin Boardman performed a tour of duty in the Revolution as the 
commanding officer of a company. He was a noted man in the town, and 
many years afterwards kept a public-house on the east side of the river. 

Ebenezer Light was a lieutenant for two years or more in the New Hamp- 
shire line. His name was once a common one in Exeter, and Light's tavern, 
on Tower Hill, was a well-known place of entertainment. But no branch of 
the family now remains here, so far as we can ascertain. 

Samuel Brooks, of Exeter, appears to have been quartermaster in Col. 
David Oilman's regiment. Whether this was the excellent deacon, who 
lived in a house removed to make way for the present Methodist Church, 
we are not certain. But if he undertook the duties, it is safe to say that he 
made a good cjuartermaster, for he was a faithful and thorough man. There 
'is no doubt that he was employed by the Committee of Safety to pay the 
NeW' Hampshire troops who were in Arnold's ill-fated expedition against 
Quebec. It may interest the reader to learn that the amount paid them, includ- 
ing expenses, was 34S pounds seven shillings. 

Ebenezer Clifford, who was quartermaster-sergeant in Colonel Poor's 
regiment in 1775, was probably the person who removed hither from Ken- 
sington about 1790, and lived in the Brigadier Oilman house until his death. 
He was an ingenious mechanic, and constructed a diving-bell, with the aid 
of which he is said to have reco\-ered a quantity of silver money from the 
wreck of a Spanish or other foreign vessel at the Isles of Shoals. The coin 
had suffered during its long suljmersion a wonilrous sea change, and was 
found to be covered with some kind of marine incrustation. A portion of 
it was placed for safe-keeping in the old Exeter Bank, and when the vault of 
that institution was entered and robbed of its valuable contents, about the 
year 1828. some of ]\Ir. Clifford's .silver pieces were among the spoils. The 
story goes that the peculiar appearance of the money aft'orded the clew by 
which the guilty persons were detected. 

It would not be just, in any recital of the services of our townsmen in 
the Revolution, to omit to mention the indei>endent company that volunteered 
under the command of Capt. John Langdon in 1777. and marched to Sara- 
toga to aid in the capture of Burgoyne. The lieutenant of the company was 
Col. Nicholas Oilman, and the private soldiers were composed of the solid 
men of Exeter, Portsmouth, and Newmarket. Most of them were of mature 
age. and many had held military commissions. No roster of the company 
is now accessible, but it is known that among the Exeter quota were such 
men as Capt. Samuel Oilman. Col. Eliphalet Oidclings. Col. Nathaniel Oid- 
dings. and Ephraim Robinson, Esq. That citizens of such age and standing 
were ready to leave their families and business to shoulder the musket in 
defense of their country is proof positive of the pressing nature of the emer- 
gency, and of the aboslute necessity then felt that the progress of the hostile 
armv should be checked, and a substantial trium]>h gained to the cause of 
America. And the momentous consecpiences which ensued from the capitula- 



370 HIS TOR \' OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

tion ol Burgoyne proved that this feehng was founded in reason and a just 
appreciation of the situation. 

There were of course not a few otlier persons in Exeter whose services 
were called into requisition in some way by the state authorities. 

John Rice, Esq. (we append the title, because it was not common, though 
much valued, in those days), whose house was where the parsonage of the 
first parish now is, furnished board and a place of meeting for the Com- 
mittee of Safety in the earlier part of the war. 

John Ward Oilman, who lived in the old house on the north side of 
Water Street near string bridge, now owned by the electric company, manu- 
factured for the newly-formed state a seal, the impression of which, no doubt, 
is found upon the commissions of the period. The device was certainly 
more appropriate than the ship on the stocks, which for some unknown reason 
was subsequently adopted, and is retained on the present seal. It consisted of 
the fasces, the emblem of authority, on one side of which was a pine tree and 
on the other a fish, in allusion to two of the chief sources of the early pros- 
perity of the colony. An appropriate inscription surrounded the whole. 

Theodore Carlton, who appears to have opened a tavern during the war, 
had some of Colonel Poor's soldiers (piarterefl there for a time. Men enlisted 
for the army in a time of actual hostilities are proverbially not the (piietest 
of lodgers, and it is not strange that Mr. Carlton found that his i)remises 
sustained some damage. A committee reported thereon that there were "42 
squares of glass broke, 2 stairs broke, 6 doors gone, several others broke, and 
plaistering broke down in several rooms." 

Capt. Eliphalet Ladd, the father of Willian-' Ladd. the "apostle of peace," 
had occasional business with the committee and the Legislature. He was a 
man of untiring energy, antl did not suffer the war to check his enterprise. 
He was engaged in trade on a considerable scale, and built ships and planned 
voyages in spite of the enemy's cruisers. He met with heavy losses, but on the 
whole was thought to ha\e increased his property during the Revolution. 

\'\^e cannot better close these too meagre and desultory notices of our 
town and its people at the heroic period wdien our independence was achieved 
than by an outline of the most impressive occurrence that Exeter witnessed 
during the eventful year of 1776. 

When the dispute with Britain was begun, it was with no general expecta- 
tion that it would result in a severance between the colonies and the mother- 
country. The provincials professed perfect loyalty, and assumed self-govern- 
ment only during "the present unhappy and unnatural contest with Great 
Britain." But as the struggle went on the popular ideas became modified, and 
the public came at length to comprehend that it was idle to expect to reunite 
ties which the sword had sundered. 

A few sagacious minds had foreseen this from the outset. It is due to the 
able leaders of the po]>ular movement in New Hampshire that it should be 
generally known that they contemplated the assumption of independence, and 
suggested it in an eloquent official letter from their Convention of Delegates 
to the Continental Congress as early as the 23d of May, 1775. This is the 
first allusion to the subject in any known communication from an organized 
bodv in the countrv. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 371 

As the sentiment of tlie whole people became gradually ripe for the final 
step of separation from Britain, movements were made in the Colonial Legis- 
latures looking to that result. In New Hampshire a committee of both houses 
reported on the 15th of June. 1776, instructions to "our Delegates in the 
Continental Congress to join with the other colonies in declaring the Thirteen 
United Colonies a Free and Independent State, solemnly pledging our faith 
and honor that we will, on our parts, support the measure with our Lives and 
Fortunes." 

From this time forward there was impatience in the breast of every true 
friend of liberty to blot out the very memory of subjection, to make way for 
the new and glorious career that was opening for the infant nation. The 
action of Congress was waited for anxiously, longingly, eagerly. At length 
the wished-for moment arrived. An express dashed into the Village of Exeter 
bearing a letter addressed to the Convention of New Hampshire, and authen- 
ticated by the manly signature of John Hancock. The Legislature had 
adjourned, but the president was here, perhaps waiting for the important 
missive. It was determined that the contents of the letter, containing the 
glad tidings of the Declaration of Independence, should be forthwith pub- 
licly read. The honor of pronouncing for the first time in New Hampshire 
the impressive periods of that unequaled production was appropriately 
devolved upon John Taylor Gilman. No firing of cannon or ringing of bells 
was needed to give eclat to the occasion ; the general joy was too sincere and 
heartfelt to find expression in noisy demonstrations. Meshech Weare, presi- 
dent of the state, Matthew Thornton, who was himself soon to set his hand 
to the instrument. General Folsom, and Col. Pierse Long and Ebenezer 
Thompson, all members of the Committee of Safety, and tried and true 
patriots, were present. 

The news had spread with the speed of lightning through the town. The 
farmer dropped his scythe in the swath, the mechanic left his saw in the 
kerf, and even the good wife forsook her spinning-wheel, while all gathered 
to hear the words which they felt were to give them freedom and a country. 
But perhaps there was no one of the audience whose heart was thrilled more 
deeply by the immortal Declaration than Col. Nicholas Gilman, the father of 
him who read it. He had put his whole life and energy into the cause of 
his country; he foresaw that nothing but formal separation from the parent 
state would prevent his dearest hopes from going down in darkness; he 
welcomed the words which rent the brightest jewel from Britain's crown with 
joy and thankfulness unutterable. The reader, from filial as well as patriotic 
sensibilitv. shared his emotion, and there were pauses when the rush of feeling 
o'ermastered speech. Exeter has witnessed many returns of the anniversary 
of our national birthday, and has listened to the utterances of lips touched 
with the living coal of eloquence; but the first reading of the Declaration of 
Independence, on the iSth of July, 1776, enchained the attention with a sig- 
nificance and power which have never since been paralleled. 

For some years after the close of the Revolutionary war the people were 
hardly reconciled to the situation. The times were hard, money was scarce, 
and the acquisition of independence had not freed them, as many fancied it 
would do, from the restraints of law. Complaints were rife among the people 



372 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

becau.sc the Legislature of the state would not authorize the issue of paper 
money, which many believed was the panacea for their fiscal troubles. At 
length the discontent became so intensified that it took an organized form 
among the people of several interior towns in Rockingham ^"ounty. and on 
the morning of September 20, 1786, the rumor reached Exeter that a body 
of men were about to enter the town to obtain in one way or another '"a 
redress of grievances." During the forenoon a great number of persons, 
attracted by the report, came into town from the neighboring places, not for 
the purpose of joining in any illegal demonstration, but to witness what was 
about to take place. The Legislature was in session in the meeting-house, 
which stood nearly on the site of the present lower church, while the Supreme 
Court was sitting in the court-house, which was on the opposite side of the 
street, occupying about the center of what is now the entrance to Court Street. 
Between 2 and 3 o'clock in the afternoon the expected assemblage made its 
appearance, coming down Front Street. It had been formed into the sem- 
blance of a military' array at Kingston, and consisted of about two hundred 
persons or a little more, about one-half of them on foot and provided with 
fire-arms or swords, and the residue following in the rear on horseback anil 
carrying clubs and whips. They halted near the residence of the late Nathaniel 
Gilman. on Front Street, and asked civily for water. They then marched 
down the street, and passing over the great bridge turned and came back as 
far as the courthouse, which they surrounded, under the mistaken belief 
that the Legislature A\as in session there. Judge Samuel IJvermore, who 
was upon the bench, sternly ordered that the business should proceed witliout 
pause, and forbade any one to look from the windows. 

The mob in a few minutes became aware of their mistake, and attempted 
to surround the meeting-house. The spectators who were packed somewhat 
densely in and about the yard of the church yielded only inch by inch, and 
it was an hour or more before the riotous assemblage reached the building. 
They then placed guards at the doors and w'indows, and announced in sub- 
stance that they meant to keep the members of the General Court in durance 
until they passed a law for the emission of paper money, which should be a 
legal tender for debts and taxes. One member only is reported to have 
escaped from the building, and he got out of a window. John Sullivan, the 
president of the state, was present in the meeting-house, — a man of resolution 
and a soldier. He made his appearance before the excited crowd, and said to 
them that they "need not expect to frighten him, for he had smelt powder 
before." In allusion to the demand which some of them had made for justice 
he said, "You ask for justice, and justice you shall have." It was noticeable 
that he did not advise the crowd to disperse, however; he undoubtedly felt 
that it w^as better to crush the insurrection in the bud. 

It presently grew towards evening, and the good citizens of F.xeter began 
to think it was time that a little pressure should be applied to the insurgents. 
Agreeably to a suggestion of Col. Nathaniel Gilman, a drum was beaten a 
little way oiY as if a body of soldiers were approaching, while he himself with 
his stentorian voice cried out something about "Hackett's artillery."' The 
mob waited for nothing further, but incontinently took to their heels, and 
did not pause till they had reached the outskirts of the village. They passed 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 373 

the night near wliere the passenger depot of the railroad formerly stood. No 
sooner «as the village relieved from their presence than effectual steps were 
taken to suppress the rising. The Legislature having given the proper 
authority, the president at once sent orders into the neighboring towns to 
assemble the militia. A volunteer company of the principal citizens of Exeter 
was immediately enrolled under the command of Nicholas Gilman, who had 
served in the Revolutionary army, and was afterwards a senator of the 
United States. 

By the next morning the Village of Exeter was a scene of no small excite- 
ment and military display. A large body of troops, horse and foot, were 
assembled, and, under the direction of the president and the immediate com- 
mand of Gen. Joseph Cilley, they marched with military music to meet the 
force of the insurgents, tiie armed portion of whom were drawn up on the 
ridge beyond little river, on the Kingston road. 

The Government column, with the Exeter Volunteer Company holding the 
post of honor in the front, moved to within the distance of some forty rods 
from the opposing party, when General Cilley, at the head of a small luimber 
of horsemen, dashed forward and across the stream, and by a coup de main 
seized and made prisoners of the leaders of the insurgents. The remainder 
broke and fled, but were pursued, and cjuite a number of them captured. 

Joseph French, of Hampstead, James Cochran, of Pembroke, and John 
McICean, of Londonderry, were the principal persons engaged in the riotous 
demonstration. Some of the prisoners were indicted, others were brought 
to a court-martial, and still others were dealt with by ecclesiastical authority, 
but while all were pretty thoroughly frightened and very penitent, none of 
them were severely punished. The spirit of organized resistance to law and 
order received on this occasion a timely and effectual check, and the state 
authorities and people of Exeter are entitled to no little credit for thejir 
judicious and spirited conduct. In the afternoon of March 20, 1754, a troop 
of about thirty men, on horseback and carrying axes, made their appearance 
in Exeter. They came from Canterbury, Contoocook, and the vicinity, and 
their purpose was probably pretty well understood in Exeter and throughout 
the province. 

Two trading Indians of the St. Francis tribe in Canada, Sabastis and 
Plausawa by name, had rendered themselves very obnoxious to the people of 
Canterbury and Contoocook the preceding summer. Sabastis had been for- 
merly concerned in spiriting away two blacks owned by inhabitants of Canter- 
bury, and both Indians not only proclaimed the opinion that there was no 
harm in stealing negroes, but threatened and even oft'ered violence to the 
wife of a white settler. They indulged in boasts of former deeds of blood- 
shed and robberv. and in threats of committing others, until the people were 
so alarmed and incensed that they sternly warned them to depart. The 
Indians would have done well to heed the admonition, but in complete infatua- 
tion they still lingered in the neighborhood, and abated not a jot of their 
blustering. Peter Bowen and one Morrill, with whom they were staying, at 
length undoubtedly concerted a plan to take their lives. Bowen. who was a 
rough and violent man. procured a gallon of rum from Rumford and treated 
the Indians to it freelv. until thev became intoxicated. Meantime his con- 



374 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

federates took the opportunity to draw tlie charges from the Indians' guns, 
and then enticed them into the woods, where Bowen slew tliem ahiiost w ith- 
out resistance. 

Yet so great was the dread and hatred of the Indians which prevailed 
throughout the province, and so favorably was the story related for the mur- 
derers, that when Bowen and Morrill were indicted for murder and imprisoned 
in I'ortsniouth jail to await their trial, the public sentiment was aroused most 
strongly in their behalf. Their trial was fixed for March 21, 1754, and the 
cavalcade which appeared in E.xeter on the preceding day, as already men- 
tioned, was composed of persons who were detemiincd to rescue the accused 
persons from imprisonment. 

A few of the people of Exeter are said to have joined the lawless band. 
but their names have not survived to our time. The party, thus reinforced, 
rode through mud and snow that night to Portsmouth, beat down the doors 
of the jail, knocked off the irons from Morrill and Bowen, and set them free. 
Rewards were offered by the governor for the rearrest of the prisoners, but 
they were never retaken, though they were at their homes again as usual soon 
after. Their course was justified by the popular voice, and it was not thought 
expedient to molest them or their rescuers. In no very long time the incidents 
would Iiave been generally forgotten but for a song which some village 
poetaster composed on the occasion, and which preserved the memory of the 
transaction, being afterwards commonly sung at the huskings in Exeter. 

Sixteen years afterwards an occurrence of a very different character 
aroused the attention of the town. News was brought that George W'hitefield, 
a preacher of world-wide celebrity, was to address the people of Exeter. It 
may easily be supposed that none would willingly lose the opportunity of hear- 
ing his elotjuent voice. So, although the time appointed w-as the forenoon of 
Saturday (September 29, 1770), almost the entire population thronged to 
the church where he was to officiate. The building was not capable of con- 
taining the crowd, and Mr. W'hitefield determined to address them in the open 
air a course he was often compelled to adopt. It is said that he at first essayed 
to speak from the meeting-house steps, but the sun shining in his face, he 
crossed to the other side of the street, where some boards laid across two 
barrels or hogsheads furnished him a stand, from which he preached to his 
out-door congregation a discourse nearly two hours in length, from 2 Corin- 
thians xiii, 5. This was the last sermon which that eloquent and devoted 
minister delivered. He went in the afternoon to Newburyport, Mass.. where, 
the very next morning, he breathed his last. So that Exeter witnessed the 
closing effort in the career of one of the most distinguished divines of the 
world, whose name will be held in honor and reverence so long as zeal, piety, 
and self-denial shall be known and appreciated. 

Within six years after tlie death of the earnest and eloquent W'hitefield 
an immense change had taken place in the opinions, feelings, and situation 
of the American colonists. From remonstrances and petitions against the 
exactions of the mother-country they had proceeded to open and armed 
resistance, and at length to the decisive step of declaring themselves inde- 
pendent of the British crown. In June. 1776. the Legislature of New Hamp- 
shire instructed her delegates in Congress to join with those of the other 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 375 

colonies in such a measure, and on Thursday, the iSth day of July following, 
the Declaration of the thirteen United Colonies of North America, authenti- 
cated by the bold signature of John Hancock, reached Exeter bv express, hav- 
ing been fourteen days on the road from Philadelphia. 

In 1789 Exeter saw another sight not soon to be forgotten by its citizens. 
The war was happily concluded, independence won, and, the insufficiency of 
the old confederation becoming apparent, a new form of government had been 
established. Washington, the savior of his country, had been elected its first 
Chief Magistrate, and after the new administration was fairly launched had 
set forth on a tour through the northern states. It was known that he was 
to leave Portsmouth on the 4th day of Novemljer, 1789, for Exeter, and 
the good people made their preparations to meet him with a cavalcade of 
citizens to escort him into town. But they mistook the hour of his departure 
from Portsmouth, or forgot his rigid habits of punctuality, for before the 
volunteers were in the saddle Washington made his appearance. He arrived 
here before 10 o'clock in the forenoon, accompanied by his secretaries. Colonel 
Lear and IMajor Jackson, and a single servant. Washington rode in an open 
carriage, and is said to have worn a drab surtout and military hat. The 
street was lined with spectators as he drove up to the door of the residence of 
Col. Samuel Folsom, who, as was not unusual among the leading men of 
that day, kept a public-house. It was the same dwelling now occupied by 
Hon. John Scammon on the easterly corner of Court Square and Water Street. 

It is unnecessary to say that the whole population gathered eagerly to 
catch a glimpse of the distinguished visitor. Col. Nicholas Gilman, who had 
been an officer of the staff under the commander-in-chief at Yorktown, and 
other officers of the Revolution and principal citizens, paid their respects to 
Washington, and did the honors of the town. They invited him to remain 
and partake of a public dinner, which his arrangements compelled him reluc- 
tantly, as his diary informs us, to decline. He, however, accepted a breakfast 
or collation at the public-house, on which occasion a young lady related to 
Colonel Folsom waited on him at table. His cjuick eye discovered that she was 
not a servant, and tradition informs us that he called her to him, addressed 
her a few pleasant words, and kissed her. 

The hour or two of his stay in Exeter were soon over, and he again 
resumed his journey by Kingston towards Haverhill, Mass. He was accom- 
panied a part of the distance by some of the gentlemen of the town. When he 
reached the top of Great Hill he called on his driver to stop, and casting his 
eyes back over the wide and charming landscape he remarked in admiring 
tones upon its beauty, and with this pleasant word at parting he bade our 
town adieu. 

Annexation of Massachusetts. — Two hundred and sixty-two inhabitants 
of Exeter petitioned in 1739 to be annexed to Massachusetts. Their names are 
on record. 



CHAPTER XXVIII 
EXETER — (Continued) 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 

First Congregational Church. — The little colony which accompanied or 
followed John Wheel wright to the Falls of Squamscott in 1638, was essen- 
tially a religious one. It was composed in great part of those who had been 
members of his flock in England, and of those who had suffered for adhering 
to his theological opinions in Massachusetts. It is not strange, therefore, 
that a church was gathered within a few months after their arrival here. 
From the records of the church at Boston we learn that on the 30th of 
December, 1638, "dismission was granted to our brethren, Mr. John Wheel- 
wright, Richard Morris, Richard Bulgar, Philemon Pormont. Christopher 
Marshall, Isaac Grosse, George Wayte, Thomas Wardhall and William Ward- 
hall unto the church at the Falls of Pascataquack, if they be rightly gathered 
and ordered." It is probable that they all became members of the first church 
of Exeter, and that an equal or larger number of Wheelwright's former 
English parishioners were also connected with it. 

Of the thirty-four persons who signed the "combination" with Wheel- 
wright in 1639, we know from the preamble of the instrument itself that a 
part were brethren of the church, and the others inhabitants simply. It has 
been stated, upon what authority we know not, that the church was formed 
of eight members, comprising Wheelwright and those who, as his adherents, 
had been dismissed from the church in Boston ; but this is apparently erron- 
eous. As no records are in existence to afford the information, the number 
of those who composed the original church can probably never be ascertained, 
but there is reason to believe that among them were at least one-half of the 
signers of the combination. It is evident from the terms of the mode of 
government adopted by the settlers, and from their laws and ordinances, 
that the religious element was the controlling one in their little community. 

Mr. Wheelwright remained in Exeter, as is supposed, until 1643, when all 
the settlements in New Hampshire having passed under the authority of 
Massachusetts, from which colony he had been banished, he removed with a 
few connections and intimate friends to Wells in Maine. It is probable that 
he did this from an apprehension that he might be subjected to further annoy- 
ance if he continued within the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, without having 
made his peace with the authorities of that colony. There is some reason 
to believe that Mr. Wheelwright's removal was not expected to be permanent. 
There are votes upon the town records which indicate that the inhabitants 
understood that he might return to Exeter. And before he had been very long 

376 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 377 

at Wells, too, he took the first steps towards a reconciliation with the authori- 
ties of Massachusetts, which resulted in the reversal of the sentence of banish- 
ment against him. 

When it became evident that Mr. Wheelwright was not to return, the 
people of Exeter made an attempt to call the aged Stephen Bachiler, who 
had been dismissed from Hampton for irregular conduct, to become their 
minister. This failed as did the settlements of several other ministers. 

But the wishes of the people were at length gratiiied; for at a town- 
meeting on the 30th of May, 1650, it was unanimously agreed between Rev. 
Samuel Dudley and the town of Exeter "that Mr. Dudley is forthwith, as 
soon as comfortable subsistence can be made by the town for him and his 
family in the house which was purchased of Mr. Wheelwright, that then th& 
said Mr. Dudley is to come and inhabit Exeter, and to be a minister of God's 
word unto us until such time as God shall be pleased to make way for the 
gathering of a church, anfl then to be ordained our pastor or teacher accord- 
ing to the ordinance of God." The town agreed to fit up the Wheelwright 
house, and to fence in a yard and garden, and to allow forty pounds a year 
towards the maintenance of Mr. Dudley and his family, with the use and 
sole improvement of the house and lands and meadow bought of Mr. Wheel- 
wright, during the time he, Mr. Dudley, should continue to be their minister. 
The town also agreed that "what cost Mr. Dudley should bestow about the 
said house and lands in the time of his improvement, the town is to allow 
unto him or his so much as the said house and lands are bettered by it at the 
time of the said Mr. Dudley's leaving it, either by death or some more than 
ordinary call of God other ways." And it was further stipulated "that the 
old cow-house which was Mr. Wheelwright's shall by the town be fitted up 
fit for the setting of cattle in, and that the aforesaid pay of forty pounds a 
year is to be made in good pay every half year in corn and English com- 
modities at a price current as they go generally in the country at the time or 
times of payment." The agreement with Mr. Dudley took effect immediately, 
and he undoubtedly entered upon the discharge of his ministerial functions at 
once. Indeed, there is reason to believe that he had been serving the town in 
the same capacity before that time. We learn, moreover, from the agree- 
ment that the church that had been gathered and maintained during Mr. 
Wheelwright's stay in Exeter had failed to preserve its organization for the 
seven years when it was without a pastor. 

At a town-meeting on the 26th of June, 1650, it was voted to pay Francis 
Swaine twenty shillings "for his pains and time in going into the hay to col- 
lect Mr. Dudley his pay." This refers, no doubt, to the "English commo- 
dities" which the town were to furnish Mr. Dudley in part payment of his 
salary. There was little money in the frontier settlement, and some merchant 
in the bay (Massachusetts) was contracted with to supply the imported goods 
for Mr. Dudley, and to receive in exchange from his Exeter parishioners 
lumber and such other articles as they could furnish. .At the same town- 
meeting it was resolved "that a meeting-house shall be built, of twenty foot 
square, as soon as workmen can conveniently be procured to do it, and the 
place appointed for it is at the corner of William Taylor's lot next the street. 



378 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and William Taylor is to have of the town twenty shillings for five rods square 
of his land in that place." 

The people of Exeter having engaged the services of Mr. Dudley, took 
prompt and efficient measures to procure the payment of his stipulated salary. 
The town records inform us that at a meeting on the 5th of December, 1650, it 
was "agreed upon that the townsmen (who performed substantially the duties 
of selectmen) shall have power to make a rate upon all such of the inhabitants 
of the town as do not voluntarily bring in according to their abilities, for the 
satisfying of the town's engagement unto Mr. Dudley for his maintenance." 
It had previously been determined that every inhabitant of the town should 
pay, "for every thousand of pipe-staves they made, two shillings, which 
should be for the maintenance of the ministry; and for every thousand of 
hogshead-staves, one and sixpence ; and for every thousand of bolts that is 
sold before they be made into staves, four shillings ; and also what is due from 
the saw-mills shall be for the maintenance of the ministry." And in order 
to establish the priority of this claim alx)ve all others, it was provided that 
"any man that shall deliver any staves or bolts before they have satisfied the 
town order shall pay ten shillings for every thousand staves and twenty shil- 
lings for every thousand bolts." It was also voted at said meeting on the 5th of 
December, 1650, that if Francis Swaine and Henry Roby, or either of them, 
shall make a bargain with any able merchant of the bay to pay or cause to be 
paid unto Mr. Dudley the sum of forty pounds in good English commodities 
in May ne.xt, for his whole year's maintenance, and to accept of hogshead- 
staves or pipe-staves for the said forty pounds worth of goods, then the town 
do agree to stand to their bargain which they shall make, and to bring in their 
proportional parts of hogshead-staves or pipe-staves unto the said Henry 
Roby or Francis Swaine to satisfy their agreement." 

While the inhabitants were thus solicitous to secure their minister from 
want, they were no less ready to protect hiin from defamation. They author- 
ized the three townsmen — Henry Roby, Thomas King, and John Legat — 
"to vindicate the credit and reputation of Mr. Dudley gainst the reproachful 
speeches and calumniations of John Garland, by proceeding against him in 
law, according to the demerits of his offence." It is not known that any 
suit was ever brought against the slanderer; he probably found means by 
apology, or otherwise, to avoid such a result. 

Apparently nothing was done under the vote to build a meeting-house, 
passed June 26, 1650, for a couple of years after. At a subseeiuent meeting, 
July 8, 1652, "it was ordered that a meeting-house shall forthwith be built, 
and that every man, both servants as well as others, shall come forth to 
work upon it as they are called out by the surveyor of the work, upon the 
penalty of five shillings for every day's neglect : and teams are to be brought 
forth to the work by the owners as they are called for by the said surveyors 
upon the penalty of ten shillings a day for their neglect, and the surveyors or 
overseers appointed for the said work are Mr. Edward Gilman, Thomas 
King, and Edward Hilton, Jr., and they are to see the work finished and not 
to have it neglected." Undoubtedly the people were moved to commence and 
carry through the enterprise soon after; for a vote of the town in November, 
1652, alludes to the "finishing" of the building, and the return of a board 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 381 

of commissioners to lay out tlie west part of Hampton, in August, 1O53, 
mentions the "Exeter meeting-house," which would imply that it was then 
completed. 

W'here Mr. Dudley's congregation worshiped in the mean time, whether in 
the primitive structure that is understood to have been erected in Mr. Wheel- 
wright's ministry or elsewhere, we have no means of knowledge, nor is it 
certainly known where this church was located ; but there is reason to believe 
that it was not far from the site which tradition assigns to the earlier build- 
ing. It continued to be used as the place for public worship for more than 
forty years. In 1664 a lean-to with a chimney was added to the meeting- 
house, to serve as a watch-house. Some time after this, probably, Edward 
Smith, Biley Dudley, Edward Oilman, and perhaps others built a gallery in 
the house, which was confirmed to them by a \ote of the town in 1678; and at 
the same time said Smith, Gilnian, Jonathan Thing, Peter Folsom, Nathaniel 
Lad, and Moses Levit were allowed to build a gallery for their wives at the 
end of the men's gallery, leaving room for still another, if desired, which Mrs. 
Sarah Wadley, Sarah Young, Alice Oilman, Abigail Wadley, Ephraim 
Marden's wife, Orace Oilman, and Mary Lawrence had leave to erect and set 
up at the north end of the house. 

It would appear that within a few years after Mr. Dudley's settlement 
the town had lost some inhabitants, perhaps persons of means, so that they 
were unable to continue his salary; and as he "was not willing to urge that 
from them which they could not comfortably discharge," it was agreed 
between them, on the 13th of June, 1655, that "the contract made at the time 
of his settlement should be annulled, that he should lay down his minister- 
character, and that his future exercises on the Sabbath-day should be done as 
a private person, he intending and promising to be helpful, what so may with 
convenience, either in his own house or some other which shall be appointed 
for the Sabbath exercises." 

The next year the Town of Portsmouth, understanding, probably, that 
Mr. Dudley was relieved of his Exeter charge, passed a vote to invite him to 
remove thither and become their minister, and the selectmen of that town 
were authorized to communicate the vote and make a contract with him. 
He received the proposition favoralily, and agreed to visit Portsmouth the 
next spring. 

The danger of losing their minister seems to have aroused the inhabitants 
of Exeter to new efforts, for at "a full town-meeting" on the 8th of June, 
1657, "it was ordained and agreed that so long as Mr. Samuel Dudley shall 
continue to be a minister in the town of Exeter, which shall be till there be 
some just cause for him to remove, wdiereof he is not to be judge himself, 
but other indifferent, understanding men. — the fewness of the people, or 
greater maintenance to be a cause are expected. — the town of Exeter is to pay 
the said Samuel the sum of fifty pounds yearly in merchantable pine boards 
and merchantable pipe staves, both to be delivered at the water-side, at the 
Town of Exeter, at the current price as they shall go at when they are 
delivered." The residue, in case full compensation was not thus made, was to 
be taken in corn, and the payments were to be in equal installments on the 
29th of September and the 24th of June in each year. The Wlieelwright 



382 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

property was also fully confirmed to Mr. Dudley, and it was provided that 
the selectmen of the town should yearly "gather up" the said sum of fifty 
pounds, and in case they should fail to do so, they should be answerable to 
the town for their default, and make up out of their own pockets whatever 
they failed to collect! It is somewhat doubtful if the selectmen of our day 
would be willing to accept such a liability; and perhaps it was only the fear 
of being deprived of their minister which reconciled them to the condition 
two centuries ago. This action on the part of the town had the desired effect 
of inducing Mr. Dudley to abandon all thoughts of remo\'ing to Portsmouth, 
and to retain him to pursue his useful labors in Exeter, 

Mr. Dudley being an excellent man of business, and holding the pen of a 
ready writer, was frequently employed by his parishioners in secular affairs. 
At a meeting of the town on the 4th of March, 1658, a grant of certain 
land was made to him in consideration of his drawing off from the town 
book all the former grants and necessary orders in relation thereto, which it 
was stipulated were to be "fairly written." It was also provided, singularly 
enough, that if he should find recorded any grant or order to liinder this 
grant of land to himself, the latter should be void, which is evidence of 
the entire confidence reposed by the people in his integrity. 

In 1660 something was needed to be done to the house of worship, either 
by way of addition or repairs, as the selectmen were authorized, in case they 
should be "forced to lay out of their own estates towards the fitting up of the 
meeting-house," to make a rate to reimburse themselves. This was a great 
advance on the earlier rule, which apparently required the selectmen to make 
good any deficiency in the minister's salary; and subsequent votes of the town, 
as will be seen, still further relieved them from responsibility in parochial 
affairs. 

At a town-meeting on the 15th of March. 1668, it was ordered that 
Lieutenant Hall be empowered to "arrest and sue any that belong to the 
town that refuse to pay to the rate of the ministry." And in 1671 it was 
agreed that the selectmen should be exonerated from the duty ^f collecting 
the minister-rate, and that thenceforth Mr. Dudley was to "gather up his 
rate himself," in consideration whereof he was to receive sixty pounds, instead 
of fifty pounds, 3'early. The selectmen were to assess the tax, and in case 
any inhabitant should refuse to pay, they were to empower Mr. Dudley to 
"get it by the constable." 

Either this method of obtaining his salary was impracticable or unsatis- 
factory to Mr. Dudley, or the infinnities of age soon compelled him to with- 
draw from his charge; for it was but five years later that the place of worship 
in Exeter appears to have been strangely neglected, if we may give full credit 
to the allegations of the record of a court held at Hampton in May, 1676, 
which was as follows : "The town of Exeter being presented for letting their 
meeting-house lie open and common for cattle to go into, this Court doth 
order that the selectmen of Exeter do take effectual care that the said house 
be cleaned, and be made clean enough for christians to meet in, and the doors 
hung and kept sli,ut ; and this to be done and signified to Mr. Dalton. under 
the hand of the constable, by the next Sabbath day, come se'ennight, or else 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 383 

to forfeit live pounds ; that for the time to come they should keep the said 
house commodiously tight and suitable for such a place, upon the like penalty." 

Mr. Dudley died in 1683, at the age of seventy-seven years, the last thirty- 
five of which he passed in Exeter; and was buried, it is believed, in the old 
graveyard near the present gas-works. He was connected by blood and mar- 
riage with some of the principal men of Massachusetts, and the people of 
Exeter were fortunate, in every respect, in having him to settle among them. 
He was able to allay all jealous feelings on the part of Massachusetts towards 
Exeter by his acquaintance with the dignitaries of that colony, and he was 
uncjuestionably a diligent and faithful spiritual teacher and guide. 

For some years after Mr. Dudley's decease there was no settled or 
regular minister in Exeter, but it is probable that religious worship was con- 
ducted by such clergymen as might be temporarily engaged. In 1683, Rev. 
John Cotton, before and afterwards of Hampton, is mentioned in a con- 
temporary account as of Exeter, so it is probable that he ministered here for 
a time. Elder William Wentworth certainly officiated here before October, 
1690, as the town then voted to treat with him "for his continuance with them 
in the ministry." Mr. Wentworth remained in the office of minister in E.xeter 
until some time in 1693, when the growing infirmities of years must ha\'e 
discjualified him for the work. 

The course adopted by the town in selecting his successor strikingly illus- 
trates the simple fashions of the time, and the general concern felt throughout 
the community in relation to the spiritual concerns of even a remote and 
feeble settlement. On the 23d of June, 1693, Capt. John Gilman and Biley 
Dudley were chosen "in behalf of the town to go to the neighboring ministers 
and take their advice for a meet person to supply the office of the ministry in 
the Town of Exeter." The search seems to have been successful, for only 
three months afterward a committee was raised to treat with Rev. John 
Clark, and on the loth of October, in the same year, Capt. John Gilman, 
Capt. Peter Cofifin. and Capt. Robert Wadleigh were empowered to agree with 
Mr. Clark to become the minister of Exeter, and to fix his salary for the first 
half-year, the town engaging to pay the same. 

But Mr. Clark was not to be secured at once. It is not known why he 
did not remove sooner to Exeter, but it may be conjectured that he re(iuired, 
not unreasonably, that the inhabitants should first prove their disposition and 
ability to sustain a religious society by erecting a suitable house of worship. 
However that might have been, in January, 1695, at two meetings of the 
town, the subject of building a new meeting-house w^as discussed, and at 
length determined; and "the major part of the town saw cause to erect and 
set the house on the hill between the great fort and Nat Folsom's barn." But 
the location of a public building is never an easy matter for a town to agree 
upon, and a controversy afterwards arose in regard to it. which was only 
settled at last by a committee chosen for the purpose. Captain Coffin was 
employed to keep the account of the work done by the inhabitants upon the 
house,' and the rate allowed was three shillings a day for men, and for lads 
what the committee should order. 

The location decided upon was just in front of the site of the present 
lower (First Congregational) church, and there the meeting-house, evidently 



384 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of no mean proijortions, was placed, being completed about the beginning of 
the year 1697. It had doors at the east and west entls, the pulpit on the north 
side, and stairs leading to a women's gallery on the south side. I'ews were 
built round the sides, and the middle space was probably occupied with 
benches. 

At a town-meeting on the 3d of February, 1697, it was voted "that the 
new- meeting-house should be seated by the committee now chosen, viz., 
Captain Moore, Mr. Smart, Biley Dudley, Captain Hall, Lieutenant Leavitt, 
and Mr. Moses Leavitt ; and the committee have full power to seat the people 
in their places and power to grant places for pews to whom they see meet; 
and those men that have places for pews shall sit in them with their families, 
and not be seated nowhere else." 

It is probable that Mr. Clark preached for a time in Exeter before his 
ordination, which was fixed to be on the 21st of September, 1698. The 7th 
of September was ordered to be observed as a day of humiliation. On the 
Sunday preceding the ordination a confession of faith and covenant, which 
had been previously agreed upon, were signed by the following-named persons, 
who were the first members of the first church in Exeter, the organization of 
which has ever since been maintained: John Clark (pastor), John Oilman. 
Peter • Coffin, William Moore, Thomas W'iggin, Kinsley Hall, Theophilus 
Dudley, Samuel Leavitt, Biley Dudley, Moses Leavitt, John Folsom, Henry 
Wadleigh, Jonathan Robinson, Thomas Dudley, John Schrivener, Nicholas 
Gilman. Richard Glidden, Elizabeth Gilman, Elizabeth Clark, Judith Wilson, 
Margaret Beal, Sarah Dudley, Deborah Sinkler, Deborah Coffin, Sarah Lowell, 
Mehitabel Smith. 

The church having been organized on the day appointed, the ordination 
exercises were performed by Rev. Mr. Hale, who preached the sermon, Re\-. 
Mr. Pike, who made the prayer before imposition of hands. Rev. Mr. Wood- 
bridge, who gave the charge, and Rev. Mr. Cotton, who gave the right hand of 
fellowship. Mr. Clark received at first sixty pounds a year for his salary, 
wMth the use of the parsonage lot and a certain meadow, to which ten pounds 
more were afterwards added to cover the expense of firewood and fencing 
of the lands. It was also agreed that the town should furnish him a parsonage 
house, but he subsecjuently consented to dispense with that stipulation on con- 
dition that the town should pay him one hundred pounds instead thereof. 

Mr. Clark remained in charge of the church in Exeter until his death in 
1705, at the age of thirty-five years. He was highly esteemed by his people; 
they paid to his widow the full amount of his salary, and erected a tomb 
over his remains at the expense of the town, and twenty years later made 
repairs upon the same. The grave of Mr. Clark is in the yard of the lower 
church, and upon his tombstone were inscribed these lines: 

"A prophet lies under the stone. 
His words shall live tho' he be gone. 
When preachers die. what rules the pulpit gave 
Of living are still preached from their grave. 
The faith and life which your dead pastor taught 
Now in one grave with him, sirs, bury not." 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 385 

In the April following (1706) the town voted to give Rev. John Odlin 
a call to carry on the work of the ministry, and appointed a committee of ten 
persons, a major part of whom were empowered to make a full agreement in 
behalf of the town with him "for his salary and other things needful." Under 
this authority they contracted to pay him seventy pounds a year, together 
with the strangers' contribution money, and allow him the use of the parsonage 
and 200 acres of land, and to give him an outfit of 100 pounds in 
money towards his settlement. Mr. Odlin was ordained on the 12th of 
November, 1706. He was a young man, having graduated at Harvard 
College only four years before. He married Mrs. Clark, the widow of his 
predecessor, and his pastorate only ended with his life. 

Ere many years had passed the want of a new place of worship began 
to be felt. The town had increased in population, and the Indian wars had 
for the time ceased to alarm and keep down the frontier settlements. \Vhen 
men ventured to go to church without arms in their hands, the tide of immi- 
gration began to assume its natural flow. On the i6th of December, 1728, 
it was determined that a new meeting-house should be built, and placed on 
some part of the land purchased of Capt. Peter Coffin, on which the meeting- 
house then stood. 

But so important an undertaking required time, and it was not until the 
spring of 1731 that the new building was finished. It was placed close by the 
old meeting-house, which was not removed until after its completion. 

This, which was the fourth house of worship erected in Exeter, was a large 
structure, with two galleries, and a broad aisle running up to the pulpit, on each 
side of which were benches for those who did not own pews, and who, agree- 
ably to the fashion of the time, had seats assigned them according to age. 
A high steeple was added to the edifice soon afterwards, at the charge of 
some public-spirited citizens, who presented it to the town, and a bell was 
purchased and hung to make all complete. The steeple stood till 1775, when it 
was blown down in a heavy gale, and rebuilt at the expense of the town ; 
the building lasted till 1798, when it was replaced by the present edifice, which 
is still standing on the same spot. 

On November, 1731, the town voted to take down the old meeting-house 
at once, and with the materials to build a court-house, which was located on 
the opposite side of the street, just below where the Squamscott House now is. 

Mr. Odlin ministered to the people of his charge to their acceptance for 
more than thirty years, and until the time of the "great awakening" under 
the influence of Whitefield. Mr. Odlin set his face conscientiously against 
the "new lights," and though a majority of his parishioners agreed with him, 
a considerable minority were of a difl'erent opinion and zealously supported 
the views of Whitefield. In 1743 the major part of the people joined in a 
request to Rev. Woodbridge Odlm, son of Rev. John Odlin, to settle over 
them as the colleague of his father. As it was known that the sentiments of 
both were in harmony, the partisans of the Whitefield doctrine voted against 
the younger Mr. Odlin, ancl being outnumbered, withdrew to the number of 
forty-one persons, and on the 7th of June, 1744, were organized into the 
Second Church. 

Mr. W. Odlin was ordained on the 28th of September. 1743. his father 



386 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

preaching the sermon on the occasion. He is represented as having been a 
man of genuine piety, and of modest and unaffectedly simple manners. He 
succeeded in keeping his church and people well united, though in time of the 
troubles between the colonies and Great Britain he took an early and decided 
stand in favor of the former. He died in 1776, and his parish voted a gift 
of twenty-five pounds to his widow. 

In July, 1776, a call was given to Rev. Isaac Mansfield, who was then 
serving as a chaplain in the Continental army, to settle over the first church 
and society. The reply was favorable, and Mr. Mansfield was ordained 
October 9, 1776, Rev. Mr. Thayer, of Kingston, preaching the sermon on the 
occasion, Rev. Mr. Fogg, of Kingston, delivering the charge, and Rev. Mr. 
Webster, of Salisbury, giving the right hand of fellowship. Mr. Mansfield 
was a native of Marblehead, Mass., a graduate of Harvard College, and a 
man of good capacity, and we have his own authority for saying that during 
the greater part of his pastorate here of nearly eleven years his situation was 
pleasant and his people well united. But some unprudences on his part at 
last w eakened the ties between them, and he was dismissed at his own request, 
made according to an agreement with the parish, September 18, 1787. 

In January, 1790, an invitation was given to Rev. William F. Rowland 
to become the pastor, and an annual salary of "400 Spanisli milled dollars" 
was voted him. Mr. Rowland acepted the call, and was ordained June 2, 
1790. He ministered to this congregation for thirty-eight years, and was 
dismissed at his own request, December 5, 1828. He was a worthy man, of 
good abilities and fervent piety. The remainder of his life he passed in 
Exeter, and died in 1843 at the age of eighty-two years. 

The successors of Mr. Rowland have been: Rev. John Smith, 1829-1838; 
Rev. Wm. Williams. 1838-1842; Rev. J. H. Fairchild. 1843-1844: Rev. R. 
D. Hitchcock. 1845-1852: Rev. Wm. D. Hitchcock, 1853-1854; Rev. Nathaniel 
Lasell, 1856-1859; Rev. Elias Nason. 1860-1865; Rev. J. O. Barrows. 1866- 
1869: Rev. Swift Byington, 1871-180^: Rev. W. L. Anderson. 1894-1907; 
Rev. George H. Driver, 1907. 

The Second Congregational Church. — The members of the original parish 
who seceded from it in 1743 and united to form a new society proceeded in 
the same or the following year to build a house of worship. It was situated 
on the lot where Mrs. W. N. Dow's house now stands, and was a building 
of two stories and respectable capacity. It stood parallel with the street, and 
on the western end was a goodly steeple, surmounted with a vane. The 
pulpit was on the side opposite the front door, and a gallery ran round the 
other three sides. It was this meeting-house in which W'hitefield essayed to 
preach on the day before his death, when it was found all too small to contain 
his thronging auditors, and he was compelled to address them in the open 
air. on the opposite side of the way. 

The seceders naturally wished to be exonerated from paying taxes for 
the support of the old parish when they ceased to worship there, but the law 
of that day was against them, and though the town was repeatedly urged to 
relieve them from the burden the majority would never consent to do so. .A 
petition to the General As.sembly of the province for setting of¥ a new parish 
was opposed by the town and failed. But the society struggled on. and in 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 387 

1746 made an unsuccessful attempt to procure Rev. Samuel Buel to become 
their mmister, and in 1747 invited Mr. John Phillips, one of their own 
number, and afterwards the founder of the Phillips Academy, to act as their 
pastor, but he declined on the ground of his inability to perform all the 
duties of the clerical office. Thereupon they extended a call to Rev. Daniel 
Rogers, who accepted it, and was settled over them. August 31, 1747. The 
same year a mutual council was agreed upon by both churches for the purpose 
of attempting a reconciliation of the differences which existed between them, 
but without avail. 

Rev. Mr. Rogers remained the minister of the new parish until his death, 
December 19, 1785. For thirty-seven years he labored with piety and zeal 
for the good of his people, and in his decease it was said "they sustained 
the loss of a faithful minister, and his children that of a kind and tender 
father." His parishioners, in token of their respect for his memory, voted 
to bear the expense of his funeral. 

After the death of Mr. Rogers, the new^ parish was without a settled 
minister for nearly seven years. Rev. Joseph Brown, who was installed over 
them, November jo, 1792, was a native of Chester, in England, and edu- 
cated at Lady Huntingdon's Seminary. He remained in Exeter but five years, 
being dismissed at his own request in 1797, but his ministrations appear to 
have been quite successful. The parish voted him a present of $50 at his 
departure. 

The new society, being now without a pastor, gradually declined in num- 
bers and interest, and several of the more influential members of the church 
sought the communion of their brethren of the other parish. The society 
organization, however, was kept up, and religious services were held with 
more or less frequency. At length, about 1813, several of the former members 
having returned, a new impulse appeared to be given to the society, and stated 
worship was resumed with regularity. Rev. Hosea Hildreth, a resident of the 
town and a teacher in the academy, was employed to supply the pulpit, which 
he did till Rev. Isaac Hurd began his ministrations. 

Mr. Hurd was installed as the pastor, September 11, 1817. When he 
came to Exeter he found but a small and feeble church, but under his 
faithful and judicious care it speedily increased in strength and numbers. 
In 1823 the society had become of sufficient size and ability to build a 
new meeting-house, w'hich is still standing in the southeastern end of the 
academy inclosure, and substantially unchanged, except that its length was 
increased by the addition of about fifteen feet in the year 1863. 

After a harmonious and successful ministry of nearly thirty years, Mr. 
Hurd proposed to the society to settle a colleague with him. generously relin- 
quishing all claim for pecuniary compensation thereafter. The society, grate- 
fully acknowledging his faithful and efficient labors and assuring him of 
their unwavering affection, assented to the proposal, and in pursuance^ thereof 
Rev. Samuel D. Dexter was ordained as colleague pastor December 2. 1847. 
He was a native of Boston, Mass., and a graduate of Han-ard College, and 
his personal and religious character were such as to give him a strong hold 
upon the people, but his labors were cut short by his death. April 20, 1850, 
at the early age of twenty-four years. And six years later. October 4, 1856, 



388 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Rev. Isaac Hurd, D. D., at a good old age, beloved, respected, and honored 
for his amiable character, his Christian virtues, and his faithful labors, passed 
from earth. 

Rev. Asa D. Mann was installed as colleague in the place of Mr. Dexter, 
November 19, 185 1. Mr. Mann was born in Randolph, Mass., was a graduate 
of Amherst College, and had been settled in Hardwick, Mass., before he came 
to Exeter. After a little less than six years' service here he was dismissed 
from his charge, July 8, 1857. 

He was succeeded by Rev. Orpheus T. Lanphear, who was installed 
February 2, 1858, and dismissed in February, 1864. Rev. John W. Chicker- 
ing, Jr., was his successor, his installation taking place September 5, 1865, 
and his dismission July 18, 1870. 

The eighth pastor of the new society was Rev. George E. Street, who was 
installed March 30, 1871. His pastorate lasted many years and he was 
dismissed at his own request. Rev. Alexander P. Bourne was installed as 
ninth pastor, October 30, 1901, having served as associate pastor from 
August, 1895. He resigned May 29, 1902. The present incumbent is Rev. 
Samuel H. Dana who came to Exeter from Qtiincy, 111., in 1903. 

The Baptist Church. — A Baptist Church was organized in Exeter, October 
17. 1800, consisting of ten members, and a society was formed the next spring 
by voluntary subscription. Meetings for religious worship were thencefor- 
ward held regularly on the Lord's day, though the limited number and means 
of the society enabled them at first to have preaching but a part of the time. 
Rev. Messrs. William Hooper, John Peak, Samuel Shepard, and other well- 
known ministers of their denomination lent them occasional aid at this early 
period. They first used to meet at the house of Harvey Colcord, afterwards 
at the Centre schoolhouse. In 1805 they built and dedicated their first 
meeting-house, which was situated on Spring Street. 

In 1806, Mr. Barnabas Bates preached for them during several months, 
and in the spring of 1809, Rev. Ebenezer L. Boyd became their preacher and 
labored with them for two years with encouraging results. In 181 4 and the 
two succeeding j-ears, Rev. Charles O. Ivimball and Rev. James iMcGregore 
supplied their pulpit a part of the time. In the year 181 7 a Sabbath school 
was first commenced in connection with the society, which has ever since 
been continued. The first teacher was the now venerable Deacon John F. 
Moses, who for half a century, with little interruption, held the position of 
superintendent. 

Their first settled minister was Rev. Ferdinand Ellis, who took the posi- 
tion in June, 1818. and occupied it until September, 1828. In the autumn of 
the latter year Rev. John Newton Brown was settled over the church, and so 
continued until February, 1833. Rev. John Cannan succeeded him, being 
ordained May 29, 1833, and remained until February 16, 1834. Rev. J. N. 
Brown was again invited to the pastorate in 1834, which he filled until he 
was dismissed in April. 1838. ^lore than two years then elapsed before 
another minister was settled, during about one-half of which period the pulpit 
was regularly supplied by Rev. J. G. Naylor. 

In Novemljer. 1840. the church gave an invitation to Rev. Noah Hooper. 
Jr.. to become their minister, which he accepted, and continued with them 
from December ist of the year until July 20, 1845. It was nearly three years 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 389 

after this before a successor was settled. Mr. T. H. Archibald, licentiate, 
preaching about one year of the time. In the spring of 1848, Rev. Elijah J. 
Harris was settled as the pastor, and was dismissed from his charge April 
7, 1850. Rev. James French accepted the call of the church in January, 185 1, 
and was settled over them until January i, 1853. After his dismission. Rev. 
Mr. Russell supplied the desk for a time. Rev. Franklin Merriam was the 
next settled minister, who was installed in September, 1854, and dismissed 
in November, 1856. He was succeeded by Rev. James J. Peck, whose 
pastorate commenced in February, 1857, and continued until April, 1861. 

On the 1st of July, 1861, Rev. Noah Hooper was solicited to assume the 
pastoral charge for the second time, and accepted the call. He continued his 
ministrations until the autumn of 1871, when he was dismissed at his repeated 
recpiest. Rev. Joseph N. Chase was next invited to become the pastor, and 
was received into that connection January 16, 1872, and after a long pastorate 
he resigned and was succeeded in 1895 by Re\-. A. E. W'oodsum. the present 
pastor. The meeting-house on Water Street, in which the society now wor- 
ship, was built in the years 1833 and 1834. 

In December, 1854, some twenty-two members withdrew fri.mi the Water 
Street Church and formed themselves into a new society. They first held 
their meetings in a hall on Water Street, until they built a meeting-house, 
on Elm Street, which was dedicated October i, 1856. Up to about this time 
Rev. J. B. Lane supplied them w ith preaching. Shortly after they removed 
to the new house, Rev. T. H. Archibald was settled over them as their 
minister. His pastorate continued not far from two years. For some time 
after his dismission, the pulpit was supplied by students from the Newton 
Theological Institution, and afterwards by Rev. Mr. Mayhew. About 1862. 
Rev. Charles Newhall was installed as the pastor, and continued in the ofifice 
some eight years. In 1871 the two societies resolved to re-unite, the Elm 
Street organization was gi\-en up. and its members merged again into the 
Water Street society. 

Methodist Ef^iscopal Church. — There was a Methodist meeting sustained 
here as early as 1832. In 1834 a church was built, and the society prospered 
until the church numbered about one hundred and eighty members. In 1841- 
42 the question of slavery and other discordant elements caused a division in 
the church, which finally resulted in disorganization. In 1867, at the request 
of a few earnest Methodists, Rev. C. W. Millen. a student in the Theological 
Institute at Concord, N. H., came to Exeter and organized the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. There were twenty-five members at first, and they wor- 
shiped in Mission Hall, .-\fter a few weeks Rev. Mr. Milieu's duties called 
him elsewhere. He was followed by Rev. J. D. Folsom. The congregation 
steadily increased under each pastor, until in 1869 the society purchased the 
Unitarian Church, at a cost of $4,000. 

Rev. Mr. Folsom was succeeded by Henry B. Copp, 1869-71: Silas E. 
Ouimby 1872-74; S. C. Farnham. iS-^: ]. H. Haines, 1876-78; Mellen 
Howard 1879-81; T. W. Walker, 1881-82; C. H. Hanaford, 1882-83; C J. 
Fowler, 1883; J. W". Adams, 1884-86; C. S. Nutter, 1887; G. A. McLaughlin. 
1888-90; S. E. Ouimbv, 1891-94: T. Whiteside, 1894; J. H. Emerson. 1895- 
96; Wm. Woods, 1897-1903; W. R. Boultenhouse, 1903-05; R. H. Huse, 
1906-10; H. F. Quimby, 1910. 



390 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Christ Episcopal Church. — The first service of the Episcopal Church in 
Exeter was held in the town hall by the Rev. F. D. Huntington, D. D.. rector 
of Emmanuel Church, Boston, in July, 1865. The first parish meeting took 
place the September of the same year, and the first confirmation in November. 

The Rev. Dr. Cushman took charge in Octol:)er, 1865, and his connection 
ceased April 24, 1866. 

The Rev. James Haughton entered on the rectorship Trinity Sunday, 
1866. 

The sum of $445 was raised by the Rev. Henry .V. Neely, D. D.. assistant 
minister of Trinity Church, and officiating at Trinity Chapel, New York. By 
the efforts of Miss Caroline E. Harris and other ladies, the handsome sum 
of $4,000 was added to the above. By the exertions of the rector, the Rev. 
James Haughton, $800 was munificently added to this by contributions from 
various places to defray the expenses of a tasteful and convenient church of 
wood on Eliott Street. A memorial window was placed in the west end by 
Miss C. E. Harris. The church was finished at Christmas, 1867. A bell was 
given, the joint gift of the Rev. Professor Huntington, of Hartford, Conn., 
the Rev. Henry A. Coit, D. D., of St. Paul's School, and the rector, Rev. 
James Haughton. The consecration office was performed by the Right Rev. 
Bishop Henry .\. Neely, of Maine. 

In September, 1868, the Rev. James Haughton resigned the rectorship. 
From October to A])ril the parish had no settled clerg}-man, and was supplied 
by various ministers from Boston through the energy and skillful manage- 
ment of Miss Caroline E. Harris. In .April. 1869, the Rev. L. P. Parker, 
D. D., entered on the duties of the rectorship, .\fter two years of lo\ing 
service he resigned, and from that time until July, 1872. the parish had no 
settled minister. 

In 1872 the Rev. Henry Ferguson entered on the duties of this rectorship, 
remaining until March, 1878, when he was succeeded by the Rev. G. B. 
Morgan and he by Rev. Edward Goodrich who remained its pastor until his 
death ; when he was succeeded by Victor M. Haughton, its present pastor. 

Advent Christian Cluirch. — Advent meetings have l)een held in this town 
for the last sixty years or more, and in 1877 the church was organized and 
the following offfcers chosen: Charles Haley, clerk; George T. Stacy, 
treasurer; G. T. Stacy and Joseph Haley, deacons; G. T. Stacy and I. E 
Safford, committee on preaching. Twenty-one united with the church at its 
organization. It worships in a very neat and convenient chapel erected in 
1901. owned by the society and free from debt. As a people they are looking 
for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. John E. Lary is pastor. 

St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church: — The first mass was said in Exeter 
at the house of Daniel Fenton in the fall of 1849, by Rev. J. O'Donnell, of 
Lawrence. Mass. Father O'Donnell was succeeded by Rev. John McDonald, 
of Haverhill, who commenced to make regular monthly visits to Exeter and 
Newmarket. At this time mass was said in a loft over a blacksmith shop on 
Spring Street. The Rev. Father Canovan; of Portsmouth, succeeded Father 
McDonald, mass being .said in the Methodist Church building, which then 
stood on Centre Street. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 391 

The first resident pastor was the Rev. Father Pareche, and in succession 
the parish had been governed by the Rev. Fathers 0"Hara, W'alch, O'Brien, 
Egan, Lucey, R. Power, J. Causing, J. E. Finen and P. T. Scott. 

The present brick church was built during the pastorate of Rev. Michael 
Lucey, at a cost of about ten thousand dollars. 

The First Unitarian Society was organized June, 1854, by the union of 
the members of the extinct Universalist Society and a number of Unitarians 
from the Second Congregational Society. The old Universalist Church was 
reopened, and Rev. Jonathan Cole became the first settled pastor. He was 
succeeded by Rev. J. C. Learned, September, 1862. A new church building 
was erected in 1867-68. It is of wood, in the pointed Gothic style, but molli- 
fied to meet the requirements of the material. 

Mr. Learned was succeeded by Mr. Edward Crowninshield in September, 
1870, whose ministry was terminated the following year on account of ill 
health. He was succeeded by Rev. Benjamin F. McDaniels, May i, 1872. 
In 1875 a parsonage was built on the church lot. Mr. McDaniel on his 
resignation was succeeded by Rev. John E. Maude, who died after a short 
service and was succeeded by Rev. .\. C. Nickerson and he by Rev. Edward 
Green, the present pastor. 

Miss Annie B. Wiggin is the leader of the Christian Science Church. 



CHAPTER XXIX 

EXETER— (ContinueJ) 
Military Record of iS6i-6^ — The Publisiiiny Interest 

MILITARY RECORD 

Exeter responded promptly to the call for troops during the late Rebellion, 
and the record of her soldiery is one in which her citizens may justly feel a 
patriotic pride. The following is a list of those who entered the service from 
this town, as prepared by Rev. Elias Nason : S. B. Abbot, 8, B. ; Job C. 
Allard, 13, E; Alfred A. Avery, 9, A ; J. J. D. Barker, 11, I, dead; C. W. 
Batchelder, 9, A; George Batchelder, 15, I; Wm. Bean, 6, C; Frederick 
Bearse, 11, I; Charles Bennett, 7 Me.; Edward T. Bennett, 6; John H. 
Bennett, J, E; Woodbury Berry, 3, B, ord. sergt. ; Albert Bowley, 6, C, wd. ; 
A. J. R. Bowley, i Cav., dead; Benj. F. Bowley, 5 ; E. S. Bowley, 4; A. P. 
Brigham, 15; E. T. Brigham, 11 Mass.; G. H. Brighani, navy; W. H. Brig- 
ham, 15; John Broadbent, 3, B; Wm. Broderick, navy; Geo. H. Brown, navy; 
G. W. R. Brown, i Cav.; J. C. Brown, 13, E; J. S. Bryant, 3, B; Freeman 
Cabem. navy ; Samuel Cabem, 3, B, wd. ; W. Cabem, 3, B, dead ; F. M. 
Caldwell, 9, A, sergt. ; L. H. Caldwell, 9, A, sergt., wd. ; James Carlisle, 3, B; 
J. H. Carpenter, 8, B, dead; Gideon Carter, is, I, dead; Gideon Carter, Jr., 
3. B; F. W. Carter, 15, I; W. E. Carter, 15,'!; E. F. Carver, 3, B; J. K. 
Caswell, 9, D; J. W. Chase, Mass. Bat.; Wm. Chase, navy; J. K. Cilley, It., 
qr.-mr. ; Geo. W. Clark; Wm. A. Clark, 12 Mass., K; J. W. Clement, 14 
Mass, F, sergt.; E. Clough, 6, C; Geo. Clough, 3, H ; H. C. Clough, i Mass., 
B; Thomas H. Clough, 6; George S. Cobbs, 8, B, sergt.; G. Cokely, 8, B; 

E. G. Colcord, 3, B ; C. W. Colbath, 3, B; C. E. Colcord, 2, E; C. W. Colcord, 
3, B; W. H. Colcord, 2, E; M. N. Collins, lieut.-col. ; Freeman Conner, 44 
N. Y., col., wd. ; E. J. Conner, 17 U. S. A., capt. ; J. N. Conner, navy; W. 
Conner, 15; Frank Corcoran, 6, C; Maurice Cotter, 9 Mass., dead; Alanson 
Cram, 1 1, I ; Newton Cram, 13, E, wd. ; Patrick Crane, 9, A; J. N. Crummett, 
navy; Dr. E. P. Cummings, asst. surg., 23 Mass.; Andrew J. Currier, 2, E; 
A. O. Curtis, 13 Mass., dead; A. J. Davis, 6, C; C. H. Davis, 3, B; A. Dear- 
born, 5; C. L. Dearborn, 3, E, dead; George Dearborn, 15 Mass. Batt. ; J. 

F. Dearborn, 9, A ; J. S. Dearborn, Cook's Batt. ; W. S. Dearborn, 3, B, wd. ; 
A. P. De I^ochemont, 2 Mass.; G. W. Dewhurst, navy; G. W. Dewhurst, ist 
S. C. ; Henry Dewhurst, clerk; J. E. Dodge, 22 Mass., >.[. m. -sergt. ; J. L. 
Dolloff, 13, F ; C. Donnaran, 3, B ; J. Donnaran. 8, B ; John Doody, 6, C, wd. ; 
William Doody, 6, C ; Samuel Dow ; D. W. Dudley, 3, B ; S. G. Dudley. 3, 
B; John Duffee, 3, C; V. W. Durgin, 8. B, Corp., dead; WiUiam E. Durgin, 

392 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 393 

14 Me. K.; John Dyer, Jr., 8, B; James Elkins, 6, C; D. W. Elliott 3 B- 
F. Ellison, 2, E; H. Ellison, 5 Mass. ; James M. Farnham, 6, C; John Farn- 
ham, 5 Mass.; J. Fielding, 3, B; John Finn, 3. B; C. W. Floyd 2, E \vd 
Samuel Floyd; A. J. Fogg, lieut., 3, B; C. E. Folsom, 17 Mass., F, sergt. 
C. H. Folsom, clerk; Joseph Folsom, 13; Charles H. Foss, 8, A- T H 
Foster, 9, A; M. D. French, 9, A, wd. ; G. W. Fuller, 13, E; J. F. Furnald 
4; G. W. Gadd, 15, I; G. W. Gale, Jr., asst. surg., navy; James H. Garland 

14, F, Mass., dead; Geo. E. Garland, 13, E; Geo. H. Giddings, 3, B, sergt. 
Geo. R. Gill, i Cav. ; W. I. Gill, navy; Nathl. Gill, 11 Mass.; A. J. Gilman 
13, E; J. W. Gilman, 11, I; Gardner Gilman, 45 Mass.; George Gilman, S. 
B.; Thos. Goodwin, 9, A; S. Goodwin, navy; John Gordon, capt., 55 Mass. 
I; M. N. Greenleaf. 6, C, capt. ; Chas. Greenleaf, 15, I; Chas. E. Hale, 8, A 
J. H. Hale, 2, E; D. D. Haines, 8, B, corp., wd. ; I. F. Haines, 2, E, wd 
Edward F. Hull, 3, B; H. J. Hull, 3, B, died; D. P. Hurtnatt, 8, B, wd. 
J. H. Hurtnatt, 2, E; M. Hurtnatt, navy; Thos. Hurtnatt, 6, C; D. C. Harris 
8; J. M. Head, 3, D, It.; O. M. Head, 8, adjt.; Ira Healey, 8, B; E. W 
Hebbard, 3, clerk; F. H. Herrey, 2, E; S. C. Herrey, 14 Mass., B, It • W B 
Hill, 17 Mass., F, It.; S. S. Hodgdon, 6, C, wd. ; J. H. Huse, 2, E; James 
Irving, I Mass., B; Geo. R. James, 3, D; G. N. Janvrin, Cobb's Batt. ; Joseph 
E. Janvrin, 16, asst. surg.; G. N. Julian, 13, E, capt.; B. Kaye, 3, B; Wm. 
Keefe, 6, C; D. G. Kelley, 8, B, corp.; P. Kelley; Philander Keyes, 9, A, 
dead; G. N. Kimball, navy; James Kimball, navy; James Kincade, navy; 

5. W. Lamprey, 3, B, It.; Rufus Lamson, 13, E; A." J. Leavitt, 29 Mass.; 
C. H. Leavitt, 29 Mass., K; E. A. Leavitt, 2, E; J. W. Leavitt, 3, B, corp.; 
J. VV. Leavitt, 5 Mass.; John Leavitt, 13, E; W. "O. R. Leavitt, 3, B; J. A. 
Leighton, 6, C, sergt.; P. Little, 9, A; J. G. Lord, 9, A ; E. E. Lovering, 

6, C; J. M. Mallon, 3, D; John Marjoy, navy; A. F. Marsh, 6, C, dead; W. S. 
Marston, 3, B, wd. ; Gilman Marston, Col. 2d Regt., promoted to brig. -gen. ; 
E. McKusick, 9, A, sergt.; P. McNary, navy; Thos. McNary, 3, C; D. F. 
McNeil, 19 Mass., N., wd. ; M. Melvin, 8, B; A. Merrill, 12 Mass., F; W. H. 
Merrill, 2, E, dead ; J. \V. Morse, 15, I ; Wm. J. Morrison, 3, B ; H. M. Moses, 
13. E; Francis Mullen, 5; D. Murphy, 2, E; J. Murphy, 8, B; P. F. A. 
Nason, adjt. -gen. art. brigade, 5th Corps ; C. P. H. Nason, clerk ; C. H. 

Nealey, 11, I; B. Nealey, navy; R. D. Nealey, 11, I, sergt., died; Norris, 

15; Wm. Nudd, 15, I, D; John O'Bryan, navy; Dr. G. W. Odiorne, 16, wd. ; 
Chas. Page, 2, E; J. J. D. Parker, 11, I ; J. C. Payson, 13, D, sergt.; T. K. 
Payson, navy; H. H. Pearson, 6, It. -col., wd. ; A. M. Perkins, 2, capt., wd. ; 
A. E. Perkins, 40 N. Y., dead; F. Pettigrew, 2, E; V. A. Pickering, i Mass., 
K, dead; David Pike, 2, E: S. H. Pillsbury, 9, A, capt.; Geo. A. Prescott, 15, 
I; J. E. Prescott, 3, B; M. Reardon, 6, C, dead; G. H. Reynolds, 11, I; John 
Riley, Jr., 3, B; G. W. Robinson, 28 Mass., I ; J. B. Robinson, 6, C, dead; 
Wm. Robinson, Jr., 2, E; J. Rock, 6, C; Geo. F. Rollins, 13, E; H. S. P. 
Rollins, navy; C. W. Rogers, navy; Chas. Rowe, 3, D; A. E. Rowell, 3, D; 
J. Rowell, 6, C, sergt.; F. G. Rundlett, navy; James Rundlett. 2, E; Wm. 
Ryan. 6, C; A. J. Sanborn, 9, A; S. W. Sawyer, 13, E; J. B. Sawyer; Wm. 
Semis, 3, B; Chas. J. Simons, 9, A, sergt. ; J. E. Sinclair, 15, E; J. T. Sinclair, 

15, E; Chas. Sleeper, navy; W. H. Sleeper, 3, B; Chas. Smith, 2, clerk; 
G. H. Smith, 6, C; J. W. Smith, 15, E; J. Smith, 3, B; J. R. Smith, 44 Mass. ; 



394 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

M. M. Smith, 6, C; W. H. Smith, 3. E, capt. ; Stacy, navy: C. H. 

Staples, navy; C. Staples, 9, A; C. Stevens, 9, D, capt.; G. W. Stevens, 6, 
C, died; D. Stickney, 8, D; M. H. Stickney, 11, I; F. Stockman, 6, C; D. W. 
Stone, navy; J. W. Stone, 3, B; John Sulhvan, asst. surg. ; P. W. Sullivan, 
6, C; G. \V. Swain; W. C. Svvazey, 12 Mass., K; W. E. Swazey, navy; J. 
Tanner, _•, E, corp. ; G. W. Tanner, 9, A ; J. M. Tappan, 9, A. died ; G. A. 
Taylor, 2, E; J. W. Taylor, 11, I; F. L. Tebbetts, 2, E; J. Tebbetts, 8, B; 
J. I. Tebbetts, navy; W. V. Tebbetts, 17 Mass., F; F. F. Thing, 3, B; G. E. 
Thing, 8, B ; G. H. Thing, 2, E, wd. ; J. H. Thing, 3, B, sergt. ; E. Thurston, 
9, A; Geo. K. Thurston, 15, I ; J. O. Thurston, 2, E; J. G. Tilton, 8. B; 
VVm. P. Tilton, 11, I; Chas. J. Towle, navy; James Tuttle, 15, I; W. H. 
Twilight, 3, Batt. Mass., H. A, corp. ; J. C. Vanderzee, 13, E, sergt. ; J. H. 
Vanderzee, 13, E, sergt.; Henry Veazey; W. G. Veazey, 15, It.-col. ; G. A. 
W. Vinal, 6 Mass., K; Geo. A. Wadleigh, 3 Mass. Cav., It.; J. P. Wadleigh, 
9, A, wd. ; W. Wainwright, navy: H. Walker, 8, G; Thos. Warburton, 5; 
E. Warren, navy; I. M. Watson; F. Wallace, navy; H. A. Weeks; J. E. G. 
Weeks, 9, A ; J. S. Weeks, 3, B, died ; J. W. J. Weeks, 6, C ; Nath'l Weeks, 
(2d), navy; J. S. Weeks, Invalid corps; Wm. West, 13, E; S. White, 6. C; 
W. C. White, 8, B; W. Whitehouse; J. E. Wilbur, 3, B, capt.; A. Willey, 
17 U. S. A.; Chas. Willey; Edwin Willey, 13, Mass. B; Geo. Willey, navy, 
dead; J. Willey, 13, Mass. B; H. Wood, 9, A; W. Weyman, 4; C. W. Young, 
8, B; J. R. Young, 8, B; L. H. Young, 13, E; W. Warburton. 

The following is a list of those who paid commutation money, furnished 
substitutes, or went into the army under the draft : E. W. Adams, J. Bartlett, 
H. D. Batchelder, W. H. Belk-nap. B. F. Bowley, C. H. Burley, George Carter, 
C. G. Connor, H. P. Cummings, W. A. Currier, S. P. Dame, C. K. Fifield, 
N. G. Giddings, Benjamin Haley, P. Kelley, C. H. Lord, James Lord, G. A. 
Lowd, W. H. Morec, W. B. Morrill, F. Mullen, E. Folsom, C. C. Ramsey, 
J. B. Sawyer, G. H. Tilton, E. Tuck, Thomas Warburton, Charles Warren. 
G. A. Wentworth and C. W. Young. 

THE PRESS 

The first printing-office in Exeter was opened by Robert Luist Fowle, a 
nephew and former partner of Daniel Fowle, who introduced the "art of 
arts" into New Hampshire, at Portsmouth, in 1756. In the differences of 
opinion which arose respecting the rights of the colonies immediately prior 
to the Revolution, the uncle and nephew, it is said, were found upon opposite 
sides, and the result was a dissolution of business connections in 1774. 
Robert, who favored the ministerial party, procured the printing materials 
which had belonged to Furbur, of Portsmouth, and removed with them to 
Exeter, where he established himself in business the same year. 

Thus Exeter was the second town in New Hampshire to establish that 
powerful instrument of civilization, the printing-press, and now for nearly 
a century has maintained it. 

Robert Fowle carried on the business of a printer here until about 1778. 
when his Tory proclivities became so obnoxious that he was obliged to decamp. 
It was said that he was employed to print some of the paper money then 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 395 

issued by New Hampshire, and soon afterwards there was found to be in 
circulation a great quantity of bills of the same typography, but with forged 
signatures. Suspicion at once fastened upon Fowle that he had supplied his 
loyalist friends with the printed sheets: and instead of awaiting an investiga- 
tion he hastened to place himself within the British lines at New York. 

His brother, Zechariah Fowle, succeeded him in the printing business in 
Exeter, and continued it until his death, which took place towards the close 
of the war. He was a tolerable workman, and his oifice must have been 
quite well furnished for the times, as he was able in 1780 to issue an edition of 
the laws of the state in a volume of 180 folio pages. In the few specimens 
of his printing which are now extant his name does not usually appear in the 
imprint, but only the place and year. 

After peace was declared Robert Fowle, who was a pensioner of the 
British Government, on the ground of his loyalty, returned to New Hamp- 
shire, and in 1789 married Sarah, the widow of his deceased brother, and con- 
tinued to live in Exeter for about six years. He then removed to Brent- 
wood, as it is supposed, and died there in 1802. 

Henry Ranlet was the next on the list of printers in Exeter. He was 
in business in 1787, and probably earlier. He was an excellent workman for 
that day, and issued a large number of books and pamphlets. He printed 
many works for publishers residing in Boston and Worcester, Mass., and 
Portsmouth. He added to his office the types for printing music, and pub- 
lished at least ten or twelve volumes of collections of vocal and instrumental 
music. Mr. Ranlet continued in business until his death in 1807. 

A considerable part of this time there was another printing-office in the 
town. John Lamson, who was a partner of Mr. Ranlet in 1787, was asso- 
ciated with Thomas Odiorne in the printing business in 1793, and conducted 
it alone in the following year. 

Mr. Odiorne issued several works in very neat style about the same date. 

In 1794, William Stearns and Samuel Winslow brought out a few^ pub- 
lications here. Mr. Stearns, in 1795 or 1796, was engaged in printing, and 
also in binding, the first edition of the New Testament ever issued in this state. 
The honor of first printing the Scriptures in New Hampshire has heretofore 
been claimed by New Ipswich in 181 5, and by Dover in 1803, but Exeter was 
years in advance of them, as the above date indicates. 

Charles Norris was a partner of Mr. Ranlet in 1806-7, and continued in 
the occupation of a printer until 1832. From 1810 to 1817 he was connected 
with others, his first partner being John Sawyer, .\mong the apprentices to 
whom Mr. Norris taught the typographic art was William Robinson, who 
afterwards became the founder of our magnificent female seminary. 

Mr. Norris was a good printer, and did a great deal of book-work for 
himself and others. In connection with Ephraini C. Beals, he printed for 
E. Little & Co., of Newburyport, a translation of Tasso's "Jerusalem De- 
livered" in 1810. which was really beautiful in its typography, and has never 
been excelled bv any work from the Exeter press before or since. 

The imprint of Samuel T. Moses is found upon a number of publications 
between the vears 1820 and 1824: and from 1824 to 1830 the naire of Abel 



396 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Brown appears on several small works as publisher, though the latter was not 
a practical printer. 

In 1818, John J. Williams lirst began printing on his own account. He 
afterwards took his brother, Benjamin J. Williams, who was a book-binder, 
into partnership, and they carried on for many years, under the firm of 
J. & B. Williams, a large and profitable printing, stereotyping, and publishing 
business. Their operations temiinated about the year 1840, and during 
that period they issued a vast number of works of every description. The 
series of popular novels from their press, in twenty-four mo, including works 
of Scott, Marryatt, and Bulwer, neatly bound in morocco, are still often 
met with and easily recognized. 

John C. Gerrish's name first appeared ujxjn a title-page about 1824. He 
was then, and continued for three or four years, in partnership with Laban 
A. Tyler, who was not, however, a practical printer. Captain Gerrish had 
an office in Exeter, and was engaged in printing of various kinds until about 
1840, when he retired from the business. He died in 1870, highly respected 
by all who knew him. 

Lewis F. Shepard, who had served his time in the office of Messrs. Wil- 
liams, had an office here for a year or two, about 1832-33, when, by reason of 
impaired health, he quitted the occupation and removed into Maine. He was 
an excellent workman, and in every relation of life was highly esteemed. 

Francis Grant had a printing-ofiice here as early as 1840. He was a 
bookseller and binder, and was the publisher of a little work, formerly much 
used in our common schools, entitled "A Book for New Hampshire Children, 
in Familiar Letters from a Father." This little volume was prepared by 
Mr. Hosea Hildreth, and was very popular, running through five editions, 
the first of which was printed by S. T. Moses, in 1823, the third by Mr. 
Norris, in 1829, the fourth by Capt. Gerrish, in 1833, and the last by 
Nathaniel S. Adams, in 1829. Mr. Adams is remembered as a man of con- 
vivial habits and of much humor. 

James Derby was the publisher of one or two works about 1831. He 
was an ingenious mechanic, and did something in the manufacture of stereo- 
type plates, though he was not himself a printer. He was engaged in the 
publication of "Scott's Family Bible" here, which was to have filled some 
si.x or more large volumes ; but after the completion of the New Testament in 
two volumes, the remainder of the undertaking was abandoned. 

There were several other printers, who were apprentices of Mr. Norris or 
Messrs. Williams, who issued one or more small works each, bearing the 
Exeter imprint, but of whose history nothing further is known. 

Samuel Bartlett Clarke, who had been engaged in the News-Letter office 
as one of the proprietors from 1840, died in July. 1857, having sustained a 
high character as a man of excellent business capacity and integrity. 

Oliver Smith, now deceased, was also one of the proprietors of the paper 
for nearly the same period, and was afterwards employed for several years 
in the News-Letter office as a journeyman. He was a person of decided 
character and of sturdy honesty. 

The first newspaper published in Exeter, and the third in New Hampshire, 
appeared in the latter part of the year 1775. It was conducted by Robert L. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 397 

Fowle, and issued at irregular intervals until some time in the year 1777. 
It was printed with large type and on small paper, often on only a half-sheet. 
The number of titles which it bore in its brief existence was remarkable, as 
the following list of a part of them will show, viz. : A New Hampshire 
Gazette, The New Hampshire Gazette, The New Hampshire Gazette or 
Exeter Morning Chronicle, The New Hampshire (State) Gazette or Exeter 
Circulating Morning Chronicle, The Journal or the New Hampshire Gazette 
and Tuesday's Liberty Advertiser. The days of publication were changed 
nearly as often as the title. The proprietor's name did not appear ; and a 
single person was undoubtedly printer, publisher, and editor, as the contents 
of the paper were made up chiefly of advertisements and extracts from other 
journals, with only occasional original communications. 

The second paper was entitled The Exeter Chronicle, and was still shorter- 
lived than the first, having been commenced in June, 1784, and discontinued 
in December of the same year. John Melcher and George J. Osborne were 
the publishers. 

Newspapers were published in Exeter during the twelve succeeding years 
under various titles and different proprietors, but probably constituting a 
single series, and numbered continuously as such. From the impossibility of 
consulting files of these at the present day, it is not easy to fix the succession 
of the papers with accuracy, but it is believed that the following statement 
is substantially correct. 

About July, 1785, Henry Ranlet commenced the publication of a paper 
called The American Herald .of Liberty, which in 1791 was entitled The New 
Hampshire Gazette; in 1792-93, The New Hampshire Gazetteer; in 1795, The 
Weekly Visitor or Exeter Gazette, and published by John Lamson, and after- 
wards by Lamson & Odiorne; in 1796, The Herald of Liberty or Exeter 
Gazette, and published by Samuel W'inslow and Stearns & \\'inslow until it 
ceased, in 1797. 

The Freeman's Oracle or New Hampshire Advertiser appears to have 
been commenced about August i, 1786, was under the charge of John Lamson 
in 1789. and probably did not survive that year. 

The Political Banquet and Farmer's Feast was established by Henry 
Ranlet in 1797, and continued about one year, when it probably merged in 
The Exeter Federal Miscellany, which was but of short duration, it is 
presumed. 

It is not known that any other journal was set up in Exeter until May 
21, 1810, when The Constitutionalist was begun by Ephraim C. Reals. It 
was given up June 4, 181 1, but recommenced June 23, 1812, and finally dis- 
continued June 14, 1814. The Constitutionalist was conducted with more 
ability than any paper which preceded it, but probably had no recognized 
editorial head. It extended over nearly the whole period of the War of 1812, 
when the popular feelings were sharply divided and personalities were much 
indulged in. 

In the department of local news, however, this journal was little in 
advance of the earlier ones. One or two paragraphs per week afforded all 
the information it contained respecting New Hampshire affairs, and unless 



398 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

a fire or some other unusual event occurred in Exeter, no allusion was made 
to home matters except in the column of deaths and marriages. 

During the latter part of its existence The Constitutionalist was pub- 
lished by Joseph G. Folsom, but in the change of proprietors there was no 
noticeable change of character. 

The Watchman was the next journal established in Exeter. It was 
begun October 2. 1816, by Henry A. Ranlet : in December of the same year 
its title was changed to The Exeter Watchman, and Nathaniel Boardman 
became the publisher; November 9, 1819, it passed into the hands of George 
Lamson, and the name was altered to Exeter Watchman and Agricultural 
Repository; and February 6, 1821, Samuel T. Moses became the publisher, 
and gave it the final designation of Northern Republican, .\ugust 6, 182 1, 
the last number of the paper was issued. 

George Lamson, who might properly ha\e been mentioned in the notices 
of E.xeter printers, was a man of much intelligence and enterprise, and is 
well remembered for many excellent traits of character. He printed quite a 
number of law-books, and took ])ains to furnish employment to deser\'ing, 
needy [lersons. 

September 21, 1824, Francis Grant commenced the publication of The 
Rockingham Gazette, which was under the editorial charge of Oliver W. B. 
Peabody. It was continued until October, 1S27, when its subscriptions were 
transferred to The Portsmouth Journal. This was the earliest paper here 
which professed to have an editor. Mr. Peabody was a gentleman of learning 
and taste, and the selections and original articles — though the latter was not 
very numerous — which appeared in the Gazette were of a higher literary 
order than any of the former papers afforded. In the matter of news, of 
course, journalism of that time was but the mere germ of what it now is. 

Joseph Y. James was the proprietor of a small paper called The Hive, 
begim in September, 1829, and carried on till some time in the year 1830. 

On the "2d mo. 12th, 1830," Michael H. Barton issued the first number 
of a publication of eight duodecimo pages, entitled Something New, to be 
devoted, as the prefatory address announced, to the introduction of a perfect 
alphabet and reformed orthography of the language, probably something like 
the phonographic system of a later date. Mankind were undoubtedly content 
to live in ignorance of Mr. Barton's improved method, as we do not learn that 
the publication reached a second number. 

Exeter Nezcs- Letter. — The first number of this journal was published in 
Exeter on Tuesday, May 10. 1831, with John Sherburne Sleeper as editor and 
publisher. Mr. Sleeper was a native of Tyngsborough, Mass., and had been a 
shipmaster several years previous to his settlement in Exeter. The paper 
bore the imprint of Charles Norris as printer, and its typography was excel- 
lent for the times. During the two years of Mr. Sleeper's editorship the 
paper sustained a high character and gained a wide circulation ; but not having 
a practical acquaintance with jirinting, Mr. Sleeper did not find it a pecuniary 
success, and he sold the paper to Capt. John C. Gerrish, of Exeter, a book and 
job printer. Mr. Gerrish was a man of excellent business qualifications, and 
at once started it ui>on a career of financial prosperity. He was fortunate in 
obtaining the editorial assistance of John Kelly. Esq.. a gentleman of literary 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 399 

taste, with a fund of quaint humor and much antiquarian knowledge. He 
occupied the editorial chair for nearly twenty years. In July, 1840, Captain 
Gerrish disposed of the News-Letter to Oliver Smith, Samuel Hall, and 
Samuel Bartlett Clarke, who, under the firm-name of Smjth, Hall & Clarke, 
with Mr. Clarke as business manager, continued the paper in much the same 
way as planned by Mr. Gerrish, and with substantial success. After some 
years Mr. Smith retired from the firm, and the publication was continued 
under the name of Hall & Clarke until the death of Mr. Clarke, in July, 1857, 
when Mr. Hall became the sole proprietor. Under their ownership the paper 
was edited by John Kelly, Rev. Levi W. I^onard, Dr. Franklin Lane, Hon. 
Charles H. Bell, and Rev. George Osgood. In September, 1866, Mr. Hall 
sold the News-Letter establishment to Charles Marseilles, a native of Phila- 
delphia. Pa., who came to Exeter to attend Phillips' Exeter Academy. Mr. 
Marseilles, although a young man, had become interested in literary pursuits, 
and took this method to gratify his inclination and tastes. For a short time 
he was assisted in the editorial and business management by Andrew J. Hoyt. 
Under the management of Mr. Marseilles the Xews-Letter took a liigh rank 
among the news journals of the state. Home news until this time was not 
thought of sufficient importance to appear in print, but the News-Letter became 
a pioneer in the feature of presenting a well-written weekly record of local 
happenings, not pertaining to Exeter alone, but column after column of letters 
furnished by special correspondents, giving brief acounts of any events of 
interest from every town in Rockingham County. Mr. Marseilles repeatedly 
improved the appearance of the News-Letter by enlarging it, substituting new 
type and headings, and working off his paper on new and improved presses, 
and always took pride in presenting the readers of the News-Letter a hand- 
some, well-printed sheet. The editorial chair from 1871 to 1875 was filled 
by the Hon. Charles H. Bell, who was succeeded by E. L. Clark. Esq.. a well- 
known and talented journalist of New York State. In June. 1879, Mr. 
Marseilles, having previously purchased two newspapers in Kingston. N. V.. 
and removed there, formed a copartnership with William B. ?*Torrill of Exeter, 
for the publication of the News-Letter. Later Mr. Marseilles sold his interest 
to Mr. Morrill and on his death in 1888, it was bought by John Templeton, 
who has made it one of the most successful, accurate and well set up weeklies 
in New England. Mr. Templeton is yet its owner, editor and publisher, and 
in 1893 built a very commodious and well arranged brick building for its 
accommodation on \\'ater Street on the site of the Lewis Cass House. 

The Christian Journal was commenced April 2. 1835, and was issued every 
other week by the executive committee of the Eastern Christian Publishmg 
Association, Elijah Shaw being the editor, and J. C. Gerrish the printer. The 
first year the "editorial council" consisted of Moses How, Mark Fernald, and 
Samuel E Brown ; the next year, of M. Fernald, M. How, Noah Piper, and 
William H. Gage : the third year of Messrs. Fernald. Piper, Gage, and Josiah 
Prescott ; the fourth year of ^Messrs. Fernald. Piper. How, and Prescott. At 
the commencement of the fifth year the name was altered to Christian Herald 
and journal. P. R. Russell was announced as assistant editor, and the edi- 
torial council were M. Fernald. Julius C. Blodgett. M. How. and B. F. Carter: 
and on beginning the sixth vcar the title was abbreviated to Christian Herald. 



400 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Elijah Shaw, David Millard, and Philemon R. Russell were announced as 
editors, and A. R. Brown as printer, and the paper was issued weekly. The 
Herald was subsequently removed to Newburyport, Mass., where it still 
survives. 

In January, 1840, appeared the first number of The Granite State Demo- 
crat, of which James Shrigley was publisher, and J. L. Beckett printer, who 
soon, however, became publisher. The paper, in 1842, was conducted by 
Ferdinand Ellis, Jr., and afterwards by William Young, and was dated 
"Exeter and Newmarket," but was printed at Exeter. In January, 1843, 
Samuel C. Baldwin became the editor and publisher, but in consequence of ill 
health relinquished the undertaking, and no number was issued after March 
9, 1843. An attempt was subsequently made to revive the paper, but without 
success. 

The year 1S41 must have l>een peculiarly promising to newspaper schemes. 
A prospectus was issued in February for the publication of a semi-monthly 
paper to be called The Rose and Thorn, but it is supposed that nothing further 
came of it. In June The Granite Pillar and New Hampshire Temperance 
.\dvocate was brought out, to be continued monthly, by .Abraham R. Brown, 
under the editorship of Joseph Fullonton, but it was not long-lived. 

The next literary venture of 1841 was The Factory Girl and Ladies' Gar- 
land, commenced November ist, and issued semi-monthly, by J. L. Beckett. 
This paper, or a continuation of it, under the designation of The Factory Girl, 
was afterwards carried on by C. C. Dearborn, and in the latter part of 1843 
was conducted by A. R. Brown, under the name of The Factory Girls' Gar- 
land. Apparently the same paper, much enlarged, with the title of Weekly 
Messenger, Literary Wreath, and Factory Girls' Garland, was published in 
1845, and some time in 1846, by Mr. Brown, Init it was afterwards removed 
to Lawrence, Mass., by J. L. Beckett. 

The Squamscott Fountain was begun in March, 1S43, a weekly, devoted 
to the cause of temperance, and undertaken by Samuel Webster and J. P. 
Clough. It was afterwards called The Squamscott Fountain and Weekly 
Advertiser, and Mr. Webster became the sole proprietor, but it did not last 
long. 

A paper called The Factory Girls" Album and Operatives' .\d\ocate was 
begun February 14, 1846, of which Charles C. Dearborn was the publisher 
and proprietor, and William P. Moulton the printer. The paper was issued a 
part of the time weekly, and afterwards semi-monthly, and was enlarged 
after a few numbers. It was continued somewhat o\'er a year. 

The initial number of a projected weekly of a religious and literary char- 
acter, to be styled The Olive-Leaf, and to be edited by R. O. Williams, was 
issued January i, 1853, by Currier & Co., proprietors, but we do not learn 
that sufficient encouragement was offered to induce them to go on with it. 

About 1857 The American Ballot and Rockingham County Intelligencer, 
a weekly journal, which had been established in Portsmouth in the interest of 
the American party some three years before, was removed to Exeter. Thomas 
J. Whittem was editor and proprietor, and the paper, though bearing date 
Exeter and Portsmouth, continued to be printed at Exeter until September 7, 
i86> when it was discontinued. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 401 

The Exeter Gazette was established in September, 1876, by James D. P. 
Wingate and Aubrey W. Dunton, it being then a seven-cokimn foho slieet, but 
in 1878 it was enlarged to a six-coktmn quarto, nearly double its former size. 
In July, 1879, the interest of Mr. Dunton in said establishment was purchased 
by John H. Shaw, and was owned and published by Messrs. Wingate and 
Shaw. Later Mr. Shaw sold out to Mr. Wingate under whose management 
it was several years ago discontinued. 

The Protest was first published June 9, 1880, as a Greenljack newspaper, 
for local and state circulation. The object of publication is the dissemination 
of correct views on finance and government reform. The editor believed the 
United States bonds should be paid as soon as due; the general government 
alone should issue legal-tender money, be the same gold, silver, paper, or other 
metal or material. A. T. Hoyt was editor and publisher. It was unsuccessful 
and its publication soon discontinued. 



CHAPTER XXX 

EXETER — (Continued ) 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Phillips' Exeter Academy — Robinson Female Seminary — Exeter Manufaetur- 
ing Company — The Banks — Corporations — Societies— Public Library 

PHILLIPS' EXETER ACADEMY 

This celebrated educational institution was founded by Dr. John Phillips, 
by charter dated April 3, 1781, and is the oldest institution of learning estab- 
lished by state authority in New Hampshire. Dartmouth College having been 
chartered by royal grant in 1769. Dr. Phillips was born in Andover. Mass.. 
December 27, 1719. His father, who was a clergyman of that town, fitted 
him to enter Harvard College, where he was graduated in good standing at 
the early age of fifteen years. After leaving college he taught school for a 
few years, and was engaged at the same time in studying. theology. P>ut 
though he was a man of strong religious feelings, and deeply interested in the 
work of the Christian ministry, he was too distrustful of his own powers, 
especially after he had heard the preaching of Whitefield, to undertake the 
pastoral office. He declined an invitation to become the minister of the First 
Church in Exeter, N. H., but established himself in trade in that town, where 
he slowly acquired what was deemed in those days a large fortune. He was 
hap])ily married, but had no children, and as his tastes and habits were simple 
and inexpensive, and he was not covetous of money either for its own sake 
or for the distinctions which it could purchase, it seemed to him the most 
natural and easy thing in the world to give away during his lifetime a large 
portion of his wealth for charitable and religious purposes, and to Iiequeath 
the remainder of it to further the same objects after his death. It was finely 
said of him that, "without natural issue, he made posterity his heir." Munifi- 
cence in the endowment of public institutions, in relieving the wants of the 
poor, and in promoting the cause of education and religion has now l>ecome 
so fre(|uent and fixed a trait of character here in New England with those who 
have amassed riches by their own exertions that we are in some danger of 
forgetting the man who first set the example of such noble prodigality. In 
the obscurity of a country village, a locality where narrow views with ]ienu- 
rious and .selfish habits are too apt to strike deep root, the founder of Phillips' 
Exeter Academy became the George Peabody of the last century. 

Nearly all the members of the family to which he belonged. I>esides earn- 
ing distinction in many offices of public trust, were noted in their day for 

402 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 403 

their wealth and generosity. He was the most liberal of them all, though the 
least conspicuous before the public, owing to the modesty of his disposition 
and his retiring habits; but the others seem to have caught his munificent 
spirit, and to have emulously followed his example. His two nephews. Judge 
Samuel Phillips, of Andover, and \\'illiam Phillips, of Boston, each of whom 
served in his turn as Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, aided him with 
their counsel and their means in several of his noble undertakings. In con- 
junction with the former he founded Phillips' Academy at Andover in 1778, 
during the darkest period of the Revolutionary war. a charter being granted 
to it by the Legislature of Massachusetts two years afterwards ; the nephew 
contributed for this purpose $6,000, the uncle gave $31,000, about one-third 
of this sum being bestowed at the outset, and the other two-thirds in 1790. 
Lieutenant-Governor \\'illiam Phillips gave $6,000 to the same institution 
in his lifetime, and left it a legacy of $15,000 more in his will. Dr. John 
Phillips, of Exeter, was one of the trustees of this academy at Ando\'er from 
its first organization till his death, and during the last five years of his life he 
was president of the board. He also endowed a professorship of theology in 
Dartmouth College, served for twenty years as one of the trustees of that 
institution, and made liberal gifts to Princeton College, N. J. 

The foundation and endowment of Phillips' Exeter Academy were 
regarded by Dr. Phillips as his own peculiar task, in which he required no 
coadjutor and sought no pecuniary aid. The charter of the academy was a 
liberal one, as all the property given to it. whether real or personal, is forever 
exempted from any tax. The entire management of the institution and its 
"funds is vested in a board of trustees, not more than seven nor less than four 
in number, with power to fill their own vacancies in continuous succession 
forever. A majority of them must be laymen, respectable freeholders, and 
non-residents of Exeter; and to guard still further against undue local influ- 
ence, they are empowered to remove the institution, if circumstances should 
render such a change desirable, "and to establish it in such other place witliin 
this state as thev shall judge to be best calculated for carrying into eft'ectual 
execution the intention of the founder." It is declared that the academy is 
established "for the purpose of promoting piety and virtue, and for the edu- 
cation of youth in the English, Latin, and Greek languages, in writing, arith- 
metic, music, the art of speaking, practical geometry, logic, and geography, 
and such other of the liberal arts and sciences or languages as opportunity 
may hereafter permit, or as the trustees shall direct." 

The academv was not established merely to give instruction in the various 
branches of secular learning; it was also solemnly dedicated to the promotion 
of good manners, sound morality, and pure religion. This purpose of its 
founder is strongly marked in the constitution and laws, which were drafted 
by his own hands. In confomiity with this design, in October, 17QI. the 
trustees appointed Rev. Joseph Buckminster, of Portsmouth, to be "a Pro- 
fessor of Divinity in the Phillips' Exeter .\cademy, and joint instructor with 
the Preceptor thereof," with a salary of one hundred and thirty-three and 
one-third pounds lawful money. He does not appear to have accepted this 
appointment; but the oflnce was revived in 1S17. and continued till 183S. Rev. 
Isaac Hurd. A. M.. of Exeter. l>eing the incumbent. 



404 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

At the same time the views of Dr. Phillips in respect to religious instruc- 
tion were eminently liberal and catholic. He did not require the profession of 
any creed; and two of the trustees originally appointed by himself, besides 
three others of those who were chosen in his lifetime, and the first principal 
of the academy, Dr. Benjamin Abbot, held theological opinions that did not 
harmonize with his own. The school evidently was not intended to be, and 
has never been allowed to become, a mere sectarian institution. One restric- 
tion is made, how^ever, by a clause in the constitution established by Dr. 
Phillips, which declares that "Protestants only shall ever be concerned in the 
trust or instruction of this seminary." In the solemn charge delivered by the 
Rev. Benjamin Thurston, in presence of the founder, to the first preceptor 
of the academy this sentence occurs: "You will therefore, sir, make no dis- 
crimination in favor of any particular state, town, or family, on account of 
parentage, age. wealth, sentiments of religion, etc. ; the institution is founded 
on principles of the most extensive liberality." 

This charge formed a part of the inaugural ceremonies when the academy 
was fonnally ojiened. its first building set apart for its uses, and its first pre- 
ceptor, William \\'oodbridge, A. B., a graduate of Yale College, inducted into 
of^ce, on Thursday, May i. 1783. 

It is difficult to ascertain the precise amount of the funds with which the 
academy was originally endowed by its founder. At three different periods 
before his death Doctor Phillips made over to the trustees considerabe prop- 
erty in real estate, mortgages, and notes of hand, large portions of which 
needed to be held for several years before they could be profitably sold or 
converted into money. The original grant, dated January g, 1782, conveys 
real estate only, consisting of several parcels of land in Exeter, and fari^is 
or lots of land in a dozen other towns in the state. .\ second donation, made 
in March, 1787, was in promissory notes and mortgages, amounting to four 
thousand one hundred and sixty-four jMunds lawful money; and a third gift, 
which followed in 1789, was of a similar nature, but uncertain amount. 
Doctor Phillips died .April 21, 1795, aged a little over seventy-five years; and 
his will, after reserving a slender life annuity to his widow, and a few trifling 
bequests, as tokens of affection, to his nephews and nieces, conveys two-thirds 
of his whole remaining estate to Phillips' Exeter Academy, and one-third to 
Andover Academy. Five years after his death, it appears from the treasurer's 
report that the trustees at Exeter then held as the property of the institution 
$58,880 in active funds, besides the Phillips mansion-house, then occupied by 
Doctor Abbot, and the academy building and grounds. As it is stated in the 
same report that "all these sums have arisen from the benevolent gifts" of 
the founder, it is evident that his whole endowment of the institution amounted 
to at least sixty-five thousand dollars, or a little more than twice as much as he 
gave to the sister academy at Andover. Considering the time and the place, 
this may well be called princely munificence; nothing like it can be found 
in the history of this country up to the beginning of the present century. 
And if we look further to the many eminent men who have been educated 
at this seminary, a large number of whom could not have pursued their 
studies without the peculiar aids and facilities which it afforded, and to its 
influence in keeping up a high standard of scholarship and morals, while serv- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 407 

ing as a nursery for the principal colleges of New England, especially for 
Harvard, it may well be said that never was munificence applied to a nobler 
or more judiciously selected end. 

Mr. Woodbridge, the first preceptor of the academy, was compelled by 
ill health to resign his office in the summer of 1788, and in the following 
October, Benjamin Abbot, a graduate of Harvard of that year, who had held 
a distinguished rank in his class as a scholar, was appointed his successor. 
It was a fortunate choice; the reputation of the academy for scholarship and 
good morals, for harmony and alf'ection of the students for each other and 
for their principal, began with the opening of his administration, and con- 
tinued till its close. It remains unabated to this day. 

Doctor Abbot's firmness and dignity of character, united with great 
natural sweetness of disposition and suavity of manners, served admirably to 
reduce to practice and enforce the laws. He never met the youngest academy 
scholar in the street without lifting his hat entirely from his head, as in cour- 
teous recognition of an equal ; and an abashed and awkward attempt to return 
the compliment was the urchin's first lesson in good manners and respect for 
his teacher. He had strong feelings, but a reserve amounting almost to 
timidity kept down the expression of them, except when he deemed the 
interests of morality or religion were at stake, and even then the tones of his 
voice were low and his speech deliberate, though his frame quivered with 
earnestness. His government was always successful because it was not in 
his nature to be stern or passionate; and as he always allowed the offender 
time to deliberate and become sorry for his fault before sentence was pro- 
nounced, the pimishment never seemed unjust even to the culprit. 

To those who never studied under Doctor Abbot this picture may seem 
overcharged; but it was not mere accident which procured for him uninter- 
rupted success and surpassing influence as head of the academy for fifty years, 
or which gave him such pupils as Lewis Cass, Joseph Stevens Buckminster, 
Daniel Webster, Leverett Saltonstall. Nathaniel A. Haven, Jos^ih G. Cogs- 
well, Theodore Lyman, Edward Everett, the twin Peabodys, John A. Dix, 
John G. Palfrey, Jared Sparks, George Bancroft, Jonathan Chapman, Ephraim 
Peabody, and a host of others whom the country delights to honor. It was 
partly good fortune and partly the exercise of a sound discretion which pro- 
cured for him, at different times during the half-century, such assistant 
instructors as Dr. Daniel Dana, Nicholas Emery, Joseph S. Buckminster, 
Nathan Hale, Alexander H. Everett, Nathaniel A. Haven, President Nathan 
Lord, Dr. Henry Ware, Jr., President James Walker, and Dr. Gideon L. 

Soule. rr • 1 

In August, 1838, Doctor Abbot, who had then completed the fiftieth year 
of his services as principal and had begun to feel the infirmities of age, 
resigned his office. A large number of his former pupils, many of whom had 
attatned the highest honors in professional and public life, assembled once 
more within the walls of the academv, to pay a fitting tribute of gratitude and 
respect to their venerated teacher at this golden period of his life. The Abbot 
Festival as it was called, was a remarkable meeting, unprecedented m char- 
acter and as honorable to those who engaged in it with great interest and 
zeal as to him whose protracted labors in the moral and intellectual culture 



408 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of the young were there brought to a close. Air. Webster presided at the 
dinner which was given on the occasion, and led the way in the hearty and 
eloquent expression of the sentiments entertained by the whole assemblage 
towards his and their old "master." Members of all professions, judges and 
distinguished scholars, ambassadors, and members of Congress followed, each 
with a tribute of admiration and respect for his fomier teacher or with some 
pleasant reminiscences of his school-boy days. Among those who thus spoke 
were Edward Everett, Judge Emery, Dr. Palfrey, Alexander H. Everett, 
Leverett Saltonstall, Jonathan Chapman, and John P. Hale. Songs were 
sung which had been written for the occasion by Dr. H. Ware, Jr., and Mr. 
A. F. Hildreth. In behalf of the old pupils, whether present or absent, Mr. 
Webster presented to their venerable teacher an elegant silver vase, as a 
token of their love and abiding reverence. His portrait, by Harding, had 
been secured for the occasion, and is now the property of the academy, and 
hangs in the chapel with Stuart's portrait of its founder and those of Webster, 
Cass, Bancroft, Hildreth, Sibley, etc. One white-headed man rose and claimed 
a distinction which, he said, "could belong to no other man living. You were 
his scholars, I was his teacher. It was little that I had to impart, but that 
little was most cheerfully given. I well remember the promise he then gave, 
and Providence has been kind in placing him in just that position where his 
life could be most usefully and honorably spent." 

This former instructor of one who had taught others for half a century 
was the Hon. Jeremiah Smith, a member of Congress from 1791 to 1797, 
afterwards chief justice, and subsequently governor of New Hampshire. He 
resided in Exeter, and was for many years president and treasurer of the 
trustees of the academy, its prosperity being largely promoted by his wise 
counsels and discreet management. In early life he had been an assistant 
instructor in Phillips' Academy, Andover, and among his pupils he could men- 
tion two presidents of Harvard College. Doctor Ivirkland and Mr. Ouincy, 
besides Dr. Abbot. Judge Smith died in September, 1842, at the ripe age of 
eighty-two, and was buried in the old cemetery at Exeter, not far from the 
marble monument that covers the remains of Doctor Phillips. Doctor .\bbot 
survived, in a serene and prosperous old age, till October. 1849. when he 
too. at the age of eighty-seven, rested from his labors. A few years after the 
festival, his former pupils subscribed $2,000 for the establishment at Harvard 
College of the "Abbot Scholarship," the annual income from which is now 
devoted to paying the college expenses of some meritorious student from 
Exeter Academy. 

Some Items from Academy History. — The academy building, a wooden 
structure erected in 1794, to which wings were added about twenty-five years 
afterwards, was burned December 17, 1R70. and the present neat and commo- 
dious brick structure was erected in 1871. at a cost, including furniture, of 
about fifty thousand dollars. Its expense was defrayed by its alumni and 
other friends. 

1788. Benjamin Abbot became tlie second principal. 

1798. The board of trustees voted. "That after the vacation in April 
next no student in the academy shall wear silk of any kind as a part of his 
dress, and that it be recomnienflcd to the students after that time to disron- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 409 

tinue the use of gowns, and that it would be pleasing to the trustees to see 
the dress of the students less expensive, and in all instances, when consistent, 
composed of the manufactures of your own country. " 

1809. The first tuition fee levied. (This amounted to $2 per year, 
and was remitted to "foundationers.") 

1814. By the will of Nicholas Gilman the trustees receive $1,000, the 
income of which is to pay for instruction in "solemn niusick." 

1818. The "Golden Branch Society" is founded. 

1838. Gideon Lane Soule, '13, became the third principal of the academy. 

1855. The room rent in the new^ dormitory, "Abbot Hall," fixed at $1 
per year for each student. 

1856. The "Christian Fraternity" founded. 

1870. Second Academy building destroyed by tire. 

1870. The Alumni determined to raise $100,000 to rebuild the academy, 
and for other purposes. 

1873. Albert Cornelius Perkins elected fourth principal of the academy. 

1878. The Exonian founded. 

1881. The "G. L. Soule Literary Society" founded. 

1884. Walter Quincy Scott elected fifth principal of the academy. 

1890. Charles Everett Fish elected sixth principal of the academy. 

1895. Harlan Page Amen, '75, elected seventh principal of the academy. 
Principal Amen died November 9, 19 13. 

The trustees are: Sandford Sidney Smith, A. B., LL. B., president. New 
York; William DeWitt Hyde, D. D., LL. D., Brunswick, Maine; William 
Amos' Bancroft, A. B., Cambridge, Mass. ; George Arthur Plimpton, A. B., 
LL. D., New York; Robert Winsor, A. B., Weston. Mass.; Jeremiah Smith, 
Jr., A. B., LL. B., Cambridge, Mass. 

Finance Committee — Messrs. S. S. Smith, Plimpton, and Winsor. 

Treasurer — Francis Wilson Lee, Boston; cashier, Emilie S. Spring, 
Exeter; clerk of tiie trustees, Perley Gardner. A. B.. Exeter. The present 
number of pupils is 572. 

The special funds and the general contributions amount to over three 
hundred and fifty thousand dollars, .\mong the larger donors have been 
J. L. Sibley, feremiah Kingman, John C. Philhps, Francis P. Hurd, I'Yancis 
E. Parker, Jos. C. Hillard, Edward Tuck, B. P. Davis, H. E. Teschemacher, 
Margaret E. Langdell, Geo. A. Plimpton and Lars Anderson. 

The Alumni number about eight thousand, and represent every state of the 
Union and many foreign countries. 

Since 1886, the following buildings have been added: The Gymnasnim, 
Boiler House, Physical Laboratorv. Chemical Laboratory, Soule Hall, Pea- 
body Hall, Dunbar Hall. Merrill Hall, Merrill Buildings, Hoyt Hall, Alumni 
Hall, Emery House, Gilman House, Long House, Tilton House, Watkins 
House, Williams House, Hooper House, Veazey House. Porter Hou.se, 
Webster Hall, Davis Library, Track and Boat houses, and the Gardiner 
Gilman House. . 

The Acadeuiy B-mldinq.—Tht main academy buildmg, erected m 1872 
by the alumni and friends of the school, and since enlarged, is a brick structure 
of two stories. On the first floor are six class rooms and a large examma- 



410 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

tion room. On the second floor are the chapel, five class rooms, and the 
Christian I'Vaternity room. Portraits of the founder and many eminent 
graduates, instructors, and benefactors hang on the walls of the chapel. The 
halls and class rooms are decorated with photographs and casts, collected by 
William E. Merrill, '8/, and presented by alumni. The building is equipped 
with a system of forced ventilation. 

All the school buildings are heated by steam. 

Merrill Hall. — Merrill Hall, a commodious three-story building of brick, 
was presented to the academy in 1902 by Dr. Abner L. Merrill, '38. On 
the first floor are the administrative offices of the school, consisting of rooms 
for the trustees, the principal, the secretary, the cashier, and the stenographer ; 
on the second floor are the rooms of the Golden Branch and G. L. Soule 
Literary societies. The entire third floor forms the Academy Recreation 
Room. 

Dunbar Hall, one of the largest, most beautiful, and best appointed of 
the Academy buildings, was erected in 1908 to take the place of a dormitory 
of frame construction. It is named in honor of Prof. Charles F. Dunbar, 
'44, of Harvard University, a former president of the board of trustees. 

Webster Hall was erected in 191 2 and named in honor of Daniel Webster, 
who was a student of the academy in 1796 and a member of the board of 
trustees from 1835 to 1852. It closely resembles Dunbar Hall in size, design, 
and construction and is a beautiful example of the Colonial style applied to 
school uses. About fifty students can be accommodated in the hall. 

The Davis Library. — Benjamin Price Davis, of the class of 1862, be- 
queathed to the academy for the erection of a library a sum of money which 
with accumulations amounted to $60,000. To this sum the trustees have 
added more than ten thousand dollars. The new building is of brick and 
marble, and is designed in the Colonial style by Cram, Goodhue, and Ferguson 
(Boston Office). 

FHimpton Playing Fields. — Mr. George A. Plimpton, 'jt,, a member of the 
board of trustees, presented to the academy in 1905 a beautiful tract of 
twenty-three acres lying between Court Street and the river. The fields are 
named in honor of the donor The Plimpton Playing Fields. They comprise 
twelve clay tennis courts, three baseball diamonds, a football field, and a 
quarter-mile cinder track with a two-hundred-twenty-yard straightaway. The 
fields are skirted by the river and by the woods of Gilman Park. The river 
is navigable for canoes and row-boats for several miles above the town. Dur- 
ing the year two desirable additions have been made to the equipment of the 
fields, a well appointed athletic house and a boat house, side by side, on the 
bank of the Fresh River. 

Plimpton Fields-Beyond. — In 1910 Mr. Plimpton added to his previous 
very generous gift the Gilman estate, more than three hundred acres of 
meadow and wood-land lying just beyond the river and following its winding 
course about a mile from High Street to the Kensington line. This new tract 
bears the name of the Plimpton Fields-Beyond. The nearer part, connected 
by a foot-bridge with the Playing-Fields, is a great meadow, on which is laid 
out a six-hole golf course and several fields for baseball and football. Beyond 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 411 

the meadow lies the forest of pine and hemlock, birch and oak, with occasional 
clearings, affording ample opportunity for practice in wood-craft. 

The two fields taken together constitute a play-ground of extraordinary 
extent and beauty. 

ROBINSON SEMINARY 

This institution was established by the liberal becjuest of the late William 
Robinson, a native of Exeter, N. H. It was partially opened April 15, 1867, 
and reorganized and fully opened September 21. 1869. The seminary build- 
ing is an elegant and substantial brick structure, beautifully located, with fine 
grounds, sixteen acres in extent adorned with a great variety of trees and 
shrubs. Near the seminary buildings are basket-ball grounds, croquet grounds 
and a tennis court. The trustees are constantly striving to make the seminary 
a school of the highest type. With this end in view the course of study is 
arranged to meet the desire of the founder who said in his will: "The course 
of instruction should be such as will tend to make female scholars equal in all 
the practical duties of life, such a course of education as will enable them to 
compete, and successfully, too. with their brothers throughout the world, when 
they have to take their part in the actual of life." 

The addition of a home economics course has given to pupils not prepar- 
ing for college the means of aci|uiring detailed knowledge of the art and 
science of housekeeping. This course aims to bring to them the liighest ideals 
of home life. 

Robinson Seminary is on the list of schools approved by the New England 
College Entrance Certificate Board. This list comprises the best scliools in 
New England, and assures to students who satisfactorily complete their course 
of study the privilege of entering without examination all New England 
colleges using the certificate system, among which are Mount Holyoke, Sim- 
mons, Smith, Wellesley, and several co-educational colleges. The .seminary is 
also on the list of schools approved by Vassar College. 

Trustees and faculty endeavor to make the influences of the school of the 
highest and most uplifting type. The seminary grounds with all their natural 
beauty and the school's" splendid art collection cannot fail to make their 
influence felt upon the life and the work of the students. 

The late Mr. Henry C. Moses, for many years president of the board of 
trustees, presented to the art department a very valuable collection of casts 
and photographs to illustrate architecture, sculpture, and painting. This 
collection has been arranged in the corridors of the seminary in the best 
manner for examination and study. The assembly hall is adorned with illus- 
trations of Italian Renaissance, the study room with casts and photographs of 
Greek and Roman art. and the other school rooms with works of art and 
pictures illustrative of the subjects taught in each room. 

The late Mrs. Cora Kent i3ell, a member of the first graduating class and 
long president of the .Alumnje Association, gave $1,000, to be expended in the 
interest of the school. This sum, which was generously increased by gifts 
from Mrs. Bell's mother, the late Mrs. Hervey Kent, has been expended in 
the purchase of a library of Christian art, in memory of the donor. The 
library consists of books treating of Christian art as depicted in the principal 



412 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

countries of Europe and in the United States, and of an extensive collection 
of mounted photographs. Both books and photographs have been catalogued 
in a card index system by subjects, countries, and artists, and arranged in 
substantial cases in a room known as the Memorial Room. 

The room is finished in quartered oak with walls painted in two shades of 
green. The cases and furniture are of oak. In a large case are arranged 
engravings. 

The walls are adorned with several fine engravings, with a very fine oil 
portrait of Mrs. Bell, by Mrs. Eva D. Cowdery, of Boston, and with the 
beautiful painting "Across the Brook," by Madame Elizabeth Gardner 
Bouguereau, which has been presented by the artist to Exeter. 

The Memorial Room is open for the use of its library during school hours. 
The use is not limited to members of the school. The books and photographs 
under certain restrictions are loaned to clubs or individuals of known responsi- 
bility for the purpose of studying Christian art. 

The board of trustees: Arthur O. Fuller, William H. Folsom, James .\. 
Tufts, Dana W. Baker, Henry W. Anderson, .Albert J. Weeks, William 
Burlingame. 

The faculty: Harlan Melville Bisbee, A. M., principal, Latin: Emily 
Winslow Tapley, mathematics: Bessie Hamilton Jaques, A. B., English; 
Fannie Perley, German; Clara Matilda Burleigh, A. B., history and Latin; 
Elizabeth Louise Mayo, A. B., science; Flora Benton Smith. A. B., French, 
English, Latin and Greek; Elizabeth Homer Baker, L'nited States history, 
geography and arithmetic; Maud Louise Jewell, penmanship, nature study; 
Susan Morse Bryant, first class; Bertha Mary Fisher, drawing and painting; 
Roxie Odiorne, .-\. B., English; Carolyn Guild Livingston, home economics; 
Charlotte Hall Berry, vocal music ; Ida May Buckley, secretary. 

The present number of pupils is 314. 

The Exeter Maniifacturinij Company was incorporated in June J(>, 1827. 
Nathaniel Gilman, John Taylor Gilman, Bradbury Cilley, Stephen Hanson, 
John Rogers, Nathaniel (iilman (3d), and Paine ^Vingate were named in the 
act of incorporation. 

The first meeting was called January jj, 1828, when John Houston was 
chosen president; Bradbury Cilley, Mark W. Pierce, John Rogers, and 
Nathaniel Gilman (3d) were chosen directors; John Rogers, treasurer; and 
John T. Burnham, clerk. The first purchase of the company was made Feb- 
ruary 12, 1828, of the corporation then known as the "Exeter Mill and Water- 
Power Company" ( not now in existence, merged in the present manufacturing 
company, charter given up). The company commenced building April, 1828. 
Stephen Hanson was building agent. 

The first cloth was manufactured in 1830, under John Lowe, Jr., who was 
agent twenty-nine years and part of the time treasurer. The mill was originally 
only 5,000 spindles, and cost $40 per spindle, or $200,000. The mill has been 
increased from time to time until the building of the new mill, when it was 
increased to 20,000 s])indles — 428 looms. Nathaniel B. March, of Ports- 
mouth, was a prominent director, also Mr. James Johnson, of Boston, of the 
firm of Johnson & Senall, merchants of Boston, who sold the goods for many 
years, and had the general direction of the corporation, .\fter the death of 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 413 

Mr. Jolmson the hrni was changed to Dale Brothers & Co. Air. Thomas J. 
Dale was treasurer; Mr. Ebenezer Dale, president, until their deaths in 1S71. 
Mr. Samuel Batchelder, under the Dales' management, was the principal 
director, and Mr. James Norris was appointed agent at the suggestion of 
Mr. Batchelder. He was agent about three years. Hervey Kent was 
appointed agent in i86j and treasurer in 1876. The present officers are: 
President. Hon. E. G. Eastman ; treasurer and agent, C. D. Hatch ; directors, 
E. G. Eastman, Henry W. Anderson, Samuel K. Bell, Robert Appleton. The 
capital is $325,000. 



Exeter Banking Co. — Incorporated 1893 ; capital $25,000, surplus $23,707 ; 
president. Wm. H. C. Follansby ; cashier, C. E. Byington ; directors, W. H. C. 
Follansby, E. G. Eastman, J. E. Young, J. X. Thompson, .\lbert X. Dow. 
John Templeton, J. H. Hiscock. 

Union Five-Cents Saz'ings Bank. — Incorporated 1868; total assets. 
$984,590: president, W. H. C. I'oUansljy: treasurer, Frank W. Taylor. 

Exeter Co-Operative Bank. — President, Wm. Burlingame: treasurer, Lil- 
lian P. Brown. 

Exeter Brass Works. — Incorporated 1892: capital. $15,000: president. 
W. A. Folsom; treasurer and manager, W. B. Folsom. 

Gale Bros. — Boot and shoe manufacturers: president. John E. ^'ale: 
treasurer. J. A. Towle. 

Exeter Water Works. — Incorporated 1888; capital. $120,000: president. 
E. G. Eastman: superintendent. C. H. Johnson. 

Exeter Gas Light Company. — Incorporated i860: capital. $50,000; presi- 
dent. Adiorne Swaine; superintendent. Arthur I. Cooper. 

Rockinqhain Fanners Mutnal Fire Insurance Company. — Incorporated 
1833: president. H. G. Burley; secretary and treasurer. H. A. Shute. 

Unvxers. — Thomas Leavitt, E. G. Eastman. E. G. Templeton. J. E. 
Young. C. H. Knight, A. O. Fuller. lohn Scammon, Perley Gardiner, W. H. 
Sleeper. S. E. Rowe. E. D. Mayer, H. A. and R. E. Shute. See Bench and 
Bar chapters for sketches of other Exeter lawyers. 

Physicians.— W. H. Nute, W. Tuttle. Alice M. Chesley, W. B. Kenmston, 
H. C. Day, J. G. W. Knowlton; dentists, C. H. Gerrish, J. E. S. Pray, A. T. 
Severance, A. G. Hooper. . 

Societies.— East Rockingham I'omona Grange. Gdman Grange. I , ot H. ; 
Exeter Lodge. K. of P.; Sagamore Lodge. I. O. O. F. ; Rebekah Lodge: 
Moses N Collins Post, G. A. R. ; Woman's Relief Corps ; Swanscott Lodge. 
K of P • Exeter Lodge. A. O. U. W. : Wheelwright Court. F. of A.: Exeter 
Commandery, U. O. G. C. ; Star in the East Lodge. St. Alban Chapter. Olivet 
Council A F. & A .M. : Onent Chapter, O. E. S. ; John J. Bell Lodge. I. O. 
G T • Wehanownownit Tribe. I. O. R. M. : Pekawauket Council. D. of P. : 
Friendship Council. R. A. : Misr. Senate, K. A. O. E. ; Catholic Order of 
Foresters Junior. O. V. A. M. : New England Order of Protection ; Daughters 
of Am Resolution ; Exeter Club. Exeter Board of Trade : Exeter Sportsmen's 
Club- Exeter Countrv Club; Exeter Poultry & Pigeon Stock Association; 



414 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Cincinnati Memorial Hall (opened by the Society of Cincinnati, June 20, 
1904). Exeter Cottage Hospital erected 1905 at a cost of $50,000. 

Exeter Public Library. — At the town meeting held March 14, 1853, $300 
was voted for the purchase of books for a town library, and on June 20th the 
library was opened to the citizens over a store on the business street. From 
this room the library was moved to a large room in the old town hall, where 
it remained for nearly forty years, until the completion of the new library 
building in September, 1894. At that time there were 9,000 volumes in the 
library classified by the Dewey system. The library now contains 17,940 
volumes under charge of Miss Carrie E. Byington. 



CHAPTER XXXI 

FREMONT 

Geographical — Topographical — Early History— Incorporation — Poplin — Fre- 
mont — Alilitary History — The Church — The Public Library 

The town of Fremont lies near the center of the county and is bounded 
as follows : On the north by Epping ; on the east by Brentwood ; on the south 
by Danville and Sandown ; and on the west by Chester and Raymond. The 
surface is generally level and the soil fertile. The early history of this town 
will be found in the history of Exeter and Brentwood, of which towns it 
originally formed a part. At the setting off of Brentwood from Exeter, in 
1742, it became a part of the latter town and remained such until June 22, 
1764, when it was organized as a separate town. It was originally called 
Poplin, but in 1854 changed to its present name, in honor, doubtless, of Gen. 
John C. Fremont, the first candidate of the republican party for president. 
The population is 622. 

The precise settlement of the town is not known. Rev. Orlo Hines was 
the first minister. 

Fremont is a station on the Nashua and Rochester Railroad, seventy miles 
from Worcester. It is twenty-four miles west of Portsmouth, ten west of 
Exeter and thirty southeast from Concord. 

SOLDIERS OF FREMONT IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION 

Joseph R. West, Co. B, 4th Regiment; enlisted September 18, 1861 ; dis- 
charged April 6, 1864. 

Charles W. Brown. Co. I, 5th Regiment; enlisted .\ugust 11. 1863; dis- 
charged July 15, 1865. 

Orrin West, Co. I. 5th Regiment; enlisted ]\Iarch jj. 1864; absent, sick; 
no discharge furnished. 

Michael Flynn, Co. C, 5th Regiment; enlisted September 12, 1864; dis- 
charged June 28, 1865. 

T. Yelton, Co. B. 5th Regiment; died February i, 1863. 

John Loane. Co. D, 5th Regiment; enlisted September 12, 1864. 

Tames Smith. Co. H,' 5th Regiment; enlisted September 12, 186..); absent, 
sick. April 6. 186^; no discharge furnished. 

Jacob Vogle. Co. H, 5th Regiment; enlisted .\ugust 11. 1863; discharged 
December 15, 1863. 

Bruce D. Osgood, sergeant Co. C, Ath Regiment; enlisted Novemlier 2j. 
1861. 

William B. Cadmus. Co. C. 6th Regiment; enlisted November 27. 1861 ; 
discharged December 16, 1862. 

415 



416 TITSTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

William L. Neal, Co. C, 6th Regiment: enlisted November 27, 1861 ; killed 
December 13, 1862. 

Julius Keening, 6th Regiment; enlisted May 17, 1864. 

George D. Foss, Co. D, 8th Regiment; enlisted December 20, 1861 ; dis- 
charged July 5- 1862. 

Henry Hutchinson, Co. D, 8th Regiment; enlisted December 20, 1861 ; died 
October 26, 1863. 

Thomas G. Judd, Co. A, 9th Regiment; enlisted August 7, 1862; trans- 
ferred to V. R." C. October 7, 1863? 

Perley R. Gordon, Co. C, loth Regiment; enlisted September 16. 1862; 
discharged March 18, 1863. 

John darken, Co. F. loth Regiment: enlisted September i, 1862; died 
December 26, 1864. 

Plummer D. Small, corporal Co. B, nth Regiment; enlisted August 28. 
1862; promoted to sergeant; discharged June 4, 1865. 

Sylvester McLane, Co. B, iith Regiment; enlisted August 28. 1862; dis- 
charged June 4, 1863. 

George W. Morrill, Co. B, nth Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; 
killed December 13, 1862. 

George F. Small, Co. B, nth Regiment; enlisted September 2, 1862; dis- 
charged June 4, 1865. 

Jose])h L. Small, Co. B. nth Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; dis- 
charged June 4, 1865. 

Moses P. Stevenson. Co. B, nth Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; 
discharged April 29, 1863. 

John C. Trickey, Co. B. nth Regiment; enlisted August ■?8, 1862; died 
March i, 1863. 

John W. Marsh, Co. B, nth Regiment; enlisted August 28, 1862; killed 
December 13, 1862. 

Joseph Sanborn, Jr., corporal Co. C, nth Regiment; enlisted Augu.st 21, 
1862 ; discharged June 4, 1865. 

Orrin Bean. Co. C, nth Regiment; enlisted August 21. 1862; discharged 
June 4, 1865. 

Charles O. Copp, Co. C. nth Regiment; enlisted August 21. 1862; pro- 
moted to corporal June 4. 1865. 

John B. Clement. Co. C, nth Regiment; enlisted August 21, 1862; dis- 
charged June 4. 1865. 

Enoch F. Osgood. Co. C, nth Regiment; enlisted August 21, 1862; killed 
December 13, 1862. 

John A. Tilton, Co. C, nth Regiment: enlisted August 26. 1862; dis- 
charged January 24, 1863. 

George A. Tilton, Co. C. nth Regiment; enlisted August 26. 1862; died 
May 12. 1864. 

Josiah West. Co. C. nth Regiment; enlisted August 26, 1862; discharged 
June 4, i86q. 

George D. Foss, Co. C, nth Regiment: enlisted August 19, 1864: trans- 
ferred to 6th Regiment; discharged July 17. 1865. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 417 

Charles Muller, Co. A, nth Regiment; enhsted December 19, 1863; trans- 
ferred to 6th Regiment; no discharge given. 

Charles Fries, nth Regiment; enlisted December 23, 1863. 

Louis Ferry, Co. H, nth Regiment; enlisted December 19, 1863. 

John Gippert, Co. K, nth Regiment; enlisted December 19, 1863; dis- 
charged August 14, 1865. 

James Toben, Co. K, 14th Regiment; enlisted July 29, 1864; discharged 
July 27. 1865. 

David Sanborn, Co. K, 15th Regiment; enlisted October 16. 1862; dis- 
charged August 13, 1863. 

Joseph W. Bishop, Co. B, i8th Regiment; enlisted September 14, [864 
discharged June 10, 1865. 

Daniel A. Webster, Co. B, i8th Regiment; enlisted September 13, 1864 
died March zy, 1865. 

\\'arren D. Lovering. Co. E, H. Artillery; enlisted September 5, 1864 
discharged June 15, 1865. 

Orrin West, Co. F, 2d Regiment, C S. S. S. ; transferred to 6th Regiment 
March 22, 1864; absent, sick; no discharge furnished. 

Hiram P. Beebe, Co. E, 2d Regiment U. S. S. S. ; enlisted September g, 
1861 ; re-enlisted January 4, 1864; transferred to 5th Regiment January 30. 
1865; absent, June 28, 1865; no discharge furnished. 

Joseph Toland, U. S. C. T. ; enlisted April 6, 1865: date discharge un- 
known. 

John H. Carr, Jr., date discharge unknown. 

James Mager. date discharge unknown. 

James Carroll, date discharge unknown. 

Robert Baker, date discharge unknown. 

George Merrill, date discharge unknown. 

Samuel Wilson, date discharge unknown. 

Thomas Fowler, enlisted August 26. 1864; date discharge unknown. 

George W. Wiggin, enlisted August 26, 1864; date discharge unknown. 

The physician is Ernest W. Lowe. The Grange is the Fremont. The 
United Congregational Church was organized in 1908 and the Rev. J. H 
Hewitt preached in 1910 and 191 1. The church building was erected in 1865 
as a Union Church and has ever since been so called. The Universalists have 
a small fund which gives them one month each year and they engage a 
minister for the month of August, when the other ministers take a vacation. 
Rev. Walter W. Strite, a Methodist student from the Boston University, 
is supplying as pastor at present. 

Fremont Public Library. — In the center of the town is the Library building, 
built by the town in 1894, on the site given by Warren True. The library was 
opened with 741 volumes owned by the Fremont Library Association, formed 
in 1866. 

The library contains 1,000 books under the care of Mrs. Cora B. Frost, 
who has had long service as librarian. 

Fremont is making arrangements to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its 
organization this summer. 



CHAPTER XXXII 

GREENLAND 

Petition fur Privileges — Petition for a Toivtiship — Documentary History — 
Petition of Inhabitants of "Breakfast Hill" — Other Petitions— Taverns — 
War of the Revolution — Action of the Toivns — Toivn Stock of Ammuni- 
tion — Hiring Soldiers — Annexation to Massachusetts — Civil History — 
Incorporation of the Town — The First Toivn-Meeting — Officers Elected 
— Ecclesiastical — Congregational Church — Methodist Episcopal Church — 
Brackctt Academy — Military Record — Weeks' Library— The Oldest 
House. 

The Town of Greenland lies in the eastern part of the county, and is 
bounded on the north by Great Bay and the Town of Newington ; on the east 
by Portsmouth and Rye ; on the south by North Hampton and Stratham ; and 
on the west by Stratham. The surface of the town is rolling and its soil 
fertile. 

Documentary History. — The Parish of Greenland was incorporated in 
1703, and two years later, 1705, the inhabitants petitioned for liberty to have 
"a minister and school-master among themselves." The following is a copy 
of the petition : 

To "His Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq., Govern'r and Comander in 
chiefe in and over his Majesties province of New Hampshire, and Vice Ad- 
miral of the same. The humble Petition of John Johnson Abraham Lewis 
and Samuel Weeks on behalfe of themselves and the inhabitants of Green- 
land, belonging to the town of Portsmouth, Humbly sheweth 

"That there are about three hundred & twenty persons : men women and 
children in Greenland who are Obliged to come to the Bank to meeting, and 
the distance being five or six miles and the season of the yeare occasioning 
bad travelling as also the danger of the Enemy makes it very difficult and 
Tedious to gett to the said meeting, or to send their children every day to school 
being not able to Table them abroad : soe that your poor petitioners are almost 
deprived of publickly hearing the word of God or getting their children Edu- 
cated with Reading and writing And your petitioners have desired at a 
publick Towne meeting to have the Liberty of a Minister and schoolmaster 
among themselves. They paying their sallary and to be Exempted from pay- 
ing to the minister and Schoolmaster at the Bank but there is no care taken 
about itt by the Town who continues silent in the matter. May it therefore 
please yr Excellency to consider premise and to order as you in your prudent 
Judgment shall see meet — relating to the same whereby yo'r petitioners may 

418 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 419 

obtain the priviledge of a Minister and schoolmaster among themselves as 
aforesaid. And they as in duty bound shall ever pray &c 

John Johnson 
Arraham Lewis 
Samuel Weeks 

"This petition is referred to the Selectmen of Portsmouth to make answer 
and objections if they have any to myselfe in a months time. 

J. Dudley" 

In 1716 Ebenezer Johnson and others petitioned to be joined to the Parish 
of Greenland as fohows : 

17th Jan. 1716. 

To the Honourable George Vaughan Esq. Lt. Governor of his Majesties 
Province of New Hampshire an the Honourable his Majesties Counsel — 

The Humble petition of the inhabitants That live on the Pattin adjacent 
to Greenland who are on this side of the line, which was formerly run be- 
tween Portsmouth and Exeter beginning att Walls Crick and running to 
Hampton bounds — Humbly Sheweth That we the subscribers would humbly 
pray that we may be joined to Greenland Parrish because we there commonly 
attend the worship of God. which is abundantly more convenient for us than 
other place of publick worship and have diverse of us been help full in build- 
ing an house to worship God In ther att sd Parrish. We likewise the In- 
habitants of Greenland being a poor & small Parrish Humbly pray 3'our 
honours to Grant that all the Inhabitants which are within the afore sd line 
from Walls crick to Hampton bounds may be added to us — We therefore 
humbly crave your Honours Grant of these our request & your petitioners 
as In Duty bound shall pray«&;c. 

Ebenezer Johnson, John Cate, James Berry, Assessors; Nathaniel Wright. 
Richard White, Fred Allen, Samuell Folsom, Mikel Hicks, Walter Philbrick, 
John Emery, Isaac Foss, Jonathan Weeks, Tho Letherbe. 

Petition for Certain Privileges. — In 1720 Greenland had so increased in 
population and importance that the inhabitants petitioned the Governor and 
Council for privilege to choose a constable, and one of three members to repre- 
sent them in the General Assembly. This petition is dated March 18, 1720- 
21, and is as follows : 

Petition to be Freed. 

. , To ye Honble John Wentworth Esq Ltt. Governr and Com- 

t rovuice o ( ,.,^jjj.,(^i^_i(, Chief for ye time being, & to ye Honble ye Council 
New Hampr \ ^^ ,^j^ Majestys Province aforesd. 

The petition Jams Johnson, Saml Weeks & Josh Weeks of Greenland in 
behalfe of sd Parrish — Humby Sheweth — 

That on ye 15th Instant att a Parrish meeting Lawfully conven'd we your 
Petitioners were electd a comitte to address your Hours & this Honble Board 
in behalfe of our sd Parrish for some further libertys & Privilede to be granted 
in & amongst ourselves for yt yr Petitionrs have now only ye liberty of Raising 
money on ye Inhabitants there for ye support of ye ministry schoole & poor 
wthin yr District ; & ye Province Tax being Raised by the Selectmen & 



420 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

assessors of Portsmo who living Remote canot posibly be apprized of ye per- 
ticular Capacity of ye several Inhabitants there — \\ hereby ye lax is many 
times very unequal — Wherefore your Petitionrs Humy Pray, yt your 
Honours in your Great Wisdom wil see cause to order yt we may be dismissed 
from ye Bank from having any tax laid on us there; & yt we may be freed 
from ye charge and Trouble of attending ye Publick Town meetings there & 
yt a Committee be By your Hours chosen to Proportion Greenland in ye 
Province Rates & yt ye same may be Raisd in Equal Proportion by our own 
assessors & yt Mr Treasurer be Directd to issue forth his Precept to our Parrish 
for yt End & yt we may choose a constabl amongst ourselves to collect ye 
assessments yt are from time to time made & yt we may be allowd ye Privilidge 
of choosing one assembly man in our Parrish to Represent us in Genii Assemly 
we paying him out of the Parrish stock which Grantd yr Petitionrs shal as in 
Duty bound ever pray &c. 

Jams Johnson 
Samll Weeks 

i8, Mar. 1720-1 ' Josh. Weeks 

March 21st at a Council — 

Psent ye Lt Govr W^entworth, Saml Penhallow Esq. Richd Wibird. Collo 
Walton Esq. Thos Wastbrook, Esq. George Jaffrey — 

The above Petition Read, and Granted and Ordered that a com'ttee upon 
Oath take an account of ye Rateable Estate of ye District of Greenlnd by wch 
ye Proportion of the Prov. Tax, is to be Settled who are to make Return to 
this board, that the Treasurers warrant be made out accordingly. 

Petition of Greenland for a Township 

To His Excellency Samuel Shute Esqr Capt Genii & Com'andr in Cheif & 

Over His Majtys Prov. of New Hampsr and to the Honble the Council of 
sd Province — 

The Humble Petition of Saml Weeks James Johnston & Mathias Haines 
of Greenland Parish in the Town of Portsmo in ye Prov. of New Hampsr 
aforesd for themselves & in behalf of sd Parish, Humbly Sheweth. 

That yor Petitioners are a district of Portsmo and always have been 
accounted Part of sd Portsmouth, and have paid Rates in sd Town accordingly, 
and but very Lately have been made a Separate Parrish, and the Town of 
Portsmo aforesd having obtained a grant of yor Excellency & Hours for a 
Township. 

Yor Petitioners Humbly pray that yor Excellency & Hours would be 
pleased to Ordr that yor Petitioners, as they all along have paid their part 
of the charges & help to support the warrs against the enemy as inhabitants 
of Portsmo aforesd That they may now Reap the benefit of the aforesaid 
Grant of Land in proportion wth their neighbours — the other inhabitants of sd 
Portsmouth or that yor Petitioners may have an Equivalent of Land adjoyning 
to the aforesd Grant, Granted unto us. 

And yor Petitioners as in Duty bound will ever Pray : 

Samll Weeks, 
James Johnston, 

Portsmo May loth 1722. . Matthias Haines. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 421 

Petition of inhabitants of Breakfast Hill * 

* So called from the circumstance that a party of Indians in 1696, after an early 
attack on inhabitants of Portsmouth, and the slaughter of fourteen persons, hastily 
retreated, and stopped on the declivity of a hill (now in Greenland) and took break- 
fast. Ever since it has retained the name of Breakfast Hill. 
To the honble John Wentworth Esq. Liut Governr & Commander in Chief in 
,and over his Ma j ties Province of Newham.pshire to ye honble the Council 
& house of representatives Conven'd in Genii Assembly. 
The humble Request of us the Subscribers inhabitants about Breakfast hill 
& owners of Land neare Greenland meeting house, humbly Desires. That 
whereas we are soe neare said meeting house & have paid our part towards 
the maintenance of ye Ministry there Evr since it hath been built. Yt for the 
future wee may be by act of Government set of towards payment of the 
ministry to yt place It being most convenient for us by many miles — & your 
Petitioners shall ever pray &c. 
May 25th 1725 
his mark 

Thomas O bery 
Jon his O mark, bleak 
Isaac his § mark, foos 
James fooler desires to pay to 
Greenland & Sande-bech be a 
parish of themselves. 
James VVhidden 
James Johnson 
R. Wibird 
John Wheden 

Petition for extension of boundary lines 

I To the honble John Wentworth Esq. Liut Govonr & Comander 
Province of [ in Chief in and over his Majties Province of New Hampshire 
New Hampr 1 and to the honble the Council & house of Representatives Con- 
ven'd in Genii Assembly for sd Province. 

The humble Petition, of Capt Samuell Weeks, Capt Joshua W' eeks & Mr 
John Gate. 

In the behalf e of the Poore parrish of Greenland as they are Impowered 
by said parrish to represent the same with the select men of Greenland. 

humbly Sheweth. 

That whereas by a vote formerly of the Town of Portsmouth (of which 
the said Greenland is a part) It was voted that Greenland Bounds should be 
on the South side of Packers farm (which supose is now Doctor Marches) 
and Whereas by a Vote of the Genii Assembly 28th July 17 14, Its said 
that Greenland bounds to Packers Bridge and thence to Joshua Haineses 
Mr Gates & Edwd Averses farm. The Same is verry Ambiguous Whether these 
are included or excluded and alsoe Mr. Edward Avers at that time had two 
farms Southwest of sd Packers or Marches fann — & it is not mention'd 
which — .^nd Whereas Capt Langdon & the comittee that made the last return : 



422 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

run tlie line from said Marches farm to Edward Ayres Southwesterly farm, 
Exclusive of said Farm; which hue comes to Northward of Berry Brook in 
the Rhoad to Sandy Beech, which is not above a mile from Greenland Meeting 
house, and Excludes fifteen families that live about Breakfast hill from ye sd 
Parrish of Greenland that used to pay there towards maintenance of the 
ministry & lyes most convenient for them to come there. The loss of so many 
families is verry Great & Grievious.to your verry poore petitioners: 

Therefore your humble Petitioners Humbly prayes (That considering 
your said parrish of Greenland consists chiefly in verry poore Inhabitants) and 
Containes a verry small Quantity of Ground ; Great Part of said Parrish being 
not three Quarters of a mile Deep & In the Deepest or Widest place verry 
little above a mile — That they containe a small Compass of Grond & no 
probability of Increasing themselves — humbly prayes your consideration & 
order that theire line betwixt them and Portsmouth may Extend Due south 
from Marches farm to ye farm Mr Edward Ayers Bought of the Admr 
of Richard Jose Esq Deceas'd and thence South East to New Castle line which 
line will take in the fifteen families afore sd and suppose the line formerly 
Intended — -But if it should seem meet to your hours to take these fifteene 
families from said Parrish it would occasion theire Breaking up not being able 
of themselves that remaine to support the charges of the Ministry with the 
other contingents on them. 

All the Comittees that Ever made any returne relating to a Divissionale 
line being all of Portsmouth they made it as much in theire favor as possible 
by all Strain'd construction — Therefore if your hours se not meet to Grant 
us the line Desier'd, That then yr hours will appoint a Comittee of som other 
Towns (wholly Indifterent) to make and settle a line as they shall see con- 
venient, accordin to Portsmouth Town Voate, in 1705 and in Greater Cer- 
tainty than hath as yet been Don. And your Petitioners as in Duty Bound 
shall ever pray &c. 

May 19th 1725. 

John Gate 
Joshua Weeks 
Ebenezer Johnson 
Mathias Haines 
Samll Weeks 
May ye 26th 1725. 

In the House of Representatives 

read, and ordered that the Select men of Portsmo be serv'd with a copy 
of the petition and they to notifie the town of Portsmouth, To Appeare 
the second day of the setting of the next Genii Assembly to show cause (if 
any they can) why the Prayer of the Petition may not be granted. 

James Jeffry, Cir. Assm 
In counl Eodm die. 

Read and concurred 
Richd Waldron 



Province of 
New Hampr 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 423 

Petition relating to tax warrant. 

To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain General 
Governor and Commander in Chief in & over his Majestys 
- Province of New Hampshire, The Honble his Majesties Coun- 
cill and House of Representatives in General Assembly Con- 
vened — ^Jan. 1 2th 1763. 
Humbly Shews — James Bracket & Simon Dearborn both of Greenland in 
said Province yeomen and two of the selectmen of said Greenland for the 
year 1762 the Maj. part for themselves & in behalf of the Inhabitants of said 
Greenland that the selectmen of said Greenland for said year Raised a Tax 
on the said inhabitants and gave a list thereof to Joseph Pickerin Constable 
of said Greenland for said year with a warrant, and the hands of the. Majour 
part of the said selectmen, in consequence thereof the said constable hath 
made distress on sundry of the said Inhabitants of said Greenland who refused 
to pay their Respective Taxes and for which sundry actions are brot against 
him to the Inferior court to be held in March next, and on examining the 
warrant aforesaid, it appears that the Selectmen have neglected to seal the 
same, which is thought necessary by Law, and if so will greatly hurt said 
Inhabitants, for altho most of them may not dispute it, yet there are many 
that do & so pay no Tax this year. Besides bringing a great charge on the 
said Inhabitants for the suits already commenced & others that may be, 
wherefore the Petitioners as aforesaid Humbly pray the advisement of this 
Honble Court on the Premises — and that you will be pleased to pass such 
Order thereon as to make the said Warrant good & Valid The want of seals 
notwithstanding or grant such other Relief thereon as to you shall seem meet. 
And your petitioners as aforesaid shall as in duty bound ever pray. 

James Brackett 
Simeon Dearborn 

Selectmen of Greenland 
Province of \ In the house of Representatives Jany 19, 1763. This petition 
New Hampsr j lieing Read 

Voted That they be heard thereon on fryday next, & that they Cause the 
sundry persons who prosecuted the constable for Illegally making Distraint 
to be notified thereof that they may be present if they see cause. 

A. Clarkson, clerk. 
In council Eodm Die. 
Read & concurr'd, 

T. Atkinson Jr Secry. 
Province of | 
New Hamps \ In the House of Representatives Jany 21. 1763 

The party being heard on the within Petition — Voted & Resolved that 
the Warrant Referr'd unto in the within Petition is a good & Lawfull War- 
rant, the want of seals notwithstanding, and also resolved that all the warrants 
given by ny selectmen or assessors singly or con-Junctly within this Province 
for the Collecting of any Rates or Taxes for the year 1762 shall be Looked 
upon and accounted legal and Valid the want of seal or Seals notwithstanding 

S. Sherburne Speaker. 



424 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

In Council Jany 226 1763 

Read & concurred with this addition (viz), That if the Plaintiffs mentioned 
in the within Petition, shall withdraw their suits & not prosecute them, that in 
that case no complaint be Receiv'd for cost in such actions from the constable 
or other Defendant in any of the actions aforesaid. 

T. Atkinson, Junr Secry. 
Province of j ' 

New Hampr f In the house of Representatives Jany ^5th 1763. 
Read and Concurred. 

H. Sherburne Speaker. 
Consented to B. Wentworth. 

Petition for representation in the Geenral Assembly. 

To his Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq. Capt. Genii and Commander in 

cheif in and over his Majties Province of New Hampshire, the honble 

the council & house of Representatives conven'd in Genii Assembly. 

The humble Petition of Capt Joshua Weeks Ebenezr Johnson & Matthias 
Haines, Select men for the parrish of Greenland in sd Province In behalf e 
of the said Parrish, most humbly Sheweth — 

That the Parrish of Greenland for several years past since they have 
been set of from Portsmouth have not had the Bennefio tf havin,? a voat 
in makeing choice of any person to sit in the Genii Assembly, and therefore 
are humbly of opinion that they are much Grieved in not having any person 
to represent them in Genii Assembly nor any Vote in the choice of any other: 

Therefore yor humble Petitioners most humbly prays For themselves and 
in Behalf e of said parrish of Greenland That your excellencie & honrs &c 
will as in yor wisdom you shall see meet to make such order act or Law so 
that your Petitioners may have the liberty of other Towns or precincts to have 
the choice of some one of their Freeholders to Represent them in the Genii 
Assembly & your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray 

Joshua Weeks 
Ebenezer John.son 

May the loth 1732. M.\tthi.\s H.mnes 

In the house of Representatives. 

Voted, that the prayer of the Petition be answered and that his Excel- 
lencie be desired to Issue out a precept for an assembly man to appeare at the 
next sessions in the fall — 

James Jefifry, Cir. Assm 

May the 12th 1732. 
In council May 13, 1732 

Read & Concurred 

R. Waldron, Sec'y 
I assent to the foregoing vote. May 15. 1732. J. Belcher 

Portsmouth votes rchitin;/ to Greenland 

Att a Genii Town meeting held in Portsmo ye 4th June, 1705 : 

Where as ye Town of Portsmo payes £100 p .-Xnnum for ye support of 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 425 

their ministers in sd Town — Att the Request of ye inhabitants of Greenland 
part of sd Town considering ye Distance of Ground ye number of persons & 
ye Danger of passing to Pubhc worship. 

Voted, That ye inhabitants of Greenland be paid out of the Town stock 
their proportion of sd £ioo During ye Maintenance of an able Minister 
amongst them and no longer & ye sd Proportion be yearly, Proportiond by the 
Selectmen for time being ye Bounds of Greenland to be on ye south side of 
coll Packers farme. 

Pr Samll Keais. Town clerk. 
True Coppy out of ye third Book of Records for Portsmo : foil. 12: 

p Josh Peirce, 

Town cler. 
15 Mar. 1719-20 

Att a Genii Town meeting in Portsmo ye 8th April, 1706, 
1706. Voted, That ye Inhabitants of Greenland in this Town being freed 
from paying ye proportion of Rates for ye Ministrye fix'd att Straberry Bank 
in consideration of their maintaining a minister amongst themselves ye sd 
Inhabitants of Greenland having procured yt they may have 150 acres of 
land out of ye comons lying & being att Greenland : Bounded to ye Sow west 
End of ye Great Swamp & ye sd 150 acres to be taken out or Deductd from 
wt may fall to ye share of sd inhabitants of Greenland of sd comons when- 
ever there shall be a Division of all ye Towns comons ye sd 150 acres to be 
laid out by ye Lott layers where it may be most convenient for ye ministry 
& school for ye use of that part of ye Town. 

Samll Keais, Town Cler. 
True coppy from ye 3d Book of Record for Portsmo foil: 13th 

Josh : Peirce, Town Cler. 
15th Mar. 1719-20. 

And That the Parish of Greenland be bounded upon the Great Bay by 
the farm of ye widow Jackson, Joshua Peirce, & Israel March ; & so to 
Packers bridge, and thence to Joshua Hainses, M Gates & Edwd Ayras's 
farm and from thence southwesterly to Hampton bounds: and that these 
Present Inhabitants with tlie lands and estates they live upon & whosoever 
shall live upon them hereafter or build & Inhabit within the limitts afore- 
said, shall pay their Parish Taxes to Greenland. 

The Above is an Extract out of ye Council book pass'd by the Genii 
. Assembly ye 28th of Tuly, 1714- 

Attest. 

Richd Waldron, Cler. con. 

Taverns. — At a town-meeting held November 11, T771, it was voted that 
three taverns could not be kept "on the parade, so called." It seems in the 
early days the people exercised a care over the "taverns" and tavern-keepers. 
for at the same meeting it was voted that ]\Tr. John Folsom should not keep 
a tavern, and then a petition be presented to the court "that he may not be 
licensed to keep a tavern, and if he now is licensed, that said license be 
abrogated and rendered null and void." 

War of the Re-c'ohition. — The first vote on the old town-book concerning 



426 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

the Revolutionary struggle is under date July 12, 1774, when it was voted 
that Clement March and William Weeks be appointed delegates to attend 
the Provincial Congress to be held at Exeter for the choice of delegates to 
the Continental Congress. Thus was Greenland early awake to the importance 
of the then impending struggle. 

January 9, 1775, the town voted to approve "of the measures agreed upon 
by the Continental Congress," and also voted "that John Haven, William 
Weeks, James Brackett, Clement March, and Greenleaf Clark be a committee 
to carry such measures into execution." 

April 21, 1775, it was voted "to send to the aid and assistance of our 
brethren of the Massachusetts Bay in their defence against the ministerial 
troops." 

"Voted, That twelve men be immediately enlisted and sent for the above 
purpose." 

"Voted, That said men be allowed two shillings lawful money per day 
each, and be found necessary pro\isions during this continuance in said 
service." 

"Voted, That Captain Nathan Johnson enlist said men." 

Tozvn Stock of Anuitunition. — May i, 1775, it was voted to procure ten 
fire-arms and a barrel of powder. 

July 17th, a committee was appointed to ascertain the number of persons 
not provided with guns. 

Hiring Soldiers. — It appears that the recruiting officer was abroad in the 
land during the Revolutionary struggle, as well as during the late War of the 
Rebellion, for under date April 2, 1777, the town 

"Voted. That Mr. James Brackett and Lieut. David Simpson be a com- 
mittee to go to Durham to endeavor to hire soldiers to serve for this town in 
the Continental service." 

It was also "voted, to pay the expense that the officers of the militia were 
at in treating the soldiers to encourage them to enlist on Tuesday, April the 
3d, and Wednesday, April the 3d." 

It was also "voted, to pay a bounty of $20 to those who should enlist for 
three years, or during the present war with Great Britain." 

Annexation to Massachusetts. — The following is a list of those in Green- 
land who, in 1739, petitioned to be annexed to Massachusetts: Samll. Weeks, 
Joshua Weeks, Benjn. Macres, Samll Chapman, Fennel Chapman, Ebenr. 
Johnson, Matthias Harris, Lewis Harris, James Johnson, Samll. Davis, John 
Weeks, Jr., Ebenr. Johnson, Jr., Samuel Weeks, Jr., Joseph Hill, John John- 
son, George Kennison, Joseph Melon, Joseph Weeks, Samll. King, Joshua 
Macres, Robert Bryon, Jr., Jona. Dockum, Jr., Jno. Dockum, Robert Bryon, 
Jno. Watson, Tucker Cate, Jno. Rawlins, Wm. Sympson, Samll. Bryon, Jno. 
Lang, Jedediah Weeks, David Dearborn, Jno. Weeks, Walter Weeks, Matthias 
Weeks, Benja. Kennison, Jona. Weeks, James Cate, Enoch Clark. Bracket 
Johnson, Samll. Hiex. Henry Clark, Elias Philbrook, Beja. Philbrook. Joseph 
Grant, Jona. Weeks, Henry Clark, Jr., John Johnson. Elisha Bryon, Nathl. 
Huggin. Danll. Aldin, Jr.. Nathan Johnson. Jr., Joseph Nelson. Jr., Leonard 
Weeks, and Wm. Walles. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 429 

Civil History. — The town of Greenland was incorporated in 1703. The 
first record of which we have any knowledge is under date March 14, 1749, 
as follows ; 

"Att a legall meeting of the Inhabitants of the Parish of Greenland 
held at the meeting-house on March 13, 1748-49. 

"Voted, Clement March, Esq., moderator; Walter Weeks, clerk. 

"Voted, Daniel Lunt, Ebenezer Johnson, Walter Weeks, selectmen. 

"Voted, William Rains, Jr., Nathan Marston, assessors. 

"Voted, Samll. Hains, Jr., constable. 

"Voted, Clemtt March, Esq., Enoch Clark, viewers. 

"Voted, Joseph Clark, Francis Berry, tythingmen. 

"Voted, Joseph Maloon, W. Jinkins, survs. of highways. 

"Voted, Natll Grow, P>. Kenniston, hog constables. 

"Voted, Will. Berry, Joseph Hains, to take account of the heads and stock. 

"Voted, Henry Clark, Jr., John Watson, fence-viewers. 

"Voted, Clemtt March, Esq., Danl. Lunt, Tho. Packer, Esq., a committee 
to settle the account of the parish with the selectmen for the years 1744, 1745. 

"Voted, Ja. Nud, John Johnson, to settle the value of the lands in the 
parish." 

Enoch Clark, Walter Weeks, and Ebenezer Johnson were selectmen in 
1750. , 

Conspicuous among the votes at the early town-meetings were those relat- 
ing to the ministry. Nearly the entire business transacted by the town was 
in relation to regulating the minister's salary, collecting his rate, etc. 

The Congregational Chureh in Greenland was organized in July, 1706, 
consisting of twenty-nine members, whose names are as follows : William 
Philbrick, John Cate, Ebenezer Johnson, Joshua Haines, Samuel Foss, Richard 
White, Joshua Weeks, Samuel Weeks. Hannah Lewis, Elinor Johnson, Mary 
Philbrook. Margaret Johnson, Judith Cate, Comfort Weeks, Mary Whidden, 
Ellis Haines, Prudence Philbrook, Martha Philbrook, Elinor Berry, Elizabeth 
Berry, Hannah Brick. Susannah Foss, Mary Foss, Abigail Burnham, Dorothy 
Crockett, Sarah Babbe, Sarah Kenstone, James Sherburne, Sherburne. 

Pastors. — Rev. William Allen was ordained July 15, 1707. Died Septem- 
ber 8, 1760, aged eighty-four years. 

Rev. Samuel MacClintock was ordained as colleague with Mr. Allen, 
November 3, 1756. Died April 27, 1804, aged seventy-two. 

Rev. James Armstrong Neal was ordained May 22, 1805. Died July 18, 
1808, aged thirty-four. 

Rev. Ephraim Abbott was ordained October 27, 181 3. Dismissed October 
28, 1828. 

Rev. Samuel Wallace Clark was ordained August 5, 1829. Died August 
17, 1847, aged fifty-two. 

Rev. Edwin Holt was installed March 8, 1848. Dismissed January 7, 
1851. 

Rev. Edward Robie was ordained February 25, 1852, and is the present 
pastor having served fifty-two years. 

The present church edifice was built in 1756, was remodeled in 1834, and 



430 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

renovated again in i8Si. It is the second church edifice occupied by the 
society. 

George Brackett, Esq., who died June 23, 1825, aged eighty-eight, gave 
in trust to the Massachusetts Society for promoting Christian knowledge 
$5,000, on conditions that that society pay $200 annually to the pastor of the 
Congregational Church in Greenland. 

Mr. Brackett was very desirous of doing good with his property. He 
founded the academy in Greenland which bears his name. He gave $2,600 
to the academy in Hampton, also considerable sums to other charitable objects. 
The gift of $5,000 to the Massachusetts Society for promoting Christian 
knowledge was made six or seven years before his death. 

Francis March, who died in New York in 1858, aged seventy-one, a native 
of Greenland, left by will a legacy of $5,000 to the Congregational Church 
and Society for the support of their minister. 

The clock on the Congregational Church was presented to the town by 
Simeon S. and Abby Barrell Brackett in 1909, in memory of their children, 
Ellen Augusta and Colborn Barrell, who died in their twenty-sixth and 
twenty-third years. 

Mr. Brackett is a life long resident of the town and a direct descendant 
of the first immigrant, Anthony Brackett. 

Rev. Samuel MacClintock. — A worthy patriot during the Revolution was 
Rev. Samuel MacClintock, D. D., pastor of the Congregational Church. He 
was the son of William MacClintock, who lived at Medford, Mass., where 
Samuel was born May i, 1732. He graduated at Princeton in 1751. He 
settled in the ministry at Greenland in 1756, where he had supplied the desk 
for the aged Mr. Allen. He was of warm temperament, and encouraged 
enlistments in the army destined for the overthrow of the French power 
in America. That his practice might tally with his preaching, he volunteered 
as chaplain for Col. Goffee's regiment. He continued with his regiment 
until after the fall of Montreal and its return to Crown Point, which place he 
left September 22d and returned home, accompanied by Moses Ham, Samuel 
Sleeper, and Henry Hill as a guard. In the \\'ar of the Revolution he warmly 
espoused the patriot cadse, went into active ser\'ice, officiated as chaplain, 
"in turn with other clergymen in the province." for the New Hampshire troops 
in the vicinity of Boston in 1775, and was the regularly appointed chaplain of 
Stark's regiment of 1775, and Cilley's of 1776, the former ever speaking of 
him with pleasure as "my chaplain." Dr. MacClintock died April 27, 1804, 
in the seventy-sixth year of his age. Rev. \Villiam Allen, who was ordained 
July 15. 1707, as pastor, and continued over fifty-three years, died September 
8, 1760. His grave in the Greenland Cemetery was but poorly marked until 
about 1800 when Mrs. Caroline A. Weeks raised a nice marble stone to mark 
his resting place. (See second column for Methodist Church.) 

Methodist Church. — The first Methodist sermon preached in Greenland 
was in August. 1808. by Rev. George Pickering. 

In July, 1808. he organized a church, consisting of forty members, among 
whom were the following persons, the only names presen-ed in the history 
of the organization : Samuel Hatch. Sr., and his wife. Polly Hatch, Samuel 
Hatch, Jr., William Simpson and his wife Abigail, Abigail Packer, Thomas 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 431 

Chapman and Sally, his wife, Joseph Clark and Comfort, his wife, Isaiah 
Berry and Elizabeth, his wife, Mary Marston, Olive Snell, and Elizabeth 
Gookin. 

The pastors of the church from its organization to the present, with the 
year of the appointment of each and not the time of service, are as follows : 
1809, George Pickering; 1810, John Brodhead; 181 1, Orlando Hinds; 1812, 
Lewis Bates; 1813, Jonathan Cheney; 1814, WiUiam Hinman; 1815, Martin 
Ruter; 1816, Caleb Dustin; 181 7, A. Metcalf (a local preacher who supplied 
the church until 1835); 1835, Russell H. Spaulding; 183(3, J. H. Patterson; 
1837, Samuel Prescott; 1838, E. D. Trickey; 1840, A. H. Worthing; 1841, 
John Smith; 1842, Matthew Newhall; 1844, Richard Newhall; 1845, James 
Adams; 1847, Franklin Furber; 1849, Benjamin R. Hoyt; 185 1, Silas Green; 
1853, James Thurston; 1855, Lorenzo Draper; 1856, N. L. Chase; 1858, 
J. W. Guernsey; i860, Charles Young; 186:, Eleazer Smith; 1863, George S. 
Barnes; 1865, Nelson Green; 1867, A. C. Manson; 1869, George N. Bryant; 
1871, Fred. D. Chandler; 1873, Hugh Montgomerv; 1875, N. M. D. Granger; 
1877, George W. Ruland; 1880, W. E. Bennett; 1882, W. H. Jones; 1884. 
O. S. Baketel; 1887, D. W. Downs; 1888, S. P. Heath; 1889, Mellen Howard; 
1891, J. W. Adams; 1894, T. D. Folsom; 1896, F. O. Tyler; 1899, A. E. 
Draper. The present pastor is Rev. L. Bragg. 

The first church edifice was erected in 181 5. Previous to this worship was 
held in private houses. In November, 1836, the church edifice was destroyed 
by fire. The present edifice was erected the following year, 1837. It was 
quite thoroughly remodeled in 1872. 

Brackctt Academy was incorporated by act of the Legislature of New 
Hampshire, A. D. 1824. Its title-name was derived from its principal bene- 
factor, George Brackett, Esq.. whose family were among the earliest settlers 
on that beautiful and fertile tract of land in the town of Greenland bordering 
the southeastern shore of the Great Bay, and known in the vicinity as the 
"Bav-side." 

the sum of $2,000 was granted by Mr. Brackett to the trustees namecl m 
the act of incorporation, for the purpose of founding a literary institution 
for the higher education of the youth of the community in which he and 
his ancesto'rs lived. .Additional funds to the amount of about two thousand 
dollars appear to have been contributed by others, citizens of the town and 
friends of popular education. 

The first meeting of the board of trustees was holden August 11, 1826. 
It consisted of Rev. Ephraim Abbot (afterwards principal). Rev. Huntington 
Porter. Nathan Parker. Stephen Pickering, and J. W. March. Inthe mean 
time, between the date of the act of incorporation and the first meetmg, funds 
had been procured, material and labor contributed by the citizens, to erect 
quite an imposing edifice, according to the standard of architecture of those 
earlier days. . 

The preamble of the constitution drafted by the Rev. Ephraim .Abbot, a 
learned and progressive Congregational minister of the town, is a model of 
excellent English, as well as a concise and expressive statement of the value 
and importance of a good education to everA^ community. It reads as follows : 

" \ serious consideration of the great design of the Parent of the universe 
in the creation of man, and of the improvements in knowledge and virtue 



432 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of which the human mind is capable, and a full conviction that youth is the 
important period, on the improvement or neglect of which depend conse- 
quences of the highest moment, both to individuals and to the community, 
have detennined me to appropriate, in the following conveyance, a part of the 
substance wherewith God has blessed me to the purpose of laying the founda- 
tion of an academy for the instruction of youth, not only in English and 
Latin grammar, arithmetic, and the sciences, but more especially to teach them 
the great end and real business of life." 

The first principal was Rev. Ephraim Abbot, a Congregational clergyman, 
settled over the church at Greenland. It is recorded of him that he worked 
on the building, then being erected, with fore-plane and hewing-axe. 

He was also the first president of the board of trustees. He resigned in 
1829, both as principal and trustee. Rev. Huntington Porter was the second 
president of the board, from 1829 to i8_|o, and Joseph Hale second principal 
of the academy. The funds contributed being exhausted, as appears by the 
record in 1830-31, the building was subsequently leased, free of rent, to any 
competent teacher who applied to the trustees with testimonials as to his 
fitness. From 1840 to 1876 ex-Governor Ichabod Goodwin was the acting 
president of the board of trustees. He was succeeded in 1876 by Charles 
W. Pickering, of Greenland, but the old charter has been so far modified by 
the Legislature that the town has control under lease from the trustees of the 
academy building for all purposes, public and literary. This change was made 
in 1876, in order to induce the town to appropriate a liberal sum of money to 
remodel and refurnish the building, which was accordingly done. The build- 
ing is used for the high school, town hall and a room for the selectmen. 

Military Record. — Greenland during the late Rebellion furnished thirty- 
eight men for the ser\'ice, and the bounties paid amounted to $24,184. The 
following is a list of their names, as far as we have been able to secure them: 

Jeremiah Mahoney, Peter Barry, James Berry. Pierpont Hammond, John 
Herrington, Isaiah Bugley, John W. Pickering, John P. Weeks, John A. 
Tucker, Rufus Simpson, Augustus L. Clark. Ebenezer W. Smith, Joseph San- 
bom, Joseph A. Young. James Welch, Ephraim Pickering, Thomas H. Brown, 
Jacob Davis, Charles T. Farrell, Edward Burleigh, William H. Mix, Solomon 
Gray, Albert Durgin, Arthur T. Ball, J. O. Keefe, John Gofy, Robert C. 
Pierce, Ephraim Packer, Lincol Roak, Charles Burleigh, George Ham, John 
Sherbum, Horatio Littlefield. 

The following died in the service : 

John W. Pickering, Joseph Sanborn, Jacob Davis, Jeremiah Mahoney, 
Peter Browman, John Freeland. 

JVeeks^ Ptibltc Library. — The initial steps towards the establishment of a 
public library were taken at the annual town meeting in 1893, when a vote 
was passed binding the tow-n to an annual appropriation of not less than 
twenty-five dollars, for that purpose, in accordance with the provisions of 
the library law. No active steps were taken to carry the vote into effect 
until the latter part of the year 1896, at which time arrangements were in 
progress for opening the library, and to that end $100 worth of books were 
sent to the town from the state. 

Before the preparations for opening the librar\' were completed, the 
trustees were informed that during the previous year I\Irs. Caroline .^. Weeks, 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 433 

of Greenland, had placed funds in the hands of Charles A. Hazlett, of Ports- 
mouth, having in view the erection of a library building, at some future 
date, for her native town. As a result the preparations for opening the 
library were suspended temporarily. 

In March, 1897, the town appropriation was increased to $100. In the 
spring of the same year active steps were taken towards the erection of a 
library building. A suitable lot was secured and the building was erected 
during the year. 

The structure is forty feet front by thirty feet deep, of the colonial style 
of architecture, with pilasters of the Corinthian order ; it is constructed of 
pressed brick, with marble trimmings, granite underpinning, slated roof, 
copper finials, and windows of plate glass. Over the entrance door appears 
the inscription "Weeks Library," in marble; and above this a marble book 
with "A. D. 1897" upon its open pages. 

The vestibule has a floor of composite marble tiles, and at the left of 
the entrance a bronze tablet of the Corinthian order bears, in raised letter- 
ing, the following: "This building erected as a memorial to George Weeks, 
Mary T. Weeks, and J. Clement Weeks, by Caroline Avery Weeks, 
MDCCCXCVII." The walls are adorned with life-size oil portraits of those 
whose memory the institution was designed to perpetuate. The building was 
constructed and furnished in accordance with plans designed by Mr. Haz- 
lett. It was dedicated May 19, 1898, with appropriate ceremonies. The 
volumes now number over 5,000. 

C. W. Brewster in his Rambles speaks of the Weeks House. "The oldest 
house now standing, built in Portsmouth, is the quaint brick house on the 
Weeks farm in Greenland." This is no blunder, although it may seem like 
one, for at the time that house was built Greenland was a part of Ports- 
mouth. We can find no written record of the year of its being built, but a 
family tradition dates its erection in 1638, by the father of Leonard Weeks. 
Leonard was born not far from that time, and had four sons : John, born 
1668; Samuel, born 1670: Joseph, born 1671 ; John, born 1674; and two 
daughters, Mary and Margaret. 

From Leonard the present owner and occupant of the farm descended. 
The house was built on the main road, at that time; but the new road, built 
nearly a century ago, leaves it a little ways off from the main road at the 
present time. The house is 36 feet long by 22 feet wide. The speckled ap- 
pearance of the house is made by having black hard-burned bricks for 
headers all over the front. The bricks were burnt in front of the house. 
The walls of the house are eighteen inches thick. It is of two stories; the 
lower story is eight and one-half feet in height, the second eight. The win- 
dows were originally of small diamond glass set in lead. The timbers used 
throughout the" house and for the roof are all of hard wood. The beams in 
the cellar are squared 12 by 14 inches. The sleepers are of red oak. about 
ten inches in diameter, with the bark on. There are planks on the inside 
of the walls, and the plastering is on rift wood nailed to the plank. 

There are marks of the house being injured by an earthquake, probably 
in I75S- If tradition is correct, this is the oldest house in New Hampshire. 
Brewster further says that "The house was evidently built as a sort of gar- 
rison, with a view of safety from being burnt by the Indians." 



CHAPTER XXXIII 

HAMPSTEAD 

Geographical — Topographical — Petition for a Parrish — Names of Early 
Settlers — Petitions — The First Settlements — Congregational Church- — 
Military Record. 

The Town of Hampstead lies in the southwestern part of the county, and 
is bounded as follows : on the north by Sandown and Danville, on the east 
by Kingston and Plaistow, on the south by Atkinson, and on the west by 
Derry. Hampstead contains 8,350 acres, 400 of which is covered with water. 

This town lies partly on the ridge of land between the Merrimac and 
Piscataqua rivers. The soil is generally fertile. Population 796. 

Petition for a Parish. — The first measures taken for the formation of 
Hampstead as a parish was a petition presented to the Governor and Council, 
January i, 1743-44, signed by fifty-four inhabitants, as follows; 

To his Excellency Penning Wentworth Esq. Governor and Commander 
in Chief In and Over his Majesties Province of New Hamjishire in New 
England. And to the Honourable His Majesties Council and house of Rep- 
resentatives in General Court Assembled. January i, 1743-4. 

The Humble petition of the subscribers Inhabitants in the Province 
aforesd. Sheweth. 

That the greater part of your Petitioners are Inhabitants of the Land in 
Controversie between Kingstown and Haverhill — That one part of us hold 
our Land of Haverhill and the other of Kingstown. That However the 
Right of the soil may be disputed, we are without Dispute of New Hamp- 
shire Government. That your Petitioners are at such a Distance from every 
Parish Meeting house as Renders our attending publick Worship upon the 
Sabbath in any of our Neighbouring Congregations Exceeding Difficult, and 
to many of us quite Impracticable. That we are therefore obliged to pro- 
cure some person to preach to us or else to live without the Benefit of that 
Ordinance. May it therefore please your Excellency and Honours to take 
our case under your Wise consideration, and either Vest us with Parish 
Powers with the following bounds, viz. Beginning at a Crockred red ^^ak 
tree standing in London Derry line from thence running eastwardly three 
miles on Bryants line Thence Northwardly to a bridge called Capt Ingalls 
Bridge thence westerly so as to comprehend the Dwelling house of one Jacob 
Wells from thence to the Corner Beach tree on Chester line and from thence 
upon London Derry line to the bounds first mentioned. Or If this may not 
at present be granted at least to pass an Act to Impower us for a time to 
assess and Levie Taxes upon the inhabitants within the bounds above sd 

43-1 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 435 

for the support of the Gospel and otiier Incident Charges and your Petition- 
ers as in Duty bound shall every pray. 

SUBSCRIBERS 

John Hoog, William Moulton, William Stevens, Peter Easman, Michell 
Johnson, Hugh Tallant, John Atwood, Israel Huse, Nathaniel Harriman, 
Samuel W'orthen, Jr.. George Little, Jr., Samuel Watts, Benjamin Philbrick, 
Jonathan Kimball, Ezekiel Little, Jeremiah Eatton, Samll Stevens, Jr., John 
Johnson, William Eastman, David Copps, John Muzzy. Joseph Stevens, Jr., 
Daniel Roberds, Daniel Roberds, Jr., Ebenezer Gill. Nathaniel Heath, Joseph 
Stevens, Daniel Johnson, Thomas Croford, James Mills, Zecheriah Johnson, 
William Hancock, James Heath, Steven Emerson, Benjamin Emerson. Caleb 
Heath, David Heath, William Heath, Robert Ford, John Kezar, George 
Kezar, Otho Stevens, James Johnson, Obediah Davis, Josiah Davis, Joseph 
Little, Moses Tucker, John Bond, Jonathan Bond, Daniel Hebbard, James 
Graves, James Cook, Jonathan Gile, Samuel Stevens. 

In the House of Representatives April i8th 1744. The within Petition 
Read and Voted that the Petitioners (at their own charge) serve the Select- 
men of Kingston with a Coppy of this Petition and the Votes thereon that 
•they may appeare the third day of the sitting of the General Assembly after 
the first day of May next. James Jeffrey. Clcr. As.sin 

Vote of Kingston setting off certain persons for a new Parish, etc. 

Prov. of New Hamp. 

At a Legall meeting of the Inhabitants & freeholders of Kingstown held 
the 24th of September, 1746, 

Tst Le\i: John Swett was chosen moderator of that meeting. 2d Voted, 
That we do hereby as far as in us lieth sett ofif 

Moses Tucker, Israel Huse, James Huse, James Graves, John Bond, Jacob 
Wells, Meshach Gurdy, John Straw, Jr., William Straw, Philip Wells, Jacob 
Tucker, Joseph Dow, John Straw, Jonathan Colby, Daniel Hibbard, Daniel 
Kidd. Jacob Gurdy, David Straw, Reuben Clough, Israel Huse, Jr., John 
Pressey, Benjamin Tucker, John Hogg & Orlando Colby 
of Kingstown above 'sd with a certain Tract of Land in sd town for a 
Distinct Parish or Precinct Bounded as followeth viz: beginning at the 
Beach tree which is the Dividing Boundary between London Derry and 
Chester sd tree standing on ye west line of sd Kingstown and Running South- 
erly on sd Kingstown said Line as heretofore settled between sd London 
Derry & sd Kingstown to the Islands Pond (so called) then Running East 
and B South three miles. Then Northerly Till a North & B West Course 
will strike sd Kingstown line where it crosses the mill Brook (so called) as 
heretofore settled between sd Kingstown & sd Chester & from thence viz 
where sd Line Crosses sd mill Brook to run Southerly on sd line to the Beach 
tree first mentioned. 

This is a true copy, taken out of Kingstown Book of Records. 

\iiQSt Jed- Philbrick, Town Clerk. 



436 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

PETITION OF RICHARD HAZZEN, ETC.^ ABOUT SUPPORT OF REV. JAMES GUSHING 

To His Excellency Benning W'entworth Esq. Governour & Commander 
in Cheif in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire in New Eng- 
land & to the Honble his RIajesties Councill & House of Representatives in 
Generall Court assembled at Portsmouth for sd Province, May 1748. Hum- 
bly Shews. 

Richard Hazzen for himself and in behalfe of the Inhabitants of that 
Part of Haverhill district commonly called Timberlane, 

That the inhabitants of said Timberlane have for the greatest part of 
fifteen years past at a verry great cost and charge hired a minister to preach 
amongst them and at the same time been Excused from paying any thing 
towartls the support of the Revd Mr James Cvishing. 

That the Revd Mr Gushing Hearers (Exclusive of said Timberlane) live 
about two thirds of them on the North Side of the Boundary Line and in 
this Province and the other third on ye other side on which side lyes also the 
greatest part of his Personage or Glebe Lands. 

That at a meeting of the District in November last Pursuant to the select- 
mens warrant it was agreed & Voted that the inhabitants living on this side 
of ye line (meaning those who lived out of Timberlane limits) should pay 
the Re\d Mr Gushing Two Hundred pounds for his support this year. Old 
Tenor on consideration of the Depreciating of the money &c which would 
have been a small matter more than what they paid last year. 

That some time afterwards at a Legall meeting of the afore sd Districts. 
The inhabitants of Timberlane were by vote set ofi from Mr Cushings Parish 
and near the same lines which a committee Sent By your Excellency & the 
Honble Council thought proper to l)e done as appears by their Report. 

That notwithstanding the meaning & intent of the afore sd Vote respect- 
ing Mr Cushings Support by which the inhabitants of Timberlane ought to 
have they were set off from Mr Cushings Parish as much as the District had 
a ])ower to do, The assessors have rated us to Mr Gushing and thereby made 
their own Taxes much less than last year, & taken away our money from 
us which we should have had to pay cmr own minister. 

That we have been thereby necessitated to make a Rate amongst Our 
selves to pay our minister but as we had no legall power to do it some refuse 
to pay, so that we are now in a verry deplorable Condition unless your Ex- 
cellency & Honours will Interpose on our behalfe. 

We therefore Humbly & Earnestly request your Excellency & Honours 
to compassionate our circumstances & give .Such Orders that we may be ex- 
cused from paying to ye Revd Mr James Gushing & at the same time that 
he may not be cheated and defrauded of his honest due. & that we may be 
Impowered to raise a Tax amongst our Selves to pay our own minister or 
that you will afford us Such other Relief as to your Excellency & Honours 
shall think best for us. 

.'\nd for your Excellencv & Honours your I-fumble petitioners as in duty 
bound shall ever pray &c , Richard Hazzen. 

for himself & in behalfe of ye Tnhaljitants of Timberlane. 
May T2th 1748. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 437 

PETITION OF EDWARD FLINT AND OTHERS TO BE ANNEXED TO HAMPSTEAD 

To his Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Governour & Commander in 
Chief in & over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England 
& to the Honble the Councill of said Province, 

Humbly Shews, 

The petition of Edward Flynt, Samuel Stevens & others the Subscribers 
that your petitioners Liveing in that part of Haverhill District commonly 
called Timberlane have always together with the other Inhabitants chearfully 
paid their Taxes & when a petition was preferrd by the said Inhabitants to 
your Excellency & Honours to be incorporated into a Township, your petition- 
ers signed ye said petition & hoped that when the Township was incorporated 
that not only your petitioners Houses but their estates also would have been 
taken within ye charter being much more for the Interests of your petitioners 
than to be put any where Else. 

But so it is may it please your Excellency & Honours that by the Charter 
of Hampstead lately Granted, your petitioners Estates are so Divided that 
near one half lye within the Town of Hampstead & the other half is left out 
notwithstanding these lands have for many years past been fenct in and im- 
proved & being so Divided & Split by the said Lines it is to the very great 
damage of your petitioners. 

We therefore earnestly reciuest your Excellency & Honours to annex our 
whole lands to Hampstead according to our first petition. 

And for your Excellency & Honours your Humble petitioners, as in duty 
bound, will ever pray, etc. 

Edwd Flint. 
Saml Stevens. 
Nehemiah Stevens. 
David Stevens. 
Sema Stevens. 
Wm Stevens. 
Joseph Stevens. 

Hampstead, February 14th, 1749. 

The first settlement by white men in Hampstead was made prior to the 
year 1728 by a Mr. Ford, who is supposed to have been the pioneer. In 1728 
a Mr. Emerson settled in the south part of the town. Prior to the division 
line between the States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire this territory 
was embraced in Amesbury and Haverhill. Mass. It was granted January 
ig, 1749, and named after the pleasant Village of Hampstead. in England, 
a short distance north of London. It included within its grant a portion of 
Kingston, which created a long dispute between the two towns, which was 
finally settled by Hampstead paying one thousand pounds, old tenor. 

The town is well supplied with railway facilities, the Boston & Maine 
road passing the western part. 

The resources of the town are principally from the productions of the 
soil and mechanical labor. 

The Congregational Church was organized June 3, 1752, with sixty-eight 
members. The first pastor was Rev. Henn,' True, who served (till the day 



438 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of his death) thirty years. The church was then without a pastor ten years. 
The second pastor was Rew John Kelly, who served forty-four years, from 
1792 to 1836: third pastor. Rev. J. M. C. Barkley. served twenty years to 
1856: fourth pastor, Rev. Theodore C. Pratt, served ten years: fifth pastor, 
Rev. Ebenezer W. Bullard, served five years. The following succeeded Mr. 
Bullard : Albert Watson, 1876-1893; Rufus P. Gardner, 1893-1901 : Walter 
H. Woodsuni, 1902-1906; Lynn V. Farnsworth, 1907-1912: Halah H. Loud. 
1913-1914. 

The church first worshiped in an edifice built by the town over one hun- 
dred years ago. In 1837 the society built a new church and dissolved partner- 
ship with the State. The old church was then remodeled and made available 
for town purposes. 1"he church built in 1837 was found to be in an unsafe 
condition after being used a little over twenty years. In the year i860 it 
was taken down, and the following year the present commodious edifice was 
built ujjon the same site. 

Military Record, 1861-6^. — The following is a list of soldiers, residents 
of the town, who served during the late Rebellion: 

Charles E. Frost, Henry A. Noyes, John H. Pingree, Charles M. New- 
begin, Daniel L. Sawyer, George W. Keeser, Charles W. Clowe, Simeon S. 
Clayton, William H. Clayton, William R. Cowel, George Clayton, Simeon D. 
Hinds, David B. Hinds, Samuel Morse, Thomas W. Morse, E. Jones Collins, 
Marquis J. Brewster, Leander Harris. James T. Hall. Horace Barney. 
Nathaniel H. Bushbey, John Wast. George W. Conner, George R. Dow. 
Thomas O'Connell, John L. Woodsum, Josiah C. Eastman, M. D.. Elbridge 
G. Wood. Leonard Hutchings. Joseph J. Calef. Benjamin G. Currier. Warren 
A. Kimball. William H. Johnson. Lucian M. Nichols. Avender Carson. Wil- 
liam H. Minot. Adin T. "Little. .Aaron H. Davis, John C. Kimball, Caleb J. 
Hoyt. Thomas D. Barter. Charles H. Shannon. James Johnson. George Allen. 
Allen B. Martin. Horace R. Sawyer. Charles H. Grover, Frank S. Eastman, 
George W. Bickford. Nathaniel Corson, Samuel Johnson, Frank H. Little. 
George H. McDuffee. Henry C. Little. Albert C.^Brickett, Linus H Little. 
Henry B. Thorne. Thomas M. .A^rnold, William Barrett, O. D. Nichols. Hazen 
L. Hoyt. William H. Davis, Nathaniel Frost, David L. N. Hoyt, William 
L. S. Tabor. Albert H. Ayer. Charles E. Atwood. Lewis Legacy. Daniel J. 
Wilson. Charles W. Williams, John F. Johnson, Charles Stevens. Fred P. 
Shannon. 

The town also hired thirtv-eight substitutes. 

Hauipstcad Public Library was established in 1888. It is a public library 
although it did not receive state aid. It has a separate building, a permanent 
fund and 4.000 volumes on its shelves. M. Lillian Hoyt is librarian. 



CHAPTER XXXI V 

HAMPTON 

Geographical — The First Settlement — Names of Early Settlers — Documentary 
History — Witchcraft — Tea Jet Resolves — Revolutionary Soldiers — 
Soldiers of i86i-^ — Ecclesiastical. 

Hampton is located on the coast, and is bounded as follows : on the north by 
North Hampton, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the south and west 
by Hampton Falls. The surface is level and the soil fertile. The area is 
about eight thousand acres. The population in 1910 was 1,215. Hampton 
is connected by electric railways to Exeter, Amesbury and to Portsmouth 
via Rye Beach. 

The Town of Hampton was incorporated May 22. 163Q, by a "court 
holden at Boston." It had previously been called \\'innacunnet, Init the court 
ordered that it "shall be called Hampton." 

It embraced, in addition to its present territory, the present towns of 
North Hampton, Hampton Falls, Seabrook, Kensington, and South Hampton, 
having an area of about forty-five thousand five hundred acres. 

It was originally a portion of Massachusetts, and remained as such until 
1680, when it was joined to X"ew Hampshire. 

The settlement of this ancient town dates back to I'^i^- \vhen the Rev. 
Stephen Batchelor and a com])anv of adventurous pioneers located upon its 
fertile lands. 

Johnson, in his "\\'onder-\\'orking Providence," which was the first his- 
tory of New England ever published, in referring to the settlement here, 
says: 

"Much about this time ( i''),^8) liegan the town of Hampton, in the county 
of Norfolk, to have the foundation-stone laid, situate near the sea coast not 
far from the famous River of Merrimack, the great store of salt marsh did 
intice the people to set down their habitation there, for as yet Cowes and 
Cattell of their kinde were not come to the great downfall in their price, of 
which they have about 450 head ; and for the form of the Town it is like a 
Flower de luce, two streets of houses wheeling off from the main body 
thereof; the land is fertile, but filled with swamps and some store of rocks, 
the people are about 60 Families. I>eing gathered together in Church cove- 
nant, they called to office the reverend, grave, and gracious Mr. Doulton. hav- 
ing also for some little space of time the more ancient Mr. Batchelder to 
preach unto them also ; here take a short remembrance for tlie other : 

439 



440 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

"Uoulton (loth teach perspicuously and sound, 

With wholesome truths of Christ thy flock doth feed. 
Thy honor with thy labor doth abound. 

Age crownes thy head, in righteousness proceed 
To battle downe, root up, and quite destroy 

All Heresies and Errors that drew back 
Unto perdition, and Christ's flocks annoy ; 

To warre for him those weapons dost not lack. 
Long days to see that long'd for day to come 

Of Babel's fall and Israel's quiet peace; 
Thou yet maist live of days so great a sum. 
To see this work let not thy warrfare cease." 

This was the "one and twentieth town" settled within the bounds of the 
ancient County of Norfolk. 

In 1636 Massachusetts, with a view of securing the valuable meadows 
in this vicinity, empowered Mr, Drummond and John Spencer, of Newbury, 
to build a "bound house" here at the expense of the colony. It was built 
in 1638, the architect being Nicholas Easton, who subsequently removed to 
Rhode Island and erected the first English house in Newport. This "bound 
house" was the first structure erected by whites within the bounds of the 
ancient town. (See Hampton Falls.) 

The following is a list of the first settlers who accompanied Mr. Batchelor : 
John Browne, Christopher Hussey, Edmund Johnson, Robert Pucke, Thomas 
Jones, Robert Saunderson, James Davis, Richard Swaine, Samuel Green- 
field, Abraham Perkins, Francis P'eabody, Philemon Dalton, John Huggins, 
Jeofi'rey Mingay, Thomas and John Moulton, William Palmer, Thomas 
Marston. William Eastowe. Lieut, ^^'illiam Hayward, Isaac Perkins, Wil- 
liam Wakefield, William Fifield, Moses Cox, Thomas King, Anthony Taylor, 
Thomas \\^ard, Silas Fuller, William Saunders, Daniel Hendrick, John 
Wedgewood, Thomas Chase, William Fuller, Robert Carwell, John Cross, 
William Sargent, and Arthur Clark. 

The following were here the second summer of the settlement : Robert 
Page, Joseph Austin, John Philbrick, Walter Roper, William Marston. Joseph 
Smith, William English, Henry Ambrose, and William Parker. 

The following additional settlers are found in 1643: James Davis, Jr., 
William Marston, Jr., William and Stephen Sanborn, A. Chase, Edward 
Tucke, Francis Swaine, Thomas Linnet, John Sanborn, William Huntington, 
and Richard Knight. 

Early Settlers. — Henry Ambrose was granted lands in 1640. He assisted 
in building the first pound in the town. It stood on the meeting-house green. 

Francis Austin was one of the earliest proprietors of Hampton. He was 
here in 1741. He had two children, Isabella and Jemima. Isabella married 
Philip Towle. and was charged with being a witch. George Abome was here 
prior to 1650. The name was sometimes spelled Eborne, or Ebourne. Rev. 
Stephen Bachiler. 

Jasper Blake was here in 1650, when he and his wife had seats assigned 
to them in the meeting-house. He died in 1673, leaving a widow, Deborah. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 441 

She died in 1678, and among the articles of her estate which were appraised 
were "a pike well headed, 5 shillings; a sword, 5s.; and a gun barrel, 5s." 

Nathaniel Boulter was here in 1644. It is related of him that "he was a 
quarrelsome, litigous fellow, ahvays in the law, and very unpopular." What 
doubtless rendered him peculiarly odious to the inhabitants of Hampton was 
the fact of his taking an active part against them in the celebrated suits of 
Mason, which involved the title to the lands in New Hampshire. He died in 
1693. 

John Brown was one of the first company who settled here. He was here 
in 1640. He built the first "barcpie" that was built in Hampton in 1641-42, 
at the river near Perkins Mill. He was a prominent man, became one of the 
largest land-owners in the town, was one of the selectmen in 165 1 and 1656, 
and in 1663 ^^'^^ chosen "to see that the boys do not play in the gallery." He 
died in 1686. 

John Cass came to Hampton, and married Martha, the daughter of Thomas 
Philbrick, before 1650. He died "suddenly in his bed," April 7, 1675. His 
estate, as appraised by Edward Gove and Joseph Dow, was valued at £940 lis. 
His property was of more value than that of any person who died in Hampton 
prior to 1680. The Hon. Lewis Cass was a direct descendant of the above. 

Aquila Chase was here in 1640. He was born in 1618, and died in 1670. 
He was the ancestor of Hon. Dudley Chase, Bishop Chase, and of the Chase 
families of Portsmouth and New Castle. 

Thomas Chase was one of the first settlers w'ho came here the first summer. 
He died in 1652. 

John CHtf'ord and wife came to Hampton prior to 1650. He was a select- 
man in 1660, and a signer to Weare's petition to the king in 1683. He had 
three wives, and died in 1694. 

Edward Colcord settled here prior to 1645. A son, Edward, was killed 
by the Indians in that part of North Hampton known as Pagetown. "Ould 
Edward Colcord died in 1681." His wife and family having been abused 
by him, and feaful of their personal safety, had him confined in jail. He 
gave bonds to keep the peace, and was discharged. He and his wife Ann 
having complained of each other for fighting, were both bound over to keep 
the peace, April 22, 1686. 

William Cole was one of the witnesses to Wheelriglit's Indian deed, and 
was in Exeter in 1638. He came to Hampton soon after. He died in 1662. 
aged about eighty years. He was the husband of Eunice Cole, the reputed 
witch. 

Thomas Coleman was here prior to 1650. 

Moses Cox was one of the earliest settlers. In 1657 he lost his wife and 
only son, John, by drowning. This event is thus related in the town records : 

"20, 8, 1657. The sad Hand of God upon Eight persons going in a vessell 
by Sea from Hampton to boston who were all swallowed up in the osian 
sone after they were out of the Harbor, the persons wear by name as fol- 
loweth. Robert Nead, surgent, Willim Swaine, Manewell Hilyard, John 
Philbrick, and Ann Philbrick his wife and Sarah Philbrick the daughter, 
Alise the wife of Moses Corks, three sons, who were all Drowned this 20th 



/ 



442 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of the 8 mo 1657." This was the most distressing event which occurred during 
the early settlement of the town. 

John Cross was one of Pjachiler's friends, who came here in the hrst 
company. 

I'hilemon Dalton was one of the fifteen persons to wliom Hampton was 
granted. He came here with his brotlier 1'imothy in 1638. 

Rev. Timothy Dalton, a brother of the above, came here with Bachiler 
in 1638, Bachiler being the pastor, and Dalton the teacher, of the church. 

James Davis, St., came in 1640, and "lived on the landing road." 

James Davis, Jr., was also a pioneer. 

Godfrey Dearborn came here from Exeter between the years 1645 'I'l'^' 
1650. Maj.-Gen. Henry Dearborn was a descendant. He was a prominent 
man in the town, and was selectman, representative, etc. 

William h'uller came in 1640. Liberty was giNcn him "to come and sitt 
downe here as a Planter and Smith in case he bring a certificate of approba- 
tion from ye magr or Elders." He was selectman and representative. He 
was one of the signers to W'eare's petition. B}- his will he gave to the church 
at Hampton "my Porter Flagon." 

John Garland came to Hami)ton before 1653. He died in 1671. 

Samuel Getchell came from Exeter here prior to 1645. 

Deacon William Godfrey was admitted a freeman in 1640. 

Henry Green, Esq., came to Hampton before 1645, and was one of the 
most prominent men for many years. He was one of the assistant judges 
who tried the Reverend Mr. Moody. He died in 1700. 

Daniel Hendrick was one of the young men who came here the first 
summer. 

Barnabas Horton was also one of the pioneers. 

E. Hilliard was here before 1650. 

Maurice Hobbs, one of the pioneers, left England in consequence of dis- 
appointed love. The course of true love failing to run smooth, he sailed for 
the Western world, and became an inhabitant of Hampton soon after 1640. 
He married Sarah, daughter of W^illiam Easton. 

I.ieut. William Howard was one of the earliest settlers, and one of the 
most prominent men during his residence in the town. He came in 1640. 
He was the first commander of the militia of Hampton, and was one of 
the leading business men, being chosen to nearly all the offices, both in church 
and town. 

John Huggens came the first summer. 

Christopher Hussey was a son-in-law of Reverend Mr. Bachiler, and 
came here with him. He was a prominent and influential citizen, and held 
various offices. 

Edmund Johnson was one of the first company of settlers. In 1648 he 
is chosen to ring the bell, keep the meeting-house clean, and keep out the 
dogs for a year. His son Thomas was the first white child born in Hampton. 

Thomas Jones was one of the first prospectors. He was not here after 
1641. 

fohn I.egatt was an inhabitant in i6_lo. He was a scho(ilmaster. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 443 

Thomas jMarston was among the married men who came to Hampton 
the first summer of its settlement. He was a surveyor. 

Wilhani Marston was also an early settler. He remained here until about 
165 1, when he removed to North Hampton. 

Joseph Merry came to Hampton prior to 1653, and was a carpenter. 

Jeffrey Alingay was among the first company of settlers. He is said to 
have been a very active and useful man, both in church and town aft'airs. 

Robert Page came to Hampton in the second summer of its settlement. 
He was selectman, representative, and deacon. "He was one of the most 
enterprising and useful men of his day, so far as his want of knowledge sufii- 
cient to write his name would permit." 

Abraham Perkins was among the first settlers. He is described as being 
superior in point of education to the most of his contemporaries, writing a 
beautiful hand, and was often employed as an appraiser of estates, etc. He 
died in 1683. 

Isaac Perkins was one of the first settlers. The Perkinses of Seabrooke 
are his descendants. 

James Philbrick was here prior to 1650. He was a mariner, and was 
drowned in Hampton River in 1674. 

John Philbrick came during the second summer of the settlement. He was 
the first of the name in Hampton. 

Thomas Philbrick came here in 1650 or 165 1, and is supposed to be the 
ancestor of the Philbricks in Hampton, Rye, Seabrooke, etc. 

"Robert Read, of Boston, is admitted as an inhabitant into the towne 
to follow his trade of shoomaking." (Town records, 1657.) He was 
drowned in 1657. 

John Redman was an early settler. In 1684 he was chosen to keep tlie 
boys from playing in the gallery. He was an aid to Mason and Cranfield in 
their controversy with the people. 

Edward Rishworth came here in about 1650. He was a son-in-law of 
Wheelright, and a leading man while here. He removed to Kittery in 1652. 

Henry Roby came to Hampton in 1653. He was a leading spirit, and 
was one of the justices of the Court of Sessions before whom Mr. Moodey 
had his trial in 1684. He was selectman in 1656, 1660. 1665, and 1681. He 
died in 1688. His descendants reside in this vicinity and in Maine. It is 
believed that Col. Frederick Robie, the present governor of Maine, is a 
descendant. , 

Lieut John Sanborn, with liis brothers Stephen and W iHiam, came to 
Hampton in 1640. His mother was a daughter of the Rev. Stephen Bachiler. 
Lieut Sanborn was an active, influential citizen, and was chosen to various 
position^^ of trust and responsibility. He was one of the most strenuous 
opponents of the Masonian claim and of Cranfield's administration. He was 
a sicmer to Weare's petition to the king in 1683. In October. 1683. Robert 
Mason Sherlock, the marshal, and James Leach came to Sanborn's house in 
order to °-ive Mason house possession, when Sanborn not opening the door. 
Leach bv'the marshal's order broke it open, and gave Mason possession. Mr. 
Sherlock took Sanborn prisoner, when Mason openly told the people "that is 
what you shall all come to." 



444 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

In 1683, Cranfield brought an action against Sanborn for saying, "I ques- 
tion w hether ever the King knew of his, the said Edward Cranfield's, commis- 
sion or patent." His four sons — Richard, Josiah, John, and Joseph — were 
signers to Weare's petition. 

Stephen Sanborn was a brother of John and WiUiam, and came to Hamp- 
ton with them. 

WiUiam Sanborn, brother of the above named, was also an active citizen. 

Robert Shaw came to Hampton between 1646 and 1649. He was a repre- 
sentative in 1651-53. 

Among the first votes passed by the good people of Hampton was one 
imposing a fine for non-attendance at town-meeting, as follows : 

"Twelve pence fine imposed on all who neglect to attend the meetings of 
the Freemen after one-half hour of the time appointed, having had a sufficient 
warning. August 30, 1639." 

In the following month William Sanborn was chosen bell-ringer. 

December j/, 1639, it was voted that "every master of a family provide 
a Ladder (^before the last of May next) whereby he may reach to the top of 
his House, or they shall forfeit 4 pence a piece." The constable ordered 
"to collect it or pay it himself." 

The First Mill. — April 6, 1640, the town ordered that "writings be drawn 
between the town and Richard Knight concerning his building a mill near 
the landing place." 

At the same meeting a vote was passed to build a "Meeting-House 40 feet 
long, 22 Feet wide, & 13 Feet high between joynts. A place to be fixed for a 
Bell now given by the Rev. Pastor, Mr. Batchelder." The expense of this 
meeting-house to be defrayed by voluntary contributions. 

Ten shillings voted to be given to those who kill a wolf. 

In 1647 mention is made of a mill which Timothy Dahon and \\'illiam 
Howard undertook to build. 

In 1648 a grant of twenty-five acres was made to Abraham Perkins and 
Henry Green in consideration of their building a mill. 

In 1697, Philip Towle fined one shilling for profane swearing by Henry 
Dow, justice of the peace. 

In 1687, "it was ordered by vote that the selectmen shall take care to build 
a convenient watch-house according to law, and to sett it where the oukl watch- 
house stood, and to provide Powder, bullets, mach-flints, or what els the Law 
requires for a Perm stock for the soldiers, and to make a rate for the same 
upon the inhabitants not exceeding £10." 

The constable ordered to keep the youth from playing on Sabbath days. 

In the years when the laws were enacted in the assembly they had reference 
to many things outside of ordinary legislation. Women were forbidden to 
expose their arms or bosoms to view. Their sleeves must reach to the wrists 
and their dresses fit high upon the necks. No person worth less than 200 
pounds was allowed to wear gold or silver lace, or silk hoods or scarfs. 

"HaMsouiing" the Church. — February 15, 1704, the town voted "that the 
present Selectmen take care that all the clay walls in the Meeting House that 
are not ceiled shall be smoothed over with clay and washed with White Lime 
and made hansom." 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 445 

March i, 17 14, a vote was passed imposing a fine of ten shillings on those 
who vote in a meeting of the Commons without a right. 

In 1726, Deborah Brown was given notice by the selectmen to remove 
from town, otherwise to give security; if not, they will prosecute her "accord- 
ing to Law." 

In 1 661 a penalty was imposed on any one "who shall ride or lead a Horse 
into the meeting house." 

Forts. — May 17, 1692, "It was voted that liberty is given to so many as 
are willing to remove the Fortification from about the Meeting House and to 
sett it between the Minister's House, the Prison, and the Meeting House in 
some convenient place, that there may be liberty for any concerned in it to 
build Houses in it, according to custom in other Forts." "It was voted that 
there shall be a House builded in said Fort, at the Town's charge, of 14 feet 
wide and 16 feet long, and finished forthwith for the use of it; it shall \x 
improved for a Scout House, or the Watch House removed and made 
habitable." 

Garrisons. — The following is an interesting document concerning gar- 
risons ; 

"Hampton, ii Oct. 1703. 

"I do hereby Direct that you forthwith order a convenient Number of 
Garrisons for tlie Town of Hampton, particularly one in the body of the 
Town, Near the Church, to be of large contents, where the women and chil- 
dren may repayr in Case of Danger, that your soldiers may the better defend 
the place, and that you command all the soldiers of your Towns to attend 
thereof till they be finished. Given under my hand the day and year above 
written. 

"J. Dudley." 

Ringing the Bell. — In 1650 a vote passed to have the bell rung every 
evening at 9 o'clock throughout the year except Sunday, when it was to be 
rung at eight. 

The Caitsc2t.xjx- — The Hampton Causeway Turnpike Corporation, incor- 
porated in 1808; "distance one and three-cpiarters miles, cost $14,173.66; dis- 
continued in 1826. 

Hampton Proprictar\ School, called Hampton Academy, was incorjxjrated 
June 16, 1810. 

]]'itchcraft. — Eunice Cole, widow of \\'illiam Cole, was a fruitful source 
of vexation to the good people of Hampton for a long series of years. Hated 
and despised for her ugly and malicious disposition, she was also feared by 
many on account of her supposed alliance with the devil, who had given her 
power to inflict whatever punishment or injury she chose upon all who had 
the daring in any way to offend her. But notwithstanding her reputation of 
being a witch, it did not prevent the young people of that day from playing 
upon her many a trick, which the fact of her living solitary and alone afforded 
them a good opportunity. The story goes that Peter Johnson, who was a 
carpenter, was a ringleader among her tormenters. At one time he was fram- 
ing the second meeting-house, when attempting to hew off a chip from a stick 
of timber, while she was standing by waiting to pick it up for her fire, he 
struck blow after blow without producing any apparent impression upon the 



.446 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

stul^born wood. This caused her to laugh at him, and taunt him with his 
great skill as a carpenter, which so irritated him that he threw his axe directly 
at her. It, however, passed her, and stuck in the ground, with the handle 
upwards. He caught hold of the handle with the intention of taking it up, 
but in vain. At length after repeated unavailing efforts, he requested her to 
give him his axe again, and told her that he was very sorry for what he had 
done. She immediately went and pulled the axe out with the greatest ease. 

It is also related that at one time some of the more daring of the young 
people looked into her windows one evening, when they saw her very busily 
engaged in turning a bowl with something in it, apparently in the shape of a 
boat. At last she turned it over, and exclaimed, "There, the devil has got the 
imps!" That night news came that Peter Johnson, carpenter, and James 
Philbrick, mariner. Were drowned at the same hour from a boat in the river, 
near the creek now known as Cole's Creek. The drowning of these men, who 
were much lamented, increased the fear and hatred of the old woman. 

On the Rockingham County records is the following: "At a Quarter 
Court held at Hampton, in the Province of New Hampshire, 7 Sept. 1680, 
Maj. Richard \N'aldron Pres., Eunice Cole, of Hampton, by .Authorite, com- 
mitted to prisson on suspition of being a witch, & upon examination of Testi- 
monys the Court vehemently suspects her so to be, but not full proof is sen- 
tenced, & confined to Imprisonment, & to be kt\)t in durance until this Court 
take further ords with a lock to be kept on her legg. In meane while the 
Selectmen of Hamjiton to take care to jirovide for her as formerly that she 
may be retained. 

"The testimony put on file.'" 

She lived in a little hut in the rear of the academy, and upon her death 
the people dragged the body to a hole and covered it up with all speed, and 
then drove a stake through it with a horseshoe attached, to prevent her from 
again troubling the good people of Ham])ton. 

The fear of her name would alarm the most courageous or subdue the 
worst temper from generation to generation. 

Persecution of the Quakers. — The persecution of the Quakers in New 
England during the middle and latter part of the seventeenth century is too 
well known to be repeated here. This honored town did not escape the 
fanaticism of the day, as we have recorded evidence that "three vagabond 
Quakers, Anna Coleman, Mary Tompkins, and Abie Ambrose," were made 
fast to the "cart's tail" and whipped upon their naked backs through the town. 
( / This decree was ordered by Richard Waldron, dated "Dover. December 22, 
1662." It was sent to the various constables in the towns from Dover to 
Dedham. that those Quakers should be conveyed from constable to constable, 
receiving ten stripes iTi each town "till they are out of this jurisdiction." This 
order was only executed in Dover, Hampton, and Salisbury. In the latter 
town Walter Barefoot, under the pretence of delivering them to the constable 
of Newbury, secured them from further cruelty by sending them out of the 
province. 

Hampton men served in the Indian wars if>73-i763. In the King Wil- 
liams' war eighty Hampton men are known to have served. 

Tea Act Resolves. — The first recorded action of the Town of Hampton 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 447 

concerning the War of the Revolution was under date of January 17, 1774, 
when a series of resohitions were passed called the "Tea Act Resolves." They 
stigmatized the tea tax as "unreasonable and unconstitutional," and, further, 
that "it must be evident to every one that is not lost to virtue nor devoid of 
common sense that if they are submitted to will be totally destructive to our 
natural and constitutional rights and liberties, and have a direct tentlency to 
reduce the Americans to a state of actual slavery." 

At this meeting the following committee of correspondence was chosen: 
Mr. Philip Towle, Capt. Josiah Moulton, Amos Coiifin, Es([., Mr. William 
Lane, and Josiah Moulton {3d). 

July 18. 1774, Col. Jonathan Moulton, Col. Christopher Toppan, Capt. 
Josiah Moulton, and Mr. Josiah Moulton ( 3d ) were chosen delegates to the 
Provincial Congress to be holden at Exeter on the 21st inst. to chose delegates 
to the Continental Congress." 

August 7, 1775, it was "voted to set a guard of four men each night upon 
the Beach until the Fall of the year." 

July 29, 1776. four pounds was voted to each man who should enlist, in 
addition to the bounty given by the colony. 

RcT'oliitioiiarv Soldiers.' — The following is a list of Revolutionary soldiers 
from this town : 

.V roll of the company who enlisted under Capt. Henry Elkins and went 
to the assistance of the Massachusetts colony ( the next day after the fight at 
Concord) as far as Ipswich; the following is a list: 

Captain, Henry Elkins; lieutenants, James Perkins and John Dearborn: 
privates, Simon Sanborn, Edmund Mason, Philip Marston, John Lamprey, 
Jr., Tabez Towle, Jonathan Marston, Jr., Daniel Philbrick, Jr., John Sanbur, 
of Epping, Jonathan Moulton, Jr.. .Vmos Knowles, Jr., John M. Moulton, 
Samuel Hobbs, John Dow, Samuel Marston, Edward Moulton. Jonathan 
Shaw, Carter Batchelder, John Taylor, Jr.. John Sanborn, .\bner Sanborn, 
Joshua Towle, Jr., Joseph Freese, Edmund Philbrick, Nathaniel Foster, Jona- 
than Knowles, Simon Towle, Daniel Tilton, Simon Philbrick. Simon Moulton, 
James Hobbs, and James Tuck. 

Hampton, April 20, 1775. 

The following are the names of the soldiers who went to Portsmouth in 
October, 1775. 

Lieutenants, Cotton Ward and John Dearborn; privates, Abner Page, 
Joshua Towle, Jethro Blake, Moses Brown, Jacob Palmer, Daniel Tilton, 
Benjamin Page,' Robert Drake. Noah Lane. Small Moulton, and John Dow. 

List of men who went to Ticonderoga in July, 1776: Samuel Nay, cap- 
tain; John, John M., and Josiah Moulton (3), Micajah Morrill, Jr., Edmund 
Philbrick. Zaccheus Brown. John Drake. Jr., David Moulton, Samuel 
Lamprey, John Murphy, Samuel Marston. Simeon Philbrick, Jonathan 
Palmer, Samuel Hobbs, and James Hobbs. 

Lieut. Joseph Dearborn served in 1777, and his son in 1773. Sergt. Joseph 
Freese served in 1775- 

The following is a list of those who went to Saratoga in October, 1777: 
Colonel, Jonathan Moulton: captain, John Dearborn; clerk, Josiah Lane: ser- 
geants, John Sanborn. Moses Elkins: lieutenants, John Taylor; corporals. 



448 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Joshua Tovvle, Abner Page, and Nathan Brown ; privates, Jonathan Philbrick, 
Abner Sanborn, Samuel Marston, Benjamin Page, Jacob Palmer, Noah Lane, 
Jabez James, Josiah Mason, Jonathan Godfrey, Jeremiah Ballard, Batchelor 
Brown, Jonathan Marston, Jabez Towle, Samuel Drake. Jacob Moulton, John 
M. Moulton, Joseph Nay, James Lane, and Jethro Blake. 

The following enlisted in 1781 for three months, for twenty-five bushels of 
Indian corn per month or money equal thereto : Amos Garland. Thomas 
Churchhill, Zadoc Sanborn, Josiah Dearborn, Jr., Simon Doe, Jr., William 
Batchiler, Josiah Dearborn, and Isaac Godfrey. 

Samuel Batchiler, Tristram Godfrey, and William Moulton enlisted for 
the term of six months. On July 10, 1780, the following enlisted for a temi 
of three months : Batchiler Brown, John Dearborn, John Marston, Zaccheus 
Brown, Amos Brown, Joseph Freese Dearborn, Thomas Moore, Samuel 
Marston, and Simon Ward. 

The names of 174 men are recorded as having signed the association test 
and of two that refused. 

CIVIL WAR 

Nezv Hampshire Battalion. First Regiment, Nezv Englami Caz'alry, After- 
wards First New Hampshire Cavalry. — G. Dearborn, Troop "M," December 

24, 1 861 ; missed in action October 12, 1863 ; died in Andersonville Prison July 

25, 1864. M. H. Godfrey, Troop "M," January 8, 1862; re-enlisted January 
5, 1864; died from sunstroke in Virginia July 2, 1864. J. W. Lewis, Troop 
"M," January 20, i86»2 ; June 25, 1S62. J. D. Lamprey, Troop "M," February 
17, 1862; November 17, 1862. 

First Regiment Heavy Artillery. — H. N. T. Blake, Company K, Septem- 
ber 17, 1864; June 15, 1865. W\ T. Blake, Company K, September 17, 1864; 
June 15, 1865. A. B. Blake. Company K, September 17, 1864; June 15. 1865. 
C. W. Brown, Company K, September 17, 1864: June 15, 1865. C. W. Drake, 
Company K, September 17, 1864; June 15, 1865. G. O. Leavitt, Company K, 
September 17, 1864; June 15, 1865. D. Y. Moulton, Jr., Company K. Sep- 
tember 17, 1864; June 15, 1865. D. B. Johnson, Company K, September 
17, 1864; June 15, 1865. J. A. Philbrick, Company K, September 17, 1864; 
June 15, 1865. j'. G. Mace. Company K. September 17. 1864; June 15, 1865. 
A. W. Shaw," Company K, September 17, 1864; June 15, 1865. D. A. Towle, 
Company K, September 17, 1864; June 15, 1865. 

United States Navy and Marine. — Everitt D. Blake, enlisted for three 
years, died of disease TG. E. Blake; T. S. Blake: J. C. Dunbar, enlisted for 
three years; Charles Godfrey, enlisted for one year; D. Godfrey, enlisted for 
three years, killed in action; C. M. Hobbs; J. Lamprey, enlisted for three 
years; L. S. Lamprey; J. Locke, enlisted for one year; J. W. Mace, enlisted 
for one year ; J. H. Nudd ; J. E. Riley, enlisted for three years ; A. M. Stevens ; 
F. W. Stevens, died of disease. 

Those serving in other than New Hampshire regiments: J. A. Blake, 
Massachusetts; J. T. Moulton, ist Maine Cavalry, lost an arm; J. D. Palmer, 
I2th Massachusetts, killed in action; Samuel Palmer, Massachusetts; I. Page, 
Massachusetts ; E. S. Perkins, 30th. killed" in action ; A. J. Philbrick, 2d Dis- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 449 

trict Colmiibia; D. T. Philbrick, 22d Massachusetts, missed in action; G. B. 
Wingate, ist Massachusetts Cavalry, died in service from disease contracted 
in Libby Prison, Va. 

Hampton contributed 1 1 1 men to the army and navy of whom seventy- 
eight enhsted for three years ; thirty-one were in service three years or more ; 
twenty-six were killed or died in service. 

In the 1812-14 war nearly all the Hampton men that served were stationed 
at Portsmouth. 

SOLDIERS AND SAILORS IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION 

Second Regiment. — Joseph S. Gillespie, Company B, June i, 1861 ; ser- 
geant, June 13, 1865; re-enlisted; drowned in James River, Va. 

Third Regiment. — Charles F. Dunbar, captain, August 22, 1861 ; re- 
signed. O. M. Dearborn, second lieutenant, August 22, 1861 ; 1865. J. C. 
Dunbar, first sergeant, August 23, 1861 ; July 31, 1862; disability. Geo. 
Perkins, sergeant, August 23, 1861 ; killed in action. D. P. Marston, ser- 
geant, August 23, 1861 ; March 11, 1862; disability. J. W. Akerman, cor- 
poral, August 2^, 1861 ; second lieutenant, July 28, 1863; resigned. Abram 
Dow, corporal, August 2^, 1861 ; sergeant, November 5, 1862; disability. 
William E. Lane, corporal, August 23, 1861 ; August 2t,, 1864. J. S. James, 
corporal, August 23, 1S61 ; captain, July 20, 1865. W. H. Blake, August 2^. 
1861 ; August 2T,. 1864; wounded. G. T. Crane, August 2^, 1861 ; sergeant. 
June 26, 1865 ; disability. J. N. Dow, August 23, 1861 ; sergeant, February 
20, 1862; died of disease. H. B. Dearborn, August 2^, 1861 ; July 20, 1865. 
S. W. Dearborn, August 23. 1861 ; August 2:^, 1864. W. L. Dodge, August 
26, 1861; first lieutenant, October 16, 1864; resigned. James Fair, August 
23, 1861 ; killed in action, June 16, 1862. G. W. Goss, August 23, 1861 ; 
sergeant. May 20, 1865 ; wounded. W. H. Godfrey, August 2^, 1861 ; August 
23, 1864. J. F. Hobbs, August 27,. 1861 ; corporal, March 15, 1865; died of 
disease. G. W. Marston, August 23, 1861 ; July 20, 1865. David \V. Perkins, 
August 23, 1861 ; promoted to first sergeant. May 13, 1864; killed in action. 
J. E. Palmer, August 23. 1861 ; May 16. 1864; killed in action. S. N. 
Lamprey, corporal, August 2t,. 1861 ; promoted to first lieutenant. August 16, 
1864; died from wounds. A. J. Towle, second lieutenant; not mustered. J. 
W. Dow, sergeant, rejected at Concord, X. H. ; disabihty. 

Excepting Simon N. Lampeey, who was in Company B, the above went 
out as part of Company D. Lieutenant Towle was counted out by additions 
from other places, and liot mustered. Sergt. J. \Y. Dow could not pass medical 
examination ; both served with company three months while at Fort Constitu- 
tion, N. H., previous to its going to the* Third. 

John S. James, G. T. Crane, H. B. Dearborn, G. \V. Goss. J. F. Hobbs. and 
G. W. Marston re-enlisted in 1864. Of the twenty-five, four were killed in 
action, one died of wounds, two of disease, and two were wounded. Twelve 
sen-ed three years, and three were with regiment at final muster. Ten out of 
the twenty-five are alive today, only six of which served three years or more. 

Fifth Regiment. — O. W. Blake. Company D, October 23, 1861 ; October 
25, 1862; disability. A. \\'. Shaw. Company D, October 23, 1861 ; November 
20, 1862 ; wounded. 



450 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Sixth Reyimcnt. — T. H. Dearborn, Company D. sergeant, November ly, 
1861; captain. November 2j, 1864; resigned. J. Elkins, Company D, musi- 
cian, November 27, 1861 ; musician, June 24, 1862; disability. A. J. Davis, 
Company D, November 27, 1861 : November 29, 1864. 

Seventh Regiment. — W. Dearborn, Company K, December 11, 1861 ; lune 
26, 1862; disability. 

Eighth Regiment. — I. C. Davis. Company \'>. November 22. 1861 ; January 
i7> 1865. 

Ninth Regiment. — D. Godfrey, Company G. May 17, 1864; October 22. 
1864: died of disease. 

Eleventh Regiment. — F. K. Stratton, chaplain, September 3, 1862; chap- 
lain. May 5, 1865 ; resigned. D. .\. Moulton, Company I, corporal, Septem- 
ber 3, 1862: sergeant, June 4. 18O5; wounded. J. Batchelder. Company I. 
September 3, 1862: July 30, 1S64; missed in action. 

Eonrteenth Regiment. — J. C. Perkins Company D, sergeant, September 
23, i8ri2. S. S. Page, Company D, corporal. September 2T,. 1862; July 8, 
1865. P. A. Emery, Company D, September 23, 1862; July 18, 1865; 
wounded. J. T. Godfrey. Company D. September 23. 1862: July 8, 1865. 

0. H. Godfrey. Company D, September 2^, 1862: July 8, 1865. J. A. 
Gillespie, Company D, September 2^. 1862: July 7, 1S65: wounded. P. 
HefTron. Company D, September 2^, 1862; July 8, 1865. O. H. Marston, 
Company D. September 23, 1862; July 8. 1865. M. Marston. Company D, 
September 23. 1862; September 19, 1864: killed in action. 

Fifteenth Regiment. — D. F. Nudd. Company I. sergeant. October 24, 
1862; August 13, 1863. A. B. Blake. Company I. October 24. 1862; August 
13, 1863. T. Dunbracke. Jr.. Company I, October 24. 1862: .\ugust 13. 1863. 
J. Elkins. Company I, October 24. 1862; .\ugust 13, 1863. J. L. Godfrey, 
Company I, October 24. 1862; August 13. 1863. Charles Godfrey. Company 

1, October 31. 1862; August 13, 1863. B. F. Goodwin, Com])any I, October 
31, 1862; August 13. 1863. G. W. Leavitt. Company I, October 24. 1862; 
August 13. 1863. R. B. Laird, Company I, October 24. 1862; August 13, 
1863. J. D. Lamprey. Company I. October 31, 1S62: July. 1863; killed in 
action. C. G. Perkins. Company K. October if), 1862; August 13. 1863. 

Sixteenth Regiment.- — E. J. Hobbs, Company K. sergeant. Octol>er 25, 
1862: sergeant. August 20. 1863. T. Fisher. Company K. October 25. 1862; 
June 15. 1863: died of disease. C. M. Perkins. Company K. October 25, 
1862; August 20, 1863. J. D. Perkins. Company K. November 13. 1862; 
August 20, 1863. 

Eighteenth Regiment. — O. L. Blake, Company G, January 6. 1865; July 
29. 1865. J. W. Mace, Company G, January 7, 1865: July 29. 1865. J. W. 
Lewis. Company D, September 20. 1864: June 10. 1865. 

The war cost the town $41,094. Drafted men paid $4,893 for substitutes. 

Congregational Church. — The Congregational Church of Hampton is the 
oldest existing church in the state, and was the seventeenth formed in the 
Colony of Massachusetts. A church in Exeter was formed the same year, 
but it existed only a few years. 

The organization of the church was co-existent with the settlement of 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 451 

the town. In fact, the pioneers were uniteil in church covenant hefore coming 
to the new settlement. 

The tirst pastor was Rev. Stephen IJachelor, then seventy-seven years of 
age, who had been a minister in England for many years. His descendants 
are numerous in this vicinity. 

In the early days of the settlement the church worshiped in a log building 
which stood near the present acailemy. The first recorded action found con- 
cerning the erection of a framed church building was under date of April 
6, 1840, when the town voted "to build a meeting-house 40 feet long, 22 Feet 
wide, and 13 Feet high 'between Joints.' A place to be fixed for a Bell now 
given by the Rev. Pastor Batcheldor." 

This primitive structure was built by voluntary contribution, and many 
years elapsed before it was completed. When it was first occupied as a house 
of worship is not known. The first churches were without pews. 

The third meeting-house was erected in 1675, '^^^^ *^he site of the old 
one. By an order of the town all the inhabitants of more than twenty years 
of age were required to assist in its raising. During Mr. Gookin's ministry, 
in 1719, the fourth church edifice was erected. It was first finished with one 
pew for the minister's family. Others were subsequently added. The fifth 
church building was erected in 1 707- 

The bronze tablets on the boulder are inscribed as follows : "This boulder 
near the site of the log meeting-house of the Town of Hampton built soon 
after its settlement in 1638. Three suljsequent church buildings were erected 
on this meeting-house green." 

"'ilie proprietary school known as Hampton Academy was incorporated in 
181 2. Its first building which stood on this spot was burned. The building 
now used by the school was erected in 1852 and removed to the present site 
in 1883." 

Pastors. — As mentioned before, the first pastor was Rev. Stephen Bachelor, 
who remained until 1641. In 1639, Rev. Timothy Dalton became associated 
with Mr. Bachelpr in the pastoral office, and upon the latter's dismissal in 1641, 
Mr. Dalton succeeded him and was sole pastor of the church about six 
years, when the celebrated Rev. John Wheelwright became his associate. He 
was subsetiuently dismissed, and Mr. Dalton again ministered alone to the little 
settlement. Mr. Dalton gave to the church and Town of Hampton the prop- 
erty from which the ministerial funds of Hampton, Hampton I'-alls, and North 
Hampton were derived. 

Mr. Dalton died in 1660, and he was succeeded as pastor by Rev. Sea- 
born Cotton, a son of John Cotton, the celebrated New England divine. He 
continued in the ministry until his death, in 1686. After the death of Mr. 
Cotton the church was destitute of a pastor about ten years. The next regular 
pastor was Rev. John Cotton, who was ordained November 19, 1696, and 
continued in the ministry until his death, March 27, 17 10. Rev. Nathaniel 
Gookin was the next pastor, from 17 10 to 1734. The next pastor was Rev. 
Ward Cotton, from 1734 to 1765. He was followed, in 1766, by Rev. 
Ebenezer Thayer, who remained until his death, in 1792. Soon after the death 
of Mr. Thayer a division arose in the church, and a majority declared them- 
selves Presbvterians. held the old church Inu'lding, and called Rev. William 



452 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Pidgin to the pastoral office, who accepted and was ordained January 27, 1796, 
and remained until 1807. The minority built a church edifice, and called 
Rev. Joseph Appleton in 1797. In 1807, Mr. Appleton was elected president 
of Bowdoin College, and both churches were thus destitute of pastors. They 
were then reunited, the Presbyterian being merged in the Congregational, and 
Rev. Josiah Webster installed pastor July 8, 1808, and continued in that 
office until his death, in 1837. The pastors from that time to the present 
have been as follows : Erasmus D. Eldredge, 1838-49 ; Soloiuon D. Fay. 1849- 
t5: John Colby, 1855-63; John W. Dodge, 1865-68; James McLean, 1870-72; 
F. D. Chandler, 1873-75; John S. Batchelder, 1875-78; William H. Cutler, 
1878-84 ; W. \\'alcott Fay, 1884-86; John A. Ross. 1887-1902 ; Edgar Warren, 
1903-05; Geo. P. Rowell, 1906-08; Inor Partington, 1908-13; J. Seldon 
Strong, 1913-14- 

The present house of worship was erected in 1S43, and dedicated in 
Januar}' of the following year. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — Methodism was introduced into the Town 
of Hampton in the year 1835 by the Rev. James M. Fuller, at that time sta- 
tioned at Lamprey River, Newmarket, who some time in Deceml>er came to 
Hampton and preached one Saturday evening in the North schoolhouse, and 
the Sunday following in the old meeting-house, at that time unoccupied. The 
Reverend Mr. Fuller was followed in two weeks by the Rev. James H. Patter- 
son, then stationed at Newfield, Newmarket, after which there was no Metho- 
dist preaching in town until July, 1836, when the Reverend Mr. Fuller once 
more visited the place and spoke to the people about "the way of life and 
salvation." From July until November there was preaching regularly once 
in two weeks, the pulpit being supplied by ministers from the body known in 
Methodism as "local preachers." Such was the encouragement given to these 
regular services by the people of the town that the friends of Methodism 
decided in November to hold a "protracted meeting," as a result of which 
about twenty professed conversion and were gathered into a "class," which 
may be said to be the beginning of the Methodist Church in Hampton. The 
society had been worshiping during these months in the ofd meeting-house 
above mentioned, a church formerly occupied by the Christian Society, but 
then owned by Messrs. Fogg and Lamprey. In the spring of 1837 the house 
was given to the Methodist Society for their use while they should occupy it 
as a place of worship, and after due repairs it was dedicated to the worship 
of God, May 22d, the Reverend Mr. Fuller preaching an appropriate senuon 
from Psalms xciii. 5 : "Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, forever." 

The church and society being now quite well established it was thought 
best to move forward a little, and at the session of the New Hamphsire Con- 
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which met at Great Falls. July 4, 
1837. Hampton was joined with the Seabrook Station, and received its first 
regularly appointed ministerial supply in the services of the Rev. E. D. Trickey 
and the Rev. John Brodhead, who were stationed on the circuit, but as the 
Reverend Mr. Brodhead confined his labors almost entirely to Hampton from 
"Conference" until his death, which occurred at his home in South New- 
market, .April 7, 1838, he may be said to have been the first Methodist preacher 
stationed in Hampton. In 1838 Hampton was connected with Greenland, 



--HFT- 







AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 455 

and the Rev. E. D. Trickey and William Padman were appointed to the cir- 
cuit. The Reverend Mr. Padnian, however, ga\'e most of his services to the 
Hampton Church, and during the year there was a revival of religious interest 
and quite a number of additions were made to the church. In 1839 Hampton 
was joined with Rye, and the Rev. S. A. Cushing was appointed to the 
circuit, one to be supplied, and the Rev. A. M. Osgood was appointed by the 
presiding elder to assist Mr. Cushing on the circuit, and they labored alter- 
nately in each place from week to week until January, 1840, when the Rev- 
erend Mr. Cushing was released from the circuit, and Mr. Osgood directed to 
finish the year at Hampton, which he did, with some considerable success 
attending his labors. 

Since 1840, Hampton has been an independent station, and has been served 
by the following pastors: 1840, A. M. Osgood; 1841, Abraham Polsom ; 
1842-43, H. N. Taplin; 1844, John F. Adams; 1845, J- ^^- Voung; 1846, 
C. H. Chase; 1847-48, Henry Xutter; 1849, A. M. Osgood; 1850, Ira A. 
Sweatland; 1851, Matthew Xewhall. 

In 1852, Abel Heath was appointed to Hampton Station by the New 
Hampshire Conference, but being taken sick, and dying before he reached 
Hampton, the church was without a pastor until Matthew Newhall was 
appointed to the station to fill out the year. Since then the appointments 
have been: 1853, James M. Hartwell; 1854-55, John English; 1856-57, John 
W. Johnson; 1858-59, N. L. Chase; i860, Joseph Hayes; 1861-62, F. K. 
Stratton; 1863, S. F. Whidden; 1864, E. Lewis; 1865, N. L. Chase; 1S66, A. 
C. Coult; 1867-68, A. A. Cleveland; 1869-70, G. W. Ruland ; 1871, S. J. 
Robinson; 1872-74, Elihu Scott; 1875-76, J. H. Knatt; 1877-78, J. P. Frye; 
1879-80, A. B. Carter; 1881-82, J. F. Spalding; 1882-S3; 1884-86, H. B. 
Copp; 1887-89, W. C. Bartlett; 1890, C. M. Howard; 1891-93, Noble Fisk; 
1893-94, Oilman H. Clark; 1894-96, William A. Prosser; 1898-1904, John W. 
Bradford; 1906-09, J. B. Felt; 1910-12, W. J. Wilkins; 1912-14, E. C. 
Clough. 

In 1846, during the pastorate of the Rev. C. H. Chase, the society secured 
a parsonage for its preachers by buying and moving to an eligible location 
on the Portsmouth road a house standing on the line of the Eastern Railroad, 
then being built. 

In 1848, under the labors of the Rev. Henry Nutter, a building lot was 
secured at the corner of Ann's Lane, so called, and the Portsmouth road, and 
a neat, comfortable church erected, which was dedicated to the worship of God 
in November of the same year, the Rev. Benjamin R. Hoyt preaching the 
dedicatory sermon from Heb. xiii. 16: "But to do good and to communicate 
forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." This church, which 
cost about twelve hundred dollars, served the society as a place of worship 
without material change until the fall of 1881, when, for the better accommo- 
dation of the wants of the society, it was moved to a more eligible location 
near the village on the Portsmouth road, and thoroughly remodeled and 
repaired at an expense of $3,100. The house was rededicated to the worship 
of God January 5, 1882, the Rev. Bradford K. Peirce, of Boston, preaching 
the sermon from I^uke ii. 7 : "Because there was no room for them in the inn." 

New Catholii- Church at Haiiifton Beach. — Excavation for the new 



456 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Catholic Clnirch at Hampton Beach has been started and it is expected that 
it will be ready for occupancy by July i, 1914. 

The church will be located on Highland Crest Park, the land being donated 
by W. J. Bigley of Somerville. 

The church will have a frontage of forty-six feet and a depth of ninety-five 
feet. It will be of frame construction and will cost about $15,000. The seat- 
ing capacity will be about eight hundred. When it is completed there will be 
an 8 o'clock mass every week day and two masses on Sunday. 

The Rev. Fr. F. P. J. Scott, rector of St. Michael's Church, Exeter, will 
be in charge of the new edifice and will stay at the beach all summer, having 
purchased a cottage adjoining the land for the edifice. Bishop Guertin of 
Manchester will dedicate the church during the summer season. 

I'hc Baptist Church. — The Baptist Church was first organized in 1817, 
with the following members: Joshua Lane, Abraham Marston, Amos Towle, 
Jr., Samuel L. Brown, Samuel Nudd, Josiah Dearborn, Joseph Mace, Willard 
Emery, Jr., Abna Mace, Josiah Shaw, Simon Garland. Samuel Batcheldor, 
Jonathan Philbrick, Abigail Mason, Abigail Lane, Betty Towle. Betty 
Marston, Elizabeth Nudd, Sarah B. Towle. Nancy Towle, Hannah Blak, Patty 
Mason. Ludin Shaw, Molly Brown, Sarah Emery, Irene Moss, and Betty 
Garland. 

The first church building was given to the society, and fitted up with com- 
mon board seats with no backs, and no arrangements for fire in the winter 
season for some time. A new edifice was erected in 1834. and raised up in 
1878 and a vestry added. The society now has a good meeting-house and 
parsonage, which was erected in 1854. 

The following is a list of the pastors from Reverend Mr. Hareman to the 
present time: Revs. Elias Hutchins. 1838; P. S. Burbank, 1840; Win. John- 
son. 1845; P. S. Burbank. 1846: \\'illiam P. Alerrill. 1848; F. Moulton. 1851 : 
Wm. Rogers, 1853; Wm. H. Waldron, 1856; Wm. C. Clark, 1857: De \Vitt 
C. Durgin, 1858; F. H. Lyford, 1870: G.' J. Abbott. 1873; L. L. Harman, 
1877; F. P. Wormwood. 1881-85: John B. Merrill. 1885-88: W. A. Tucker. 
1888-92; A. F. Schermerhorn, 1892-95: David H. Adams, 1895-99: G. O. 
Wiggin, 1899-1902; S. D. Church. 1902-03: G. L. Waterman. 1903-09: W. L. 
Phillips, 1909-13; J. L. Smith. 1913-14. 

Second Advent Church. — The church edifice belonging to this society was 
erected in 1871, and the church was organized in 1877. Elder John H. Long- 
land is the present minister. 

Schools. — In 1706 the town voted "that if the inhabitants on the South 
side of Taylor's river shall take care to have their children taught, they shall 
not be assessed to the schoolmaster or Town from yeare to yeare." 

.September 22, 1712, it was "voted to build a schoolhou.se, 24 ft. by 20. 
on the land granted for that purpose by Dea. Dalon. to be finished by the last 
of April." 

In 1737 it was "voted to build a school-house on the school-house acre in 
the room of one which was burnt, of the same size. £2-^ to be paid for build- 
ing said school-house." 

February 7, 1791. it was voted to build Centre and Bride Hill school- 
houses. Other schoolhouses were built in 1825 and 1855. In 1873. the East 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 457 

End Schoolhouse was erected at a cost of $5,380, and the house at the center 
at a cost of $4,485. 

Societies, — Perkins Post, G. A. R. ; Woman's Rehef Corps; l-Jockingham 
Lodge, Hunto Encampment, I. O. O. F. ; Winnecummet keliekah Lodge; 
Ocean Side Grange ; J. O. U. A. 

Hampton Academy was incorporated in 1810, and for a long series of 
years occupied a prominent place among the literary institutidns of the state. 
The union of the academy and high school having a specified course of study 
was made in 1885. The list of principals are published in the "History of 
Hampton," by Joseph Dow. C. T. Ross is the principal. 

Slimmer Resort. — Hampton is famous as a summer resort, and its hotels 
are among the best on the coast. These are: Hotel Whittier, C. H. Hubbell; 
Mason House; Hampton Beach Hotel; Sea View House, J. G. Cutler and the 
Casino. These are all at the beach exce]:)t Hotel Whittier, which is pleasantly 
located in Hampton Village, a short distance from the Eastern Railroad 
Station. 

In 1865, the Hampton Library Association was formed; it was a private 
association. In 1891 its books were given to the town, forming the nucleus of 
a public library, which numbers now 4,400 volumes. The Lane Library 
building was erected in 1910. 



CHAPTER XXXV 

HAMPTON FALLS 

(jcoijraphica! — Topographical — Petition Hampton Falls for a Fair — Grant 
of a Fair, i/S4 — Other Petitions — Council of f/S7 — Congregational 
Church — Baptist Church — Rockingham Academy — The JVearc Monu- 
ment — Military Record — The Bound House. 

Hampton Falls lies in the eastern part of the county, and is hounded as 
follows: on the north by Exeter and Hampton, on the east by Hami)ton, on 
the south by Seabrook, and on the west by Kensington. 

The surface is generally level and soil fertile. The area of the town is 
7,400 acres, 5,786 of which are improved land and there are 1,000 acres of 
salt marsh. The population in 1910 was 560. The average population of 
the town as given by the United States census taken each decade since 1790 
has been 608. Hampton Falls originally formed a portion of the Town of 
Hampton and was incorporated as a parish May 12, 17 18. 

PETITION OF HAMPTON F.^iLLS FOR A FAIR 

To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Escj. Governour and Commander in 
Chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshr and to the 
Honble his Majestys Councel. 

The Humbile Petition of the Select men of the Parish of Hampton falls 
in said province Most Humbly sheweth 

That whare as in this our Parish and in the Touns and Parishes Round 
about us, and to ye East ward of our Province Thare are Raised a Bund- 
ance of Quick Stock which to geather with other Traffick Twill in a year 
we want to sell, and having experenced Sumthing of benifet of a Time and 
place for Marketing sd Stock and Trafifick in our sd Parish, which Benifett 
not ondly our Parish but also our Province togeather with ye eastward Touns 
have shaired with us in by Reason of the Seathuation of our Parishs being ye 
most conveanient to accommodate Boath Provinces. We your Petitioners 
Therefore most Humbly pray 

That his Excellency and ye Honble Councel order that ye second Wednes- 
day and Thursdays in May and ye Third Wednesday and Thirsday in October 
to be days of Fair for Publick Traiding in this Parish att the now most noted 
Publick hous and Cuntory Road yearly and for ever, for the Benyfites above 
Expressed As in duty bound will c\er pray. 
Joseph Tilton 
Jonathan Prescutt 

Joseph Worth Selectmen of ye parish of Hampton-Falls. 

Israel Blak 
Benjamin Green J 
Hampton Falls Oct loth 1734. 

458 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 459 

GRANT OF A FAIR TO HAMPTON FALLS, I734 

George the 2d by the Grace of God of Great Britain, 
[Prov. Seal] France and Ireland King Defendr of ye faith &c To all to 
whom these presents shall come, Greeting — Know yee that 
we of our Especial Grace certain knowledge and meer motion for the due 
encouragement of Trade and Traffic within our Parish of Hampton Falls in 
our province of Xew Hampr in New England and for the more effectual 
carrying on of the same there — Have Given and Granted and do by these 
presents give and grant to the Inhabitants of our Said Parish & their suc- 
cessors the privilege of having holding & keeping two yearly Fairs in the sd 
parrish forever, each to continue 2 day together & no more, The one To be- 
gin on the last Tuesday in April, and the other on ye last Tuesday in October, 
Annually. To have and to hold the said Privilege of keeping Two yearly Fairs 
as above-said for the Ends and purposes above expressed to the said In- 
habitants and their successors forever. In Testimony whereof we have caused 
our Province seal to be hereunto afifixed. 

Witness. Jonathan Belcher Esq. Our Govr & Comr In Chief in and over 
our sd Province the twenty fourth day of October in _\e 8th yr of our reign, 
Anno'q Dom. 1734. J. Belcher. 

By His Excy Comand wth 

the advice of ye Coun. 
R. Waldron, Secy. 

John Brown came to Hampton I'alls from some place in Massachusetts 
about 1730, and remained until a little before 1750 when he removed. He 
appears to have been a man of enterjirise and was not any connection of the 
Brown families living in the vicinity. Soon after coming here he was 
licensed by Governor Belcher and Council to keep an ordinary or tavern, 
which was known as the Georges Tavern. .\ log house owned and kept by 
Colonel Peter Weare had been licensed as an ordinary in 17 17 and kept as 
such until 1730, when from some cause the license had been revoked and 
given to John Brown. .\ petition signed by nearly all the legal \'oters was 
presented to have the old ordinary \\ Iiich had later been kept by Daniel Col- 
lins, reopened and licensed, this request of the petitioners was refused. 

Soon after a petition signed by the selectmen was presented to the Gover- 
nor and council for liberty to hold fairs at Hampton Falls, which was granted 
and a number of fairs were held in the year which followed. 

These fairs were sale fairs such as were held in England, and were not 
like what we know as agricultural fairs at the present time. 

We are able to present the advertisement of the first fair to be held in 
1732. copied from the Weekly Rehearsal of .\pril 17, 1732. 

This is to give Xotice of a Horse Fair which is to be at Mr. John Brown's 
Innholder at Hampton-Falls, aI)out seven Miles to the Eastward of Nevybury 
Ferry upon the 20th and 21st Days of .\pril Instant, at which time 'tis ex- 
pected that there will be brought thither some hundred of Horses, to be sold 
or otherwise traded for. 

In 1737 the legislatures of Massachusetts and Xew Hamp.shire met at the 
Georges Tavern in Hampton Falls to establish the line between the two 
provinces, when as a result. Xew Hampshire gained some area over the old 
line. Until within a short time the location of the Georges Tavern has been 



460 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

in doubt, but we now have evidence that it was located on tiie west side of 
the highway, on the high land now owned by the heirs of Edwin Janvrin, 
about I GO rods north of the falls at Dotlges Mills. 

PETITION FOR A PRESBYTEIUAN SOCIETY 

To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Esq. Captain General Governor and 
Commander in Chief in and over his majesties Province of New Hamp- 
shire &c — To the Honorable his Majesties Council and House of Repre- 
sentatives for said Province Convened in General Assembly — November 
2ist, 1765. 

The petition of the suljscribers. Free holders & Inhabitants of the Town 
of Hampton Falls in said Province — Humbly Sheweth. 

That about Two years ago The Revd Mr. Pain Wingate in the congre- 
gational way & manner was settled in the work of the ministry in said Town. 
That the Religious sentiments of and Doctrines preached by the said Revd 
Mr. Wingate are very difYerent from those of your Petitioners — and disagree- 
able to them — That your Petitioners apprehended they could not be profited 
by the preaching and ministration of the sd Revd Mr Wingate That the 
measures taken by the said Town in order to the settlement & support of the 
said Mr. Wingate are as your Petitioners conceive unprecedented and Justly 
Grievous to them, and that therefore your Petitioners and many others In- 
habitants of said Town (near one half thereof) constantly opposed his set- 
tlement there and dissented therefrom : 

That your Petitioners are conscientiouslv of the Presbyterian Perswasion 
respecting Church Government, Doctrine Discipline and worshi]) That they 
with others of their Brethren of that Perswasion have for some time past 
been regularly formed into a church, built a meeting house in said Town for 
the publick Worship of God, Called and settled a minister in the Presbyterian 
way, namely The Rev. Mr. Samuel Perley : That your Petitioners con- 
scientiously and constantly on the Lords days and at other times occasionally 
attend the public worship of God there, according to their said Perswasion; 
That the premises notwithstanding the select men of the said Town of Hamp- 
ton Falls for the last year assessed and Rated your Petitioners for the sup- 
port of the said Mr. Wingate and obliged them to pay the same. That the 
selectmen of said Town for the present year have again assessed & Rated 
your Petitioners for the same purpose, which your Petitioners apprehend to 
be a Grievous & unreasonable Burthen upon them — Wherefore your Petition- 
ers Humbly pray your Excellency and Honours to take their case under your 
wise consideration And as they conceive themselves to be Intitled to his 
majesties Grace & Fa\our in allowing to all his subjects Liberty of Con- 
science — and that it is unreasonable for them to be compelled to pay towards 
the support of a minister they do not nor cannot hear and attend upon for 
the Reasons aforesaid When at the same time they are at the expence of 
maintaining publick worship among themselves in that way and mode they 
think most agreable and nearest to the directions given in the Scriptures by 
the Great head of the Church, and where the True Doctrines of Grace & 
Salvation are preached according to their Opinion of those things : They pray 
your Excellency & Honours would grant them Relief in the premises by Ex- 
onerating them their Families and Estates and all others within said Town of 



AXD REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 461 

Hampton Falls who are of the same Perswasion and attend the publick worship 
of God with them from all ministerial Rates and Taxes in said Town (Except- 
ing to their own minister) and by setting them off as a distinct Parish for 
ministerial aft'airs only, and by enabling the said Presbyterian congregation 
to raise & Levy on themselves such Taxes and assessments as they shall 
from time to time find necessary for the support of the ministry and publick 
worship of God among themselves — or grant your Petitioners such other Re- 
lief as your Excellency and Honours in your wisdom shall see fit, And your 
petitions as in duty bound will ever pray, &c., &c. 

Thomas Leavitt. Eiienezer Knowlton, Richard Smith, Jacob Smith, 
W'inthrop Gove, John Chase Jr. John True. Abener True, Joshua Page. Jo- 
seplT Page. Abel Page. Thomas True. Joshua Page Jr. Benjamin Eaton. John 
Eaten. Thomas Eaten. Wimon Eaten. Joseph Norten. Joseph Eaton. John 
Selley, Samuel Felch. Joseph Falch, Henry Roby. John Chas. Abel Daves, 
Simon Clough, John Robei, John Hunt, Samuel Selley, David Eaton. Samuel 
Eaton. Nathl Sinkler. Da.vid Knoulton. Eliphe Merrill. Thomas Brown, 
Nathan Gove, Enoch Gove, Saml Philbrick. Jonathan Swett. William French, 
Jacob French. Jonathan \\'eare. Isaac Brown. John Kenney. Elisha Brown. 
Jonathan \\'alton. Job Haskell. Enoch Boid. Daniel Chase. Thomas Selly, 
John Eaton, Jr. Jonathan Hoyt. Elezer Gove. Paul Grinelf, Jonathan Chase. 
Jr. Benjamin Lea\it. 
Province of New Hamp' November 27th 1765 

The foregoing Petition read & ordered to be sent down to the Honble 
Assembly 

T. Atkinson. Jr Secry 

Province of New Hampr 
In the house of Representatives Novr 27th 1765. 

The annexed Petition being Read and considered. 

Voted. That the Petitioners be heard thereon the second Day of the 
siting of the General Assembly after the first day of January next, and that 
the Petitioners at their own cost serve the selectmen of Hampton falls with 
a copy of the Petition and order of Court that they may appear and shew 
cause if anv they have whv the Praver thereof should not be granted. 
InCouncil'Nov 28th 1 7r)5' ' M Weare, Clr. • 

Read & concurrd. 

T. Atkinson Jr. Secry. 

Province of New Hampr 
In the House of Representatives July 2d \■](^f<. 

The foregoing Petition being "taken under Consideration and the Parties 
heard thereon : 

Voted, That the Petitioners have liberty to Bring in a Bill for them and 
their Estate to be set off from the Parish of Hampton falls to act in all 
Respects as a distinct Society or Parish by themselves Except paying their 
Proportion of the Province tax until a new Proportion thereof. The line of 
said New Parish to be fixed by a committee of the General Court with liberty 
for such of the Petitioners as shall not fall within said new Parish to Poll 
of with their Estates and Belong thereto and for any who shall fall within 
said new Parish who are not of the Presbiterian Perswasion to Poll off with 
their Estates and belong to the old Parish, and for any who are not of the 
Presbyterian Perswasion who have or shall have Lands within said New 



462 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Parish to Poll off said lands to belong to the old Parish agreeable to the 
Purport of a Vote of the Parish of Hampton falls the Second day of 
Sept 1765. M. VVeare, Clr. 

Province of New Hampsr 
In the House of Representatives July 9th 1766. 

Upon a motion of the Petitioners for some alteration in the foregoing 
vote 

Voted, That it be understood that any non Residents who have Oi" shall 
have Lands in either Parish shall have liberty to Poll off their said Land to 
that Parish which they shall choose. M. Weare, Clr. 

In Council Eodm Die 

Read & Concurr'd. 

T Atkinson Jr. Secry. 

Council of I/S7- — August 10, 1737, the assemblies of the provinces of 
Massachusetts and New Hampshire met at Hampton Falls, for the purpose 
of establishing the boundary line between the two provinces. A cavalcade 
was formed from Boston to Salisbury, and Governor Belcher rode in state, 
attended by a troop of horse. He was met at Newbury Ferry by another 
troop which was joined by three more at the supposed boundary line, and 
conducted to the George tavern in Hampton Falls. Here he held a council 
and made a speech to the Assembly of New Hampshire. The novelty of a 
procession of the executive and legislative bodies for such a distance oc- 
casioned the following pasquinade in an assumed Hibernian style : 

"Dear Paddy you ne'er did behold such a sight. 
As yesterday morning was seen before night: 
You in all your born days saw, nor I didn't neither. 
So many fine horses and men ride together. 
At the head the lower house trotted two in a row, 
Then all the higher house pranced after the low : 
Then the Governor's coach gallop'd on like the wind, 
And the last that came foremost were troopers behind, 
But I fear it means no good to your neck or mine, 
For they say 'tis to fix a right place for the line." 

STRE.\MS AND MILLS 

It would be difficult for many of the residents of New Hampshire to-day 
to fully realize the situation of some of the early settlers of this state, who 
were compelled to travel forty miles through the woods to find a grist-mill. 
Concerning the state of things in 1633. one historian writes, "No mill was 
erected for grinding corn, for the colonists had none of their own to grind. 
Tliey depended on supplies from England, except some corn and wheat brought 
from Virginia, to be ground in the windmill at Boston." The first mention 
we find in the history of this state of any mill is that of a saw-mill in 1635. at 
the falls of Newichwannock, the Indiana name for Berwick, Maine. 

Looking back an hundred years, we judge that at that time, considering 
the si/e of Hampton Falls, she was excelled by no town in our state in the 
line of mills and manufactures. 

Falls River, the principal stream in this town, flows from Muddy Pond, 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 463 

in Kensington, towards the sea, and empties into Hampton River, at Falls 
River's mouth, so called, half a mile below the depot. Here was situated the 
old ship-yard, reached by a causeway over the marsh from the town-landing 
at the depot. 

After leaving Kensington this stream flows for about a mile just within 
the town-line, between Hampton Falls and Seabrook, and then makes a short 
divergence into Seabrook. 

Near the point of divergence are situated Weare"s Mills, first mentioned 
in the records of Hampton Falls in 1724. 

A stone dam afforcls a fall of about eight feet, which is now applied to an 
encased wooden tub-wheel, of the kind which links the iron turbine of to-day 
with the primitive water-wasters of fifty years ago. 

.\n upright saw above, with a run of granite stones in the basement, con- 
stitute the mills. This mill was rebuilt in 1857: but concerning its predecessors 
we learn from tradition the lines repeated at the raising of its frame, accord- 
ing to the custom of that time. They have been iianded down from Chris- 
topher T. Chase, who was present, to his daughter Sally, who died in 1871, at 
the age of eighty-five years, to her nephew, John Lewis Chase. 

"Here's a fine frame, 
It's well put together ; 
Mr. Spofford's a good workman, 
Hubbard Weare is clever." 

FTubbard Weare was a relative of Governor Mesheck \\'eare and a brother 
of Cncle John Weare, the ancient miller, who died in 1877, at the age of 
eighty-seven years. To the credit of that neighborhood, it is said that this 
mill has never been locked, and no grist has ever been missing. Following 
this stream in its downward course to the sea for about two miles, during 
which it crosses the highway just below the mills and again at Bennet's 
Bridge, we come to three stone dams, built about one hundred years ago by J. 
Natlianiel Hubbard Dodge, who came to this place from Windham. Mass., 
about the year 1765. and purchased these mill-privileges from the noted 
General Moulton. of Hampton. This Nathaniel Hulibard was a descendant of 
Richard Dodge, who landed in Salem in 1629. 

He had nine sons, some of whom were among the first settlers of Ohio in 
1788: was a member of the first Constitutional Convention of New Hamp- 
shire, and died in 1830, at the age of ninety-two. Some little improvement of 
these privileges had already been made, but Mr. Dodge was a natural mechanic 
and a man of great energy, and with his coming great improvements were 
made and a thriving business established in several different lines of manu- 
facture. The dams were built of natural faced stones of large si^e, some 
of them being brought from Kensington. The upper one was built to make 
a reservoir, but a bark mill was at one time in operation there. On one side 
of the middle dam was built the old saw-mill, which was torn down in 1876. 
On the other side a mill for wool carding, and the fulling, dyeing, and dres.s- 
ing of home-woven cloth. Perhaps for the benefit of the young people of 
to-day it should be stated that the wool was first brought to be carded into 
rolls, then taken home to be spun and woven, and the cloth brought back to be 
fulled, dved, and dressed ready for the tailor, who journeyed from hou.se to 



464 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

house to nuike it into garments to be worn for many years. The name of one 
Fogg has been handed down as the journey-man tailor in the vicinity of these 
mills, and the expression "A Fogg's run" came to be proverbial, as implying 
haste rather than thoroughness of execution. At the lower dam \\as the 
grist-mill, which Squire John Philbrock said was an old building so long ago 
as he could remember. "Old Dodge," as he came to be called, had a genius 
for stone-work; was the first man in this vicinity who split stones with 
wedges, and in the cellar-wall of the grist-mill may be seen a specimen of his 
work, which can hardly be excelled at the present day. The grist-mill con- 
tained one run of large granite stones, which were driven by a breast-wheel 
in Hubbard's time. It is said that this mill, like the mill of the gods, ground 
very slow, but neither the old gentleman's boys nor the water which passed 
his mill were allowed to run idle so long as there was any work to be done. 
This mill passed from Nathaniel Hul3bard to Polly, the widow of his son 
John, and thence to her grandson, John \V., until, about 1870, it came into 
the possession of George D., a great-grandson of Hubbard. In 1872 the 
venerable ruin of one low story was replaced by a substantial building of two 
stories, and the tub-wheel resigned its place in favor of a thirty-inch iron tur- 
bine. This change doubled the working capacity of the mill. — from three or 
four bushels per hour to six or eight bushels, — but unfortunately the granite 
stones were retained in deference to the prejudices of customers, though a 
twenty-inch run of buhrs were also used to some extent. In 1881 this property 
was purchased by the widow of the previous owner, the old granites were 
taken out and replaced by a thirty-inch run of buhr-stones. 

But the place of largest investment and largest returns was on the opposite 
side of the dam, at the clothing-mill. This property Hubbard gave to his son 
Dudley, who was a clothier by trade as well as a farmer, and conducted this 
branch of business with success. He died in 1834, at the age of sixty-one, 
leaving this mill property to his son. George Hubhard. Besides the carding, 
fulling, dyeing, and dressing departments, there was also a run of granite 
stones in the basement, with the privilege of grinding all the rye. Nathaniel 
Hubbard was not only a skilful mechanic and good farmer, but a comi^etent 
surveyor and successful trader. The stone dams remain as monuments of his 
energy and industry, and anecdotes concerning him are still in circulation. 
He cut the race-way of the clothing-mill through a solid ledge for several rods, 
all done with a pick. His grandson. George Hubbard, inherited much of his 
energv and business abilitv; for when the custom clothing business was sup- 
planted by the establishment of woolen-factories, he changed his mill to the 
manufacture of cotton batting and wadding, and in this direction laid the 
foundation of the largest fortune ever accumulated by a resident of Hampton 
Falls. But this success came only after the con(|uering of numerous difficulties. 
In .August. [847. his batting and wadding-mill, run by steam and water, was 
destroyed by fire. In the spring of 1848 it was running again on hatting 
alone, propelled by a breast- wheel. The joint use of the water with the saw- 
mill was a bone of contention until the matter w-as settled by a board of 
referees giving the first right to the water to the ^aw-mill from March ist to 
May 15th, and to the batting-mill for the balance of the year. The old flutter- 
wheel of the saw-mill took a deluge of water until it was replaced by an iron 
wheel of more economical habits. The grist-mill below was also a source 
of annoyance to the batting-mill, in claiming the right to let water through 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 465 

the saw-mill gates for its use. George H. Dodge died in February, 1862, 
aged lifty-four years and eight months. Previous to his death the War of the 
Rebellion had checked his manufacturing business ; and having become 
extensively engaged in railroad aitairs. his mill had laid idle for a year or 
more. His death found his eldest son, George Dudley, in the State of Georgia, 
forced into the military service of the Confederacy. After a year of perilous 
efTort he escaped from Savannah to Charleston, was advertised as a deserter 
and followed by a detective, but after a delay of eleven weeks and six fruit- 
less attempts, he finally escaped in a small sloop and reached home in January, 
1863. via Nassau and New York. He found the batting-mill in bad condition, 
it having been run by contract for years, with little or no repairs, and then 
laid idle for the boys to pelt with stones. He spent a year in making thorough 
repairs at war prices, and started up in the spring of 1864, employing eight 
hands, and turning out 500 pounds of goods per day, which found a ready 
sale in New York. The highest price received was sixty-five cents per pound, 
making a business of $3.25 per day. The same quality of goods were worth 
only about five cents per pound before the war, put up then with less care. 
Raw cotton, which before the war was worth about twelve cents per pound, 
sold in the fall of 1864 at Sj.oo per pound in currency, equal to about seventy- 
five cents in gold. Cotton cloth, made partly from poor waste and old ropes, 
sold for seventy-five cents per yard. With the capture of Richmond cotton 
quickly declined from $2.00 to fifty cents per pound, and soon settled to 
t\\enty-fi\e cents. This business hurricane caught the young proprietor of 
the laatting-mill with all sail set, affecting him as it did thousands of other 
business men. He continued to conduct the business on a smaller scale and 
with varying fortune until 1877, when, finding that the manufacture of batting 
by large concerns and corporations using their own waste had made the situa- 
tion difficult for the smaller mills, he retired from the business to the advantage 
of his health : and the batting-mill laid idle. 

Taylor's River. — While Falls River derives its name from the natural 
rapids "in its course, improved by stone dams, Taylors River is named from 
an early resident of this town. It rises in Kensington, in two branches, one 
branch' fed by a spring on the land of Stephen Green, and the other by three 
springs located on the dift'erent lots of True M. Prescott, Newell W. Healey, 
and Smith and Bishop. Entering Hampton Falls through land purchased by 
Stephen Brown from the Lamprey heirs, near the green-house establishment 
of James U'arren Prescott, it crosses the highway near the homestead of 
Edwin Prescott, soon crosses the road leading to Robert S. Prescott's, then 
crosses twice within a quarter-mile the road leading by the residence of Dr. 
Curtis, and next comes to public view on the Exeter road near the North 
schoolhouse. crossing which it flows in Hampton, then furnishing the water- 
power for Coffin's mills before descending to the level of the salt marshes. 
On the side of the road where it first crosses, near Edwin Prescott's, may be 
seen the remains of a dam where a saw-mill was erected by Aaron Prescott. 
father of Edwin, about 1842. 

Grapc-Vinc Run. — As Hampton Falls is inde!)ted to Kensington for the 
service of its two other streams, so this one find its source over or near the 
border line of that town. Crossing the highway near the residence of Nathan 
H. Robie. at the distance of about half a mile beyond, it crosses the Exeter 
road : thence flowing about the same distance in an easterly direction it comes 
to another highway, where a dam of stone and earth obstructs its further 



466 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

progress, and forms a reservoir in the land of John T. Batchelder. This 
reservoir is ahnost entirely dry in the summer time, but in the wet season 
afi'ords a considerable supply of water, which is controlled by a gate for the 
use of a saw-mill about a quarter of a mile below. This mill was erected in 
1832, by Moses Batchelder, father of John T., principally for his own use. 
At an eighth of a mile below, where the stream enters the marsh land, Mr. 
Batchelder erected in 1880 a grist-mill containing two run of granite stones 
fomierly used in the old tide-mill at Hampton. This stream runs at about 
equal distance between Falls River and Taylor's River, and is the smallest 
of the three. Thus we find that, in connection with the three mill streams 
in Hampton Falls, there were formerly in operation at the same time four 
saw-mills, two or three grist-mills, with a shingle mill in connection with one 
of them, and a woolen or cotton-mill. 

CHURCHES 

The First Contirc(jational Church ( i'nitarianj of Ilainptoii Falls was 
organized in 1711. The first minister was Rev. Theophilus Colton, who was 
settled in iju, and died in 1726. The records of the time say that "he was 
decently buried at the charge of the parish." He was followed by Rev. 
Joseph Whipple, who was ordained January 15, 1727, and died in 1757. 

After him Rev. Joseph Bayley, from 1757 to 1762: Rev. Paine \\'ingate, 
ordained, 1763 ; resigned 1776. About this time a church building was erected 
near the center of the town, where now the Unitarian Church stands. 

In 1 78 1, Rev. Dr. Langdon was ordained pastor over this society. He was 
president of Harvard University a part of the time of the Revolution. Quite 
a number of valuable books belonging to Dr. Langdon's library are still kept 
in the library at the L'nitarian Church. He died in 1797. Frank B. San- 
born in 1904 issued a pamphlet entitled "President Langdon, a Biographical 
Tribute." 

In 1798 the Rev. Jacob Abbot was settled over the society, a man very 
tolerant and free-thinking for the times. He was pastor twenty-eight years. 
Without preaching the Unitarianism of to-day, his large charity and spirit 
of free inquiry opened the way for that agitation in the minds of the people 
which soon results in the disorganization of the established churches, .\bout 
the beginning of the' nineteenth century there was a Baptist agitation in the 
town. Some members left this church and formed themselves into a Baptist 
society. Later a Calvinist society was established. Still later there was quite 
an exodus from the original church of prominent members: these united with 
a number from Seabrook, establishing a society at what was called the Line. 

Mr. Abbot's salary was $300. sixteen cords of pine wood and eight of hard 
a year. 

.\fter Mr. .\bbot various ministers were engaged without being regularly 
settled. Among them were Rev. Messrs. ^^■ard. W'hitman, and Dow. Grad- 
ually there was a call for more liberal preaching. 

Rev. Linus Shaw was settled over the society a few years. "The people 
were much united in him." Mr. Shaw was followed by Rev. Jacob Caldwell. 
a preacher whose practical, earnest life encouraged the people to think for- 
ward, without fear of results, trusting that truth was always safe. .\mid?t the 
agitation attendant upon Theodore Parker's first preaching in Boston. Mr. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 467 

Caldwell, in straightforward recognition of the spirit of Christian tolerance, 
said he would w elcome Mr. Parker to his pulpit. So, step by step, the society 
was led and grew into the liberal faith. After Mr. Caldwell, who had charge 
of this society and one at Kensington, came the Rev. Summer Lincoln. Rev. 
A. M. Bridge was the next pastor for about fifteen years, a minister of fine 
culture and earnest work. After Mr. Bridge, Rev. Everett Finley had charge 
of the society a year or two. He belonged to the new class called Radicals. 
Then Rev. J. C. Learned and Rev. B. F. McDaniel, settled over the Exeter 
Unitarian Society, have supplied the pulpit. 

See history of Seabrook for other accounts of churches of Hampton 
Falls. 

The Christian Church was organized as a Baptist Church in 1805, and 
recognized as the First Christian Baptist Church in 1833. 

Pastors, Samuel E. Brown, Daniel P. Pike, Warren Lincoln, Thomas F. 
Barry, George M. Payne. Jeremiah W. Marsh, Appleton W. Reed. Charles 
P. Smith. John McGlauflin, Joseph H. Graves. A. H. Martin supplied in 
1886 and since Mr. Graves there has been no settled pastor. 

The Baptist Church. — Probably the first Baptist in Hampton Falls was 
Betsey Fifield Dodge, who was converted under the preaching of Rev. Elias 
Hull. In 1 81 6 Rev. William Hooper, pastor at Exeter, preached in Mr. 
Dodge's house what is said to have been the first discourse ever delivered by a 
Baptist in Hampton Falls. 

From this time Mr. Dodge's house became a place of resort for Baptist 
ministers, and so continued during his lifetime and that of his son, George H. 
Dodge. It also became the place for Baptist preaching until the erection of 
the academy building, in 1834. Here services were held by distinguished 
Baptists. It is said that Elder Peak, a noted Baptist evangelist, preached about 
one hundred times in this house. 

In the fall of 1828 the following persons were dismissed from the Baptist 
Church in Exeter to constitute what was then called the Baptist Church in 
Seabrook and Hampton Falls : Dudley Dodge. Betsey Dodge, Mary M. 
Dodge, Miriam Dodge, Xancy D. Dodge (all three daughters of Dudley and 
Betsey), Richard Dodge, Clarissa Dodge, Mary Dodge (wife and sister of 
Richard, who was a nephew of Dudley). 

These persons, all relatives of Dudley and Betsey Dodge, together with 
Hannah Dow, Ruth and Lydia Brown and Anna Knowles, of Seabrook, con- 
stituted themselves into a Baptist Church at the house of Richard Dodge, on 
the evening of October 28, 1828. and at that time invited Rev. T. P. Ropes to 
become their pastor. On the morning of December 2d, at the house of Richard 
Dodge, they received Mrs. Sally Chase and Mrs. Elizabeth Green, and in the 
afternoon of the same day the church was recognized, and Air. Ropes installed 
as their pastor bv a council of ministers and delegates from neighboring Baptist 
Churches. These services were held in the old meeting house in Seabrook, 
built in 1763. and first occupied by the Presbyterians until 1799, then by the 
Congregationalists, and by the Baptists in 18^8. From the fall of 1828 to the 
fall of 1834 they continued to worship in Seabrook, then in the New Academy. 

The meeting house in Hampton Falls was opened for service in September. 
1836; dimensions, forty and a half by fifty-five feet: cost. $2,117.58. In the 
summer of 1859 it was repaired and improved at an expense of $2,000. The 
roof was then slated, the tower replaced by a spire, the high singing gallery 



468 HrSTOr-^Y OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

over tlie entrance taken down, the inilpit lowered, the walls frescoed, floor 
carpeted, and pews upholstered. Rev. Air. Ropes, a connection of Dudley 
Dodge, continued as pastor from September, 1828, to April, 1830. At that 
early date Mr. Ropes was a strong temperance advocate, while some of the 
ministers were still addicted to the use of intoxicating drink. In 1836 this 
churcii was reported as "strictly a temperance church." After the departure 
of -Mr. Ropes, the church candidated for about two years; then Rev. Oliver 
Barron was pastor for about a year, then Calvin Munroe and Rev. James W. 
Poland supplied for about two years. 

Then Rev. Samuel Cook was pastor from 1835 to 1838. He was followed 
bv Rev. Otis Wing for two years and by J. C. Foster for one year. In 1842 
and 1843 ^^'V- O. O. Stearns had charge: then Rev. Zebulon Jones commenced 
the longest pastorate, remaining until 185 1. Followed by Rev. James E. 
Wood, Rev. Samuel E. Brown, Rev. E. B. Law, Rev. Alfred Colburn, four 
years; Rev. W. H. Walker, three years; Rev. J. M. Driver, in 1867 and 1868. 

The church remained closed for over two years and was then supplied 
by students. In 1872 Rev. H. H. Beaman served till 1876. followed liy Rev. 
T. J. Burgess, and Rev. C. R. Bailey until 1889, by Rev. W. W. Wakeman. 
1890 to 1897. by Rev. Mr. Small. Rev. C. A. Parker and Rev. G. S. Campbell, 
the present pastor. 

EDUC.'XTION. 

RockiiKjhain Academy. — In connection with the annual meeting of the 
Portsmouth Baptist Association at Chester, in October, 1833, we find the first 
recorded suggestion of this institution, designed "to promote both science and 
religion." In the following December a committee appointed by this Associ- 
ation met at Hampton Falls in consultation with a local committee consisting 
of William Brown and George H. Dodge, and decided to locate the academy at 
Hampton Falls, "provided the friends of education in that place will erect a 
suitable edifice." 

Through the agency of a committee consisting of George H. Dodge. 
Richard Dodge, T. S. Sanborn, and Nathan Brown, "an elegant and com- 
modious building" was promptly erected at a cost of $1,900; location, on the 
common in front of the Baptist meetinghouse ; dimensions, thirty-tw'o by fifty 
feet; two stories, hip-roof, with bell-tower and steeple rising from the centre. 
On the loth of September, 1834, this institution was formally opened with 
appropriate services, including an address by Rev. Baron Storr. The first 
term of the school commenced at that date, under the tuition of Rev. Oliver 
Ayer as principal, assisted by Miss Caroline Garland, who shortly afterward 
became Mrs. .\yer. Salary of principal, $500, and of assistant. $5 per week. 
The school was under the control of a board of nineteen trustees, appointed 
annually by the Association, the proprietors of the building having the right to 
nominate seven of the number. The first annual report of the secretary. Rev. 
J. Newton Brown, is a model in matter and style, and portrays a very flourish- 
ing condition of affairs. A philosophical ai>i')aratus liad been secured, a library 
established, and a reading-room fitted up and supplied with current literature. 
The board of instruction had been increased to four; the attendance at the 
summer term had been ninety; the number of different scholars during the 
year, one hundred and fifty-one; the income from tuition had been sufficient 
to meet all current expenses, and ninety-five students had entered for the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 469 

ensuing fall term. By the second annual report, dated October 6, 1836, we 
learn that the fall term, under the instructions of Messrs. Ayer and Ladd, and 
Misses Garland. Merriam. and Dodge, had continued eleven and one-half 
weeks, and was attended by 102 scholars. The winter term of seventeen weeks, 
under Mr. Ayer, Mr. Gate, and Miss E. Dodge, had sixty-six pupils, and the 
summer term, under Messrs. Ayer and Marshman Williams, and Misses Mer- 
riam and M. P. Dodge, had ninety-six pupils. Number of different scholars 
for the year, 188. A charter of incorporation was obtained this year, by the 
terms of which the building reverted to the proprietors whenever the school 
should remain closed for six months. Mr. Ayer resigned his position at the 
close of his second year. These were the prosperous days of Rockingham 
Academy. To the want of a permanent fund, and the consequent inability to 
secure or retain teachers of commanding ability, may be ascribed the fitful 
course of the institution thereafter, and its final dissolution at the age of 
vigorous manhood. 

Mr. Ayer was succeeded by Mr. Moses Burbank, a graduate of W'aterville 
Gollege, who took charge of the school in the fall of 1836. and resigned in 
May, 1838. 

In the summer of 1837 an unsuccessful effort had been made to procure 
funds for the erection of a boarding-house. It must have been from disinter- 
ested motives that the residents of the village were willing to fill their houses 
with student boarders at the rate of one dollar and fifty cents per week, includ- 
ing lights and washing. And to make their expenses e\'en less than this, some 
boarded themselves in quarters over the village store. 

Mr. Burbank was succeeded by Rev. Timothy P. Ropes, "formerly an 
esteemed pastor within this Association, but for several years ptast the suc- 
cessful preceptor of an academy in Lexington, Mass." The tuition at this 
time was $14 for the year of three tenns, with an attendance of forty-one, 
fortv-two, and fifty-seven. Owing to ill health Mr. Ropes resigned his posi- 
tion at the close of the summer term, 1839. 

Under different teachers the division of the school year alternated between 
three and four terms. By the sixth annual report, dated October 8, 1840, we 
find that for three-quarters of the preceding year the school had been under 
the charge of Mr. Samuel Lunt Caldwell, and the year had been finished by a 
Mr. Humphrey Richards. "The building is now closed!" is the record. 

It was opened, how ever, during the winter by Rev. J. W. Poland, assisted 
by his nephew, John W. Dodge. But from want of sufficient encouragement 
Mr. Poland resigned, and left Mr. Dodge to finish the year. 

From the close of the fall term, 1840, the school remained closed until the 
I ith of May, 1842, when, after a revival of interest and repair of the building, 
it was again opened under the tuition of Rev. O. O. Stearns, assisted by Mrs. 
Stearns. Besides his duties in the school. Mr. Stearns supplied the pulpit of 
the Baptist Church on the Sabbath. This arrangement continued for one year 
to the satisfaction of all concerned, but the double duty proved too much for 
his strength. The fall term, and [xissibly the summer, was taught by Prof. A. 
Briggs, who also preached in the adjoining church. 

On the i2th of November of this year, 1843, Rev. Zebulon Jones signed a 
written agreement taking charge of the school on his own responsibility. This 
arrangement continued until the summer of 1851, thus proving the longest as 
well as one of the most successful engagements in the history of the school. 



470 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Mr. Jones was a man of iron constitution and great executive ability. Burdened 
with an invalid wife, he performed the duties of a pastor during all these 
seven years and a half, and during a part of the time conducted a large 
boarding-house, and at one time held the office of county school commissioner. 

I>om November 6, 1848, to September 8, 1853, the records are a blank, 
but during this time occurred one of the best administrations in the whole 
history of the school, that of Lysander Dickerman. for six quarters, com- 
mencing with the spring of 1852. 

During the year between Mr. Jones and Mr. Dickerman the school was 
taught for one or more terms by a Mr. Pitman. 

Following Mr. Dickerman, the school was taught for several terms by 
Mr. Francis M. Dodge. He resigned the position in November, 1855, because 
the trustees would assume no pecuniary responsibility. 

In November. 1855, the trustees resohed to make an effort to secure an 
endowment of $20,000, one-half to be a permanent fund and the other half to 
be taken up in scholarships. Nothing was accomplished in this direction, 
though Hon. George H. Dodge offered $15,000 towards such a fund, provided 
the balance was raised. The reason was said to be because the Baptist .Academy 
at New London had just sent out an agent for a like purpose. 

The winter term of 1853 was taught by Mr. George B. Elden, of Maine. 
The last recorded report to the Association was made in September, 1856, by 
Rev. Samuel E. Brown, secretary. From that time to September, 1864, the 
records are silent. But in the interval the school had been taught several 
terms by Rev. Alfred Colbum, who had pastoral charge of the Baptist Church 
from October, 1859, to May. 1863. The last term was taught by him. Thus 
ended the prolonged struggles of this institution, which started with such 
bright prospects. This institution exerted a very beneficial influence on the 
place in awakening a desire for culture and aft'ording the means. The self- 
denving eft'orts of its founders were not wasted, for its alumni have an honor- 
able record. Its annual exhibitions were occasions never to be forgotten. 

THE WE.^RE MONUMENT. 

Around the little triangular common at Hampton Falls Village cluster 
several points of historic interest. On its bosom repose the ashes of Rocking- 
ham Academy, once the life and pride of the place, while across the highway 
stands its surviving twin in.stitution. the Baptist Church, beneath whose shade 
rest the remains of some of their founders, whose names are honorably con- 
nected with much that is best in the history of their native place. Near its 
apex, on one side, is located the school-house, erected in 1877. the third at 
least on the same spot, to make room for which its predecessor, erected in 1839, 
was moved across the common in 1839 is said to be now standing in South 
Seabrook. In its rear stood the old engine-house, which has been moved four 
times since about 1848. And near it formerly stood the gun-house, where was 
kept a brass sixpounder to roar on muster days. 

On the opposite side stands the venerable \\^eare mansion where, in the 
early recollection of the writer, resided Mr. John Porter, who married Hannah, 
daughter of Gov. Mesheck Weare. Antiquated in speech and dress, he 
wore a queue, and used to inquire for my "sire." He died in 1847. at the 
age of seventy: his wife in 1849, aged ninety-five; and Miss Nabby Tang, a 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 471 

granddaughter of the governor, and the last of this household, in 1864, at the 
age of ninety. George H. Dodge was the executor of the wills of Mr. and 
Mrs. Porter, and by that of the latter he was instructed to erect a monument 
to the memory of her distinguished father, the first Governor of New Hamp- 
shire. The sum at his disposal being insufficient to erect a suitable one, Mr. 
Dodge applied to the Legislature of 1852 for an appropriation for this purpose. 
These were the times of close economy in public affairs, and no appropriation 
of the kind had ever been granted by our Legislature. And it was not until 
the following session that a resolution was passed, authorizing the governor 
and council to appoint a committee "to cause to be erected over the grave of 
Hon. Mesheck \\ eare. in Hampton Falls, a suitable monument to his memory, 
to his patriotism and many virtues."' The following persons were appointed as 
this committee : George H. Dodge, of Hampton Falls, J. Everett Sargent, of 
W'entworth, and John H. Wiggins, of Dover. This committee attended 
promptly to the duty assigned them, and as the result of their efforts a monu- 
ment was completed in the fall of 1853, its location being the base of the 
common bounded by the old stage-route from Portsmouth to Boston. It is 
about thirty rods distant from the Weare mansion, while the remains of the 
governor lie with his family at about the same distance in the opposite direction 
in an ancient cemetery formerly a part of the Weare homestead. A simple 
monument marks the spot, which was not considered a suitable location for 
the larger one, while the surviving relatives were unwilling that his remains 
should be removed. The family monument, erected at a later date, is inscribed 
to "Prcsf. Weare," probably as the result of some criticism on the inscription 
of the public one to "Gov." Weare. The title of "Prest." is undoubtedly the 
strictly correct one, while that of "Gov." is the more intelligible one at the 
present day. 

The lot where the public monument stands was graded and fenced by the 
town, quite an area being at first inclosed with posts of granite and rails of 
wood. Afterwards, in 1875, "i" appropriation of $3CK) was obtained from the 
state, for the inclosure of a smaller space by an iron fence of neat design. 
It is an interesting historical fact that this monument marks the site of the 
first meeting-house erected in Hampton Falls. To Allen Treat, of Portsmouth, 
the committee intrusted the execution of their design, at an expense of $2,500. 

Its base is eight feet square, composed of two granite blocks two feet in 
thickness. L^pon this base rests a single granite block six feet square, and 
something more than two feet thick. Above this rises the monument of Italian 
marble, composed of plinth, die, cap, shaft, and urn. making a height of twenty- 
nine and a half feet. 

The marble plinth is three feet ten inches square, and seventeen inches in 
height. The die is five feet in height, aft'ording ample space on its four sides 
for the-necessary inscriptions, as follows. On the front: 
"He was one of those good men 
Who dared to love their Country and be poor." 

This side would be the plainest of all, but for the inscription 

"gov. \VE.'\RE." 

in long letters and bold relief on the front of the cap over the die. And on 



472 HISTOf^Y OF ROCKIXCIHAM COUNTY 

the shaft above, a sliielcl incloses a finely-executed design of the state seal in 
the form of a shallow hemisphere. 
On the right side — 



by the State of Xew Hampshire, 

to perpetuate the memory of 

her illustrious Son, whose early efforts, 

sage councils, and preserving labors 

contributed largely towards 

establishing his Country's independence, 

and shaping the future destiny 

of his native State." 

A laurel wreath. 

A shield, both in relief. 



On the left side — 

"HON. ME,SHACK WE.^RE, 

'born in Hampton Falls, Jan. i6, 17 13. 

Graduated at Harvard College, 1735. 

Speaker of the House of our Representatives, 1752. 

Commissioner to Congress, at Albany, 1754. 

Pres't of New Hampshire from 1776 to 1784. 

At the same time 

Councillor from Rockingham, 

Chairman of the Committee of Safety. 

Pres't of the Council. 

and 

Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court. 

In public service 45 years. 

Died Jan. 14, 1786." 

On the back side — 

"The follnwing were the Committee chosen l)y the State to erect this 

Monument : 

George H. Dodge. 

J. Everett Sargent. 

John H. Wiggins." 

Laurel wreath (in relief). 

Shield. 

Each side of the cap (above) the die is ornamented with" a wreath, and 
surmcuinting the shaft is a shapely urn from which rises a flame, emblematic 
of the well-earned immortality of him whose wi.sdom. virtues, and patriotism 
this monument is designed to commemorate. 

Delegates to conventions to revise the Constitution of the State of New 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 473 

Hampshire : first convention, Nathaniel Hubbard Dodge ; second convention, 
George Hubbard Dodge ; third convention, Neheniiah P. Cram. 

MILITARY RECORD, 1861-65- 

James H. Sanborn, Frani< P. Cram, Lewis T. Sanborn, Samuel Batclielder, 
Samuel L. Perdeare, Daniel E. Perdeare, Silvester J. Perdeare, Burnham E. 
Perdeare, Sewell B. Perdeare, Benjamin F. Marshall, Robert Fisher, Henry 
McDevitt, George Albert Janvrin, Joseph P. Jones, Samuel H. Dearborn, John 
E. Williams, Charles W. Durgin, David Creighton, Walter Butler, Robert 
Butler, Thomas E. Gushing, John C. Kennison, James Green, Benjamin 
Brown, Robert Morgan, William Brown, David McWhirter, John S. Godfrey, 
Almon Prescott, Joseph E. Prescott, Samuel M. Prescott. 

Drafted and sent substitutes — Enoch J. Tilton, Thomas G. Moulton, Chesey 
P. Chase, Edwin Prescott, William A. Cram. 

John Grcenlcaf Whit tier was born in Haverhill, Mass., in 1807. He was 
a lineal descendant of Rev. Stephen Bachiler and Capt. Christopher Hussey 
and took a lively interest in the home of his ancestors, and in the welfare of 
Hampton Falls, to which he made an annual pilgrimage every year from i860 
until his death in 1892. 

He passed the summer of that year at the hi.iuse of Miss Sarah A. Gove, 
where he died September 7th. 

Previous to the establishment of the public library in 1892, under the 
Act of the Legislature in 1891, there was a social library of about four hundred 
books belonging to the stockholders and kept in the parsonage. In 1849 the 
books were divided among the stockholders. In 1845 the Ladies' Library was 
established. It was incorporated in 1887 and the l)(joks were transfered to 
the town library. 

The Christian Meeting House was purchased in 1901, by John T. Brown, 
Esq., of Newburyport, Mass., and after improvements had been made, he 
presented the building to the town for a public library. S. A. Janvrin is the 
librarian. There are over four thousand volumes on the shelves. 

The flanif^ton Falls Grange P. of IT, formed in 1873, '^^'^s reinstated in 

187,^- 

Tlie Bound House. — In tlie records of Massaciuisetts General Court, under 
date of March 3, 1636, we find the following order, "That there shall be a 
plantation settled at Winnecunnet & that Mr. Durner or Mr. John Spencer 
shall have power to presse men to build a home forthwith in some convenient 
place & what money they lay out about it, shall be repaid tliem again out of 
the treasury, or by those that come to inhal)it them." 

Agreeably to this order, a home was built for the juirpose of securing 
Winnecunnet to Massachusetts. This house was afterward known as the 
Bound House, and was intended l)y the (Jeneral Court as a mark of possession 
rather than a limit, and the name was nusleading in this respect. It was said 
to have been built three miles north of the Merrimack River. There has been 
considerable speculation as to the location of this house. Many have supposed 
it to have been in Seabrook, others that it may have been near the center of 
Hampton. Asa W. Brown of Kensington, who had spent a great deal of 
time in looking up the early history of this section, located it on the high 
ground about fifty rods northwest from the old Perkins tide mill, and that 



474 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

Moses Cox, w ho lived near there had charge of the house at one time. There 
is good reason to suppose that the house was located at this point. It was at 
the proper distance from the Merrimack River. W'innecunnet could at that 
time be reached from Massachusetts only by water. Three years later the 
first settlers came in a shallop and landed near where the tide mill was after- 
wards built. It is not likely that in a wilderness those who built the bound 
house would go far from the landing place to set up a mark to prove possession 
of the land in question. 



CHAPTER XXXVI 

KEXSIXGTON 

Early History — Ch nrch es — Slai 'cs — Military — Schools — Public L ib rary 

Early History, etc. — Kensington has a population of 417 and is situated 
about eight miles to the west of the sea-coast in Hampton, about forty-five 
miles from Concord, and forty-two from Boston. Alore hills are noticed on 
the geological map in this than any other town in the vicinity. Moulton's 
Ridge. :\Iartin"s Hill, Gove's Hill, Ward's Hill, Xewfound Hill, Round Hill, 
Horse Hill, Connor's Hill, and Hoosar Hill are mentioned. The IMuddy 
Pond is situated in a swamp, and contains only a few acres. The brooks seek 
the ocean by the Piscataqua, Hampton River, and the JMerrimac. From the 
hills the visitor may have fine views of the ocean on the one side and fine 
views of the mountains on the other, while, when the atmosphere is very clear, 
the White Mountains are visible. The breezes, as they come from the sea or 
the mountains, are so clear and invigorating that they make the location 
remarkably healthy. Summer visitors who like beautiful scenery, pure and 
bracing air, and retirement from the noise and dust of the city here find rest, 
enjoyment, and strength. 

The town has a great \ariety of soils, from the grassy meadows and sandy 
plains to the large swells of rich land which are well adapted to agriculture. 
Grass, com, potatoes, apples, beef, pork, butter, and milk are among the pro- 
ductions. Most of the people are farmers, though some are mechanics, 
especially those engaged in shoemaking. The markets are very convenient, 
not only in this vicinity but also by the railroads to the larger cities. 

The first settlement in Kensington is said to have been made by Stephen 
Green near Green's Brook, about a mile to the south of the meeting-house. 
When the first house was built, it is said that there was not another dwelling 
between it and Canada except the wigwams of the savages. People used 
a ladder, it is said, to enter the house, and at night drew in the ladder to 
prevent the intrusion of the Indians. Tradition tells us how the Indains were 
seen sitting on the logs in the clearing, how a large dog stood at the window 
with his paws on a savage who was trying to enter, and how the Indians when 
kindly treated manifested their pleasure and gratitude. The Greens, who lived 
here, were Quakers; and John G. \Miittier, the distinguished poet, thinks 
that his ancestor, Thomas Whittier, married Ruth Green, of this place. The 
spring brook as it winds along the beautiful valley, the Quaker graveyard, 
and the surrounding hills and groves remind us of those ([uiet and cheerful 
Friends who, after "the trials and persecutions of their .sect, were glad to find 
this home of peace and rest. 

Of the trials and sufferings of the Quakers, which give some of the .saddest 
pages in our colonial history, we need not speak, as they were before the 
incorporation of this town and belong to the history of Hampton. The witch- 

27 

475 



476 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

craft delusion liad passed away, thougli some of the earlier inhabitants of 
this town were not free from the spirit of the age, which condemned those 
who suffered death as witches. Stories are told of animals and men who 
were under supernatural influences, and of the two-lock chest, containing the 
implements of the black art, while Johannah, Kate, and Ruth were supposed 
to be in league with the devil. Events which were strange and eccentric were 
attributed to witchcraft, while shrewd and artful women were proud of their 
superior power and insight. The savages, since LoNell's tight at Pequakett, 
in i7-'5, were not troublesome in this region, thougli rangers and scouting 
parties were sent to the interior, while bands of I'Vench and Indians troubled 
settlements near the frontier. 

In October, 1 734, the Rev. Joseph Whipple was authorized, in connection 
with the people, to employ a minister to preach four months during the winter 
season, thus forming what was called a winter parish. 

In 1735 a similar arrangement was made. It was proposed in the Hampton 
Falls parish meeting to excuse the people in the upper part of the parish from 
the ministerial tax, in order that they might employ a minister themselves. 

In 1736 the same jiroposition was renewed, but there is no record of any 
action on the subject. 

Kensington was incorporated in 1737. 

By the governor and General Assembly. John W'eare, Ezekiel Dow, and 
Joseph Wadleigh were appointed to call the first parish-meeting in Kensington. 

A])ril 18, 1737. At a legal meeting of the parish in Kensington, Richard 
Sanborn was chosen moderator; Ezekiel Dow, clerk; and Jonathan Prescott, 
John Weare, and James Perkins, selectmen. 

June 18, 1737. The parish voted to call Jeremiah Fogg as the minister of 
Kensington. 

At a meeting of the parish October 10, 1737, it was voted that the fourth 
Wednesday of (October be the day to ordain Mr. Fogg. John Bachelder, James 
Fogg, Abraham Moulton, John Weare, Ebenezer Brown, Aloses Blake, Samuel 
Page, and Robert Row were the committee to make the arrangements for 
the ordination. 

October 4, 1737. Fifty-seven members were dismissed from the church 
in Hampton Falls to incorporate the church in Kensington. 

October 7th. The church in Hampton voted to dismiss Mr. Jeremiah 
Fogg, ye pastor elect, Edward Tucke and wife, Edward Lock, Hannah Shaw, 
the wife of Joseph Shaw, widow Sarah Bachelder. and Abigail Cram, the 
wife of Benjamin Cram, to be embodied into a church state in the third parish 
of this town. 

Attest, Ward Cotton, pastor. 

The several members having been dismissed from their respective churches 
requested some of the neighboring ministers to join with them in keeping a 
day of fasting and prayer, to organize them into a church state in this place. 
Accordingly, October 6th, the following gentlemen assisted in the meeting: 
the Rev. Ward Cotton, of Hampton, began with prayer: the Rev. John Odlin, 
of Exeter, preached from Isaiah Ivi. 6: "And taketh hold of my cove- 
nant." The Rev. [oseph Whipple, of Hampton Falls, then propounded to 
those to be organized the church covenant. 

Noveml)er 23d. Mr. Fogg was ordained. The Rev. Joseph \Miipple, of 
Hampton Falls, preached the sermon. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 479 

The Rev. Jeremiah Fogg, the son of Seth and Sarah ( Shaw) l''ogg, was 
born in Hampton, May 29, 1712; gracUiatecl at Harvard College in 1730; 
studied theology with the Rev. Joseph Whipple, of Hampton halls; preached 
in Kensington more than tifty-two years. He solemnized 402 marriages, and 
baptized 1,235 persons. 

In the latter part uf his ministry cumplaints were made against the sound- 
ness of his doctrines. The Congregationalist ministers in his time were 
divided into Calvinists and Arminians, and he was ranked with the latter class. 
The Arminians gradually departed from the Calvinislic system, and forbore 
to urge its tenets. They omitted to press the Athanasian creed, or to use the 
Trinitarian doxology, but preferred Scripture expressions on these disputed 
points. They did not insist as a preliminary to the ordination of a young 
man to the Christian ministry on his professing a belief in the Trinity, or of 
the five points of Calvinism. "The Rev. Jeremiah Fogg," says Bratlford, 
"was ranked with the Arminians. There had been some opposition to his 
doctrines for some years, and a council met January 20, 1789, which did not 
result in his dismissal. The second council met at the house of Newell Healey, 
July 7, 1789, and advised the Rev. Mr. Fogg to leave the ministry. 

September 21, 1789. The parish, by a vote of fifty-three to fifty, voted 
to dismiss Mr. Fogg. 

' November 2, 1789. llie parish voted to give the Rev. Jeremiah Fogg the 
sum of fifteen pounds, and to deliver him at his house five cords of good hard 
wood during his natural life, while he gave up his ministerial and pastoral 
relation to the town and the church. Within a month after this transaction 
he died after a short sickness, December i, 1789, aged about seventy-eight. 

He was known in the vicinity as an effective and popular preacher, while 
for years his friends remembered him with great interest and respect. He 
was distinguished for his wit and humor, and used expressions which were 
too strong and startling for the more serious-minded of his people. Once, 
when dining with some clerical friends, he found the pudding too hot, and 
put a small piece in his pocket. Some one said. "What ! pocketing pudding, 
Brother Fogg?" He replied. "Oh. I thought I would save a piece till after 
dinner to light my pipe !" 

November, 1792, Mr. Naphtali Shaw was mvited t(.) become the mmister 
of the parish. ' Mr. Shaw was ordained January 30, 1793. and after a ministry 
of twenty years was dismissed January 13, 181 3. He was a soldier in 1779 
and 1780 On June 13. 181 3, Rev. Nathaniel Ivennedy was installed and 
dismissed July i, 181 6. Then^ followed Joseph A. Long in 1822-23 and for a 
number of years Kensington had no settled minister but was supplied a part 

of the year. , t^ , o o t k 

The church became Unitarian and on December 22. 1841, Kev. Jacob 
Caldwell was ordained over the Unitarian societies in Kensington and Hamp- 
ton Falls Rev I S. Lincoln was installed in 1848 and resi.gned m 183 1 and 
was succeeded bv Rev. A. W. Bridge in 183 1. He resided in Hampton Falls. 
Among the few' Unitarian preachers who have occupied the pulpit since Mr. 
Bridf^e was Geo. Osgood, a native of Kensington. 

The present Congregational Church was organized m 1839. Being de- 
sirous of regular services for everv Sabbath the town hall was used when 
the Union Church was occupied by the other society, until in the year 1866, 
after several months of labor in its construction, a new and convenient house 



480 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of worship was dedicated March 28th of that year. Rev. E. D. Eldridge 
was untiring in his efforts for the accompHshment of this work. 

The following pastors succeeded Mr. Eldridge: Revs. Philip Titcomb, 
Charles C. Lyon, John A. Pogue, Ezra J. Riggs, Frederick D. Chandler, John 
P. DeMerrit, David Frazer, Aubury C. Gilmore, Paul E. Bourne and Albert 
V. Fisher. 

On October 9th and loth was held the fiftieth anniversary of the reor- 
ganization of the Kensington Congregational Church during the pastorate of 
Rev. Albert V. Fisher. 

The Christian Baptist Cliiirch had for its first minister Elder Shaw, who 
was born in Kensington and ordained Alarch ;^i, 1S14. 

Elder Julius C. Blodgett preached in Kensington, alsu Rev. D. P. Pike, 
both were editors of the Christian Herald. Rev. F. D. Chandler was installed 
March 9, 1876, and dismissed May 28, 1880, followed by Rev. Philip Titcomb, 
and by Elder David Murray, who was ordained in the Christian Chapel at 
Kensington, September 17, 1867, and preached for a year or two. Since 
Elder Murray there has been no settled minister in the Christian Church. 

In 1842 and 1843 some good members believed the Lord would come in 
1843, and when he did not come they left the church and had meetings by 
themselves. But that soon passed away. The church still held on for some 
years with regular meetings and regular preaching. They practiced immersion 
regularly before one could join the church. 

The Univcrsalists for many years had occasional preachnig in the town. 
In 1864 Rev. Roland Conner was ordained over the Uni\-ersalist societies of 
Kensington and Hampton Falls, followed by Rev. Willis Bradley in 1866 and 
1867. Many different ministers occupied the pulpit after this, sen-ices being 
held once in two weeks during the summer months until 1892 when Rev. J. H. 
Little, of Amesbury, preached Sunday afternoons weekly. Rev. Francis W. 
Gibbs succeeded him and in 1900 Rev. F. W. Whippen, of Kingston, became 
the supply and who has continued services each summer. 

Quakers. — There were quite a number of families of Quakers in the town 
who belonged to the meeting in Seabrook,, though we do not learn that they 
often held meetings in Kensington, or that any one of their number was an 
approved minister. In 1761 the parish voted that the third selectman should 
be a Quaker, and for many years Jonathan Purington held that office. In 
1776 the Quakers refused to sign the test act, but most probably not because 
they were loyalists, but because their ideas of the Christian religion would not 
permit them to bear arms. Some people doubtless joined the Quakers, as that 
was the only way by which they could avoid paying parish rates. 

MEETING-HOUSES 

The first meeting-house was built on the west side of the brook, near the 
residence of Miss Lizzie E. Tuck, but was taken down and remo\-ed to a place 
nearer the center of the town. Elihu Chase, who gave the land for the 
meeting-house and graveyard, was disappointed because he could not have a 
desirable i)ew. and joined the Quakers. May 12. 1771. being the last Sunday 
in the meeting-house, the Rev. Jeremiah Fogg preached, the CXXVI Psalm, 
"We wept when we remembered Zion." 

The second meeting-house was built in 1771, on the same spot. Ezekiel 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 481 

Worthen, Jonathan Brown. Moses Shaw, and Ebenezer Levering were the 
building committee. The plan was made by Ezekiel Worthen. This house 
was taken down Saturday, March 28, 1846. The present town-house, which 
was built from its timbers, was placed on the same spot in August, 1846. 

The first Christian (Baptist) meeting-house was a plain, unpainted struc- 
ture, without pews or pulpit. It was sold and became the dwelling house of 
Jeremiah Dow. 

The second Christian ( Baptist ) meeting-house was built on the place of 
the first in 1838. It was sold and is now owned and occupied by Grange No. 
173, wliich was instituted February 23, 1892. 

The Union meeting-house was built in 1839, on the old meeting-house lot, 
by the Unitarians, Unixersalists, and Congregationalists. It was dedicated in 
the morning by the Unitarians, when the Rev. Andrew P. Peabody, of Ports- 
mouth, preached the sermon. In the afternoon it was dedicated by the Uni- 
versalists, when the Reverend Mr. Bacon, of Providence, preached the sermon. 
The bell was given by Asa Gove and Emory Brown. 

The Congregational Church was built on a lot to the north of the town- 
house in 1865, and dedicated March 28. 1866. The bell was given by John 
Locke, of New York. He came to Kensington in 1822, where he died 
August 10, 1845. aged sixty-three. He was interested in agricuhure and 
moral reforms, and in literary studies. The only work which he left in print 
was an oration, delivered July 4. 1810, in the Rocky Hill Church, at Salisbury. 
Mass. 

Slaves. — When Parson Fogg, July 17, 1739. was married to Elizabeth, 
the daughter of the Rev. Joseph Parsons, of Salisbury, he brought his wife 
on a pillion behind him to the new manse. Deacon Abraham Moulton carried 
behind him Phyllis Parsons, a small black girl, who was her slave. Phyllis 
was bright and intelligent, and as she grew up was engaged to William Mingo, 
a colored soldier who died on the frontier. After his death she was engaged 
to his brother. Eben Mingo, but refused to be married until she should be 
free, for she declared that "she would never bring a slave into the world." 
Phyllis then went to Salisbury, in the Province of Massachusetts, and lived a 
year and a day ( probably keeping dark ) . when the selectmen came and warned 
her out of town, lest she should become a public charge. Then she made a 
polite courtesy and said. "Gentlemen, you are one day too late": for by the 
laws of the time she had not only gained her freedom but also her residence. 
She taught school among the white ]>eople. .saying very proudly, "It is no small, 
thing to be brought in a minister's family." 

Military History.— W'h'ih Kensington was a part of Hampton, some of 
its inhabitants were in scouting-parties or in buikling forts on the frontier. 
Jonathan Prescott. who was born in 1675, labored at Crown Point in 1696, 
and was in a scouting-partv under Capt. John Gilman in 17 10. John Prescott 
was in a scouting-partv in 1707 and in 1710. Nathaniel Prescott was m his 
Majesty's service in 1707. Doubtless many others were engaged in detend- 
in<T the early settlements from the attacks of the French and Indians, or in 
ranging the borders, though we may not find the records of their deeds. 

May 2. 1747. it was voted at the parish-meeting "that all those men who 
went to Cape Breton and stayed all winter should be quit from paying rate.s 
for their heads that year in the Parish." 

In the seven years' war with the French and Indians the soldiers of Ken- 



482 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

singtoii took an active part. In 1755, Samuel Prescott, who was born Jxine 26, 
1729, was lieutenant-colonel in Col. Peter Oilman's regiment, that was raised 
to reinforce the army near Lake George. He died November 20. 1797. 
Capt. Ezekiel W'orthen, Moses Blake, Ebenezer Lovering, Isaac h^ellows, 
Melcher Ward, Paine Blake, Israel James, David James. Nathan Dow, Joseph 
Weare. and doubtless many others were engaged in these frontier campaigns. 
Capt. Ezekiel W'orthen, who was born March 18, 17 10, was one of the 
most ]>rominent men in the history of the town. .\t the siege of Louisburg he 
was ensign and lieutenant in Capt. Jonathan Prescott's company, and is said 
to have done good service as an engineer, building works against the enemy, 
probably the battery on Light-house Cliff. Louisburg was taken June 17. 
1745, just thirty years before the battle of Bunker Hill. 

Ca])t. Ezekiel W'orthen commanded a company in Colonel ^leserve's Regi- 
ment in 1756. In 1775 he was the engineer in building Fort Washington 
and Fort Sullivan at the Narrows, aljout a mile below Portsmouth ; and about 
the same time was selected to build a bridge to Newcastle. In the Continental 
army he was lieutenant, captain, and paymaster, while in civil life he held 
places of honor and trust, .\fter serving in three wars, after honorable service 
in civil life, at the close of the war that gave independence to the country he 
died. October 17, 1783, aged seventy-three years. In the years of the Revolu- 
tion recruits were sent to the regiments in the field ; soldiers were sent to man 
the forts at Portsmouth, and committees \\ere chosen to su]i])ly the families 
of the Continental soldiers. 

March 26, 1779, voted to choose a committee to oxerhaul the charges of 
the war from Bunker Hill fight to this day. 

Voted to enlist twenty men to serve in the Continental .\rmy. 
July 5, 1779, Capt. Joseph Clifford and Lieut. Joseph Dow were chosen 
to hire the quota of soldiers to fill the Continental battalions. 

January 29, 1781, the parish chose a committee to hire soldiers for the 
Continental Army with provisions, hard money, or paper currency. 

The writer regrets that no full list of the soldiers of the Revolution is 
within his reach. The following list has been gathered from various sources: 
Maj. Jeremiah Fogg, Capt. Ezekiel Worthen, Capt. Winthrop Rowe, Capt. 
Joseph Clifford, Lieut. Moses Shaw, Lieut. Abram Sanborn, Second Lieut. 
Jeremiah Bachelder, Benjamin Rowe, surgeon's mate : Daniel Fogg, surgeon's 
mate: Joseph Fogg, quartermaster; Enoch Rowe, quartermaster's sergeant: 
Privates Winthrop Wiggin, Jude Hall, William Fogg, Henson Hodgdon, 
Jonathan Fellows, Nathan Fellows, Edward Lock, John Sanborn. Thomas 
Cook, Jabez Dow. Jonathan Prescott, Marston Prescott, and Edward Smith, 
who was shot October 15, 1777. 

Capt. Winthrop Rowe commanded a company. Colonel F^ior's Regiment, 
and Aljram Sanborn was his second lieutenant. 

In 1775, Capt. Joseph Clifford and Second Lieut. Moses Shaw were sta- 
tioned on Pierce's Island. 

In IT]"]. Second Lieut. Jeremiah Bachelder was in Colonel Drake's Regi- 
ment. He was one of the most prominent citizens of the town, and in 1796 
was colonel in the militia. 

In 1777, Capt. Robert Pike was in Lieutenant-Colonel Senter's Battalion. 
Benjamin Rowe was surgeon's mate in Colonel Nicholas' Regiment in 1778. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 483 

Daniel Fogg was surgeon's mate. Enoch Rowe was i|uartiTmasler's sergeant 
in Lieutenant-Colonel Senter's Battalion in 1777. 

Joseph Fogg, the son of Rev. Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Parsons) Fogg, 
was born April 16, 1753. He was quartermaster in Colonel Poor's Regiment 
in 1775, and quartermaster in Lieutenant-Colonel Senter's Battalion in 1777. 
He was appointed sub-clothier and commissary in 1779. 

Maj. Jeremiah Fogg, the son of Rev. J. and Elizabeth (Parsons) Fogg, 
was born October 16, 1749, graduated at Harvard College, 1768, taught 
school in Newburyport, wliere he commenced the study of law with Theophilus 
Parsons, one of the most eminent jurists of the time. He was adjutant of 
Colonel Poor's Regiment, which was encamped on Winter Hill at the siege 
of Boston. In 1776 he was aide-de-camp to General Poor, who died in his 
arms at Hackensack, N. J. In 1777 he was paymaster in Colonel Hale's Regi- 
ment, and captain in Colonel Reid's Regiment. In 1781. after the war, he 
retired to Remington, where he took an active part in the political movements 
of the time. He was a memlier of the Cunstitutional Convention, representa- 
tive and senator in the (. General Court, and adjutant-general of New 
Hampshire. 

List of Minutc-Mcn. — W'e, the subscriljers, herein* enlist ourselves, and 
promise and engage to serve as militia soldiers in defense of our country's 
rights, to be ready at a minute's warning to march to any part of the New 
England States to oppose the encroachments of our enemies, and we promise 
to obey such officers as are appointed to command us during the time we are 
in the service. Joseph Clifford, Jesse Tucke, Joseph Brown, Jr., Benjamin 
Moulton, Benjamin James, Jr., Hezekiah Blake. Ephraim Fellows, Jewett 
Sanborn, Daniel Shaw, Benjamin Tilton. John Shaw, Joseph Wadleigh f4th), 
Richard Dow. Levi Brown. Samuel Batchelder. Nathaniel Gove, Josiah 
Batchelder, Richard Sanborn, Samuel Prescott, John Lane, Samuel Lampre, 
David James. Ephraim Eastman, Nathaniel Sherburne, Caleb Shaw. Jr., 
Simon Prescott, Jeremiah Moulton, Nathaniel Ward. Jonathan Ward. Edwacd 
Melchar, Benjamin Melchar, Abram Shaw. Newell Healey. Benjamin Rowe, 
Jr., Surgeon Joseph Rowe, Martin Prescott, Caleb Brown, John Glidden. 
Weare Nudd. Elisha Blake. Jr.. Nathaniel Dow, John Graves, Henry San- 
born. .\bel Brown, Henry Swain. Levi Blake. Stephen Fogg, Jonathan Tilton, 
Jonathan Prescott. 

(This paper belongs to the opening of and was probably signed in, 

1775- ) 

THE W.\R OF 1812-I4 

We do not learn that any soldiers from this town were enlisted in 
the regular army, but in 18 14 the militia were ordered to defend Ports- 
mouth from the English, whose fleet was cruising along the coast. The 
soldiers wore their citizens' dress, and as the company left the old church, 
the music was so slow and solemn that some one suggested that 
they have quick and lively tunes, to keep up their courage and the courage of 
the friends they left behind them. They were stationed near the south rope- 
walk, and lodged in a schoolhouse. Down a report came that the enemy 
had landed at York, and the troops were formed in a line of battle, but the 
alarm was false. An English officer, disguised as a fisherman, visited 



484 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Portsmouth, but finding the defenses very strong the fleet moved away. The 
troops were enHsted September nth, and discharged Sejrtember 2gth. 

Lieut.-Col. Thomas Lovering commanded the regiment. Josiah Blake 
was sergeant-major. Capt. Stephen Brown. Lieut. Stephen Kimball, Ens. 
Richard Dow; sergeants, Jonathan Morrison, Benjamin Prescott, Nathan 
Dow, Caleb Brown ; corporals, Jacob Felch, David I'rescott, Sewell Philbrick, 
Jeremy Bachelders; musicians, Caleb Hodgdon, Millard Tilton ; privates. John 
Nudd, Benjamin Moulton, Jr., Jonathan Hobbs, John \V. Shaw, Jonathan 
James, Thomas P. Fogg, Samuel Fellows, Daniel Prescott, Abraham Rowe, 
David Barter, Edward M. Blaisdell, Caleb F. Sanborn, Samuel Tilton, Ira 
Fellows, William H. Wadleigh, Ephraim Dow, Jeremiah Wadleigh, Sewell 
Wadleigh, John Blaisdell, Moses F. King, Joseph \V. Healey, Edward 
True. Jr. 

The following were in the War of 1812-14: Lowell Lock, Porter Rowe, 
Jonathan Shaw, Theo. M. White, Benjamin Odlin. Joseph D. Wadleigh, 
Lewis Gove, Nathaniel Fellows, William S. Gale, Parker H. Willson, Joel 
Lane, Smith Lamprey, Gilman Lamprey, Newell Dow, Wadley Dow, Timothy 
Palmer, Sewell Dow, Stephen R. Brown, Levi Veasey, Jeremiah Eaton, Wil- 
lard Davis, Reuben Currier, John Weare, Abel Page, Samuel Currier, John 
Page, Samuel Tucker, Jr., Amos Gove, Joseph Rowe, Moses Sanborn, George 
Day, Bradburj- Pervier, Oliver James, Samuel Caverly, John Scribner, Henry 
Eaton. 

Artillery. — Lieut. Jonathan llilliard, Sergts. Wells Healey. Sanuiel Tuck. 

THE MEXICAN WAR 

Ferdinand L. Blake; John V. Hodgdon was leader of the band on the 
Ohio, Comiuodore Connor's flagship, at the bombardment of Vera Cruz. 

WAR OF THE REBELLION 

Kensington sent seventy-one men to the army during the Rebellion, a part 
of whom were substitutes hired in the place of drafted men. The expenses 
in Kensington were $19,940.09; average bounty per man was $269.70; aver- 
age recruiting expenses per man, $1.28. The state aid to the soldiers' fami- 
lies would increase this sum. The following list contains most of the soldiers' 
names belonging to this town, with the names of some who were nati\'es of 
the town but enlisted from other places : 

Navy. — 'George Baston, Thomas Bunker, and Jeremiah I.erny Hilliard 
(who died in Philadelphia at the hospital in iS6j). 

Army. — Charles Rowe (was killed in Virginia, July, 1864), William H. 
Walton (was wounded, and died at Fortress Monroe, July, 1864), Charles E. 
Bachelder, James Davis (was a prisoner at the time of Lee's surrender), 
John M. Mallen, Frank H. Wadleigh ( was killed in Virginia, October 8, 
1864), George Blake, Jereiuiah K. Leavitt, Ira C. Brown (was wounded), 
Ainos Rowell, Hyld D. Peacock, Capt. Caleb Warren Hodgdon, Jonathan 
B. Rowe (was wounded, and died in Virginia). David C. Smith. Rufus East- 
man, George R. Cilley, Stephen Henry Brown. Joseph N. Austin, John E. Col- 
lins, \Villiam F. Blake. Andrew Gove, Warren H. Chase, James W. M. 
Brown, Joseph C. George, George P. Rowe, Ferdinand L. Blake, Franklin 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 485 

Tilton (was wounded at Kelly's Ford), Samuel Lamprey (was taken pris- 
oner), Lewis E. Gove, Charles Hull (was a prisoj^ier at Andersonville), 
Stephen Hart Brown, Edward E. Fellows, John Brown (wounded), Amos 
Brown, Moses D. Dresser, Edmund M. Rowell (died of sickness), John T. 
Hilliard (wounded), George E. Ramsdell, Rufus Spaulding, George A. P. 
VVadleigh, Albert A. Bachelder, Benjamin F. Austin, John P. M. Green, John 
A. Currier, Edward P. Austin, James S. Austin, Weare N. Shaw, Silas M. 
Chase, Capt. James Mallon (colored regiment; was killed in North Carolina), 
Jeremiah Franklin Dearborn, N. Jackson Shaw ( was in United States 
Mounted Rifles before the war), Capt. Elijah Shaw (in Maine regiment), 
John H. Shaw (marched with Sherman through Georgia), William Nudd, 
John V. Hodgdon, George \V. Hodgdon. 

Much of interest must be omitted for the want of space, and our readers 
must be referred to the full reports of the adjutant-general, which gives not 
only the names of the soldiers, but very interesting histories of all the regi- 
ments. 

On the "Main Road" to the Hampton Falls Line is a Ijarii winch may well 
be termed a land-mark. Built near the brook some time in the eighteenth 
century, it was drawn by si.xty-eight pairs of oxen to its present position in 
1798. All of its timliers were hewn, and those of oak are now in a good state 
of preservation. 

The house across the roatl, built in 1806, is the home of Miss Saraii A. 
Green, who represents the sixth generation of the family of Abraham Green, 
Quaker, the first settler. This farm is the only one owned and occupied by 
a direct descendant of the same name as the original settler. Here some- 
times came Harriet Li\ermore, to whom W'hittier refers in "Snowbound," in 
the lines ; 

"Another guest that winter night 
Flashed back from lustmus eyes the light." 

.\long these ways our ancestors took their journeys on horseliack, often 
with a pillion, "carrying double." Later they rejoiced in the "one-hoss shay." 

The stage-coach brought the mail and passengers, providing transporta- 
tion between this town antl Portsmouth, Concord and Boston, besides inter- 
mediate and far distant places. Seventy years ago six stage-coaches, their 
coming announced bv the music of the horn, passed daily over these roads, 
where the comfortable, rubber-tired carriage and the swift automobile go in 
this year 1914. 

KENSINGTON "THE CITY" 

Five dwelling houses, two stores, a church and library, clustered together, 
provoke a smile from the stranger when he hears them designated as "the 
city." But such is the name long attaclied to the little Kensington village 
that nestles by the roadside between New ell's Hill and the old Hog-pen 
meadow on one side, and the woods that stretch away on the other. .\nd it's 
no mean city, either, in the importance it has played in Kensington's history. 

Kensim/fon Schoollioiises. — Originally Kensington had four schoolhouses, 
quite probably of log structure, and one of them was located near the first 



486 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

house in Kensington at Green's Brook. These were disposed of in 1798, and 
three new ones built; ojae at Lovering"s corner, one at Mace's corner and one 
on llie site of the present brick sclioolhouse. 

They were all of similar pattern, wooden frame l)uildings thirty-eight feet 
scjuare, windows on three sides, with a narrow room to keep the stove wood on 
the fourth side. They were originally heated by a fireplace, but later by an 
iron frame stove, before which was a narrow passage, and then came the four 
rows of benches and seats for the scholars. 

The back seats for the larger pupils were nearly four feet higher than 
the front ones. The brick schoolhouse replaced the one at the North Road 
in 184-', the first session of school being held on May i of that year; and in 
1873 the new East and West schoolhouses were Iniilt to accommodate the 
soutli side of the town. 

Kensington Free Public Library. — In 1893 the town \i_)ted to establish 
a public library, thus availing themselves of the gift of 100 books from the 
state. The Kensington Social Lilirary Building, which had been built in 1895 
by Joseph Hillard as a gift to the people of his native town, was opened to 
the public and the public library books were moved to the new building. 
While the two libraries are separate they are essentially the same, have the 
same rules and one librarian. Mr. George Osgood. There are 2,000 in the 
Social Library, and i.ooo in the Pul>lic Library. The late Langley Boardman 
Brown willed his hooks and book case to the library. The Kensington Social 
Library was established by grant of the Legislature in 1798 and the constitu- 
tion adopted June 30, 1800. It was active as a library for si.xty years and 
some of its old books are in the new building in the old book case. Mr. 
Hilliard left a permanent fund for its maintenance. 



CHAPTER XXXVir 

KINGSTON 

Geographical — Topographical — Original Charter — Occupations of the People 
— Ecclesiastical History — The Epidemic — Eiliicationa'l — Military Record 

The Town of Kingston lies in the southern part of the county, and is 
bounded as follows ; on the north by Brentwood, on the east by East Kingston 
and Newton, on the south by Newton and Plaistow, and on the west by 
Plaistow. Hampstead. and Danville. The surface of the town is rolling, and 
the soil very fertile. The population is 1,016. 

Original Grant or Charter. — The Town of Kingston was granted in 16Q4 
by the following charter : 

"\^'illiam & Mary Ijy the Grace of God of England, Scotland France & 
Ireland King and Queen, Defendr. of the Eaith, &c. 

"To all people To whom these presents shall come, greeting know ye that 
we of our special Grace certain knowledge & mere motion for the due encour- 
agement of settling a new plantation by & with the ad\ice & consent of our 
Council have given & granted & by these presents as far as in us Lies Do Give 
& Grant unto our beloved subjects, James Prescott Sen. Isaac Godfrey 
Gershom Elkins Thos. Phibrick Jr. Samuel Colcord, Thomas Webster Sam'l 
Dearborn William Godfrey, Jacob Garland John Mason Ebenezer Webster, 
Nathaniel Sandburn Benjamin Sandburn John Moulton Daniel Moulton & 
Francis Toule and several others of their Majestys Loving Subjects that 
Inhabit within the said Grant, within our province of New Hampshire all That 
Tract of Land to begin seven miles Westward of the meeting house now stand- 
ing in Hanii>ton from thence to run a Due course West & by North Ten miles 
into the country for its breadth, four miles Northerly from the Head point 
of the West Line from said Meeting house & Southerly within three miles 
of the Northermost side of Merrimack river. & that the same be a town 
corporated by the name of Kingstown to the jjersons aljove named or other 
of their Majestys Subjects that do and shall forever, & we do by these presents 
give & grant unto the said men & Inhabitants of our said Town of Kingstown 
& to such others that shall hereafter inhabit all & every the streets & Lanes 
& Highways within the said Town for the publick use & service of the men 
& Inhabitants thereof & Travelers there Together with full power License 
and authority to the said men & Inhabitants & such as shall inhabit within 
the said Town forever to establish api)oint order & direct the establishing 
making Laying out ordering amending & Repairing of all streets. Lanes High- 
ways Ferries places & Bridges in & throughout the said Town necessary need- 
ful & convenient for the men & Inhal^tants of the sd Town & for all Travellers 
& Passengers there provided always that our said License to as alx)ve granted 
for the establishing making & Laying out of such Lanes Highways, Fences 
places & Bridges be not extended nor Construed to Extend to the taking away 

487 



488 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of any person or jjersons Rights or property without his or their consent, 
or by Some Law of our said province To have & to hold & Enjoy all & 
Singular the premises as aforesaid to the said men & Inhabitants or those that 
shall inhabit the said Town of Kingstown & their successors forever. Render- 
ing & paying therefor to us our Heirs & Successors, or to such other oftker or 
officers as shall be appointed to Receive the same yearly the annual Quitt Rent 
or acknowledgment of one pepper Corn in the said Town on the 2^th of 
October, yearly forever & for the Better order. Rule & Government of our 
Said Town. \Ve do by these Presents, Grant for us our heirs & successors 
unto the said men & Inhabitants of those that shall inhabit the said Town that 
yearly and every year upon the first Tuesday in March for ever They the said 
men & inhabitants & such as shall inhabit the said Town shall elect & chuse by 
the Major part of them Two sufficient & able men. Householders of the said 
Town to be constables for the year Ensuing, which said men so chosen & 
elected shall be presented to the next Quarter sessions of the Peace to be 
held for said province there to take the accustomed oaths ai>iJointed by Law 
for the Execution of their offices under such penalties as the Law in our said 
pro\'ince shall direct upon refusal or neglect therein & We Do by these presents 
Grant for us our Heirs & Successors unto the said persons & Inhabitants & 
such as shall inhabit in said town. That yearly & every year upon the first 
Tuesday in March forever, then the said men & Inhabitants or the Major 
part of them shall elect & chuse Three Inhabitants & Householders within our 
said Town, To be overseers of the Poor & Highways or selectmen of our 
said Town for the year ensuing, with such powers Privileges & authority as 
any 0\'erseers or select men, within our said province, have & enjoy or ought 
to ha\e & enjoy. 

"In testimony whereof we have caused the seal of our said province to be 
hereunto affixed. Witness John L'sher Esqr. our Lieutenant Governor & Com- 
mander in Chief of our said Province at our Town uf Xew Castle the 6th 
Day (if August in the sixth year of our Reign Aiini) que D(jmini, 1694. 

"jdhn Usher. Lt. Govr. 

"W illiani Bedfdrd, Dep'y Sec'y. 

"Copy Examined, Theodore Atkinson, Sec'y. 

"Province of New Hampshire, March ist, i74,v 

"Entered and Recorded According to the Original, pr. Flieodore .Atkinson. 
Sec'y. 

"Copy Exam'd. Pr. George Jaffrey, Clerk." 

I'Voni the charter it appears that Kingston is one of the older towns of the 
state. Portsmouth, Dover, Exeter, and Hampton were the only towns incor- 
porated when Kingston received its charter. It was also one of the large 
towns, extending from Hampton, which then included Kensington, ten miles 
west to what is now the eastern boundaries of Chester, Derry, and Hamp- 
stead. On the north it was bounded by Exeter, which then included Brent- 
wood and Fremont. 

On the south it was bounded liy an indefinite line, which became the 
occasion of much trouble between the inhabitants of Kingston and their 
southern neighbors. In 1739 Ea-st Kingston became a separate parish, and in 
T756 Sandown was incorporated. On Februarv 22. ij(K). another section of 
the northwest part of Kingston was cut off and incorporated with the name 
Hawke (now Danville). 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 489 

The southwest part of Kingston hes between Newton on the east, with 
Danville and Hampton on the west and Plaistow on the south, and is called 
South Kingston. Though it is not a separated town, its position is such 
that there is little intercourse between its inhabitants and those of the remain- 
ing part of the town, which is now in territory one of the smallest in the 
state. 

The whole town contains 12,1 88 acres, of which 800 are supiwsed to be 
covered with water. 

Great Pond, with an island of ten or twelve acres, covers 300 acres. It 
is on the southwest of the village, called "The Plain." Little Pond, cover- 
ing over fifty acres, lies but a few rods west from the three churches and 
the town-house. Country Pond, with an island of six or eight acres, lies on 
the southeast boundary, and is partly in Newton. There are smaller ponds, 
named Moon Pond. Long Pond, and Barberry Pond. 

The highest land in town is on the Great Hill, in the northeast corner 
of the town, on the line between Exeter and Kingston. Rock Rimmon. in the 
west of the town, near Danville, is a high ledge of granite, very steep on the 
south, but falling off gradually on the north. 

The first houses in town were built on the plain, and were several of them 
garrisons. The village where most of the business of the town is done is 
called Kingston Plains, near the center of the town, on a plain more than a 
mile long from north to south, and about half a mile wide, with a common in 
the center half a mile long and twenty rods wide, upon the west side of which 
are some stately elm-trees. The water from the northeast side of the plain 
runs into the Exeter River, but from the southwest part it nms into the 
ponds which are connected with the Powow River, that carries their waters 
into the Merrimac River, 

From Kingston Plains to Exeter is six miles northeast ; to Portsmouth, 
twenty miles; to Haverhill, Mass.. twelve miles south; to Concord, thirty- 
seven northwest. 

The Boston and Maine Railroad runs through East Kingston, two and a 
half miles east from Ivingston. 

The soil of Kingston is usually a sandy loam, easily cultivated, and pro- 
ductive if well dressed. There is an abundance of pure water, and the climate 
is healthy. There have been some cases of remarkable longevity. Samuel 
Welch, one of the first settlers, had a son Samuel, born September 1. 1710, 
who married, January 22, 1732, Lienor Clough. and had a son, Reuben, born 
February 15. 1740. When about forty-five years of age he removed to Pen- 
broke. He was a quiet, industrious, and temperate man, living the last 
fifty years of his life on a little fami in an obscure corner of the Town of 
Bow. Mr. John Farmer visited him in ?\Iarch, 1823, and spoke of him as 
feeble, but with mental faculties little impaired and quite interesting in con- 
versation. He died the 5th of April following, aged one hundred and twelve 
years and seven months. His mother and his sister are said to have lived, 
each of them, to the age of one hundred years, and his brother lived to near 
ninety years of age. 

Abigail Sanborn, a native of Kingston, died in Canterbury, among the 
Shakers, aged one hundred and one years ; and Mrs. Judith Webster, born in 
South Hampton. August 29, 1775, was a member of the Kingston Congrega- 



490 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

tional Society, and died in East Kingston. March ii, 1876, aged one hundred 
years and six months. 

'I'hc ponds in Kingston, are well stocked with fish, which afforded much 
food l"or the Indians long hefore the white men visited the countr}-. Many of 
iheir implements of stone and some old I'rench coins have Ijeen found in the 
vicinity. 

()(.\ii /nations of the People. — .At the settlement of Kingston much of the 
land was covered with valuahle timljer. In 1705 the town granted 100 acres 
of land to the persons who would build a saw-mill uijon the Little River, 
on the condition that they should saw the town's lumber. When the roads 
were built so that lumber could be hauled to market, it became an important 
article in the productions of the town. From 1750 to 1775 there were six or 
seven stores in the town, and a brisk business was done at the "Plains" in 
the lumber trade. There were large lumber-yards on the common, where 
great quantities of the article collected from this and other towns were kept 
for sale. 

.\t one period in the early history of Kingston a company engaged in 
the manufacture of iron, using the bog iron ore taken from the bottom of 
(ireat Pond, but the quantity of the ore was small, and it was procured with 
so much difficulty that the business was unprofitable and finally abandoned. 

The cultivation of the soil has from the settlement of the town been the 
main business of the inhabitants. Those who have patiently and intelligently 
continued this business have not failed to secure a reasonable reward for their 
labors and a secure investment for their funds. 

Kingston was for many years one of the frontier towns, and for more 
than fifty years the inhabitants suffered, often severely, from the attacks of 
the French, and Indians, so that the people were much hindered and dis- 
couraged in their efforts to clear the land and secure safe homes for them- 
selves and their families. There w"ere natural meadows, much more numerous 
and profitable then than now. The Indians used to burn the grass upon these 
meadows, and thus prevented the bushes from growing upon them as they 
do now. 

The native grasses upon these lowlands were of much value to the new 
settlers before they had time to fell the large trees, clear the new land, and 
inclose the fields and pastures for raising the English grasses. 

Ecclesiastical History. — As the main object of the proprietors and early 
settlers in obtaining a charter and organizing a separate town or parish was 
to aid them in establishing public worship and public schools within a dis- 
tance convenient to the settlers, the main part of the history of the town for 
many years which has jjeen preserved for us is the ecclesiastical history of 
Kingston. 

The first settlers of this town were from the families of the Puritans whi> 
had settled Ipswich, Newbury, and Salisbury, Mass., and Hampton, N. H. 
Thev \vere ardently attached to the principles of the Puritans, and anxious 
to train up their children with a correct knowledge of their own doctrines. 
Some of the proprietors and early settlers were natives of England, who had 
not lieen sent out from the prisons and the almshouses of the old country, but 
men who, at a great sacrifice of projjerty, etc., had left the homes of their 
fathers and encountered the dangers of a long voyage over the wide ocean 
for the purpose of finding on this wild, inhospitable shore freedom to worship 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 491 

God. Here, exposed to the treachery of the murderous savages, they were 
in still greater dangers. 

If their religion was tinctured with any superstition, it may have l;ieen 
owing somewhat to the circumstances in which they were placed. 

The town-meeting in January, 1700, was to consult about the division of 
their lands, and to establish public worship. They hoped that their treaty 
with the Indians would be permanent, and in their joy at a release from the 
burdens and the dangers of the war they were preparing to establish the public 
worship of God in the place. 

The second meeting, in June, 1700, was to discuss "the plan for hiring a 
minister." They "voted to have a minister, if he can be obtained," and "that 
his salary shall not exceed £80 a year." They must have roads, and they 
voted that the road north and south across the plain for nearly a mile be 
twenty rods wide, and from the plain to the Exeter line eight rods wide. They 
were not narrow men, as some have supposed. 

In 1702, when the lots of land were laid out. No. 14 was assigned for 
a parsonage lot, and in the year following a grant of 100 acres was made for 
the first minister who sliould settle with them. They also chose a site for 
a meeting-house. 

But they were sadly disappointed, for in 1703 the war with the Indians 
suddenly broke out again, and many of the people left their lands and 
returned to safer localities in the older settlements. Some of those who 
remained on their lands were obliged to send back their wives and children 
to the homes of their friends. These were perilous times, when their cattle 
were killed, their crops destroyed, their buildings burned, and their lives 
in constant danger. 

Ensign Tristram Sanborn, from Hampton, had commenced clearing a 
piece of land where some of his descendants still reside on the Exeter road. 
He had erected a cabin of logs, where he took his food and found shelter till 
it was safe to bring his family to the place. 

One evening, on returning from his work in the Great Meadows, where 
he had been to cut his grass, he found instead of his food and shelter a heap 
of ashes. The Indians had been there, and taken what they chose of his 
property, and burned what they could not carry. He did not. like many 
others, desert the land which they could not carry off or consume, but built 
a garrison-house upon it, where his wife and children need not be constantly 
exposed to death or captivity from any roving Indians who were prowling 
about intent upon pillage and murder. This building probably afforded a 
refuge to some of his neighbors in seasons of peculiar danger. 

Tradition says that some years afterwards a band of savages, taking 
advantage of the absence of the men, made a furious attack upon this house. 
The women defended it till their assailants were repulsed and retreated. The 
next day a dead Indian was found not far from the garrison. 

Aaron Sleeper erected another garrison not far east from Sanborn's, and 
the town-meeting in 1705 was held in it. One object of this meeting was 
"to consider some. way to secure a minister." 

Dnrino- some years the Indians, supplied with amnninition and incited by 
the French in Maine and in Canada, kept the people of this whole region 'n a 
state of continued anxiety and fear. This fear was not groundless. Init 
reasonable. 



492 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Tlujugh jjatrolmen and scouts were employed on a line of frontier for 
fifty miles at great expense of money and life, it was impossible to prevent 
small bodies of Indians from passing this line by night or by day. They 
could conceal themselves by day, and visit the larger villages by night. 

The grants of lands to the original settlers of these new towns were 
attended with certain conditions, so that if a man felt obliged to leave his lot 
without improvements for a certain period he lo.st his title to it. 

Some of the first settlers of Kingston, who, on account of the danger, 
had left the place and had forfeited their rights, with others "who wished 
to settle there in the fall of 1705," >ent a petition to the General Court in 
May. 1705, for lea\e to return to their lands. This was granted upon the 
condition that there be not less than thirty families, and that they "build a 
fort in the centre of the town," and "laye out in the centre of this a forty- 
acre lot for ye parsonage, and settle an able orthodox minister within three 
years next coming." The people had already sutifered so much that on May 
9, 1705, "The Council voted that the town of Kingston be excused from send- 
ing a representative and paying any part of ye province charge for the 
present year, provided that they assist the scouts with pilots at their own 
charge whenever recjuired." 

Soon after this the settlers made the attempt to comply with the condi- 
tions of their settlements. They chose a committee to look for a minister, 
but it was a difficult business for these thirty or forty families, some of them 
not permanently settled themselves, to "settle an able orthodox minister." 
They could not of¥er a very safe and comfortable home, nor a tempting salary, 
nor a large and inviting field for usefulness. The peo])le had, many of them, 
become poor, having suffered so much from the depredations of the Indians. 
While they were toiling to fell the heavy trees and open fields for cultivation, 
their families in their humble cabins were exposed to the murderous enemies 
secretly hovering round, ready to destroy the lives and the property of the 
poor laborers. Having been heavnly taxed in erecting garrison-houses, and in 
furnishing the means of self-protection, they were unable to promise their 
preacher more than forty pounds, one-half as much as they had hoped to pay 
w hen they commenced their settlement. 

In October, 1707, two years later, they succeeded in hiring a Mr. Benjamin 
Choate, A. M., who was born in Ipswich, Mass., in ifi8o, and graduated at 
Harvard College in 1703. who had for a time been a teacher in the garrison 
at Deerfield, Mass. He was probably licensed, Init was never ordained nor 
united with the church in Kingston, though he remained there more than forty 
years. He seems to have been a teacher a part of the time while he supplied 
their pulpit, and afterwards he held difl^erent offices in town. 

They engaged to pay him fifty pounds a year, — thirty pounds current silver 
money and twenty pounds in labor and provision pay. They also voted to 
give him a grant of land, and from time to time we find the record, "that the 
town give Rev. B. Choate 40 cords of wood this year." 

The same year the first meeting-house, with two stories and gallen,-, was 
built on the plains, on the southwest part of the common, near the present 
home of Deacon Clark. Tristram Sanborn, before mentioned, was one of 
the Iniilding committee. "It was paid for by a tax on improved lands, and 
by a tax on heads." It was standing in 1760, and perhaps later, but was 
probably ncx-er finished, for Mr. Choate preached a part of the time — perhaps 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 493 

during the winter — in the garrison-house. It was not used for pubhc worship 
only about twenty-five years. 

Mr. Choate is supposed to have preached about ten years. On April i6, 
1716. a committee was chosen to confer with Mr. Choate "upon terms of 
continuance with us in the work of the ministry." Also a vote was passed 
to "add f 10 to the salary, making the whole £60; at the end of two years 
£5 more, if he continues with us in the work of the ministry." Also a vote 
that "£40 shall be presented to him when he builds a house in this town." 
Five voters entered their dissent from this vote. Tradition says the objection 
to him w-as that he sometimes used too much strong drink. 

The people still continued to suffer from the fearful attacks of the merci- 
less savages. On the 17th of September. 1707. they killed Henry Elkins. 
In 1710 they killed Samuel Winslow and Samuel Huntoon. In 1712. Steven 
Gilman was killed and Ebenezer Stevens wounded. The terrible i:)Utchery of 
so many men, women, and children in 1708 at Haverhill, only twelve miles 
distant, must have filled with alarm the people of Ivingston. who were equally 
exposed to such murderous attacks. It is not strange that such cruel and 
bloody acts aroused in the minds of our fathers a lasting hatred of the 
Catholic missionaries, who. instead of preaching the gospel of peace, incited 
the Indians to such deeds of blood and murder : and that as a means of self- 
protection they followed the example of the French, and bounties were offered 
for the scalps of these murderers, who lurked about the settlements, waiting 
their opportunities to kill the inn(jcent and then retreat to their hiding-places. 
Such a state of things was not very favorable to the success of Mr. Choate's 
labors in preaching the gospel. It seems the form of public worship was kept 
up, though it was with danger that the people left their homes on the Sabbath 
to attend the house of God. 

For twentv-five years after the settlement of the town no church was 
organized, and' the citizens in the town-meeting were the only religious society. 
The town records are the only source of information respecting the progress 
of religion in the place. It is not known that Mr. Choate kept any records, 
unless he was town clerk, or that he baptized any. He may, as a civil magis- 
trate, have married some couples, but I find no records of any such marriages. 

When released from service in the indpit. Mr. Choate did not leave the 
people in a condition favorable for settling another man. On the i6th of 
February. 1721, the town gave a call to Mr. William Tompson to become 
their minister, offering him a salary of eighty pounds a year — forty pounds 
in money and forty pounds in provision pay — also "a grant of land, provided 
he be our ordained' minister, and continue with us in the work of the ministry 
ten or fifteen years, except God should take him away by death" ; also the 
use of the pars'onage meadow "during his natural life." He accepted the call, 
and his letter in answer to it is recorded in the town book. But for some 
reasons, not recorded, he was not ordained, and did not remain long, though 
he returned and preached occasionally. 

The treaty of peace with the Indians in 1713 did not continue long, for 
the Indians in the east became dissatisfied with the conditions of it. and 
renewed their attacks upon settlers on the frontiers, while England and France 
were nominally at peace. In May. 17.24. they entered Kingston again and 
took as prisoners Peter Colcord and Ephraim Severance and two sons of 
Ebenezer Stevens, whom they carried to Canada. The children were ran- 



494 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

soined, and Colcord, a smart, acti\"e young- man, after about six months 
escaped and returned to his friends. In September, 1724, while Jabez Cohnan 
and his son were gathering cornstalks in a field on the borders of Little T^ond, 
they were attacked and murdered by the Indians. 

A mere statement of such facts as these gives us no adequate idea of the 
solicitude, the sufferings, and the distress with which these early settlers were 
oppressed. Many of them sacrificed all their pecuniary means, and mortgaged 
the houses and lands which they had just been preparing for their homes. 
If they escaped with their lives, they often saved nothing with which to sustain 
life. Sickness, occasioned by destitution and exposure, took away many who 
escaped the tomahawks and the bullets of the savages. 

On May 17, 1725, the "Selectmen of Kingstown," \'iz. : Joseph h'ifield, 
Ebenezer .Stevens, Tristram Sanborn, Joseph Greele, and Joseph Sleeper, pre- 
sented the Governor and Council a petition for "Abatement of Province 
Tax," in which they say, "We request that your honrs would consider our sad 
surcomstances. — living in a frontier town, — so small, & exposed to ye Indian 
enemy, & our rates so heavy that we cannot tell how to pay it. Therefore we 
humbly pray your honors to consider us, & to medigate sumthing of our 
Province Rates." "We have Lately lost sundry men of considerable estates, — 
some by the enemy, & some by sixness. We are so exposed to danger of ye 
enemy, dayly, — whenever we goe to work, we are as it were upon duty." 

Early in the year 1725, Mr. \\'ard Clark, son of Rev. John Clark, formerly 
pastor of Exeter, commenced preaching in Kingston, and in April he recei\ed 
a call to settle as minister in the place. He was about twenty-one years of 
age, and a graduate of Harvard College in 1723. 

They voted to pay him a salary of eighty pounds on September 17th. A 
church was organized of twenty-three members' — nine by letter from Hamp- 
ton, and seven brought letters from Hampton Falls.' He was ordained 
September 29, 1725, his stepfather, Rev. John Odlin, of Exeter, preaching the 
sermon, which was afterwards printed at Boston. The text was (i Tiniothy 
vi. II and 12) the subject. "Christian Courage Necessary for a Gospel 
Minister." 

Mr. Clark proved to be an able and efficient pastor, anfl the church 
increased rapidly under his ministry. His church records are very carefully 
kept, and will be of much value in preparing a complete history of Kingston. 
He made a list of the families in the town, eighty-one in all, including the 
three towns which were afterwards set off from the original town. Fifty 
surnames are found in the list. The name Sleeper is represented by six heads 
of families, and Bean, Sanborn, and Webster by four each. One man is 
described as a Quaker. It would seem that all the others w-ere Congrega- 
tionalists. There was no other religious society organized for roo years from 
the settlement of the town, or in the year 1800, when the Methodists had a 
society. 

From this time the town became more prosperous, and rapidly increased 
in population. For several years they annually voted twenty pounds addi- 
tional to their pastor's salary, and made him liberal grants of land. 

In 1767, after East Kingston, Sandown, and Hawke had been detached 
from it and incorporated as separate parishes. Kingston contained 909 
inhabitants. 

In March, 1732, at the annual meeting they voted to build a new meeting- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 495 

house, and that it "shall be 55 foots Long and forty-five foots wide, and high 
enough for two ters of Gallery, &c." It stood for 100 years on the west side 
of the common just north of the road which leads to Rock Rimmon and 
Danville. Some years later a tower was erected 100 feet high. The first 
meeting-house remained for more than thirty years, and was in 1764 used for 
town-meetings. 

The Effidemic Which Originated in Kingston. — In the midst of their pros- 
perity the town was suddenly visited by a terrible disease, called "the throat 
distemper." It commenced in June, 1735, and in about fourteen months 113 
had been taken away by it, ninety-six of whom were under ten years of age. 
The wife and two children of their pastor, the Rev. Ward Clark, were among 
tile victims of this scourge. His own health failed soon after, and he returned 
to his native town, Exeter, where after a long sickness he died, j\lay 6, 1737. 
"A good man, much wanted, and much lamented," as was said of his father, 
who died at the same place, near the same age, thirty-four. 

Of this disease the town record says, "This mortality was by a kanker 
quinsy, which mostly seized upon young people, and has proved exceeding 
mortal in several other towns. It is supposed there never was the like before 
in this country." Professor William Franklin Webster, of this town, when 
in Germany, found in a "medical w(irk the statement that the first recorded 
instance of this disease in the whole world was in this town," ivingston, 
N. H. Of the first forty persons seized with it not one recovered. 

It is now supposed that it was a malignant type of diphtheria, which soon 
visited many other towns in the vicinity, and was fearfully destructive in its 
ravages. 

During the pastorate of Mr. Clark, 471 persons were baptized, and 130 
were received into the church. At the funeral of Mr. Clark, in Exeter. loth 
of May, 1737, the senior deacon, Moses Elkins, feh and suddenly died. 

Air. Clark in his will gave to "his beloved people at Kingston, for a ])er- 
petual parsonage, to be improved for the use of the ministry there, [his] 
dwelling-house and home place," upon conditions which were accepted, and 
for about eighty years his "successors in the ministry" were permitted to 
occupy the premises, which were afterwards sold, and the funds used some- 
times to oppose the (truths) doctrines which he preached. The records at his 
death say "He lived beloved, and died respected by his people." 

On the 17th of October, 1737, the church voted unanimously to give Rev, 
Joseph Seccombe a call, and the town on the week after cast a unanimous vote 
that he should be their minister. He was installed November 23. 1737, and 
spent twenty-three years, the remainder of his life, as their pastor. 

It is said, "Mr. Seccombe was a good man, — a poor man's son : that he 
preached to the Indians three years before coming to Kingston." His labors 
were very successful, and the parish soon grew to such an extent that in 
February, 1739, the east part of the town had been set off, and a committee 
appointed to fix the boundaries between the tw^o parishes. On the 6th of 
March, 1739, the old part of the town voted to remonstrate against this 
division, but thev did not succeed in preventing it. On Noveml>er 4, 1730. 
ten members were dismissed from the Kingston Church to unite with a 
church in East Kingston, which was organized December 19, 1739. In the 
year following thirty-three others were dismissed to the new church. On 
September 26, 1740, forty-three persons included in the new parish "re(|uested 



496 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

to still belong to the old parish." They were permitted to do so. These 
persons lived in the district on the Exeter road, and it seems the northern 
part of the line between the two parishes was removed to the east to accommo- 
date then^ 

From the settlement of Kingston a part of the congregation at public 
worship came from that part of Exeter afterwards Brentwood. In 1750 
thirty-three members were dismissed from the church in Kingston to unite 
with a church in Brentwood. On April 6, 1756, the west part of the town was 
incorporated under the name Sandown. and in November, 1759, ten members 
were dismissed from Kingston to organize a church in it. On February 22. 
1760, another section in the west of Kingston was incorporated and called 
Hawke (now Danville). 

On October 25, 1749, the Masonian proprietors granted the Town of 
Salisbury (then Stevens Town), N. H., to fifty-seven grantees, of whom fifty- 
four belonged to Kingston. Soon after quite a colony from Kingston settled 
in that place, .\mong these was Ebenezer Webster, the father of Daniel and 
Ezekiel Webster, and soon after, Dr. Joseph Bartlett and his wife Hannah 
(Colcord), the parents of Hon. Ichabod Bartlett, of Portsmouth. 

The people of Kingston felt a deep interest in the prosperity of the 
colonies that went out from the town. They divided their parsonage property 
with the society at East Kingston, and the proprietors voted "to assi.st to build 
a meeting-house in Salisbury like that in East Kingston, and a pulpit like the 
one in Hawke, and that El>enezer Webster, Joseph Bean, and Capt. John Calef 
must see that the work is done in a workmanlike manner." 

Some years later, when called upon to choose a representative to the 
Assembly to meet in Exeter, December, 1775, they voted that "No person 
[i.e.. from Kingston] be allowed a seat in that Congress who shall, by himself 
or any other person, before said choice treat with liquor." (Showing they 
had already at this early day discovered the cloven foot of the okl devil. 
Intemperance.) 

Mr. Seccombe's ministry continued till his death, September 15. 1763, 
nearly twenty-three years, during which he baptized 1.257 persons, old and 
young, and received to the church 338 members, most of them joining after 
a revival, which commenced some five years after his installation. 

Mr. Seccombe took no active part in the contention which arose in the 
churches respecting the labors of Mr. Whitefield. While Messrs. Coffin, of 
East Kingston, and Fogg, of Kensington, signed a letter desiring their 
brethren not to admit \\'hitefield into their pulpits, Mr. Seccombe probably 
sympathized with his views and profited by his labors. 

In about eighteen months from the death of Mr. Seccombe the town gave 
a call to Mr. .\mos Toppan, who accepted, and was their pastor for nearly 
nine years, till his death, June 23, 1771. From this time the church was 
vacant over five years, during which they were supplied by Mr. Stephen Pea- 
body, Nathaniel Niles, Stephen Lancaster, Joshua Noyes, Moses Everett, 
Joseph Appleton. and probably others. Some of them declined the calls which 
they received, and others were not invited to settle with them. The political 
discussions had invaded the religious societies. In 1757 the Baptists and the 
Quakers had refused to aid in the sui>port of public worship. Afterwards, 
if any one did not wish to pay his pro]>ortion of such expenses, he could join 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 497 

the Quakers or Baptists and be released from that part of the taxes paid by the 
rest of the town. 

In 1763 the town treasurer records, "Paid Benj. CoUins £7 los. for being 
a Quaker, and Jonathan ColHns £3 5 shilhngs." 

In 1775 the town voted "not to raise any money for preeching." In the 
year following Mr. Elihu Thayer was called at a salary of sixty pounds lawful 
money, use of parsonage, and twenty cords of wood, and ordained December 
18, 1776. He soon took a high place, not only in his parish, but in the com- 
munity about Kingston, as a man of piety and learning. For more than 
thirty-five years, till his death, April 3, 1812, he retained his well-earned 
reputation in the town and throughout the state. During this long period 
we have no account of any other organized religious society except the Metho- 
dists, a feeble band, organized in 1801. 

The year after his death a census of the 129 families in the town "showed 
that eighty-two of them" preferred the Congregational denomination, and 
"forty-seven the Baptists. Universalists, or IMethodists," who, it seems, united 
their forces. 

Dr. John H. Church, of Pelham, preached the sermon at the funeral of 
Doctor Thayer, upon the text ( Ezekiel xxxiii. 33), "Then shall they know 
that a prophet hath been among them." From this time the town had no 
settled minister till Rev. John Turner was installed, January i, 1818. The 
town oflkers withheld a "part of the income of the parsonage fund, and it 
was used to pay for preaching different doctrines. From this time any person 
in town who pays any tax can withdraw a portion of that money yearly, and 
direct that it be used for a different purpose. 

Though the town had settled Mr. Turner, the party opposed to the rate 
shut the church against him, and Deacon Stevens, for forcibly entering it, 
was fined and imprisoned for thirty days. The opposition was so violent 
that Mr. Turner was dismissed May i, 1823. Mr. Patton, in manuscript, 
says, "If Mr. Turner had possessed the wisdom of the serpent and the harm- 
les'sriess of the dove, he could not have escaped censure." The town officers 
set a guard from Saturday till Monday at the doors of the meeting-house, and 
the Congregational people withdrew from the place where their fathers wor- 
shiped, and in 1825 erected a new meeting-house, which was enlarged in 1841, 
and remodeled in 1879. From this time the town and the churches have been 
independent of each other, except that the town holds the funds given for the 
support of the gospel, including the legacy of the first pastor of the Congrega- 
tional Church, and that church and society have usually received about one- 
fourth of the income from it. The preachers in the Congregational Church 
since 1823 have been Rev. Ira Pearson, seven years; A. Govan, two years; 
Georo-e W Thompson, three years ; Samuel Mason, three years ; John Smith, 
two years- John H. Mellish, twelve years; S. Bixby, three years; and J. 
Chapman, 'seven years, closing July. 1879. and several others for shorter 
periods Mr G B. Balch was ordained pastor August 4, 1881. and served 
to 1884 and was followed bv Thomas W. Minnis. 1884-86; Joseph Hani- 
mond. supplied. 1887-89; D. W. Morgan, supplied. 1889-93: ^ iHiani R 
Warren, acting pastor. 1893-98-. Joseph W". Strout. settle-l, 1899-1909: Fred 
V Slavley 1910-12; Henrv R. McCartney. 1913-14- 

' Universalists ministers preached more or less regularly in Kingston in 
1833 and probablv before that time. The first record of an annual meeting 



498 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

under a constitution bears date March 28, 185 1. The first settled preacher 
was Rev. Rowland Connor, whose term of service came to an end by resigna- 
tion April 17, 1865. Other ministers preaching for greater or less periods, 
were N. R. Wright. T. B. Thayer, D. D., Ada C. Bowles and A. J. Patter- 
son, D. D. 

On the death of Mrs. Miranda S. Bassett, the homestead left her by her 
husband, in accordance with her will became the parsonage of the society. 

Since 1902 this has been occupied by the present pastor. Rev. Frank \V. 
VVhippen and his family. Mr. Whippen began his ministerial services in 
the spring of 1899, and those have continued uninterrupted to the present 
time. 

As stated before the Methodists organized in 1801. A church was built 
in 1846 and the vestibule, belfry and vestry were added in 1878 when Rev. 
Charles H. Chase was pastor. During Rev. J. H. Knott's pastorate in 1S94 
the pews which had faced the door were turned around and the pulpit also 
changed. In 1910, through the efforts of Rev. Clarence Reed, new pews were 
put in place and a bell was given by Mr. Albert Brown. 

At the 1914 conference Rev. J. N. Bradford was appointed pastor. His 
immediate predecessors have been Rev. H. P. Copp and Rev. R. S. Gieplily. 

The early settlers of Kingston were not unmindful of the education of 
their children. In 1700 they set apart lands for the support of schools. But 
the pursuit of knowledge then and there was attended by many difficulties 
unknown in the present age. The people incurring such great expenses in 
clearing their lands, erecting their houses, building roads, bridges, mills, etc., 
besides supporting the military companies necessary to protect their lives and 
their property, had but little money left to build the schoolhouse or pay the 
schoolmaster. Even when by hard labor they earned a little money, it was not 
safe to keep it long for use. Frequently in a few months their money would 
lose much of its value. Their paper money was of such a poor quality that 
it often deteriorated in the hands of the collector of ta.xes, or of the town 
treasurer, before he could pay it out for the proper objects, and the town 
would have to pay him for his losses. 

Then the inhabitants were scattered so widely that it was extremely diffi- 
cult to bring the children together into the school when they were in danger, 
during the long, lonely walks through the forests, from the wild beasts and 
from the still more fearful savages waiting to kill the little ones or carry them 
into captivity. 

Notwithstanding all these discouragements they did not hesitate to tax 
themselves for the support of their teachers and their preachers. They wanted 
well-educated men for pastors and teachers. 

Benjamin Choat, A. B., of Harvard, who was the first preacher, it is said, 
taught school in the garrison-house, where the children were safer from the 
attacks of the Indians. They had no spelling-books, grammars, and geo- 
graphies, but used the Testament and the Psalter as reading-books. For 
writing and ciphering they probably used, as in other places, the bark of the 
birch-tree. Still, some of these pupils became quite familiar with the science 
of numbers, and with practical geometry and sun^eying. When we consider 
the imperfections of their instruments, and the other difficulties they had to 
encounter, we wonder that they were so accurate in their surveys. 

In respect to orthography, punctuation, and the use of capitals they were 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 499 

not particular. The modes of spelling diti'ered widely, for Johnson, Walker, 
and Webster had not put the words of our language in proper shape. 

The same writer would sometimes spell a word in two or three dit^'erent 
ways on the same page, using such letters as would express the sound of the 
word as spoken. I will give a specimen, taken verbatim et literatim from 
a manuscript in the Provincial Court papers : 

"Mar. 2, 1695 at a meeting of Kingstown men in Ivingstown to chuse 
cunstabules & selectmen, we have chose John Mason & Ebenezer Webster for 
cunstabules & James Present sener & Isaac Godfrey Gershom Elkins for select- 
men of the town." 

W e find in the records freciuent notices of the expenses incurred in sup- 
porting the schools. In 1733 "'Pd. Mr. Choat for Keeping School £1 i6s." 
In 1745, Matthew Campbell was a schoolmaster. Jeremiah Webster was for 
some time a teacher, and Jacob Bailey, a graduate of Harvard, and afterwards 
rector of an Episcopal Church in Annapolis, N. S. In 1750 a colony from 
Kingston settled in Stevenstown (now Salisbury). During twenty-five years 
the enterprising people of .Salisbury sent fifteen students through Dartmouth 
College, including the Websters, Ezekiel and Daniel, and a son of the first 
physician (Dr. Joseph Bartlett), who became Hon. Ichabod Bartlett, of 
Portsmouth. 

In January, 1770, the town "Voted to give the money for which the 
school lands were sold to the commoners or proprietors to settle the dispute 
with Hampstead. etc." The commencement of the war in 1775 was a great 
injury to the prosperity of the schools and the churches. After many years 
the interest in education was revived. 

"In 1826, Lieut. Thomas Elkins left by will $2000, $1000 for schools & 
$1000 for the support of the poor. He was the first (except Rev. Ward 
Clark) who left any legacy to the town. He was the son of a farmer, 
descended from one of the first settlers. He was a man of Industry, integrity 
& economy." (C. Patten's MS.) Mr. Elkins had no child, and left about 
ten thousand dollars. 

Mr. Peter French, afterwards left a certain sum of money the income of 
which is to be devoted to the benefit of the academy, if that institution is 
kept open, under faithful teachers. He always shrank from official position, 
but was bound up in the cause of education. As evidence of that he left in 
his will a Ijequest of a tract of woodland, which was to be sold and invested 
in safe corporations, the interest to be applied to the payment of teachers 
in Kingston Academy, who should be a Methodist or member of some other 
evangelical denomination, etc. This land was sold for $4,600, and after 
deducting expenses gave a permanent fund of $3,000. This amount 
given from an estate which inventoried not more than ten thousand dollars, 
shows the wonderful lil>erality of the gift and the giver. Mrs. French still 
survives, although in feeble health. 

Kingston Academy. — The building was erected in 1819 at an expense of 
$T,:oo. It was comrrienced under the patronage of the Methodist denomina- 
tion, being, I think, the second institution of the kind under their management 
in New Hampshire. There was a hall finished over the school rooms, and 
after the old church became unfit for use the IVIethodist Society worshiped 
in this hall ; but in a few years the control of the institution passed into the 
hands of a board of trustees of different denominations. 



500 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

About the year 1856, by a mutual arrangement, the town took charge of 
the academy building and lot, enlarged and repaired the house, and continued 
to occupy more than half of it, while the trustees held possession of two 
rooms on the first floor. 

I have not space to name here the prominent men who have studied in this 
institution. The list of teachers contains the names of many well-known 
public men. Ex-Governor Noyes has been named. He married 15th of 
February, 1863, jVIargaretle W. Proctor, of Kingston. He has been governor 
of Ohio, and United States minister to France, etc. Thomas W. Knox, the 
famous author of books of travel, and various others might be named. 

The Hon. Josiah Bartlett, M. D., was perhaps more widely known than 
any other citizen of Kingston. He was great-grandson of the emigrant 
Richard Bartlett (1), who came to Newbury, Mass., in 1635, ^"<^ "Ji^d in 
1647. His son, Richard (2), born in 1621, died in 1698, leaving a son 
Richard (3), whose sixth son, Stephen, born in 1691, was the father of 
Doctor Josiah (5), born in Amesbury, Mass., November 21, 1728, who mar- 
ried January 13, 1754, his cousin, Alary Bartlett, of Newton, and had twelve 
children. In 1750 he settled in Kingston and soon acquired celebrity by his 
successful treatment of the throat distemper, so prevalent and so fatal. In 
1765 he engaged in political affairs, and became very popular and influential. 
In 1776-78 he was a member of the Continental Congress. He is said to 
ha\e been the first man who signed the Declaration of Independence. His 
biography may be found in the first volume of "The Lives of the Signers of 
the Declaration," etc. He was the first governor of New Hampshire. For 
near ten years he held the oflice of chief justice of the Court of Common 
Pleas Or of the Superior Court. He died May 19. 1795, aged sixty-five years. 

Sanborn Seininary was built and endowed by Major Edward S. Sanborn, 
a native of Kingston, in order that he might provide better educational facili- 
ties for Kingston and the surrounding towns. The school qualifies for any 
college or technical school, or gives a literary and scientific training of the 
first order for students of both sexes, who do not intend to continue their 
school life after graduating from the seminary. The board of trustees con- 
sists of C. M. Collins, Joseph W'iggin, Samuel C. Prescott, Louis G. Hoyt, 
John F. Swasey and Re\-. Rufus P. Gardner. Z. Willis Kemp is principal 
with nine instructors. The seminary commenced its twenty-fourth year with 
ninety-one students. 

MILIT.XKY RFXOP.D, 1861-65 

Simon P. Fifield. 2d N. H. ; William H. Ouimby, 2d N. H. : John S. 
Sweatt, 3d N. H. ; Frederic Silloway, 3d N. H. : Daniel P. Seaver, 3d N. H. ; 
Samuel E. Moore. 3d N. H. : Josiah F. Hunt. 3d N. H. ; George W. Collins, 
4th N. H. ; Levin B. Martine", 4th N. H. ; George E. Schelling, 4th N. H.: 
Andrew J. Collins, 4th N. H. : George F. Ouimbv, 4th N. H. ; Edwin S. 
Brown, 4th N. H.; Elbridge G. Towle. 4th N. H. ; John Nickett, 4th N. H. ; 
Frank Monihan, 4th N. H. ; Andrew J. Johnson. 4th N. H. : George Davis, 
5th N. H.; Andrew J. Davis, ^th N. H. : Peter Handv, 6th N. H. : Timothy 
I,ittlefield, 6th N. H. ; George Crosbury, 6th N. H. ; Osborne P. Webster. 7th 
N. H.; Alexander Durant, 7th N. H. ; George W. Bean, 7th N. H. ; James 
W. Marshall. 7th N. H. : Benjamin Silloway. 7th N. H.; David S. Davis. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 501 

7th N. H.; John Silloway. 7th N. H. ; John C. Coons, 7th N. H.; Perley P. 
Chase, 14th Mass.; George Stevens, 14th Mass.; Hazen Davis, 14th Mass.; 
Joseph Nickett, 14th Mass. : George P. Lowry, 14th Mass. : Frank Nickett, 
14th Mass.; Joseph R. Sanborn, 8th Mass.; Stephen M. Bragdon, 5th Mass.; 
Josiah B. Gale, T2th Mass.; Samuel Curtis, uth Mass.; William P. Chase, 
1st Mass.; John O. Davis, iith Mass.; Henry L. Patten, joth Mass.; Warren 
A. Webster, 22d Mass. ; Simon S. Johnson, 22d Mass. ; Stephen S. Huse, 28th 
Mass. ; Amos George, 48th Mass. ; Robert George, 48th Mass. ; Isaiah Tucker. 
7th N. H. ; Daniel P. DeRochemont. 50th ]\Iass. ; Charles A. Davis, 50th 
Mass. ; George Huse, i ith X. H. ; S. B. T. Goodrich, 7th X. H. ; John Peirce, 
48th Mass. ; James Peirce. 22d ]\Iass. ; Frank Prescott, 48th Mass. ; Thomas 
Geer; John P. Bean, nth X. H. : Jeremiah T. Curtis; Edmund O. Brown, 
ist Cav. ; .Addison Griffin, ist Cav. ; John T. Crosbur}-, ist Cav. ; John Bellows, 
1st Cav.; George M. Keezer, ist Cav.; John W. Quimby, ist Cav.; Charles 
Tibbets, ist Cav.; Samuel Goodwin, ist Cav.; John A. Follet, ist Cav.; 
Charles R. Schelling, 99th X'. Y. ; Howard DeRochemont, 5th Conn. ; William 
M. Simonton, nth Me.; Joseph H. Magg; Daniel L. Goodwin; Xathaniel 
C. Brown, 7th X'. H. ; Elihu T. French, 7th X. H. ; Thomas Martin, 7th 
X. H. ; Hiram F. Davis, 7th X. H. ; John Colby. 7th X. H. ; John Lucy, 7th 
X. H.: William G. Wilson, 7th X. H. ; George S. Wetherell, 8th X. H. ; 
Calvin D. Wetherell, 8th N. H. ; Abraham Sanborn, 9th X. H. ; Henry Davis, 
9th X. H.; Stephen M. Judkins, 9th N. H. ; Charles H. Webster, 9th X. H. ; 
Joel S. Collins, 9th X. H. ; Joel Judkins, 9th X. H. ; Hiram Glines, 9th X. H. ; 
Benjamin Severance, 9th X. H. ; John C. McDaniels, 9th X. H. ; Alfred P. 
DeRochemont, 9th X. H. ; Oren S. Silloway, ist N. H. Battery; Frank 
Center, ist X. H. Battery; C. Fred. Myers, sharpshooter; Daniel Colcord, 
14th Mass.; Richard H. Davis, 14th Mass.; Marcus M. Bartlett, 14th Mass.; 
George A. Bartlett, 14th Mass.; Williahi J. Bartlett, 14th Mass.; George P. 
Severance, 14th Mass.; John W. Swett, 14th Mass.; Moses E. Smith, 14th 
Mass. ; Warren P. Shaw; Joseph George; Franklin B. Goodwin; Otis Tucker; 
Elbridge G. Collins; Moses Chase; Gilman Crane, nth X. H.; William .\. 
Cheney, 5th X. H. ; Edward L. Cheney, 5th N. H. ; John T. \Vebster, 5th 
N. H. ; James W. Silloway, 5th N. H. ; George B. Dudley, 5th X. H. ; John W. 
Hoyt, 5th X. H. ; Obadiah S. Collins, 5th X. H. ; John A. W^ebster. 6th X. H. 

The quota of Kingston was 150 men ; 152 were put in. This list contains 
118. Re-enlisted soldiers and substitutes, residence unknown, twenty-four. 

Nichols Memorial Library, Kingston. — In the year 1892 the town voted 
to establish a public library. ' In 1894 the library was opened in the select- 
men's room of the town hall building. In 1898 the present beautiful and 
commodious building was erected by Mr. J. Howard Nichols in memory of 
his parents, Nicholas and Mary Barstow Nichols, and on June 8th was pre- 
sented to the town and accepted and dedicated with appropriate exercises. 
The trustees of Sanborn Seminar\' and the trustees of the library made an 
arrangement for the mutual benefit whereby the library of the seminary, 
consisting of some fifteen hundred vohunes, was placed in the new building, 
and the Kingston Public Library and that of Sanborn Seminary were prac- 
tically combined in the Nichols Memorial Library. 



502 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

The library has steadily grown since i8g8. having at present 6.057 books. 
Mrs. Nellie F. Ingalls is librarian. 

The lawyer is Louis G. Hoyt and the physicians are I'. F. Joyce, T. O. 
Refolds and H. L. Sweeney. 

Societies. — Gideon Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; Corinthian Chapter, O. E. S. ; 
Colunibian Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; Ruth Rebekah Lodge. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII 

LONDONDERRY 

Geographical — Name Emigration Settlement — First Families — Allotment 
of Lands — Incorporation — Fisheries — Indian History — Garrisons — Mills 
— Highzvays — Animals — Revolution — Tories — Currencx — Schools — ll'ar 
of i8i2-ifi — War of 1S61-65 — The Churches — Leach Library. 

Londonderry's population in 1910 was 1,533. The boundaries of Lon- 
donderry, as defined by the charter of June 21, 1722, included all the terri- 
tory of the present towns of Londonderry, Derry. and Windham, and adja- 
cent parts of Manchester, Hudson, and Salem. The history of these towns 
is one till division of the large tract became a necessity, thenceforward each 
town has its own history. As Windham was early set oil, nothing- pertaining 
to that town will be embraced in this sketch. Londonderry is the most 
western town in Rockingham County, is in latitude 42° 54' north, and longi- 
tude 5'" 45' east from Washington. It is twenty-six miles from Concord, 
N. H., twenty-five miles from Exeter, and forty from Boston, Alass. There 
are a few ponds in town. Beaver Pond, called by the Lidians. "Tsienneto," 
is a beautiful sheet lying between Derry East Village and the English Range. 
Northw est of this lie Upper and Lower Shield's Ponds in Derry, and Scoby's 
in Londonderry. Ezekiel's Pond is near the Windham line, and a part only 
of Island Pond lies in Derr)^ Beaver Brook, in the Indian tongue 
"Kiahiomtatie," is the only considerable stream. The surface of the ground, 
though broken, is not hilly. The highest elevation is probably Richey 
Hill, a little over one mile east of East Derry Village. The original growth 
of oak, hickory, and chestnut is everywhere succeeded by pine. The town 
has always been mainly agricultural, although much of its early thrift was 
directly derived from the manufacture of linen cloth within its own borders. 

At the time of the settlement of Londonderry, April 11, 1719, O. S., 
the people of Ireland were mainly divided into three classes : the descendants 
of the Celtic race, which had occupied the soil from time immemorial, and 
who were Roman Catholics; the descendants of the English emigration of 
1612 and thenceforward, and who were attached to the forms and cere- 
monies of the Church of England ; and the descendants of the Scotch emigra- 
tion of the early part of the seventeenth century, and who held with undying 
tenacity to the principles of the Presbyterian Church. From the former of 
these, the Irish and the English, Londonderry derived its name, and to 
the latter is it indebted for the hardy men and women who took possession of 
its virgin soil, and made settlements of its wooded hill-tops, its sunny slopes, 
and fertile vales. 

Xame. — The Irish name of Derry had come down with the race through 
the long centuries prior to 1612, when the great London guilds in taking 

508 



504 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

possession and settling the sequestered lands granted l>y James I. prefixed to 
the old name that of their famous city. It was thus that the name of London- 
derry had origin, and our settlers shortly after their arrival adopted it from 
the mother country, although the territory they selected had for some years 
previous been known as a part of a very indefinite tract called "Nutfield." The 
latter name disappeared from the record early in 1722. 

They were termed Scotch-Irishmen. New ideas and new facts demanded 
new names. It was necessary that a people originating in the blood of one 
nationality and born on alien soil should have a distinctive name. From 
this came the appellation of Scotch-Irish; nor is it inappropriate, barring a 
little long-forgotten misconception of the meaning of the term.' Excepting a 
few of English descent and an occasional Scotchman to the "manner bom," 
the Londonderry settlers were of Scotch lineage, bom on Irish soil; and, 
although reared among and surrounded by the native Celt, whose origin 
antedated veritable history, little if anything distinctively Irish was engrafted 
upon the Scotch character by the ancestral 100 years' sojoum in Ireland. 
The antagonisms arising from the diversity of the races and widely differ- 
ing religions, in connection with the unforgotten confiscations of James I, 
were more than sufficient to prevent any intermingling of bloods. The 
peculiar circumstances that surrounded the Scotch-Irish kept them as homo- 
geneous a race as was that of their contemporaries in Scotland, who had 
never taken departure from their native heaths of Argyleshire. In this 
respect their isolation from the Catholic Irish was as complete as if an ocean 
rolled between them. 

Cause of Eviigration. — The motives that led the Scotch-Irish emigrant of 
1 719 to sunder all ties with his native land and make for himself a new home 
in the wilderness were widely different from those which impel the emigrant 
of- today. The former, in the assured hope of securing freedom of con- 
science and religious liberty, was willing to take his chance in worldly matters. 
The latter reverses this order, and for the sake of worldly advantage he is 
willing to imperil his religious interests. Rev. James McGregor, one of the 
Londonderry emigrants, and their pastor the last ten years of his life, gives 
the following reasons for their removal to America: "ist. To avoid 
oppressive and cruel bondage. 2d. To shun persecution and designed ruin. 
3d. To withdraw from the communion of idolaters. 4th. To have an 
opportunity of worshiping God according to the dictates of conscience and 
the rules of his inspired Word." 

Etnigration. — The settlers of Londonderry left their native Ireland late 
in the spring or early in the summer of 1718, and arrived at Boston, Mass., 
August 4th of that year. As they were embarking on board the ship at Bel- 
fast that was to convey them across the sea, an old lady of the kith and kin 
of the emigrants, too far advanced in life to encounter the perils of the deep, 
gave them her parting blessing: "Go, and God be wi' ye a' but A\'ilHe 
Humphrey, and he'll be smart enough to take care of himself." 

The winter following their arrival in Boston was spent in the harbor of 
Falmouth, now Portland, Me., under great privations for want of shelter 
and food, so much so that the great and General Court of Massachusetts 
aided them to the amount of 100 bushels of meal. Some late changes in the 
waters of Casco Bay, near the anchorage of their vessel, have revealed among 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 505 

other things a stone fireplace built by them and used in cooking their food 
during their sojourn there. 

To Nuttield. — Leaving Falmouth, April i, 1719, they retraced their steps 
toward Boston as far as Haverhill, Mass.. where they arrived the next day. 
Here they remained a few days awaiting the selection of land for a town- 
ship by their agent, James McKean, grandfather of Joseph McKean, first 
president of Bowdoin College. This done and a portion of the Nuffield or 
Chestnut Territory determined upon, a part of the resolute company on the 
morning of April 11, 17 19, saddled their horses and struck out into the 
pathless wilderness in search of their future homes, taking their route over 
"Providence Hill." in what is now Salem. N. H. Another small company 
under the guidance of Rev. James McGregor, who had spent the pre\-ious 
winter at Dracut, Mass., engaged in teaching, left that place, and. taking 
their line of travel up Beaver Brook, joined, by previous arrangement, the 
Haverhill party near the southern shore of Beaver Pond. 

Settlonent. — Tying their horses at the foot of the hill, ever since known 
by the name of Horse Hill, they made sur\-ey of the surroundings on foot. 
They passed around the western end of the pond and along its northern 
shore, arriving at its most eastern extremity a little after noon. Here, under 
the spreading branches of a stately oak, one of the ancient lords of the soil, 
they rested their wear}^ limbs, gratified their religious feelings, and fortified 
their faith by listening to a discourse from their future pastor. Reverend 
Mr. McGregor. Returning to their horses, they took a southerly direction 
to the northern side of a brook, to which they gave the name of West Run- 
ning Brook. Here they kindled their first fire and encamped for the night. 
The following day, after a sermon by Mr. McGregor, they made their way 
back to Haverhill to bring on their families, leaving two young men, John 
Gregg, son of Capt. James Gregg, and x\ndrew W'alker, to pre-empt the soil 
and guard their hastily constructed camp. They left a gun and ammunition 
for their protection and three days' provision for their sustenance. Some 
unforeseen circumstances prevented the return of the settlers at the allotted 
time, and the young men fell into peril for want of food. In a few days, 
however, sixteen men with their families arrived upon the ground, took 
occupancy of the soil, and the work began in earnest. 

First Families. — The names of these men are as follows : James McKean, 
John Barnett. Archibald Clendenin, John Mitchell. James Starrett, James 
Anderson, Randal Alexander. Robert Weir, James Gregg, James Clark. James 
Nesmith. Allen Anderson. John Morrison, Samuel Allison, Thomas Steele, 
and John Stuart. Rev. Edward E. Parker, a careful and judicious writer, 
in his excellent "History of Londonderry," says, — 

"These pioneers of the settlement were most of them men in middle life, 
robust, persevering, and adventurous, well suited to encounter the toils and 
endure the hardships of such an undertaking. Most of them attained to 
advanced age. They lived to see their descendants settled around them and 
the forest converted into a fruitful field. The average age of thirteen of the 
number was seventy-nine years, six attained to nearly ninety, and two sur- 
passed it. John Morrison, the oldest of this company, lived to the advanced 
age of ninety-seven years." 

First Land Laid Out in Londonderry. — This was without doubt granted 
by the Massachusetts Colony to the Indian sagamore Passaconnaway, of 



506 HISTORY OF KOCKIXGHA.M COL'XTY 

Pennacook, now Concord, N. H., upon his petition of March 8, 1662, and was 
surveyed March 27, 1663. It was a tract three miles square, and as it 
extended one mile and a half east of the Merrimac River, opposite the northern 
part of the town, must have included a part of Londonderry. 

Tlie second grant was by Massachusetts to the proprietors of "Old 
Dunstable," October 16, 1673. This must have overlapped the territory after- 
wards Londonderry, as its most "eastern line ran within sight of Beaver 
Brook." 

"Leverett's Farme." — This "farme" was the third grant in order of time, 
and was to John Leverett, governor of the Massachusetts Colony from 1673 
to 1679. It was a "Wilderness Fanne" of 1,000 acres, and was situated 
between what is now Ezekiel's Pond, in Derry, and the Dock. A bridge and 
the meadows there still bear his name. There is some evidence that the 
governor sent parties to colonize the grant, but the enterprise failed. 

W'hecki'riyht Deed. — The deed of Col. John Wheelwright to the pro- 
prietors, October 20, 17 19, first gave bonds to the territory. It conveyed a 
tract of land not exceeding ten miles square, bounded on the north by 
Cheshire, on the east by Haverhill, on the south by Dracut, and on the west 
by Dunstable. The settlers had, however, taken possession of the soil on 
the principle of "squatter sovereignty" six months before, under encourage- 
ment from Governor Shute, of Alassachusetts, in accordance with a numer- 
ously signed petition of the "Inhabitants of ye North of Ireland," dated 
March 26, 17 18. 

The First Crops raised by the emigrants were potatoes and flax. Tliey 
had brought their seed and spinning-wheels from Ireland, and were the 
first to cultivate the potato and manufacture linen in New England. They 
appear to have cultivated land in common the summer after their arrival, 
as there is a tract known liy the name of the "Common Field," containing 
about two and one-half acres, situated a few rods west of the dwelling-house 
of Mr. Jonathan Cate, in Derry. It was undoubtedly a clearing, and may 
have Iseen an abandoned planting-ground of the Indians, who were gradually 
retiring to deeper shades of the wilderness in the wilds of Canada. 

Allotment of Lands. — Before the settlers received the deed from Wheel- 
wright three lots of land had been laid out: the "Common Field," April 18, 
1719, only seven days from their arrival: James Mclvean's home lot, August. 
1719: and Robert Wears' home lot of sixty acres, also August, 1719. For 
some reason no more land was assigned till the following year, when nearly 
all the T05 home lots were laid out, most of them in the summer and autumn 
Afterward, when the town came to receive its charter from the Legislature, 
several gentlemen residing in Port.smouth, N. H., then called "Strawberry 
Bank," were admitted as proprietors, making in all about one hundred and 
twenty-five grantees of the town. 

The proprietors designated their different divisions of land as "Home 
lots, 2d, 3d, and 4th divisions, amendment land, and meadows." The former 
were sixty acres each, w hile the other lands varied very much in size. 

The lots assigned to each proprietor by the committee are designated by 
the name of home lots second, third, and fourth divisions, addition land, 
amendment land, and meadows. The home lots were sixty acres each, the 
second divisions forty acres amendment land, "to make up to every proprietor 
what his Home Lot wanted in quality to make equal with what was termed 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 507 

'The Precept." "' The Precept was the home lot of John Stuart, agreed upon 
as a fair average of lots, and to this all others were compared. If a pro- 
prietor deemed his sixty acres of less value than John Stuart's lot, and the 
lot-layers concurred in this opinion, they laid out to him amendment land 
in quantity sufficient to equalize his interest. 

The second division was made as soon as the settlers began to feel them- 
selves "straitened for want of room." At first no reserve was made for 
land for roads, and this oversight was remedied by laying out tracts isolated 
from the home farm in lieu of land taken for highways. 

The meadows were of great value, for it was from them that the settlers 
for a long time obtained the means of keeping tlieir cattle and horses. Every 
proprietor therefore had a small piece of meadow assigned to him, and it 
often happened that it was located many miles from his home lot. The 
quantity of this sort of land allotted to each one varied from one-quarter of 
an acre to one and a half acres. The rule adopted was that each proi>rietor 
should have land enough to yield "three small loads of hay." These meadows 
must have had astonishing fertility, as many of them yield great burdens after 
undergoing the discipline of 195 years' cropping without the smallest return. 

Double Range. — From a fragmentary record in the first volume of the 
proprietors' liooks it appears that the first lots were laid out in the Double 
Range, situated within the present bounds of Derry, on both sides of West- 
Running Brook. There are about thirty lots in this range, and are one mile 
long north and south, and thirty rods wide. The committee began at the 
line, as claimed by Haverhill, on the south side of the brook, at the eastern 
end of the range, assigning the first lot probably to William Humphrey, and 
passing westerly down the brook, the third lot fell to Jonathan Tyler, the 
south part of which became the property of Archibald Stark shortly after, 
and on which Gen. John Stark was born, August 28, 1728. 

John Stuart's lot, "The Precept," was the most eastern one north of the 
brook of this range, and was situated a few rods east of the residence of 
Col. George W. Lane, once known as the Prentice, or Gen. Derby place. The 
settlers built their cabins very near together, the north side of the range 
building at the south end of their lots, and the south side at the north end, 
the brook running between, securing in this way an advantage in case of an 
attack from the Indians. 

Back Range. — The range known on the records as the Back Range con- 
sisted of some half a dozen lots, and in this and the northern part of the 
Double Range is situated the present Village of East Derry, and is the place 
selected by the emigrants as the site of their first meeting-house. 

English Range. — The English Range, of about twenty lots, lies north of 
Beaver Pond, the long lines running northeast from the pond, six of which 
abut upon its waters. This range took its name from the fact that several 
of the proprietors of English descent had their lands assigned in that locality. 
Among them were John Goffe, first town clerk, and his son, John Goffe, Jr.. 
afterwards quite prominent in the civil, ecclesiastical, and military history of 
the state. The most northwestern lot of this range was laid out to James 
Rogers, father of Maj. Robert Rogers, the ranger, who was born here. 

Aiken's Range. — The .Aiken's Range, of seven lots, derived its name from 
the three or four families of that name that settled there. At the west end 
of this range John Bell, the emigrant ancestor of this honored family, had 



508 HISTORY' OI- ROCKINGHAM COTXTV 

his home lilt and second division laid out together, making loo acres in all. 
The South Range of a few lots adjoined the Double Range on the south near 
the Windham line. All these ranges are within the present Town of Derry; 
and in the east part of this town several lots were laid out to Portsmouth 
proprietors, and Governor Wentworth's 300-acre farm in the locality, known 
as "Derry Dock." James C. Taylor, Esq., was the owner of part of this 
farm. 

Go\ernor Shute's charter farm of 500 acres was laid in Windham, and 
other land in that town to a considerable extent was assigned to the Lon- 
donderry proprietors, but was mainly amendment or other lands than liome 
lots. In the ])resent town of Londonderry the Ayres" Range and the High 
Range were regularly laid out, the lots of the former being uniform in size 
and shape with those of Derry. Excepting the seven Ayres' Range lots, the 
greater part of the present town of Londonderry was laid out as second 
division amendment and highway lands in very large tracts, amounting in 
some instances to over four hundred acres. 

As the original charter bounds of Londonderry covered considerable por- 
tions of the City of Manchester, extending a mile across Hanover Street, a 
range of several lots, termed Blaisdel's Range, was laid out by the London- 
derry committee. This range extended from Nutt's Pond to a point about 
one mile northeast of the City Hall. On this land, or near it, is the site of a 
fort built for the protection of the settlers there. It was at the outlet of 
Nutt's Pond, then Swager's Pond, and called Stark's Fort in compliment to 
Archil>ald Stark, who was efficient in building and garrisoning it. 

Large tracts of land were laid out for the support of the ministry. They 
were called "Ministerials." The land assigned to the West Parish, or that 
part of the town called Canada, was laid out November 6, 1729, on one of 
the highest hills in what is now Londonderry, and contained 120 acres. 

The next year a ministerial was allotted to the eld parish church, now 
East Derry, of fifty-four acres. 

In 1744 new bounds were given to it, and six acres added. Most of 
this land was owned by Hon. William H. Shepard. The ministerial land for 
the parish of Windham was situated near "Cobbit's Pond," and was laid out 
in 1744, and contained fifty-five acres. 

Incorporation. — The long-pending dispute between New Hampshire and 
Massachusetts in reference to the lines between these states occasioned the 
T,ondonderry settlers much inconvenience. The latter state refused to incor- 
porate the town, and it was not until June 21, 1722, more than three years 
after the settlement, that the New Hampshire Court granted a charter, 
although "humbly iietitioned" to that effect as early as September 23, 1719. 

Probably the colonists were hindered in their attempts to secure town 
privileges by a misconception of their character on the part of the state 
governments. They were supposed to be Irish Roman Catholics. 

Notwithstanding this the colony thrived. P)efore the first of the autumnal 
months had closed fifty-four families from Ireland and elsewhere, in addi- 
tion to the original sixteen, "did sit down in Nuffield." and the work of 
settlement went rapidly on. Cabins were built, the forests were leveled, 
roads were markerl out, and obstructions cleared away. There were no 
idlers in the new colony; labor, skill, and enterprise soon brought their 
usual reward. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 509 

Encroachers. — A large tract of land, some three or four miles wide, 
along the whole eastern border of the town and within its chartered limits, 
was claimed by Haverhill people under the old Massachusetts grant, and it 
was not till the settlement of the state lines in 1740-41 that the border war- 
fare ceased. The Londonderry residents within that claim were arrested and 
confined in Massachusetts jails, and on the other hand many arrests were 
made of the "Haverhill squatters," and much litigation followed. Many 
charges like the following are to be found on the old Counter's books : "To 
Johne Barnet six days watching prisoners 1-4-0." Nor was the comfort of 
these prisoners neglected. Gabriel Barr was paid for thirteen days guarding 
prisoners at Mudget's house and furnishing them "Board, Rhum, and Vitals." 
The town also suffered much annoyance from people living on its western 
borders, along the Litchfield and Nottingham-West lines, claiming lands 
under the old Dunstable grant. 

Location of Proprietors. — The first lot in the English Range was laid 
out to David Cargill, Sr. The second lot was assigned to Samuel Houston. 
Mr. Samuel Clark was the owner. Houston was the father of Reverend John, 
the Bedford loyalist. No one lived on the next original lot. It was called 
Governor Wentworth's "home lot." His early and steadfast friendship for 
the settlers was appreciated, and partly repaid in recorded thanks, gifts of 
salmon, linen cloth, and other very large lots of land. The fourth lot was laid 
out to Col. John Wheelwright, the grantor of the famous deed. There has 
been much learned discussion relative to the validity of the Indian deed 
of his ancestor, dated May 17, 1629. The next three lots successively were 
Edward Proctor's, Benjamin Kidder's, and John Gray's. 

The original owners of these and the other lots were all men of note. 
John Morrison was the father of Jonathan, the first-born male child in 
Londonderry, and who in the next generation enjoyed with Capt. Samuel 
Allison the honor of being the l>est jniblic speaker in town. John Morrison's 
daughter, Elizabeth, married \Viliiam Smith, of Peterboro', N. H., and 
l)ecame mother nf Hon. Jeremiai: Smith, one of the most gifted of the sons 
of New Hampshire. 

Hon. Samuel Livennore lived in a stone house on the place, just opposite 
the mansion of Colonel Lane. Hon. John Prentice, who came after him, 
built the main part of the present house. Besides these several other emi- 
nent men made their homes here. Two judges of the highest court in 
New Hampshire were born on the place — Arthur Livermore and Charles 
Doe. 

Disiiieiiiberiitnit of the Tozvn. — The original Township of Londonderry 
has been divided into several parts. Windham, including a part of Salem, 
was detached February 12, 1742, and upon the incorporation of Derryfield, 
now Manchester, September 3, 1751. a large tract along its northern border 
was taken off and added to that town. March 6, 1778, another part of 
Londonderry was cut oft' and united to Nottingham West, now Hudson, by 
act of the New Hampshire Legislature. July 2, 1827, the remaining part of 
the old town was divided by the incorporation of Derry. 

To7(')i and Parish Records. — Much interest appertains to these various 
records. All the early records of the East Parish Society, now East Derry, 
and the early church records of the West Parish, now Londonderry. The 
former were found a few years ago, and again lost; the latter were loaned 



510 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

during the pastorate of Rev. J. R. Adams to Rufns Choate, the eminent 
lawyer, and are said to have been burned with the Concord, Mass., court- 
house a few years ago. The books of the Congregational Church formed in 
East Parish after tlie settlement of Rev. Jonathan Bow are now at the rooms 
of the New Hampshire Historical Society at Concord, N. H. The following 
are some of the many curiosities of tliese records: O'ctober 3, 17-7- 
"Thomas Smith being cited doth appear, & John Morrison & John Mitchel 
being called doth witness that they saw him get several beaver skins of the 
Indians for Rum without their value." 1730. "Voted that the town hath 
agreed to let Hugh Wilson be prosecuted for an idler." 1730, 8th article 
in town warrant. "'To see what the town will do with John More." Rec- 
ord. "Deferred by reason John More is dead." 

Fisheries. — The charter of Londonderry inclosed a strip of land extend- 
ing from the northwest corner of the main body of the town, one mile wide 
and three miles long. From that point the course was "N. N. E. three 
miles, then E. S. E. one mile, then S. S. W. to the S. W. angle of Chester." 
It extends across Hanover Street in the City of Manchester one mile north- 
erly to the place known as the Hall Place. The bill as originally drawn for 
a charter gave these long lines a north-northwest direction, thus including 
Amoskeag Falls, but for some unexplained reason the bill was engrossed giving 
these lines a north-northeast course. The object of this singular addition to 
the territory of the tow n was to secure the Amoskeag fisheries at the falls, then 
of very great value to the people of Londonderry as a means of sustenance, 
hard pressed as they often were for the necessaries of life before their small 
clearings afforded a comfortable living. In this way Londonderry lost pos- 
session of these valuable fishing grounds. They nevertheless asserted their 
rights, and were measurably successful in maintaining them. 

It is an indication that the fishery was of much consequence to the people 
that one of the earliest roads was laid out to "Ammosceag Falls." There 
were a large number of rocks among the surging waters of the falls that 
offered favorable opportunities for catching fish. These places were highly 
prized, and the strifes of the bold, courageous, and athletic men contending 
for them, added to the foaming waters rushing around the rocks, often occa- 
sioned accidents, many of which were fatal. "Todd Gut" derived its name 
from the fact that John Todd, son of Col. Andrew Todd, was drowned there 
while fishing in company with his cousin, John Bell, of Londonderry. Before 
the dams were built at Lawrence, Massachusetts, vast quantities of shad, ale- 
wives, and eels were annually caught, and often a fine salmon. This royal 
fish must have been abundant, as many charges are found on the town books 
like the following: "To John Goffe, Jr., for 98 lbs. salmon at £10 4s. od. :" 
"To Hugh Morrison, for carrying salmon to Portsmouth, £1, los. od." If a 
favor was to be asked of the governor, some prominent man was dispatched 
to Portsmouth on horseback with a salmon in his saddlebags for his excel- 
lency. Large quantities of fish were taken at Thornton's Ferry. Within the 
memory of living persons, many fann'lies regarded their barrel of shad of 
equal importance with their barrel of beef or pnrk. With the settler fish was 
a healthy and gratefu.l change from the inevitable samp and ]iarle\- ])roth. w hicli 
was their staple diet. 

Indian Hi'story. — From some cause, not fully understood, the town suf- 
fered but little in the various Indian wars that distressed the people of other 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 511 

towns of New Hampshire. It is not known that a single person from Lon- 
donderry lost his life at the hand of the savage tribes that carried desolation 
and death to many homes in the state. Parker ascribes this exemption "to 
the influence of the Reverend Mr. McGregor with the Martinis de Vaudreuil, 
the French governor of Canada. It is said they were classmates at college, 
that a correspondence was maintained between them, and that at the request 
and representation of his former friend the governor caused means to be 
used for the protection of the settlement." 

An illustration of the friendliness of the Indian tribes is related as 
occurring in the family of Archibald McMurphy, Esq., who lived in the north 
part of the West P*arish, on the farm known as the David R. Leach place. 
Mc^Iurphy and wife, one Sunday when two miles on their way to church, 
met eight Indians going to Amoskeag, and in the direction of their house, 
where were several small children. The mother became alarmed, and proposed 
to turn immediately back to protect their helpless family. The father replied 
that the Indians were too strung for them, and asked her what she could do. 
Said she, "I can die with the w cans if I can't do better." On their way back 
they found the remains of a deer, and on their arrival home the savages were 
broiling and roasting the \-enison and giving the young McMurphys a delicious 
repast. 

Notwithstanding all this, Londonderry furnished at different times men 
and means to assist in repelling the incursions of the "Indian enemy." There 
were three men from the town in the famous expedition of Capt. John Love- 
well to the Pigwacket country in i7-'5, — John Goffe, Jr., subsequently Colonel 
Goffe, Benjamin Kidder, his brotlier-in-law, and Edward Linkfield. Kidder 
was taken sick, and was left at a fort by the company at Ossipee Lake. Goffe, 
with several others, also remained at the fort. Linkfield alone of the three 
was in the fight which took place May 19th. He was one of the nine that 
received no considerable wound, and, with Goffe and Kidder, returned home 
in safety. In the summer of 1745, Capt. Peter Pattee, of Londonderry, 
"scouted the woods with a small company of cavalry," and the next year 
Capt. Samuel Barr with seventeen men performed a like service. Capt. 
Andrew Todd also arranged the woods in July, 1746, with twenty-two men. 
During the vear 1755 the town furnished many men at Crown Point, and 
enlistments were made in 1757 and 1758. In the expedition to Canada in 
1760 Londonderry was largely represented. The town furnished one com- 
pany at Louisburg in 1745. It was under command of Capt. John Moor. 

Garrison-Houses. — Notwithstanding Londonderry dwelt in comparative 
security from Indian attacks, a few garrison houses were built, to which the 
people could repair should danger impend. The house of Capt. James Gregg, 
near the mill, was a garrison, and also the house of Samuel Barr. The town 
paid for a "flanker" round Reverend Mr. McGregor's dwelling, and there were 
other garrisons in the East Parish. Mr. John A. Plumer, who was born in 
the West Parish garrison house, remembers, when a boy. of looking through 
the holes cut in the immense timbers, through which an assailed party could 
thrust their guns. John Woodburn, a proprietor who died in 1780, is said 
to have lived in a garrison-house. 

Town's stock of bullets and ammunition. 

In T"ne, 1718, the Province of New Hampshire enacted a law requiring 
towns to keep on hand one barrel of good powder, 200-weight of bullets, 300 



512 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

flints for even,- sixty listed soldiers for use in case of an Indian attack. Lon- 
donderry^ obeyed the law of the land and always had a full supply of the 
required ammunition. There are pa\-menis recorded in the town books like the 
following : 

"To Daniel McAfee for making bulits, fo 4s. od."' 

"To James .Alexander for lead for bulits. £0 2s. od." 

People were paid for taking charge of the town stock. By vote of the 
town at one time the stock of powder was stored in the attics of the meeting- 
houses, a pleasant and useful place in case of lightning during church services. 
"1745. voted to buy two barrels of gunpowder and lodge one-half in the 
old meeting-house and the other half in the new."' 

Early Grist-Mills. — Capt. James Gregg built a grist-mill in 1722, in what 
is now Deny Village, probably on tlie spot where the mill of W. W. Poor 
now stands. This is usually regarded as the first in town. There is. how- 
ever, a record on the town books indicating that the mill of David Cargill, 
at the eastern extremity of Beaver Pond, may have an earlier date. It is the 
record of the road running along north of the pond from Samuel Marshall's 
house to George McMurphy's, dated February 13, 1720. The road crosses 
"the brook below Captain Cargill's grist-mill." The Gregg mill was long 
kept in that family, but since it passed to other hands has had many owners. 

In Londonderry the mill privilege of E. C. Kendall has been improved as 
such since about June i. 1731. At that time the proprietors granted it to 
Benjamin Wilson, who built the first,mill. It has since been known as Moor's 
mills and Gross' mills, and now Kendall's. Mills were first built in the 
northeastern part of Londonderry-, by David McAfee. 

Early Saw-Mills. — A grant of land was made by the proprietors June 17, 
1719, to Robert Boyes, James Gregg, Samuel Graves, and Joseph S}-monds, 
on condition tliat they should build a saw-mill upon Beaver River (Brook), 
to be ready some time in the month of September of that year. The "privilege 
of the stream was also granted to them and their heirs forever, from the 
foot of the falls to the upper end of Beaver Pond, and James Gregg to build 
a grist-mill on said stream." It is not known just what time this saw-mill 
was built, but it nuist have been before Febniary 20, 1720, as the road between 
the two villages was laid out at that date, "beginning at the bridge below 
the saw-mill.'' William Gregg was paid in 1721 four pounds for sawing 
boards for the meeting-house. In 1721 a grant of the privilege of Aiken's 
Brook and one acre of land was made to the proprietaries in .Aiken's Range, 
on condition that they should build a saw-mill. This mill must have stood 
where is now the mill of Washington Perkins. Home's mill is on the same 
stream, lower down. 

Highways — First Road.- — The following is the record of the laying out 
of road between the villages: "Feb. 13, 1720. A byway laid out from the 
bridge below the Sawmill, from thence nmning sou-easterly by Mr. Gregg's 
hous. from thence turning more easterly, along by James Clark's new hous, 
& so up by James Neasmath's & so along as the old way as far as the east 
comer of Robert Wear's fence." There is no authority given for this, but 
December 16, 1725, the selectmen of that year indorsed it, and added, said 
road to be "two rods wide & to be open & common without gates & bars." 
The English Range road from George W. Dickey's to Samuel Marshall's, 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 513 

and along the north of the pond to George McMurphy's, was laid out about 
the same time. 

The road to "Ammasceegg Falls" was first laid cmt by Capt. James Gregg 
and William Aiken in 1724. But a small part of this road is now in use. The 
roads from the East Church in Derry to the pond, and that running south 
by the cemeten,-. and also the highway across the Double Range south of 
\\'est Running Brook were all worked out by the selectmen June i, 1723. 
The Aiken's Range road, November 6, 1723, to be four rods wide across 
the Aiken lots, and two through the village to the mill. The Chester road 
was laid out November 17, 1723. The highway between Derry \'illage and 
the depot, and thence to William P. Nevin's land in Londonderry, three rods 
wide, was laid out in 1737. Many of the leading highways in Derry were 
laid out in 1723 and the two or three years following. The Londonderry turn- 
pike was built in 1806. In Londonderry the laying of roads began June ig, 
1730, at John Duncan's house. The road running east to meet the Aiken's 
Range road was laid out at that time. January 31, 1740, was laid out the 
highway by Aaron P. Hardy's house, north and south, and west by the grave- 
yard. No roads over the old graveyard hill were laid out till 1739, although 
there must have been much travel there. The road from W. P. Nevin's land, 
running west by the house of John Gilcreast to Mason Boyd's house, three rods 
wide, was laid out in 1737, and the main road across Londonderry, east and 
west to Litchfield, in 1744 and 1745, and from Dinsmore's Comer north to 
the Baptist Church in 1745. The Mammoth road was built in 1831. 

Some laid-out highways were never built, and many years elapsed before 
even the main portion of them were anything but bridle-paths. In the last 
hundred years. great improvement has been made in both towns in widening 
and straightening. 

JJ'ild Animals.- — The early settlers of Londonderry found the forests alive 
with many kinds of game. Deer and bears were abundant. A moose killed 
in the \\'est Parish gave name to a hill there of 500 feet elevation. For 
mure than ;l.\ty years the town elected men to "prevent the killing of deer out 
of season." Bounties were paid on wolves' heads, and as late as the Revolu- 
tion people brought their sheep to the fold every night to guard against the 
depredations of this fierce animal. Many stories relate encounters with bears. 
Probabl}- the last one killed was in 1807. It took fifty men and three days' 
time to capture him. He weighed 200 pounds dressed, and his skin afforded 
the party a whisky-punch and a jollification. 

Domestic Animals. — Horses were common in town from the first settle- 
ment. The earliest accounts record payments similar to the following: "To 
Abel Merrill for money due from the town and horse hire, fo 12s. od. To 
James Nesmith for his horse fo 8s. od." There was constant use for horses 
in "going to ye Bank," — that is, Portsmouth, — with salmon and cloth for 
the state officials, and in "going down for the elements of the Sacrament": 
and the long distances that had to be gone over by most of the people every 
Sundav in attending meeting needed the services of this useful animal. Deacon 
James Reid, the father of Gen. George Reid, lived in the locality called Kilrea. 
on the extreme southern border of Derry, but was always a regular attendant 
at the West Parish Church. The McClary family never failed to appear at 
church in the East Parish, although their residence was in the west part of 
Londonderry, near the present site of the Baptist Church. Large numbers 



514 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

traveled equally as far to their places of worship, and were constant in their 
attendance. Just what time oxen came into general use is not known. The 
following extract from the records, dated March, 1722-23, would indicate that 
cows at least were abundant, possibly too much so : "Voted that all persons 
shall have the liberty to bring in cattle to the town, so as to make up the 
number of six with his own cattle and no more, and those that have cattle 
of their own have the liberty to bring the number of ten if they bring a bull 
with them, otherwise to bring in no more." Hogs were plenty and trouble- 
some, and were allowed to run at large, requiring a by-law that compelled 
their owners to yoke them. 1722, "voted that hogs shall lie yoked from the 
20th of March to the last of October." The people were often called upon 
to entertain the governor and other gentlemen high in office, and when salmon 
or venison were out of season a sheep or lamb was brought to the block. 

Exempt Farms. — A few of the Londonderry settlers who were in the 
siege of Londonderry, Ireland, 1688-89, and who took an important part in 
the defense of the city, were, in common with all the soldiers engaged there, 
exempted from taxation by an act of the British Parliament. This exemption 
continued down to the Revolution, which terminated all the authority of 
England here. Among the exempts were Rev. Matt. Clark, John Barr, Wil- 
liam Caldwell. Abraham Blair, and James Wilson. There were probably 
more, but their names are unknown. James Wilson lived rin the Proctor 
place. 

Slaz'es. — There were a few- slaves in town before the Revolution. The 
census of 1773 enumerated twelve male and thirteen female persons of this 
class. Reverend Mr. Davidson had two, mother and daughter, named "I'oll 
and Moll." In the W'est Parish, Deacon James Thompson and Thomas \\'al- 
lace held property of this kind. The latter owned a negro lioy, for whom 
he had paid $100. Toney made a raft and went for a ride on the flowed 
meadow of the "fourteen-acre meadow brook." The craft proving unsafe, 
Toney, in fear of drowning, shouted to his owner to come and help him and 
save his $ick). 

Revolution. — Londonderry was not behind other towns of New Hami> 
shire in carrying the burdens imposed upon them by the War of the Re\olu- 
tion. The town entered early into the conflict with men and means, and held 
resolutely on till the long and severe contest with England was terminated in 
the treaty of peace in 1783. Mr. Parker, in his history, says. "When the news 
came that General Gage was marching troops into the interior. New Hampshire 
at once took up anns and hastened to the scene of action. Twelve hundred of 
her sons instantly repaired to Charlestown and Cambridge. Among these was 
a company from Londonderry. The tidings had no sooner reached the town 
than the whole community were seized with a warlike frenzy. A number of 
men, dropping instantly their implements of husbandry, hastened to spread 
the news, and in a few hours all who could bear arms were assembled on the 
common at the meeting-house. They were prepared to act. Erom the two 
companies of militia in town a large company of volunteers was at once 
formed. Thev started instantly on being organized, their provisions, ammu- 
nition, and whatever was necessary for their encam]>ment and future wants 
being afterwards forwarded by express. The roll of this company is as 
follows: George Reid, captain; Abraham Reid. first lieutenant: James 
Anderson, second lieutenant; John Patten, quartennaster-sergeant ; E)aniel 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 515 

Miltimore, John Nesmith, Robert Burnet, John Mackey, sergeants ; James 
McChier, Robert Boyer, Joshua Thompson. George McMurphy. corporals; 
Robert Burke, drummer; Thomas Inghs, titer; Matthew Anderson, Robert 
Adams. Samuel Ayers, Hugh Alexander, John j\nderson, Alexander Brown, 
William Boyd, John Campbell, Thomas Campbell, Peter Christie, Solomon 
Collins, Stephen Chase, William Dickey, James Duncan, Samuel Dickey, 
John l-'erguson, John Head, Asa Senter, Samuel Houston, Jonathan Holmes, 
Peter Jenkins, John Livingstone, Hugh Montgomery, John Morrison, James 
Morrison, Joseph r^Iack, Martin Montgomery, Robert McMurphy, William 
McMurphy, William Moore, Robert Mack, David McClary, Archibald Mack, 
James Nesmith. James Nesmith, Jr., William Parker, Joshua Reid, William 
Rowell, Thomas Roach, .Abel Senter, James Stinson, Samuel Senter, Samuel 
Thompson, John Vance, Hugh Watts, Thomas Wilson, John Patterson, 
Henry Parkinson, Samuel Stinson, John Smith, Richard Crcssey, and James 
Moore, and six men from Windham, privates. Lieutenant Reid was of 
Windham. As William .\dams. William (iregg. and David McC^regor were 
in the service at that time, they were probably at Bunker Hill. There were 
also seventeen men from l^ondonderry in Colonel Prescott's regiment who 
took a part in that engagement, and probably a few others, as the town paid 
bounties to ninety-nine men. 

Ca])t. John Nesmith commanded a company raised in .\ugust, 1776, in 
which were thirty-nine men from Londonderry. Of these, not before named, 
were Samuel Cherry, ensign; Solomon Todd, sergeant; Michael George, 
drummer; Timothy Dustin, fifer; John McClurg, William Rogers. Robert 
McCluer, James Ewins, Robert Boyer. Jr.. John Orr, Samuel Rowell, John 
Humphrey, John Cox. Edward Cox. John Anderson. Jr.. Thomas White, 
Ephraim White, James Moor, Samuel Layers, John Ramsey, David George, 
Jonathan Gregg, .\bner Andrews. .Alexander Craige, William Colby, Patrick 
Fling. William .Adams, James Boyer, Jr., Jonathan George, Charity Killicut, 
and John Lancaster, privates. In December. 1776. the following enlist- 
ments were made, not before named: Jonathan Wallace, William Lyon. 
Moses Watts. Thomas McClary. Jesse Jones, Arthur Nesmith. John Todd. 
Benjamin Nesmith. James Hobbs. Nathan Whiting, Benjamin Robinson. 
David Marshall, William Burroughs. 

The enlistments in 1777 and 1778 of three years' men numliered about 
fifty, several of whom had previously seen service. Capt. Daniel Reynolds 
commanded a company of seventy men at Bennington. David McClory and 
Adam Taylor lieutenants. John Smith. John McKeon. John Anderson, and 
John Robinson sergeants. Lieutenant McClory was killed there, and is 
said to be the only man from Londonderry who lost his life in battle during 
the war, although according to the muster-rolls the town furnished more 
men than any other in New Hampshire. Twenty-five men under Capt. 
Joseph Finlay served for a short time at Saratoga in 1777, and the same 
year there were five men in Col. Henr)' Jackson's regiment. In 1778 the 
town paid bounties to twenty men for service in Rhode Island. 1779 there 
were seventeen enlistments; in 1780. thirteen; in 1781. thirty. (See Chester.) 

Association Test. — At the beginning of the second year of the war there 
were so many persons in all our towns suspected of Toryism that the New 
Hampshire Committee of Safet}'. in accordance with a recommendation of 
the Continental Congress, requested selectmen to circulate papers for sig- 



516 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

nature affirming opposition to the British Government. In Londonderry 
there were 2>7- niales over twenty-one who signed a declaration of inde- 
pendence, substantially the same as the memorable declaration of July 4. 
1770. and but fifteen who refused to sign. 

Tories of the Rei'oliitioii. — Londonderry had perhaps her share of Tories. 
This offensive name was given to those persons who took sides with Great 
Britain in our War of Independence, and was applied to those who even 
leaned that way. "Time's effacing fingers" have softened down the asperi- 
ties of that period, and the "king's friends" are now everywhere designated 
by the less opprobrious name of loyalists. Considering the power of Eng- 
land, the feebleness of the colonies and their poverty, it is not surprising that 
large numbers of people either openly favored the crown or were inclined 
that way. It is to be ailded. however, that as soon as the first blow was struck 
a large portion of the latter class sided with the patriotic party, and joined 
with tliem heart, hand, and purse in the unecpial contest with England. Many 
of the loyalists were on the shady side of fifty years, and were looking 
towards the setting sun. The ambition and enterprise of younger days were 
gone, and after the severe struggles they had endured in subduing the forest 
and the Indian enemy that roamed through them they desired to possess 
their homes of peace and plenty in cjuiet, and pass the remainder of life undis- 
turbed by war's alarms. But when aroused by the blood shed at Bunker Hill, 
many of them were ready for the fray. It is related of Samuel Campbell, 
of Windham, who leaned at first to the loyalist side, that when he heard 
from Bunker Hill he saddled "his old meer," and took provisions in his 
saddle-bags to his two boys, who had been in the fight, thinking, as he said, 
"they might be hungry." The loyalists, as a class, were men of wealth, 
education, and respectability, n.iany of them holding office under the crown. 
It is no wonder then that large numbers hestitated to go at once into rebellion. 
For some reasons not known there were more loyalists in the English Range 
than were to be found in any other part of the town. There were a few 
that lived near the First Church, now East Derry. Among them Col. 
Stephen -Holland was the most prominent. His reputation as a Tory was 
more than local, as the history of the times clearly proved. He was ta\ern- 
keeper and a merchant, was a man of wealth and education, and his influence, 
in the language of the day. is said to have "tarred numbers of the people 
with the stick of Toryism." He was proscribed and lianished by the act of 
November 19. 1778, and his property, numbering four farms, was confiscated. 
The same act also proscribed and banished the following men of London- 
derry : Richard Holland, John Davidson, James Fulton, Thomas Smith, and 
Dennis O'Hala. It does not appear that any one suft'ered confiscation except 
Colonel Holland. There were perhaps some twenty men in town who were 
Tories, but they were not prominent enough to cause much trouble. John 
Clark, of the English Range, was confined for a time to his own premises, 
with liberty only to attend church on Sunday. He ventured to step across 
his lines to pick up a hawk he had shot, for which he was fined. A barn 
was raised on tlie hill where Mr. Clement lives during the height of the 
Tory excitement, and much apprehension was feared that trouble would 
ensue, as the Tories of the English Range would be there and meet the 
Pinkertons, the Aikens, and the Wallaces. It was feared that blows would 
follow political discussion, and a fight between those stalwart men would 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 517 

be no small affair. The parties, however, had the good sense to raise the 
barn, quietly drink their whisky, and depart for their homes in jjeace. The 
women of that day had their politics as well as the men. The wife of 
Dr. .\lexander Cummings "wished that the English Range from its head 
to Beaver Pond ran ankle-deep in Whig blood." 

Taverns. — Before May 12, 1726, John Barr, who lived on the John 
B. Taylor place in the East Parish, kept a tavern for the "accommodation 
of Man & beast."' This is made certain by the following extract from the 
journal of John Wainwright, clerk of the Massachusetts Bay Committee, 
sent to lay out Pennacook. now Concord, X. H. In going from Haver- 
hill to Pennacook, "about 11 or 12 o'clock we arrived at Nuffield, alias 
Londonderry, & refreshed ourselves & horses at the house of one John 
Barr, an Irish tavern-keeper, but we had nothing of him but 'small Beer." " 
There were numbers of hostelries in Londonderry: many of them, however, 
were merely places where spirits in some form was sold, and they were 
much frequented long after the Revolution by the old soldiers of that and 
the previous Indian wars. They often got together of a winter's night, and 
after inspiring draughts of punch and flip the old-time memories would 
come over them, and as "the night drave on wi" sangs and clatter,"' they 
would "shoulder their crutches and show^ how fields were won." The loyalist 
colonel, Stephen Holland, kept tavern where the late David Bassett lived, 
and after him Capt. Samuel .\llison and others. Dr. Isaac Thom, with 
much other business, was a hotel-keeper. In Derry lower village a public- 
house was kept at the Thornton place se\'eral years by John Dinsmoor and 
others. 

In the \\ est Parish, James Thompson, at the Hurd j'lace, entertained the 
surveyors for Holland"s map in 1784, and near the close of the Revolution, 
at the Dinsmoor corner, 300 Hessian prisoners from Burgoyne's army, on 
their way to Boston, were kept for a night. Packer's tavern was on the 
High Range. He employed Richard H. Brinton, a deserter from the 
British army, to paint a sign during the excitement of the Jefiferson campaign. 
He had Jeff'erson"s likeness put on one side of the sign. The painter asked 
what he should paint upon the other. "Oh," replied Packer, "I am not 
particular; anything appropriate ti) gti witli Jefferson.'" "Well, then."' said 
Brinton, "I will just paint the devil ! " 

Ciirrcncx. — Like all new countries, the people of Londonderry suffered 
great inconvenience for want of a circulating medium wherewith to transact 
their business. There was but little of what could be called money in the 
settlement during the lives of the emigrants, and yet they were not wholly 
destitute. Most business was done 1)y means of barter, corn, beans, peltry, 
and even spinning-wheels taking the place of money. In the emergencies 
arising from the various Indian wars the Government was compelled to issue 
"Bills of credit." All such bills authorized before 1742 were called "Old 
Tenor," and the issue of that year and subser|uently till the Revolution were 
denominated "New Tenor." The temptation to over-issues beyond the 
credit of the Government to resixjud could not be resisted, and great depre- 
ciation was the natural result, to the severe embarrassment of the ])eoi)le. 
The salary of Reverend Mr. Davidson, of the East Parish, in 1767 was 
1.500 pounds of old tenor, and the next year it was seventy-five pounds lawful 



518 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

nioiuw i 1h' (Ifprtciatiun of the Continental money \vr(iu,i,'ht financial ruin 
to lar,i,'e nnnibers of the people. 

i'he snbjoined order among the town's papers will illustrate some of the 
difficnities the fathers had to wrestle with in relation to their currency: 
"To Mr. Jesse Jones, Constable: 

"1 'lease pay or discount with James Rogers, ten shillings in certificats, 
and li\e shillings of Indents, & three shillings and four pence out of your 
tow 11 list. i& one shilling & eight pence in specie, & one shilling eight pence in 
specie orders, and one shilling eight pence out of your county list, it being 
for his father's pole tax, rated and dead in the same }'ear. & it will be allowed 
on settlement of your lists. 

"George Reid, Select Clerk. 

"Londonderry, Jan. 15, 1790." 

Schools. — The settlers of Londonderry made early and as fidl provision 
as ptjssible for the rising generation ; and tliis good example has l)een followed 
to the present day. An early law of the province required "every fifty house- 
holders to be provided of a schoolmaster to teach children and youth to read 
and write, and one hundred families were reciuired to set up a Grammar 
school." Accordingly the town voted in 1726 "That a Grammsir school 
shall be sett up by David McGregor." And the same year "Voted to build a 
school-house 18 ft long beside the chimney, that there shall be two fire-places 
in one end as large as the house will allow, 7 foot in the side of logs at the 
meeting-house." In 1728 the wages of a schoolmaster w-ere thirty-six pounds 
per annum. March 23, 1732, "Voted that there shall be two schools kept 
as public schools for the year ; the one at the meeting-house, and at or by. as 
near Allen Anderson's house, or thereabouts, and Mr. John \Vilson shall be 
the schoolmaster." Before the establishment of the present system of com- 
mon schools all through the town teachers were employed, and schools were 
taught in private houses, and not infrecjuently barns were used as school- 
rooms. The Hon. Samuel Bell, afterwards governor of New Hampshire, 
when in college taught a winter term in a dwelling-house in the W^est 
Parish. He was a strict disciplinarian even for those times, and during 
the first week of the term some of the mischievous boys got sundry raps over 
the head from a cane in the hands of the teacher. The following Sunday, 
at church, John Bell, the father of the college student, anxious for his suc- 
cess, asked Deacon Thomas Patterson how Sam was getting on in school. 
The deacon replied, "Very well ; only I think he had better leave his cane 
at home tomorrow." The hint was taken, the cane was left at home, and 
an excellent school was the result. 

The various divisions in town known as school districts were at first 
called "classes," and prudential committees called "heads of the class." The 
divisions were not numbered as at present, but designated by some local 
name, as the Aiken's Range Class, etc. All through the years great atten- 
tion has been given to all matters pertaining to education, and large sums 
annually expended in support of common schools. The fact that high schools 
and academies were early established in town is abundant proof that the 
people have not been and are not behind other towns in jiroviding for the 
welfare of the rising generation. 

Spotted Fc-i'cr of 18 1 J. — The town has always enjoyed remarkable immu- 
nity from epidemics. But two of any account are known in its history. In 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 519 

1753 a fever of great malignity, much resembling the yellow fever of later 
years, carried off several of the inhabitants, among whom were a few of the 
leading citizens. The ravages of the spotted fever of 1812 caused great 
excitement, and many families suffered severely. In the West Parish three 
children in the family of .Vlexander Anderson died, and three or four in the 
family of Da\'id Anderson. Robert Taylor, who lived in the East Parish, 
lost four children, and William Thompson, two. Bleeding was thought to be 
a means of cure, but the sickness was so general that the doctors were unable 
to respond to all the cases. In this emergency Christopher Thom, Abraham 
Morrison, and Joseph (iregg went through tiie town using the lancet. Physi- 
cians from abroad were emi)loyed. 

War of iSiJ-ij. — Soon after the declaration of war President Aladison 
recjuested Covernor Phimer, of New Hampshire, to order into service of the 
United Slates such a part of the state militia as he should deem necessary 
for the defense of i'ortsmouth. A company was drafted from the Third 
Brigade, to which Londonderry belonged, to serve six months, and Capt. 
John Leonard, of this town, was put in command. The following-named 
men went to Portsmouth: Capt. John Leonard, Moses C. Pillsbury, John 
Palmer, Moses Messer, John Piumer, David Wilson, John Saunders, and 
James Whittemore. Under Governor Oilman's order of September 9, 1814, 
Capt. James Thom, of Londonderry, was in command of a company for a 
short time, but there were no privates from town in this company. Under 
the same order Londonderry furnished twenty-two men for the service, 
who were enlisted September 23, 1814, for sixty days. In the same com|>any 
there were ten men from Windham. The names of all the men al)o\e 
enumerated arc on record, but the town furnished others that the muster- 
rolls are silent in respect to. The political sentiment of the town lacing largely 
in opposition to the war, the voluntary enlistments were few. Most of the 
men were drafted. 

'I'omatoes were first raised in town in 1S22, by Madame Morrison, widow 
of Rev. William Morrison, she having brought the seed from her early home 
at Octoraro, Pa. 

Riiiicjratioiis from Town. — No sketch of Londonderry can be perfect with- 
out mention of towns colonized therefrom. Very early several of the pro- 
prietors relincpiished their "home lots" and settled in other parts of the 
town on second divisions, or amendment land. Among these were John 
Woodburn. of the .\yers Range, and John Senter, of the English Range, 
who removed to the lower part of the High i'lange in the West Parish. John 
Goffe. four years town clerk, took u]i residence in 1734 at "Goffe's Falls." 
Prior to 1736 a vaguely-defined strip of land, called Harrytown. e.xtending 
several miles along the eastern bank of the Merrimac, opposite Amoskeag 
Falls, had been partly settled by the Scotch-Irish and English. Much conten- 
tion arising among them relative to the tisiiing interest, the former thought best 
to strengthen their party In' a reinforcement from the Scotch-Irish fighting 
blood of Londonderry'. John McNeil, in 1735, and Archibald Stork, in 1736, 
and several others responded to the call. How well the imperiled settlers, 
struggling to maintain their claim, judged of the character of the men they 
summoned to their aid let Chippewa. Bunker Hill, and Bennington in a suc- 
ceeding generation tell. 

Cherry Valley. Otsego County. N. Y.. settled in 1740. received an im- 



520 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

portaiit addition to its population Irom that part of Londonderry' now \\'ind- 
hani. Col. Samuel Campbell, Samuel Clyde, and several others were among 
the early settlers. Bedford, N. H., incorporated May 19, 1750, was largely 
represented by settlers from Londonderry. Among them were the Riddles, 
the Moors, the Aikens, the Walkers, the Orrs, and many others. Many of 
the leading families of Peterboro', N. H., incorporated January 17, 1760, 
were from Londonderry — the Morrisons, Smiths, Steels, (ireggs, etc. In 
1760 a company of Archibalds, Taylors, Fishers, and others settled in Truro, 
No\a Scotia. Large numbers of the early citizens of New Boston, N. H., were 
of Londonderry — the Crombies, Cochrans, Clarks, Pattersons, McColloms. 
Alc.-Vllisters, etc. Nearly all the pro])rietors of Henniker, N. H., were from 
Londonderry. Those who removed thither were most prominent in the new 
settlement — the Wallaces, Campbells, and Pattersons. The first permanent 
settler in Antrim. X. H., was Deacon James Aiken, of Londonderry. He was 
succeeded by Duncans, Greggs, and others. The towns of Acworth, ]\Ierri- 
mac. and Goffstown, N. II., claim a Londonderry origin for many of their 
])eople, also the towns (jf Londonderry and Windham, Vt. Belfast. Ale, 
is indebted to this town for its most prominent settlers. 

Londonderry Literature. — Several of the early colonists were said to l)e 
gifted with poetical talent, and among them were Rev. Matt. Clark and 
Robert Boyer, Es(|. The former was an eccentric minister, and the latter 
was a man of talent, had great influence in town, and was often in public 
employment, but the specimens of their writing that have come down to us 
do not warrant us in giving them a very high place among the poets. Doctor 
Thorntdn is said to have left a manuscript work on some religious subject. 
Rev. David McGregor, Reverend Dr. Morrison, and Rev. Daniel D. Dana, 
among the older ministers, and Rev. E. L. Parker and Rev. L. S. Parker, 
of later years, all published sermons. The century sermon of Rev. E. L. 
Parker in 1819 is the basis of the history of the town he had got nearly 
ready for the press at the time of his death in 1850. The history, a work 
of 358 pages, was published by his son, Edward P. Parker, Esq., in 1851, 
and is regarded as a very valuable work, and one of the best town histories. 
Co])ies of the work are ver\- rare. and. like all Londonderry literature, com- 
mand high prices. In 1.S70 a compilation of the "Exercises on the 150th 
anniversar}- of the town's settlement" was published. 

l\e\ . Luther B. Pert, pastor of the Presbyterian Society in Londonderry. 
pul)lislie(l in 1876 a valuable centennial sermon, historical of the society, 
church, and town. 

Londonderrv claims nianv eminent men who were either natives of the 
town or residents for a time. Of these nia\- be mentioned John Bell, ancestor 
of three governors f)f New Plampshire and three United States senators; 
( ien. George Reid, the trusted friend of Washington ; Gen. John Stark, the 
hero of Bennington: Matthew Thornton, the jurist and statesman: Samuel 
Livermore and John Prentice, the accomplishe<l lawyers: Rev. Dr. Joseph 
McKeen. first president of Bowdoin College: and many others, of whom 
there is no space in this sketch even to name. \'erv large numbers of the 
most i)rominent li\ing men in the land "claim kindred here, and have their 
claims allowed." 

Maininotli Road. — This road was l)uilt in the summer of 1831. and 
opened to travel in the autumn of that year. It became at once a popular 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 521 

line between Concord, N. H., and Boston. Three lines of daily stages were 
put on the road, which carried vast numbers of passengers. In the winter 
season large quantities of country produce were carried over the road, seek- 
ing a market at -Lowell and Boston. This continued till the opening of the 
Concord and Nashua Railroad, in 1838. The Mammoth Road, so named in 
derision by its enemies, has always been a great convenience to the people 
of the town. In 1832 President Jackson and cabinet passed over it on their 
way from Boston to Concord, N. H., and dined at the hotel of Mr. White, in 
the north part of the town. 

Cemeteries. — The oldest cemetery in town is situated upon the hill known 
as "Grave-yard Hill." about one mile from the Derry line, nearly opposite 
the site of the First Church. An acre of land was bought of Robert Wallace. 
The first interment was "ye learned William Wallace," who died March 2j. 
1733. He was bom at Bush Mills, Ireland, in 1707, graduated at a college 
in Edinburgh, Scotland, and studied for the ministry. Although it is now a 
lonely place, unused for purposes of burial, it contains the remains of many 
of the honored dead of the olden time. Among them John Bell, the emigrant 
ancestor of the eminent family that has through three or four generations 
taken a distinguished part in the councils of the state and nation. He died 
July 8, 1743. aged sixty- four. A massive marble slab marks the resting- 
place of Alaj. John Pinkerton. the founder of Pinkerton Academy. Many 
members of the Duncan family lie here, and there are stones "In Memoriam" 
of David and Margaret (Clark") Woodburn, maternal grandparents of Horace 
Greeley. The second cemetery in town received its first recorded burial in 
February, 1793 — David Patterson, son of Deacon Thomas Patterson, who 
died the 12th day of that month. Near the center stands a stately and 
appropriate granite monument inscribed to the memory of Hon. John Bell and 
wife. He was born in Londonderry, August 15. 1730. and died there Novem- 
ber 30, 1825. having long ser\-ecl faithfully the town and state in many 
important positions. .-\n addition to this yard was made on the south in 1852. 

The cemetery in the northwest part was originally a private yard, but now 
belongs to the town. 

Glenivood Cemetery. — .-\bout fifty citizens of the town, in i8(yq. purchased 
three acres of land of Robert Mack, fenced it. and laid it out into lots. The 
first buried here was Mrs. John Haynes. 

H'est Parish, or Londonderry Presbyterian Meeting-House. — February 
25, 1740, the New Hampshire Legislature incorporated a second parish in 
Londonderry. It took the name of the West Parish, and embraced all the 
present town of Londonderry and a considerable part of Derry. The first 
meeting-house of the parish was erected near the old graveyard certainly 
as early as 1735. and may have been as early as March 14. 1733. as that was 
the date of the call to Rev. David McGregor, the first pastor. It was never 
fully finished, and probably only occasional services were held in it. The 
second house was built one mile and a half east of the former, in the .\iken's 
Range, now Derry, about 1737, as we find the parish voted, September 7. 
1736. "that they sett up their meeting-house upon that part of James Aiken's 
home lot known as his sheep pasture." This house was "low in the post, 
with a low floor requiring descending steps to reach it." It stood on land 
now owned by the heirs of Thomas Bradford. The location so far to the 
east, in connection with some dislike of Rev. William Davidson, pastor of the 



522 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

"old church." occasioned disaffection, which resuhed in an unhappy c^uarrel, 
which lasted till the close of Rev. David McGregor's ministry, in 1777. 
]'"orty families of tiie West Parish attended meeting at the East Church, now 
Derry, and the same number from the latter society attended meeting at 
the W est Parish. 

The next and third church edilice of the West Parish was begun in 1769. 
It was located near Henry Caniiibell's tobacco yard, a short distance from 
the residence of A. P. Hardy. The next year the house was finished out- 
wardly, but the interior was not finished till 1780. Pews were made in 1787, 
and sold in tiie aggregate for £1025 5s. This house stood without much 
alteration till 1845, when it was taken down and removed to the center 
of the town, on the Mammoth Road, and fitted up for a town hall. 

Some time during the winter of 1836-37 the leading meij in the West 
Parish met at tiie house of Robert Mack, and took steps for the erection 
of a new church. Committees were chosen, subscriptions were obtained, 
and during the summer and fall of 1837 the church was built. The land for 
a site, originally laid out to David Morrison, was the gift of Robert Alack. 
The cost was about four thousand dollars. In i860 a little over two thousand 
dollars were expended in frescoing the house and making repairs. The bell 
of this church was purchased in 1856. 

Ministers of the West Parish in Londonderry. — Rev. David AIcGregor 
was born in Ireland in 1710, came with his father to Londonderry in 1719, 
and became the first pastor over the West Parish. He early entered the 
ministry, receiving a call from the West Parish, March 14, 1733. He alter- 
nated Sunday services between the Hill Church and that in the Aiken's Range. 
His abilities and eloquence drew many people from neighboring towns in 
regular attendance upon his ministrations. Pie died May 30. 1777, having 
faithfully served the society forty- four years. He was a non-resident of the 
parish, living in a house of his own erection on land laid out to his father, 
known as the Humphrey Choate Place, one mile from East Derry Village. 
The "forty family quarrel" between the parishes came to an end shortly 
after his death, the New Hampshire Legislature aiding this result in 1778 
by repealing the law allowing that singular interchange of families. 

William Morrison, D. D., succeeded Mr. McGregor. He was ordained 
February 12, 1783. He was born in 1748, in the town of Auchlinnes. parish 
of Cornerey, Perthshire, Scotland, and died March 9, 1818. 

Rev. Daniel Dana, D. D., having resigned the presidency of Dartmouth 
College, was installed over the society January 15, 1822. He was dismissed 
in April, 1826, "much to the regret of the people," as appears by a record on 
the ^Vest Parish books. 

Rev. Amasa A. Hayes, a native of Granl>y, Conn., a graduate of Yale and 
Andover, was installed June 25, 1828, and died, greatlv lamented. October 
23. 1830. 

Rev. John R. Adams followed Mr. Hayes by ordination October 5. 183 1. 
He was dismissed in October. 1838. He was afterward settled in Brighton. 
Mass., and Gorham, Me.; was chaplain in the Fifth Regiment Maine Volun- 
teers, and also of the One Flundred and Twenty-first New York Regiment. 
Among the successors to Mr. Adams have been : Rev. Timothv G. 
Brainard, November 5, 1840, to April 26, 1855; Rev. William House. 
1857 *^o ^^7i'' R^v. Luther B. Pert, February 23, 1875. to September i. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 523 

1879; Rev. Ire C. Tyson, June 9, 1S91, to May 5, 1883; Rev. Samuel F. 
French, October 2t,. 1894, to October i, 1906; Rev. J. Francis Laughton, 
May I, 1908, to I'"ebruary. 1910; Rev. Bertram (_'ln-istopher. April i, 1910. 
to April, 1914. 

Mr. D. G. .Vnni.s writes that. "The early records of the doings of sessions 
are now all lost, and those extant date back only to 1823. When the church 
was organized, of how many members composed and when or by whom the 
first minister was set over it. are [joints which ha\e not been ascertained." 

Baptist Church and Ministers. — This church was organized in 1779. 
Services on the Sabbath were occasionally held at the houses of the members 
fifty years, or till 1829, when the society erected their meeting-house. In 
November, 1828, a subscription paper was circulated for the object of build- 
ing a house. Two sites had been in contemplation : "one near Caleb Gooden's 
corner," and the other "on a gore of land north of John Butterfield's house." 
January 3. 1829, a meeting was held, the latter place selected, and the church 
built that year. Caleb Gooden, Stephen Moor, \\'illiam Plumer, John Butter- 
field, and James Watts were large contributors. The following-named 
clergv'men, among many others, have preached for the society: Rev. Ezra 
W'ilmorth, Rew John Upton, Rev. Stephen Pillsbury, fourteen years; Rev. J. 
W. Poland, two years; and Rev. Thomas \\'. Herbert. Rev. Joshua L. 
W'hittemore was jjastor from 1857 to i8')7. Other pastors have been Rev. 
Charles F". Gould, Rev. W. H. Home, Rev. William (iussman, and the present 
pastor Mr. Sturtevant. 

During Mr. Gussman's ministry extensive improvements have been made 
including tower and bell. 

The late William Plumer, of Londonderry, left his homestead in the north 
part of the town to the society. 

Methodist Mceting-Housc and Ministers. — The Methodist Episcopal 
Society worshiped in the town hall for two years before the erection of their 
church. This was built in 1853-56, and dedicated March 5, 1856. Rev. 
Henry Nutter was their first minister. Below are consecutively all the names 
of the other preachers and the dates of their pastorate: 1856-57, Rev. A. 
Folsom; 1857-59, Rev. J. Hayes; 1859-60, Rev. A. C. Dutton; 1860-62, G. 
W. T. Rogers; 1862-65, O. H. Call; 1865-66, I. Taggart; 1866-68, T- Hayes; 
1868-69, E. Scott; 1869-71, A. A. Cleveland; 1871-73, J. A. Steele: 1873-74. 
F. D. Chandler, L. L. Eastman; 1874-7^, S. Beedle; 1875-78, J. F. Spald- 
ing: 1878-79, A. R. Lunt; 1879-80, E. P. F. Dearborn; 1880-81, H. H. 
French, 1881-82. J. M. Bean: 1882-83; 1884-86, J. H. Knott; 1887, H. B. 
Copp; 1888-92, Jrad Taggart; 1893-96, Xoble Fisk;- 1897- 1900, G. A. Mc- 
Lucas; 1901-03, J. P. Frye; 1904-05. W. J. Wilkins: 1905-06. C. .\. Reed: 
1907-08, G. H. Heizer: 1909. N. L. Porter: 1910-11, j- Kirkwood Kraig; 
191 2- 14, C. E. Eaton. 

Rebellion. 1861-63. — The attack upon Fort Sumter, April 13, 1861, 
united the people of Londonderry, without distinction of party, in favor of 
vigorous measures by the general government to maintain the integrity of the 
Union. The enthusiasm of the town developed itself in the formation of 
two companies for purposes of military drill. Frequent meetings were held 
and enlistments encouraged, so that when the time came for action the town 
was ready to do its duty. Seven of its citizens enlisted in the first regiment 
sent from New Hampshire. May 11, 1861, the town voted to provide for 



524 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGH-\M COUNTY 

die fa—ilies :■: voiEnieers. and aii t&roBgfa the , - v^ ere 

paid, -be lasi. Jsnvzry 2. 1S65. of Sooo. Dra::. S3Da 

Fi-ft RcgirrjQii. Thnee Months" iies. — Weit. £,. ixiugiiu CuTporai; 
Ecv»^5-d5 O. IXAige; \V. H. Mardsi: Haskdl P. Co^: Charies H. Morrison ; 
Da.-iii V\"- Co-ni-i: Josepii C Abi»ti- 

Scccnd Reg-nicn:.- — Cliarles Vickerev. IzeiHSjajit. woonded aad capcnred 
J-sly J. iSoj. died Jmy S- 1S63: Samcel X. Pfevae: Peser Flvna: Taises C 

rc-urxh Reginzeni. — WiSiain S. Barki^-. capeais, coEmsesKed Feijsijarv it. 
iS<:~. diiCJarged May 30. 1805; \\'i!lian3 S. PilslRiry. htse iiesnenani. coai- 
:nesiced Sepcesiber jo. iSoi. resigned Ocioaer jo. iSoi : Josej^ C. Abbott, 
died of di-jQie at FoOy isiaihL S. C June 13. 1S63: Jdm \\". Barker, killed 
in aciioE aear Petersborg. Va.. Tnly .^S, iScu.: Jaioes IXx>lev: Tboroas Dii*- 
n:>ore- died ar Morris Island^ S. C Angizst 11. 1863; Qiaries R. Frost; 
George Lawsos : Wiiliam C. Fsaisders ; Siqjfeen A. Xicbois : Warrei G. Pike, 
we«~2ided CKixoier J.2. iSoj;. died Jniy 22. 1S63; Lorenzo Wight, dKd of 
disease at St. Aagusdne. Fla.. Aiigtist 19, 1862. 

Firm Reginiect. — J>>hn D. K. MarsbalL \\TsiBded JnDe 3. 1804: Williaiiii 
Keruer; Jofeji Cnrtiii. woooded Sepje^nber 30. 1S64: E. G. HoiH^es: Th;-:z:as 
O'Xeii; Asdrew C- Snniiii: Patrick Mnrpey: L. Stimttssoaye- ; J ' - ; 

Siias F. Dea-. proin-c-ied to rnag^aia Fdiroary i. iSdi. 

Sixth Regiireai- — Tc>hii O Dos^aL Janses iiiidsell Jc^m Wils^rii^ 

Sevesih Regrrer.t. — Charles H. Brickert: WiSiain C. Baocroft: I_ P. 
Gardner; ThO'n::as F. I>>iige: HeiHy C. Dickey: Irrisg: T. Dickey, woonded 
Febrrsrr 20. 1S04. died April ii. 1864: Timodiy A. Ssadi: A. P. Odbr: 
Willisn: M. Boyce: Ed'A^rd Clark: G. M. Clark: Moses F. Colby: Oiarfcs 

Eigljih Regimen:. — E.i<enc L. Carris; EIlKidge Cards; Caaries E Foi- 
iofisiiee- died of wo-.25ds at Fort HudsiXi, Jiily 4- 1863: Charks E. C:rant, 
wounded June is. 1S63; George \\ . Blood. 

Xintii Reginient- — A. F. HarruHot; Aodrew C. ^mih. cai)nired.ar Pc^)iar 
Grove. Va-. Sepceniber 30. iSoi. 

Teidi Reginidn — John Ha^-fjes, assistant siirgeon, resigned Jzsne ^. 
1863: Samuel \V.»i!K2ry: »3eorge W. Vickercy: Aionzo R. Weils, wagooer. 

Eleventh Regimest. — Charles D. .\iinis. woonded May 6. i8»ii, died 
May 1 8. 1864: «3eorge W. Mckerey; .\r-KaEda S. \"ickerey. wcsmded May 
12. 1864- died ar \"\"asr.iEgtOE- D. C. June 10. 1864: WiTJ-am H. \'ickeriey. 

Twelftli ReginDeot. — Peter Flyna; BaijasQin Wilson: D. B. Harringroa. 
died at Cold Hari!or. Tune 3. i8(X!.; Cahria Jcfensoa: Aiikss H. MacGregc-r: 
Isaac CoBey. killed at Drury's Bluffs. May iCk. i8d«: Daniel Goodwin, killed 
in acdoa Jiaie 25. 1864: Samuel Clark, capmred May 16. iSdi: O. B. 
&?cdwin: Jc'hn C- Estey, wossided May lo, i8tu.: John F. Davis: Clintoa 
Farley: David G>Tdwin: Edward P. Moare. sergeant, woonded July 37. 
1S64. died August so. 18^: Beijamin F. Pettingill: Horace P. Estey: -\Ibert 
AtTio^d. killed in actio?! Jnne 30. 1864: Cbaries E. Estey. wosisded May 
:6. 1S64. takei prisoner and died at .\EdersooviIle. Ga.. .\ugust io. iSm 
Grave Xo. 5337 • : Moses M. Myrick. kiSed at Deep Run. .Augast 16. iSdi: 
Wesley B- Knight, sergeant. ca7«eured and died at Fjon^jce. S. C. 0~~V- 
-o. :^j:; V\ n:iam Lan-j^-n. ts ounded May it*. 1864: William H. y.:.- 
•rirarles H. ^iornS'?m captured, died in prison at Salisbnry, X. Q. Dece •^- 
:^:^. :S?>4: Gec-rge H. Robinscei: David C. Stevens: Benjamin Shijdey. i ri 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 525 

of disease on steamer "Ben. Deford." June 7, 1H65; Joseph A. Wyckoft, 
killed at Pocotaligo. S. C October 22. 1862. Mr.' W'yckoff was the first 
soldier t"rom Londonderry killed in war. 

Thirteenth Regiment. — Dearborn \\". MacGregor. A. H. Randall, John 
H. Little. 

Fifteenth Regiment. — Lieut. Washington Perkins; M. N. Holmes; 
Charles ^MacGregor; W. F. Holmes; \V. J. Pond, died of disease at Baton 
Rouge. June 20. 1863; John H. Sanborn, woimded May 27. 1863. and died at 
Port Hudson, June 2. 1863; John Orall; Charles R. Clark; Martin L. Moore: 
A. P. .\lexander; Horace D. Gregg; Washington I. Coburn ; James G. Mor- 
rison : Hiram Webster. 

Eighteenth Regiment. — Thomas F. Dodge; Washington Perkins, first 
lieutenant ; David W. Coftin : John H. Estey. died of disease at Washington. 
D. C. ; Frank O. Greeley, died at Concord. N. H.. May 6. 1865; William 
P. Nevins; G. F. Plumer; Walter L. Robbins; George W'. Wilson; Samuel 
L. Woodbury, died of disease at Londonderry. February 2/. 1865; Francis 
Lupean; O. S. Sorer; Daniel Griffin: James Dooley; M. N. Holmes: Lyman 
J. Slate ; John C. Scully ; Horace E. Woods : Hugh Mulheran, William P. 
Wallace. 

First Regiment N. H. Vol. Cavalry. — George F. .\nderson and Samuel 
Whittier. 

First Regiment Heavy Artillery. — William S. Pillsbury. lieutenant, date 
of commission. September 5, 1864: Haskell P. Coffin, lieutenant; Carlos W. 
Noyes; James H. Eaton: Isaac W. Hall; John H. Nutter; Arley P. Tenney; 
Washington I. Coburn; A. J. Benson, sergeant; Charles R. Frost: William 
Clark; John Merrill: Augustus Alexander; J. M. Bancroft; John E. Ban- 
croft; John L. Blood: G. W. Clark; John R. Campbell; David Flanders; 
George F. Greely; Duston Hamblett. died January 10. 1865 : David W. Coffi.n; 
Henry A. Hovey; Thomas M. Holmes; W. P. Lund: Benjamin Martin: 
James A. Nichols: A. H. Nichols; N. B. Pemo; L. Pickering; B. Sullivan; 
John C. Towns; D. G. Wheeler; William Young: G. W. Annis: James S. 
Wheeler : Edwin Follonsbee. 

First Regiment of Sharpshooters. — Henry Moulton. National Guards. 
N. H. Militia, in the C. S. servnce sixty days, on garrison duty at Fort 
Constitution ; Elijah G. Chase : Charles Goodwin. 

Unattached Co. N. H. Vols, at Portsmouth Harbor. — B. L. Center. 

Men from Londonderry in the 14th Mass. Regt. — Alexander McGregor, 
A. J. McKenny, Charles McKenny, Elijah Watts. Henry Colby. 

The latter was killed in the service. Enrollment of Londonderry, April 
30, 1865, 139; total of quota under all calls from July i, 1863, 107: credits 
by enlistment and draft, 108: surplus, i. 

Lcacli Librarx. — David Rollins Leach, who cFied in Manchester. April i, 
1878. left by his last will 83,000 to found and perpetuate a public library in 
Londonderry. The town at the annual meeting in March. 1879. voted to 
accept the bequests, authorized the selectmen to build an addition to the town 
hall, in which should be fitted a room for library puriwses, and a room was 
in readiness January i, 1880. .At the present time 2,618 circulating books on 
the shelves and about five hundred books of other classes. 

The physicians are: Wm. R. Richardson and P. W. F. Corning. 

The following are the societies: Horace Greeley Council, U. O. .\. M., 
Londonderry Grange, \\'oman's Relief Corps, Mayflower Grange. 



CHAPTER XXXIX 

NEW CASTLE 

Geographical — Topographical — First Settlement — Great Island — The Fort of 
1660 — The Separation- — The Mccting-FIouse — LAthobolia — Prominent 
Men — Fort U'illiaiii ami Mary — Military Record — Walbach Tower — 
Public Library. 

Tlie Town of New Castle is an island lying off the coast of Portsmouth, 

and was formerly called Great Island. The surface of this town is rocky. 

The history of New Castle is erf some interest, as the first settlement in 

New Hampshire was made in 1623 near its borders by a Scotchman named 

David Thompson. 

The original designation was Great Island, but in 1693 it was separated 
from Portsmouth and incorporated under its present name. At the time of 
its incorporation a large portion of land on the west was included within 
its limits, but in consequence of the incorporation of Rye in 1719 its area 
was reduced to 458 acres. The soil, though thickly interspersed with rocks, 
has e\er been made to produce abundantly, and owing to the plentiful supply 
of seaweed the farmers need never fail for want of the proper means of 
enriching their lands. 

Formerly a bridge was built on the southwest side of the town, forming 
a means of connection betw'een Rye and New Castle, and previous to the 
building of the new bridges in 1821 all travelers for Portsmouth went by way 
of the "Old Bridge." 

Soon after the settlement of Great Island a fort was built upon Frost 
Point, to serve as a protection to the harbor. It was an earthwork "made 
with certain great gunns to it," and in the year i6rK) was mentioned in the 
documents of that day as the means of distinguishing Great Island from 
other islands in the vicinity. It was several times remodeled, and for many 
years prior to the War of the Revolution w-as called Fort William and Mary, 
named in honor of the king and queen of England. In the eleventh year 
of the reign of Charles the First, of England, the island, together with the 
fort, came into possession of Mistress Anne Mason, widow of John Mason, 
of London, who at the time of his death was engaged in mercantile pur- 
suits. Portions of the island were afterwards deeded to Robert Mussel and 
other individuals by her agent, Joseph Mason, of "Strawberry Bank," on the 
river of the "Pascattaquack." 

It is difficult to separate the history of New Castle from the general 
af^'airs of the Province of New Llampshire in the early times. For the first 
seventy-five years it was the ca|)ital of the province, and two-thirds of the 
provincial officials were citizens of the town. No actual local government, 
independent of the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, was put ir operation in 

526 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 527 

New Hampshire before t 680-81, so that there is very httle doubt the very 
first representative body ever convened in the state was at New Castle. The 
date of the first council meeting is "Great Island, January 15, 1683," and 
every one of its meetings was here until the year 1697. All the members of 
this first recorded council, including the go\ernor. Edward Cranfield, lix^d 
at New Castle. 

The town records from 1693 to 1726 were gone, none knew where, but 
in the autumn of 1873, the postmaster of New Castle, H. M. Curtis, Esq., 
received a letter from Mr. Henry Starr, of London, informing him that 
one of his neighbors, a Captain Bokenham, of Cheshunt, in Herfordshire, 
had in his possession two volumes of the town records of New Castle. 

The letter was cautiously answered, intjuiry made as to the expenses of 
getting back the precious documents. The reply was the volumes them- 
selves, by the next English mail. They proved to be the long-lost records, 
of the first thirty-three years of the town's corporate existence, in perfect 
preservation, and in the handwriting of Francis Tucker, an attorney of New 
Castle. 1"he discovery and return of these records was an almost romantic 
event for our little town, which had, indeed some vague idea that its ancient 
history, was more remarkable than its modern, but could not hitherto produce 
any evidence of it. The records were all the more indispensable to its earliest 
history, inasmuch as those of Portsmouth, which might have shed some light 
upon it, were known to have been destroyed. 

From these records it appears that a meeting-house had been erected at 
least as early as 1693, for in December of that year an order was put on 
"ye Meeting-House" for a town-meeting to agree with a "minister and dis- 
corse other things Necessary for the towne's Benefitt." 

Scf^aration of the Tozcn of Ncic Castle. — Until the year 1693 there was 
but one place of worship, the old South Meeting-house, for the inhabitants 
within the limits of Portsmouth, New Castle, Rye, Greenland, and a part 
of Newington. 

From the settlement at Odiorne's Point in 1623 the way was easy across 
the beautiful waters of the Little Harbor to the Great Island (as New Castle 
is even still frequently called), with its small and pleasant beaches, its higher 
rocks, with its small and pleasant beaches, its higher rocks, and its securer 
defenses bv nature from the attacks of the Indians. One finds at the present 
time graves in all parts of the island, and although, by reason of the incon- 
veniences of the ferries and in the growth of the colony, Portsmouth became 
more prominent and engrossed nearly all the history of the settlement, we 
must not forget that for a number of years Great Island was of more 
importance and the most populous and aristocratic part of the town. Here 
were the governor's residence, the fort called William and Mary, on the site 
used ever since for the same purpose, the prison where Moodey and others 
were confined, the houses of several of the most wealthy and intluential 
settlers, mansions of note for their day. 

In the year 1693 there appears the following record: 

"To the Honorable, ye Lieut. Governor and Councile of this their Majes- 
ties Province of New Flampshire : the humble petition of the inhabitants of 
the Great Island humbly sheweth : 

"That whereas we, being part of ye towne of Portsmo', and having found 
for many years great Inconveniences arising thereby in regard of the dis- 



528 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

tance we are from the banck, and no way to it but by water, wherein there 
is great difficulty at any time, but sometimes more especially to the hazard 
of our healths and lives, in going up to attend the publike worship of God at 
Strawberry banck and having many poore people amongst us, both men and 
women and children, which have no convenience of passage, by which means 
ye greatest part of our people cannot enjoy ye hearing of ye word preached 
to them, wch causeth many times ye breach of ye Sabbath, and ye dishoner 
^of God's holy worship; as also, our Island being ye mouth of ye harbor and 
Inlet into ye province, having the King's fort placed here, and all the stores 
of ammunition, wh. is of great Consequence and ought at all times to be care- 
fully attended and lookt after; but if the Inhabitants of this Island must be 
confyned to attend their duty at Strawberry' banck upon every publike 
ocation. the King's fort is left destitute of assistance, and lyes exposed to ye 
surprizall of )'e enemie and our ow^ne destruction; we therefore, the Inhabi- 
tants of ye Great Island, being a competent number to make and uphold a 
towneship, do humbly beg and desire of this honorable board ye Governr 
and Council that we may be constituted a Towneship by ourselves, and 
that you would grant us the privileges and imunities as their Majestys have 
bin gratiously pleased to allow sutch a Towneship. . . . and ye i>eti- 
tioners shall ever pray." 

This petition is signed by a number of persons, among whom we find 
names still common at New Castle. Of course there was considerable oppo- 
sition on the part of Portsmouth to the petition. The selectmen appeared 
before the Council and confessed it was inconvenient for the inhabitants 
of Great Island to go to meeting at the Bank, and that the fort and stores 
ought not to be at any time deserted ; but there should be a minister settled 
on the island rather than a separate town. 

The Council, howex'er, decided that Great Island should be made a town- 
ship, and di\ided from the Bank, taking in Little Harbor and a part of Rye. 
and on the 30th day of May. in the fifth year of the reign of \\'illiam and 
Mary, 1693. the charter of the Town of New- Castle was given. It is written 
on parchment in black letter, or old English, and preserved with great care 
among the town paj^ers. 

The result was that Mr. (Benj'e) W'oodbridge was engaged to be the 
minister for a year at a salary of sixty pounds and the contril)ution of 
strangers. Whence he came and when and why he left there is no record, 
but he is mentioned two or three times in a strange book written about that 
time and printed in London in 1698. to which we shall soon refer, and called 
Mr. W'oodbridge, a divine. I judge there was some trouble in regard to the 
salar)', as this is a trouble which seems to run through the record, or the 
inhabitants felt that they had not been sufficiently consulted, for soon after 
Mr. W'oodbridge was settled his advice w-as asked in regard to a successor. 
He named three clergymen, and of course the parish did not agree upon 
any one of them; but in 1694 Mr. Samuel Moodey was "discoursed." and 
called by the parish at a salary of seventy pounds, finding himself housing 
and all other things on his own charge. This Mr. Moodey was a son of 
Joshua Moodey. the minister of Portsmouth, and was graduated at Har- 
vard in 1639. He remained until the latter part of 1702. or early in 1703. 
and thereafter appears at the Shoals, where he is spoken of as "a man of 
piety and a pathetic and useful preacher." The last record in regard to 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 529 

him is on a matter of salary, the town agreeing to pay him not all in money, 
but part in provisions, and thereafter he is spoken of as the late pastor. 

At a town-meeting held on the 24th of May, 1703, it was voted to settle 
Air. John Emerson, at a salary of sixty-five pounds and the contribution of 
strangers; and also to build a minister's house, "when the town is able," 
and to fence in the land belonging to the "ministry,"' and to pay the minister 
the freight on his house goods. Altogether they seem to have begun with 
Mr. Emerson with a good deal of enthusiasm, perhaps because of his dis- 
tinguished presence and gifts, which won promises they could not make 
good in money, for in 1710 Mr. Emerson complains to the town of the poor 
house in which he has lived ever since he came among them, and puts them 
in mind of their promise to build a parson's house. This seems to have led 
to some difficulty, which resulted in the loss of their minister, for although 
the town voted to Ijuild a parsonage, January iS, 1710, the vote was not 
carried into effect fur two years, and on the 17th of September, 1711, Mr. 
Emerson informed the town that he being sickly of the "ague, and the town 
not agreeing with him, he thinks it absolutely necessary for his regaining 
his health to move farther from the sea." He left in 1712, and in 171 5 was 
settled over the South Parish of Portsmouth. When he left New Castle 
application was made to the president of the college and the minister at 
Cambridge to procure a nfinister suitable for the place, and in 171 2, Novem- 
ber 24th, it was voted "that Mr. William Shurtleff shall be ye minister in 
this town, and that he be called to office and ordained here," and in the 
same year it was \oted "that ye Reverend Mr. William Shurtleff shall have 
sixty-five pounds per year for his annual salary during the time he lives 
single, but when his family increases by marriage it is voted that he shall 
have eighty pounds per year." In 1732 he gave up the parish at New Castle, 
and on the 21st of February, 1733, was installed over the South Parish, 
where he had a ministry of great prosperity for fourteen years. 

The first meeting-house at New Castle, built in or before the year 1693, 
gave way to another in 1706, which was furnished with a bell of fine tone 
sent over from England, decorated w'ith a beautiful altar-piece, and supplied 
with a silver communion service, to which was added a splendid silver cup, 
the bequest of a sister of Sir William Pepperell, and on the pulpit was a 
large folio Bible with illuminated letters, printed at the University of Oxford. 
This meeting-house was, perhaps, as a whole, finer than the first old South 
at Portsmouth, standing at the same time. 

In these early records there are votes at the town-meetings which show 
the same general characteristics of the inhabitants in regard to social and 
religious customs that we have already noticed. \\'e find the same order as 
to seating the townspeople in the meeting-house. \\'e find it ordered "that 
one householder or more walk every Sabbath day in sermon time with the 
constable to ever}- Publick House in ye town to suppress ill order, and If they 
think conveiniant. to private Houses also." We find the same votes in 
regard to the entertainment of strangers, and giving their names to the select- 
men if they remain more than a few days. We find it ordered, "for the 
prevention of fire or other dangers which may happen by smoking in the 
Meeting-House, that every person soe smoking at any meeting in the Meet- 
ing-House be fined." We find it ordered, "for the prevention of charge com- 
ing on the town by some certain noted common drunkards, that the names 



530 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of such persons be given by the selectmen to every pubhck house in tlie 
town in a paper, and a fine to be inflicted on whomsoever sliall sell any 
drink to persons so noted and named." We find a vote that all the inhabitants 
shall pass the ferry free on Sabbath days and on all other public days ; and 
we find many votes at various meetings about 1720, and thereafter, in regard 
to building a bridge over Little Harbor, which was built, fell into decay and 
disuse, was swept away by the tides. Another was built upon its site, of 
which almost the last traces ha\'e disappeared. 

Lithobolia. — The most remarkable incident in the history of Great Island 
is connected with one of the few^ cases of witchcraft in oiu" neighborhood, 
and while one instance of the appearance of the witches at Little Harbor 
is in all the accounts, this, the far more extraordinary, has been almost entirely 
lost sight of. There are two roads that lead into the ancient village, one l)y 
the water and the other a little farther inland. ' Al.)out a third of a mile 
east by south of the last bridge, on the latter road and very near to it, per- 
haps, indeed, on it, as the highway has been opened since the building dis- 
appeared, and on the land owned by Mr. John Locke, there stood, as early 
certainly as 1686, a large mansion with a gambrel roof, a hall extending 
through the lower story, with several spacious chambers above. The house 
belonged to one George Walton, called a ])lanter, and among the inmates 
was one Richard Chamberlain, a prominent public functionary under Cran- 
field, being variously styled justice of the peace. Secretary of State, clerk 
of the court, etc., and near by was a friend of his, also prominent in provincial 
matters, Ca]>t. Walter Barefoot. When Chamberlain went home to England 
he wrote a book, which was printed in London in 1698, of w'hich the follow- 
ing is the name and its explanation: "LithoboHa; or the Stone-throwing 
Devil. Being an Exact and True Account (by way of Journal) of the 
various actions of infernal Spirits or (Devils Incarnate) witches, or both, 
and the Great Disturbance and amazement they gave to George W'alton's 
family, at a place called Great Island, in the province of New Hampshire, 
in New England, chiefly in throwing about (by an Invisible hand) stones, 
bricks, and brickbats of all sizes, with several other things as hammers, 
mauls. Iron Crows, Spits, and other domestic utensils, as came into their 
Hellish minds, and this for the space of a c[uarter of a year. By R. C, 
Esq., who was a sojourner in the same family the whole Time, and an Ocular 
witness of these Diabolical Inventions. The Contents hereof being mani- 
festly known to the Inhabitants of that province and known of other provinces, 
and is upon record in his Majestie's Council Court, held for that province, 
4to. Dedication 2 pp. 16, London: Printed and are to be sold by E. \\'hit- 
lock near Stationer's Hall, 1698."' 

Lithobolia is a Greek word, signifying a throwing of stones, and is the 
title given to this book because it describes the intervention of supposed 
evil spirits whose manifestations took that form. The belief in witchcraft 
was then almost universal even among legal minds best trained to the 
examination and sifting of evidence. So easy is it for persons to .see what 
they believe they will see therefore the book begins with a charge against 
the skeptical, incredulous, and infidel spirit of the age which should venture 
to disbelieve such well attested things, as with equal reason one might as 
well deny his very senses, infidelity being always nothing more than the 
reproach of not accepting the belief of the majority, no matter how much 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 531 

stronger or higher our faith may be in something different. The malicious 
acts of these tiends ceased about the time the governor arrived, so that he 
insisted upon it that it was only the waggery of some unlucky boys, but 
this Chamberlain regards as impossible after the sight and testimony of so 
many considerable persons. These preternatural occurrences were supposed 
to be caused by the maliciousness of a neighboring woman, who pretended 
that some land of her field had been taken into the bounds of this George 
Walton, and who had been heard to say with much bitterness that Walton 
should never quietly enjoy that piece of ground. It would often be a source 
of grim satisfaction to many if they could thus call all the evil spirits to 
their aid in tormenting those who have infringed upon their rights. This 
true narrative, the writer says, is set dow^n to rectify the depraved judgments 
and sentiments of such unbelieving persons as reject the operations and being 
of witches, and convince all who hear without prejudice by the testimony of 
eye-witnesses almost every day for a quarter of a year together. 

One Sunday night, about ten of the clock, this Richard Chamberlain, 
justice of the peace, lodging at the house of George Walton, heard many 
stones thrown and hit with great noise against the top and all sides of 
the house. Walton and his neighbor, Amazeen, an Italian, had gone to 
examine the gate l)etween their houses, which had a habit of being swung 
off the hinges and cast upon the ground, and as they returned to the house 
they were assaulted w^ith a peal of stones, taken, as was supposed, from 
the rocks hard Ijy the house (thus always, in spite of their belief in the super- 
natural and omnipotent agency, persons try to let the attendant circum- 
stances make it easier for the divine agency) and by human hands as agents. 
Everybody in the house was aroused by the strange alarm, and all looked 
out as sharply as possible, it being a bright moonlight night, but could make 
no discovery. Then a shower of stones, some of them as big as the fist, 
came into the entry of the house, whereupon they withdrew into the next 
room, none being hit save two youths. "Praised be Almighty Providence," 
says Richard Chamberlain; for certainly the infernal agent, constant enemy 
to'mankind, had he not been overruled, intended no less than death or maim. 
Forthwith they began a search: they searched the hall, they searched the 
cellar, and of course the shower of stones began to diminish, but when they 
came into the room "these unfriendly lapidary salutations'" were renewed. 
The windows were broken, and yet the stones had a way of coming apparently 
from the inside, forcing the bars and cast windows out. and themselves 
falling back into the room. One stone they took out of the glass of the 
window where it lodged itself in the breaking of it, in a hole exactly fit for 
the stone. Sometimes they scratched the stones, and found that the same 
ones W'-ere taken up and thrown at them again and again. 

After four hours of fright Chamberlain concluded to go to bed (thus 
do the powers of nature overcome the supernatural, and we go to sleep 
e\en in the presence of demons), but soon he was again awakened by another 
battery, when it seemed as if shelves, pictures, books, and everything had 
been knocked down, and upon all the household rushing to liis room, they 
found a stone weighing eight pounds and a half, which had burst open the 
door. Soon after" the manifestations ceased for that night. It was a dis- 
turbed night for the household, and in the morning each one had some 
strange experience to relate, which probably lost nothing in the relation. 



532 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

That (lay while the men were at work in the field, and with Mr. Wood- 
bridge, the divine, now present to see, the stones came jumping and tumbling 
on the grass, and upon one person skeptically asserting he was not per- 
suaded, but that the boys at work did throw them, the devil rewarded his 
infidelity by a blow with a stone upon the boy, which convinced the one and 
set the l)oy a-crying. That night Chamberlain began to play upon a musical 
instrument, perhaps to drive away his fears — as boys whistle in the night — 
when a great stone came rumbling into the room, which, he says, was on a 
much different account than in the days of old, and of old fabulous enchant- 
ments, his music being none of the best : and while many gathered at the 
house on account of the marvelous thing, just as the stones were being 
thrown about, two youths saw a black cat in the fields, which was shot at, but 
missed by its changing places, and being immediately at some distance, and 
then out of sight. 

The next Monday Walton went by water to a place called Great Bay, 
and as the men were at work in the woods felling wood, there came another 
sho\\er of stones, which they gathered into a pile under a tree, and return- 
ing after a time found they had disappeared, and were again thrown about. 
Once again, returning from Great Bay with a load of hay, about midway in 
the river he found his boat in a sinking condition by the ])ulling out of the 
stopple in the bottom — "a contrivance, a combination," says Richard Cham- 
berlain, "of the old serpent to have doomed my good landlord and his com- 
pany." At one time, after a number of prominent persons gathered there 
had been wondrously affected by these strange things, they offered them- 
selves to give testimonies, which Richard Chamberlain. Escj.. then wrote 
down, and several signed a paper attesting the truth of their being eye- 
witnesses of at least half a score of stones that evening thrown invisibly into 
the field and entry and hall and chamber of George Walton. Among these 
we find the governor of West Jersey and the deputy governor of Rhode 
Island and other persons of note. Strange sounds sometimes attended the 
throwing of the stones, and besides the stones strange things flew about, 
and familiar things strangely changed their places. 

One of the worst days was Friday, the 4th of August, when the fence 
between Mr. Walton and the neighbor who was supposed to be the witch 
was maliciously pulled down to let their cattle into his ground, and when 
he and his servants went to put it up again they were pelted with above 
forty stones. Walton was hit divers times, and all that day as they were 
reaping it ceased not, and there fell above one hundred stones. Sickles 
were bent, and Mrs. Walton going out to make most diligent observation, to 
dispel the incredulity of some and confirm her own belief, met with a severe 
blow from the Unseen Power; and Mr. Woodbridge. the divine, and Mr. 
Jaffrey. the merchant, were all hit and injured. 

Thereafter the stony disturbances grew less, and last of all they ended 
with Mr. Walton, who. going in his Ijoat from the Great Island to Ports- 
mouth, to attend the Council which had taken cognizance of the matter, he 
being summoned thither for examination, as if to have a final fling at him 
(all such things generally ending upon proper examination), the devil hit 
him sadly with three pebble-stones as big as one's fist. One gash broke his 
head, which for evidence Chamberlain saw him show to the president of 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 533 

the Cauncil, and fnmi tlie struke of anuther lie complained afterwards to his 
death. 

The "Lithobolia" closes thus: "Who that peruses these i>reternatural 
occurrences can possibly be so much an enemy to his own Soul and irre- 
futable Reason as obstinately to oppose himself to, or confusedly fluctuate in, 
the Opinion and Doctrine of Daemons and Spirits and Witches! Certainly 
he that do's so must do two things more. He must temeraniously unhinge 
or undermine "the best Religion in the world, and he must disingenuously 
quit and abandon that of the three Theologick Virtues or Graces, to which 
the great Doctor of the Gentils gave the precedence — Charity — through his 
luichristian and uncharitable incredulity." 

So it was the faith of that day that if witchcraft and a behef in the 
devil went, Christianity went too ; still they have gone, and Christianity 
remains. 

Fruiuinouc of Xczv Castle. — At Great Island resided Crantield and 
Barefort, and here was the governor's house. Here, too, lived Robert Cutt, 
the royalist Episcopalian, whose Puritan brothers, Richard and John, at the 
Bank, took such a prominent part in our early history. Here lived Pendle- 
ton, Stileman, and Fryer, three leading persons in early church matters, and 
the first two among the seven names of those who became members at the 
organization of a church in 1671. Here lived Theodore Atkinson, for a long 
time foremost in all provincial matters; Richard Chamberlain, holder of 
several ofifices. and author of "Lithobolia" ; Charles Story, secretary of the 
province. Here we first find the name of Tobias Lear, whose descendant 
became a somewliat eminent diplomatist, and the jirivate secretary of Wash- 
ington. 

It would be a serious omission, and would leave this sketch quite incom- 
plete were I not to mention another name whose descendants have held a 
prominent place in the town until the present day — 

The Sheafe Faiiiily. — On an ancient monument within the diocese of 
Norfolk, of St. George, Norwich, is this inscription: 

"Here are buried under this stone, 
Thomas ShelY and his wife, Marion; 
Sometyme we warr as yee now bee. 
And now we are as bee shall yee ; 
Wherefore of your charite, 
Pray for us to the Trinite. 

"Obyt. Mccclx.xxxiii." 

Here, at Cranbrook, Kent, in England, we first find the Sheafe family, of 
whom it is believed Jacob Sheafe came to America with Rev. Henry Whit- 
field, and died in Boston. His .son. Sampson Sheafe. came to Great Island 
in 167s. and here was the beginning of the family in this neighborhood. 
He had at New Castle housing, wharf, and lands, was one of his Majesty's 
Council, and collector of customs at Portsmouth. 

The Jaffvey House. — This brings us to another and the last name of per- 
sons living at Great Island who had a conspicuous place in civil as well as 
ecclesiastical matters. In 1677, after Sampson Sheafe had returned to 
Boston, he contracted with one George JafTrey to go to Great Island and 



534 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

take charge solely of his goods, housing, orchard, and land, and to do no 
other Inismcss, in consideration of forty pounds lawful money of New 
England for two years, and to be found and allowed "good and sufficient 
meat and drink, washing and lodging." In 1682, Jaffrey was tried for 
an attempt to defraud the revenue, and this matter brought him into con- 
flict with Rev. Joshua Aloodey. It seems he was afterwards forced to 
flee and his house was taken by the Government, for there is a record, dated 
Aiav 16, 1684, ordering the "General Assembly to convene at Great Island, 
at the house late in possession of George Jaffrey," and, again, "the talk 
is tliat his (George Jaffrey's) house must be courthouse and prison both, 
and standing so near the governor, it is judged suitable for both these ends, 
that he may have the shorter journey to court, and the prisoners may be 
always under his eye." And last of all there is a note in the journal of 
Rev. John Pike: "George Jaffrey, Sr., of Portsmouth, one of the Council, 
journeying from Boston to Piscataqua on a very cold day, was taken sick and 
died at Ii)s\\ich. A man of singular understanding and usefulness 
among us." 

.\mong the men of eminence in this ancient town early in the last century 
Hon. John Prost held a high rank. He was a native of Kittery, Me., bom 
in 1 68 1, and was the son of Alaj. Cb.arles P'rost (who was slain by the 
Indians on the Sabbath, July 4. 1697, as he was returning from meeting), 
and grandson of Nicholas Frost, an emigrant from England, born in Tiverton 
about the year 1595, and settled at Sturgeon Creek, in Eliot, in 1636. where 
he died in 1663. This grandson, Hon. John Frost, in 1702 married Mary 
Pepperell, sister of Sir WiUiam, the baronet. 

Hon. John Frost and his lady were early estaljlished at New castle, where 
he soon rose to eminence. He was a member of his Majesty's Council, at 
one time commanded a British ship of war. afterwards pursued the profes- 
sion of a merchant, and was much distinguished and highly useful in ci\il 
life. His place of residence was on an eminence westerly of the I'rescott 
mansion, commanding a view of the spacious harbor, the river and its 
table-lands, with the lofty Agamenticus in the distance. Some remains of 
his extensive wharf may yet be traced. 

His family was numerous and highly res]>ectal3le, one of whom was 
Madame Sarah Blunt, born in 1713, consort of Rev. John Blunt, third pastor 
of the church in Newcastle, and after his decease the wife of Hon. Judge 
Hill, of South Berwick, Me. Hon. John Frost died February -'5. 173 J, in 
the fifty-first year of his age. 

In the cemetery is a moss-covered monument, which bears unmistakable 
evidence that the same poet who sketched the above chaste epitaph has also, 
in as smooth and as strong lines, drawn another marked portraiture : 

"To the memory of Rev'd JOHN BLUNT, Pastor of the Church of 
Christ of this Town who died Aug. 7, 1748, in the 42d year of his age, whose 
body lies here interred, this stone is erected. 

"Soft i.s the sleep of saints, in peace they lie. 
They rest in silence, Init they never die : 
From these dark graves, their flesh refined shall rise 
And in immortal bloom ascend the skies. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 535 

Then shall thine eyes, dear Blunt ! thine hands, thy tongue — 

In nicer harmony each member strung — 

Resume their warm devotion, and adore 

Him in whose service they were joined before." 

Rev. Benjamin Randall, "Founder of the Free Will Baptist Society in 
America," was born in this town in 1749. In youth he acquired a decent 
mercantile education, and was employed in the occupation of a sail maker. 

From childhood his mind was peculiarly susceptible of religious impres- 
sions, but became more deeply interested in the subject of religion under the 
itinerant and ministerial labors of Rev. George W'hitefield. In 1772 he 
united with the Congregational Church at New Castle. In 1775, having 
embraced the principles of the "General Baptists," he was baptized by immer- 
sion at Madbury, and was ordained at New Durham, April 5, 1780, and 
there organized a church of the Free Will Baptists — the first ever estab- 
lished. He died October 22. 1808, aged titty-nine years. 

FORT WII.LI.\>I AXl) M.VRV 

So many versions of the attacks on Fort William and Mary in December, 
1774, have been written that we select the following extracts from a recent 
paper by John G. Crawford, Esq., read before the Manchester Historic Asso- 
ciation, December jt,. 1896. 

"The errors which have occurred in all the histories of New Hampshire 
in relation to the expeditions which were planned and carried out to dismantle 
Fort or Castle William and Mary are so apparent that they certainly require 
some correction. 

"Historians are allowed to take great liberty with facts, but when they 
record important transactions and state matters which are not facts, then 
that which purports to be history not only ceases to be of value but becomes 
detrimental and misleading. 

"Fort, or Castle. William and ]Mary was one of the line of forts estab- 
lished by England along the coast to defend the several harbors and ports of 
entrv. Portsmouth at the time of the trouble lietween the colonies and the 
mother countrv was. next to Boston, the most important port along the New 
England coast. This fort was situated in New Castle, some two miles down 
theharbor from Portsmouth, .\fter the close of the French and Indian war 
there had been but little use to maintain a large force in it ; only sufficient to 
care for the guns and munitions stored therein, and for revenue service.. 
The expense of maintaining the fort, in supplying it with men and pro- 
visions was borne by the colony of New Hampshire. The troubles which 
had been brewing between the colonies and England ever since the pas- 
sage of the stamp act. which culminated in the \\'ar of Independence, made 
the occupation of the fortifications on the coast of great importance in the 
struggle soon to follow. 

"The House of Representati\es of the Province of New Hampshire 
which convened at Portsmouth, the capitol. on Thursday. May 26. 1774, 
voted: 'That there be allowed and paid unto the captain general of this 
province for payment of ofificers. soldiers, billiting. fire-wood, and candles 
for support of his majesty's Fort \\'illiam and Mary for one year, viz: from 



536 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

the 25th of March, 1774, to the 25th of March, 1775, the sum of two thou- 
sand pounds, lawful money, to be paid in four quarterly payments out of the 
money that is, or shall be in the treasury, with advice of council.' This vote 
was sent up to the council by Mr. Jennes. The next day. May 2^, the secre- 
tary brought from tlie board the vote for an allowance for the fort, with a 
verbal message from his excellency. Governor Wentworth, that he thought 
the allcjwance insufficient and desired some alterations might be made, by 
allowing a larger sum, or appointing a number of soldiers sutftcient, with 
proper allowance. 

"The house took immediate consideration of the message from the gov- 
ernor, and to show their loyalty to England, voted that the captain general 
be desired to give orders for the enlisting three men to be posted at his 
Majesty's Fort William and Mary for one year, commencing the 25th day 
of March, 1774, under such officer as he shall appoint. 

"This vote was sent up by Colonel Folsom and Captain Waldron. It was 
returned on the same day to the assembly, with a message from the governor, 
in which he said: "The vote of assembly for the support of his majesty's 
Castle William and Mary, dated this day, appears to me to be so inadequate 
that it is my duty to inform the srssembly that I do not think it safe to entrust 
so important a fortress to the care and defense of three men and one officer.' 
The members of the assembly were not disposed to vote a large sum or raise 
much of an army to occupy the fort. Already there was a movement to 
form another government and from this assembly were to come those men 
who were to lead the colony in its struggle for independence. 

"Committees of correspondence had been appointed in several of the col- 
onies to consider the situation of the country, and on the next day, after 
voting three men to defend the fort, the assembly chose Hon. John Went- 
worth of the house, Samuel Cutts, John Gedding. Clement March, Joseph 
Rartlett, Henry Prescott, and John Pickering a committee to correspond with 
the committees appointed by the several houses of the sister colonies. 

"They took into consideration the 'great difficulties that have arisen and 
still sulisist between our parent country and the colonies on this continent,' 
and declared they were ready to join in all salutary measures that may be 
adopted by them at tiiis important crisis for saving the rights and privileges 
of the Americans.' After choosing this committee and passing the resolutions 
they took up the governor's message in reference to the support of the castle 
and autliorized the enlistment of five men under an officer to be posted at 
the fort. 

"Go\ernor Wentworth saw the tendency of the members of general 
assembly to join with the representatives of the sister colonies in appointing 
a congress of the colonies, and to prevent further action he adjourned the 
assembly from time to time until the 8th day of June. 1774. when lie dis- 
solved it. 

"The provisions made for the fort were carried out. and five men under 
the command of Capt. John Corcoran were stationed there to defend it. 
This was the condition of affairs when, on the 13th of December. 1774. the 
movement was first put on foot to dismantle the fort, and it is this account 
given by the several liistorians of New Hampshire that we desire to call 
attention to. and to give, as far as the records will iiermit, a correct version 
of the affair. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 537 

"In order to Ijetter understand the true history it is necessary to copy 
extracts from jjages 2yS and 299 of McChntock's History of New Hamp- 
shire. I am fully aware that McClintock's history is not considered reliable 
in its details, having been hastily gathered, and published without that veri- 
fication which should accompany all histories, yet it stands before the public 
as the history of New Hampshire, and though this generation may be aware 
of its many deficiencies, it may be regarded as correct by the generations to 
come after us. Yet McClintock is not alone responsible for the many his- 
torical inaccuracies on these two pages, for the earlier writers upon this sub- 
ject, including Mr. Amory, in his Life of General John Sullivan, and Head- 
ley in his w(irk. Washington and His Generals, made the same mistakes. 

'■ "An order had been passed bv the king in council, prohibiting the expor- 
tation of gunpowder and military stores to America. The committee of 
safety received a copy of it by express from Boston the 13th of December. 
The}' collected a company with great secrecy and dispatch, who went to Fort 
William and Mary at New Castle, under the direction of Maj. John Sulli- 
van and Capt. John Langdon, confined the captain of the fort and his five 
men and brought oft' one hundred barrels of gunpowder. The next day 
another company lirought off fifteen of the lightest cannon, all the small 
arms and some warlike stores. 

" "On the 13th of December. 1774, Paul Revere took his first public ride. 
While it may not ha\-e been so far reaching in importance as his later one. 
it richly deserves a place in history. It happened in this manner : The 
Boston committee of safety had just heard of the British order that no 
military stores should be exported to America. They accordingly sent Paul 
Revere on a fleet horse to Portsmouth to apprize the similar committee there 
of the news, and probably to urge them to secure the powder which was in 
Fort \\'illiam and ]\Iary in the harbor, as reinforcements were expected 
shortly from England. * * * John Sullivan was a memlier of the Pro- 
z'iucial congress that year, and had just arrived in Portsmouth from Phila- 
delphia. * * * Sullivan proposed the immediate capture of the place, and 
offered to lead the men to the attack. A military force was accordingly sum- 
moned as secretly as possible from the neighborhood. Sullivan and John 
Langdon took the command and the march was commenced towards the 
English fort. It was a hazardous undertaking. There danger from the 
fort. If the captain became aware of their designs he was sure to turn the 
guns on them and destroy them. But no alarm was given : with a rush they 
gained the gate, capturecl the sentry, and before a challenge could be given 
had the captain and every man in the fort prisoners. The British flag was 
hauled down, the gunpowder, of which there were one hundred barrels in 
the fort, was iminediately taken away and hid in the houses of the patriots. 
Sullivan concealed a portion of it under the pulpit of the Durham meeting- 
house. A large part of this plunder afterwards did good service at Bunker 
Hill. Next day fifteen of the lighter cannon and all the small arms were 
carried away. The governor and his officers received no intelligence of the 
affair until it was too late to remedy it. * * * It was the first act of 
armed hostility comnytted against the crown of Great Britain by an Amer- 
ican.' 

"The above quotation from one and one-half pages of what is called 
history contains no less than sixteen errors, some of which I desire to call 



538 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

attention Uj, that tlie future historian of our state. — and no state stands in 
need of one more than New Hampshire, — may not repeat the same in giving 
an account of these expeditions. 

'"The order in the British council, prohibiting the exportation of gun- 
powder, etc., may have been the primary cause for the dismantling of the 
fort but not tlie immediate cause. That order was not what the committee 
at I'ortsmoutii received at the hands of Paul Revere from Boston. A gentle- 
man in Boston, who evidently was informed upon the subject, said in a letter 
to .Mr. Rivington in New York under date of December 20, 1774: 

■■ "On Monday, the 12th instant, our worthy citizen, Mr. Paul Revere, 
was sent express from only two or three of the committee of correspondence 
at Boston — of whom no number under seven were empowered to act — to a 
like committee at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, informing them "That orders 
had been sent to the governors of these provinces to deliver up the several 
fortifications or castles to Gen. Gage, and that a numljer of troops had the 
l^receding day embarked on board the transports with a design to proceed 
and take possession of said castle." This information was delivered bv Paul 
Revere to Samuel Cutts. one of the committee at Portsmouth, who imme- 
diately called together the committee to consider the situation. Action was 
postponed until the following day. Some of the committee deeming a delay 
dangerous, determined to immediately seize the fort.' 

"There was no secrecy about the matter. Notice of their intention was 
openly avowed on the streets of Portsmouth. In a letter written from Ports- 
mouth, under date of December 17, 1774, the writer says: 

" 'On Wednesday last a drum and fife paraded the streets of Portsmouth, 
accompanied by several committee men and the Sons of Liberty, publicly 
avowing their intention of taking possession of Fort \\'illiam and ]Mary.' 

"Notice of this intention was sent by Gov. Wentworth to the commander 
of the fort. Captain Cochran, who was in command, in his report to Gov. 
Wentworth on December 14 said: 

" T received your Excellency's favor of yesterday, and in obedience 
thereto kept a strict watch all night and added two men to my usual number, 
being all I could get. Nothing material occurred till this day, one o'clock, 
when I was informed there was a number of people coming to take possession 
of the fort, upon which, having only five effective men with me, I prepared 
to make the best defense I could, and pointed some guns to those places 
where I expected the)' would enter. About three o'clock the fort was 
besieged on all sides by upwards of four hundred men. I told them on their 
jieril not to enter; they replied they would. I immediately ordered three 
four-pounders to l)e fired on them and then the small arms, and before we 
could be ready to fire again we were stormed on all <iuarters, and they imme- 
diately secured both me and my men and kept us prisoners about one hour 
and a half, during which time they broke ojien the powder house and took 
all the powder away except one barrel, and having ]uit it into boats and sent 
it off, they released me from my confinement. To which I can only add, 
that I (lid all in my power to defend the fort, but all my efforts could not 
avail against so great a number." 

"This was not Paul Revere's first public ride. He had been sent express 
on important business on at least two occasions previous to his ride to Ports- 
mouth. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 539 

"John Sullivan was a member of the continental congress which met 
September 5. This meeting could hardly be called a congress. It was a 
meeting of delegates from the several colonies to consider the situation and 
devise some measures to have the difficulties between the colonies and Eng- 
land adjusted. They drafted an address to the king, in which they made 
their final appeal for justice. Pe\^on Randolph was president. The first 
name signed to the address after the president's was John Sullivan. John 
Sullivan had returned from the sitting of congress and was at his home in 
Durham on the i4tli of December, and did not go to Portsmouth until the 
15th, as stated by Mr. Bennett, who is the authority for the statements made 
in Amory's Life of Sullivan. 

"The account given by Governor Bell in his History of Exeter, as taken 
from the lips of Gideon Lamson, is so far from the accounts given by all 
others, it ceases to be of any value, for any one can readily see the many 
errors contained therein. 

"The errors which have occurred in other histories have arisen from the 
mixing up of the two expeditions, the one on December 14, when the powder 
was removed, which occurred in the afternoon of that day, and the expedi- 
tion on the night of the 15th, when the cannon and small arms were seized. 
The latter expedition was led by Maj. John Sulli\-an, and had the writers 
upon the capture of the fort applied the description to the work accomplished 
on the night of the 15th, they would not have been far from the truth. 

"On the 14th, when the forces started for the fort and removed the pow- 
der, expresses were sent to all the surrounding towns, and they came in to 
Portsmouth on the r5th. This is the statement of Captain Bennett, who 
relates his stony' many years after. He says he was at work for Mr. Sulli- 
van, and on the 15th of December a messenger came to his house in Durham 
and informed Major Sulli\-an of the situation at Portsmouth, and Sullivan 
with others immediately started for the latter place. 

"In a letter written at Portsmouth under date of December 17. 1774. 
from which I have already quoted, the writer says : 

" 'On Wednesday last a drum and fife paraded the streets of Portsmouth, 
accompanied by several committee men and Sons of Liberty, publickly avow- 
ing their intention of taking possession of Fort William and Mary, which 
was garrisoned by six invalids." 

"After describing the capture of the powder, which he says was carried 
up to Exeter, a town fifteen miles distant, he says: 

" 'The next day after, while the Governor and Council were assembled 
in the Council Chamber, between two and three hundred persons came from 
Durham and the adjoining towns headed by Major Sullivan, one of the dele- 
gates to the Congress. They drew up before the Council Chamber, and 
demanded an answer to the following (juestions : Whether there were any 
Ships or Troops expected here, or if the Governor had wrote for any? They 
were answered that his Excellency knew of no forces coming hither, and 
that none had been sent for ; upon which they retired to the Taverns, and 
about ten or eleven o'clock at night a large party repaired to the Fort and it 
is said they carried away all the small arms. This morning about sixty 
horsemen accoutred, came into town, and gave out that seven hundred more 
were on their march to Portsmouth, from Exeter, Greenland, Newmarket, 
etc., and would be in that Town bv eleven o'clock; their intention, it is .sus- 



540 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COL'XTV 

pected. is to dismantle the Fort, and throw the cannon, consisting of a fine 
train of 4_'-ponnders, into the Sea." 

"The party led by Major Sullivan on the night of the 15th was conducted 
in great secrecy and no alarm was given. The capture of the powder on the 
14th was in open daylight, there was nothing secret about it. They were 
fired upon from the fort but no one was injured. The entry was not made 
through the gate of the fort, but it was stormed on all sides. The four 
hundred patriots overcame the five soldiers and captured for the American 
army one hundred barrels of powder. This powder in the first instance was 
taken to Exeter and from there distributed among the neighboring towns for 
safety. Part of this powder was sent to the army on the frontier and sold 
to towns in the i)rovince. There is no evidence that any was sent to the 
army at Cambridge until after the battle of Bunker Hill. (See Professor 
C. L. Parson's pamphlet as to the tradition of use of the powder at Bunker 
Hill.) 

"On May 20, 1775, the provincial congress at Exeter 'Voted the thanks 
of the convention to the persons who took and secured for the use of this 
government a quantity of gunpowder from Castle William and Mary in this 
province.' After choosing a committee of safety, they voted that Nicholas 
Oilman and Mr. Poor be a committee to sell any quantity of gunpowder not 
to exceed four barrels to such frontier towns in this province as they shall 
think most need it. This was the first action taken in relation to this pow- 
der, and the sale was limited to the towns in this province. 

"On June 2, 1775, they voted, "That the committee on supplies be desired 
to apply and obtain the (juantity and quality of the powder brought from the 
Fort \Villiam and Man,-; also take it into their possession and lay the state 
of it before the committee of safety." 

"The committee on supplies in making their report, found that the pow- 
der remaining at that date was stored in the following named places, viz : 
Kingston. 12 barrels; Epping. 8 barrels; Poplin, 4 barrels; Nottingham, 8 
barrels ; Brentwood, 6 barrels ; Londonderry, i barrel ; Exeter, 29 barrels in 
eleven different houses. Four barrels were furnished to Portsmouth on the 
reipiest made in April. 1775. They found stored in these different places "ji 
barrels. 

"The first powder sent to the army at Cambridge, at least in any (piantity. 
was on June 18. the next day after the battle of Bunker Hill. On the day 
of the battle express was sent from the army to the committee at Exeter; he 
stopped on his way at Kingston, where Col. Josiah Bartlett resided, one of 
the committee. He immediately ordered a general meeting of the committee, 
and on the iStli Col. Bartlett wrote to Gen. Folsom saying, 'Mr. IMoreton 
left Cambridge on the evening of June 17 and rode all night, arriving at 
Kingston the i8th. He brought the news of the battle of Bimker Hill.' The 
committee immediately ordered the selectmen of Kingston, where some of 
the captured powder was stored, to deliver to Samuel Philbrick six barrels 
of powder to be by him conveyed to the army. They also ordered Major 
Cilley and the companies of Captains Elkins, Rowe, Clough, Adams, Tit- 
comb. Oilman, W'entworth. Tilton, and Norris of Colonel Poor's regiment to 
march to Cambridge to join the army. All the companies except Captain 
Elkin's started for Cambridge. 

"June 21. there was sent to the army by Nathaniel Cordon one cask flints. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 541 

quantity 3,200; five kegs bullets, weight 113, no, 62, 123, 220 pounds each; 
30 tents, poles, pins, etc., ten barrels of powder 100 pounds each. 

"June 2}, "the selectmen of Newmarket were directed' to send by Nicholas 
Nichols four barrels of the provincial gunpowder, now in their custody, to 
be dealt out as the public service may require. On this order they received 
only one barrel, and on the 26th of June they received one more barrel. 

"On June 26, Lieutenant Bartlett was directed to pick out two of the 
largest, strongest, and best cannon taken from Fort William and Mary and 
convey them to Exeter to be sent to the army at Medford. 

"August 7, 1775, the committee of safety issued an order to Major Cilley 
as follows : 

" "Sir: You are desired as soon as possible to apply to the selectmen of 
the several towns in this colony with whom was lodged the powder taken 
last winter from Fort William and Mary, take an account of what is now in 
their custody, and request of them forthwith to convey the whole to Col. 
Nicholas Oilman at Exeter.' 

"It may have found its way into the powder house at Exeter, and we 
find no further record of this particular powder until the report of the com- 
mittee, made August 24, that they had on hand only eight or ten barrels. 

"The call of General Washington was made upon August 4 for powder, 
and General reported to General Washington that he had of powder fur- 
nished by New Hampshire to his troops nineteen barrels of one hundred 
pounds each. Sixteen barrels of this was doubtless the six sent from King- 
ston and ten from Exeter. 

"Fort William and Mary was not again occupied by any English soldiers. 
On May 30, 1775, while the English man-of-war Scarborough was seizing 
vessels loaded with salt and provisions to be sent to General Gage's army, 
thirty or forty men from the vessel came ashore and tore down the greater 
part of the breastworks. The day before the Scarborough had seized a 
vessel loaded with provisions, and refused to deliver it up, and on this refusal 
between five and six hundred men in amis went down to the battery called 
Jerry's Point and brought off eight cannon, twenty-two and thirty-two 
pounders, all there were there, and brought them to Portsmouth. 

"The question, 'W^as the capture of Fort William and Mary the first overt 
act of the Revolution?' was fully considered in 'The Capture of Fort William 
and Mary, Dec. 14 and 15, 1774.' by Professor Charles L. Parsons (reprinted 
from proceedings New Hampshire Historical Society, 1902), and its con- 
clusions are as follows : 

" There is no question that previous to Dec. 14, 1774, bodies of men had 
destroyed private property owing to their disapproval of British methods, 
and in a few cases had even assaulted the royal power. Rut the capture of 
Fort William and Mary was the first organized fight of the Revolutionary 
War and on Dec. 14, 1774, the first gun of that war was fired.' 

"The opinion of Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, D. D., in regard to the capture 
of Fort William and Mary is often well quoted in the words : 'The daring 
character of this assault cannot be over-estimated. It was an organized 
investment of a royal fortress, where the king's flag was flying, and where 
the king's garrison met them with nmskets and artillery. It was four months 
before Lexington, and Lexington was resistance to attack, while this was a 



542 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

deliberate assault. When the king heard of this capture it so embittered hini 
that all hopes of concessions was at an end. It made war inevitable." " 

C W. Brewster, in the "Rambles," pictures Pickering as the projector 
and the leader with Langdon on the attack on the fort. Brewster, who lived 
during a period that enabled him to obtain his statements from some of the 
participants, obtained his facts about Pickering from Daniel P. Drowne, a 
nephew of Pickering. 

Prof. Charles L. Parsons in his pamphlet says in reference to the powder 
at Bunker Hill: "It has always been the tradition in southeastern New 
Hampshire, founded upon the statements of persons who claimed to have the 
facts from the actors themselves, that Major John Demerit took a cart load 
of the powder, captured at Portsmouth, from the magazine at his house, to 
Cambridge, and reached there just in time for its opportune use at Bunker 
Hill. Xo inhabitant of Madbury or Durham doubts the story, but it cannot 
with our present knowledge be proven. On the other hand there is nothing 
to render it improbable. The official documents of the time are silent upon 
the cpiestion." 

In the autumn of 1775. fearing an attack upon Portsmouth, General 
Sullivan, at that time a resident of Durham, N. H., was appointed by Gen- 
eral Washington to take command of the militia of this State and to defeml 
this harbor. Several fortifications had been thrown up, which he strength- 
ened, and placed in them several companies of militia. In I^'ort William and 
Mary a company of artillery were placed, who "were allowed the same pay 
as soldiers of the Continental army." 

In 1 80S the fort was again rebuilt under the name of Fort Constitution, 
and remained until a new structure was commenced in 1863 upon the same 
spot. The fort and harbor are now protected by heavy disappearing guns 
and a company of United States artillery are stationed at this fort. 

The fort on Jaffrey's Point, at the entrance of Little Harbor, was once 
thought to be a very important post. It was garrisoned in the war of 1812 
by citizens of this and other towns, under command of Capt. William Mar- 
shall, who remained stationed at that post for several years. Nine guns, 
six and nine-pounders, were placed in position, and on several occasions fidl 
one hundred and twenty men were stationed there. 

During the visits of the English ships to this harbor, in 1775-76, a spirit 
of hatred seemed to prevail against the British seamen, but by the major 
part of the citizens they were respectfully treated. The sailors would often 
conduct themselves badly, and if reprimanded would threaten to fire upon 
the town. Oftentimes the lives of the inhabitants were endangered, and on 
some occasion a committee of citizens waited upon the commander of the 
Scarborough, offering an apology for some fancied insult to his men, to pre- 
vent him from permitting the threats of the sailors to be carried into execu- 
tion. Owing to the state of public excitement at that early period of the 
Revolution, many citizens left the town and many more were jirepared to 
leave at a moment's warning. 

In the rear of the Congressional Church is a well, in which some of the 
citizens once placed their sih-erware for safe-keeping, and at another place 
may lie noticed a depression of the ground, showing the site of an old Rev- 
olutionary house, which was then occupied by a Mrs. Trefethren, who was 
noted for refusing water to the British sailors on account of her hatred to 
them. It is stated that notwithstanding her positive refusal to permit the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 543 

sailors of the Scarborough to get water there, they once succeeded in filhng 
their casks; and leaving them near the well, visited the central part of the 
town. No sooner were they out of sight then she emptied the casks. Upon 
their return they demanded of her why she had turned away their water. 
She promptly replied that she did not turn away their water; the water was 
ht-r ucL'H. On returning to the ship they rewarded ber by firing a ball through 
the room in which her family were sitting. 

MILITARY AND NAVAL RECORD, 1861-5 

New Castle was compelled by the blundering of some one in authority to 
furnish more men for the United States service during the period of 1861- 
1865, than her legal quota, consequently she contracted a big war debt, which 
was so unjust, that Hon. Frank W. Hackett took the matter before the 
United States Government at Washington, and early in 1911 the United 
States paid the State of New Hampshire $10,000 for the relief of the town 
of New Castle, which the state promptly paid the town. Capt. John Murry, 
Company D, Fifth New Hampshire, enlisted October 12, 1861. killed Decem- 
ber 13, 1862; Lieut. Chas. H. Curtis, Company C, Thirteenth New Hamp- 
shire, enlisted September 19, 1862; Ambrose Yeaton, United States Navy, 
enlisted November 29, 1861, discharged December 31, 1863; Frank W. Neal, 
Company K, Sixteenth New Hampshire, enlisted October 22, 1862, dis- 
charged August 20, 1863; C. C. Amazeen, United States Navy, 1861, dis- 
charge unknown; John S. Hubley, United States Navy, 1861, discharge 
unknown; W'm. B. Bell, United States Navy, 1862, discharge unknown; 
John W. Amazeen, Maine regiment, discharge unknown ; John B. Holbrook, 
Maine regiment, discharge unknown; Levi W. Cole, Maine regiment, dis- 
charge unknown ; Frank Gilson, Maine regiment, discharge unknown ; John 
N. Bickford, Maine Thirty-second regiment, discharge unknown; James 
Smith, Company F, Third United States artillery, enlisted December 15, 
1858, discharged September 28. 1863, reason of loss of leg; John W. Bell, 
Company K, Second regiment, enlisted June 8, 1861 ; discharged May 22, 
1862; George W. Wheeler, Company D, Third regiment, enlisted August 23, 
1861, discharged August 23, 1864; Thomas Halcrow, Company I, Third 
regiment, enlisted August 10, 1863; James Meile, Company E, Third regi- 
ment, enlisted August 10, 1863; Charles Moore, Company F. Third regi- 
ment, enlisted August 10, 1863; J. P. Bassett, Company H. Third regiment, 
enlisted December 24, 1863; discharged August 23, 1865; John Eaton, Jr., 
Company H, Fourth regiment, enlisted December 24, 1863; discharged July 
20, 1865; Henry F. Edgerly, Company H, Fourth regiment, enlisted Decem- 
ber 24, 1863, died, date unknown; William Harrison, Company K, Fourth 
regiment, enlisted j\Iarch i, 1865, discharged August 23, 1865; Peter Brown, 
Fifth regiment, enlisted December 9, 1863; William Burns, Fifth regiment, 
enlisted December 9, 1863: James Brean, Fifth regiment, enlisted December 
9, 1863; Joseph Jones. Company F, Fifth regiment, enlisted December 9, 
1863, transferred to United States Navy April 26, 1864; Isaac Marcheso. 
Company F, Fifth regiment, enlisted December 9. 1863, not officially ac- 
counted for: Henrv Tracy. Company G, Fifth regiment, enlisted December 
9, 1863, absent, sick, June 3, 1864, no discharge furnished; William Wein- 
rich. Company G, Fifth regiment, enlisted December 9, 1863, absent, sick, 
June 3, 1864, no discharge furnished; Alfred A. Libby, Company D, Fifth 



544 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

regiment, enlisted February 19, 1864, discharged June 28, 1865; Thomas 
Finnigan, Fifth regiment, enHsted December 9, 1863; WilHam Oram, Com- 
pany G, Fifth regiment, enHsted December 9, 1863; Albert P. Peakes, Com- 
pany A, Sixth regiment, enlisted March 28, 1865, discharged July 17, 1865; 
Dennis Sullivan, Company K, Seventh regiment, enlisted September 21, 
1864, drowned March 25, 1865; Michael Welch, Company I, Seventh regi- 
ment, enlisted September 6, 1864, discharged July 20, 1865 ; Thomas Antone, 
(Company G, Eighth regiment, enlisted August 10, 1863, transferred to 
L;nited States Navy June 18, 1864; ^yonzo Gilson, Company E, Ninth regi- 
ment, enlisted May 15, 1862, discharged May 14, 1865; David Smith, Com- 
pany K, Ninth regiment, enlisted December 9, 1863; John Geelan, Company 
C. Tenth regiment, enlisted August 10. 1863, discharged October 28, 1864; 
Henry Thompson, Company F, Tenth regiment, enlisted August 10, 1863; 
William J. R. Burke, Company G, Tenth regiment, enlisted August 10. 1863, 
absent, sick, no discharge furnished; Lewis Davis, Company G, Tenth regi- 
ment, enlisted September 4, 1862, discharged January 12, 1863: John H. 
Sullivan, Company C, Tenth regiment, enlisted August 10, 1863, discharged 
December 19, 1865; William Clark, Eleventh regiment, enlisted December 
2^. 1863; Charles Davis, Eleventh regiment, enlisted December 22, 1863; 
Levi W. Curtis, sergeant Company C, Thirteenth regiment, enlisted Septem- 
ber 19, 1862, promoted to first sergeant, commission in L'nited States C. 
T. December 5, 1864; John L. Amazun, Company C, Thirteenth regiment, 
enlisted September 19, 1862, transferred to navy April 29, 1864; Thomas 
J. Davis, Company C, Thirteenth regiment, enlisted September 19, 1862, 
killed June 15, 1864; William Hodgdon, Company C, Thirteenth regiment, 
enlisted Septeml:>er 19, 1862, discharged February 3, 1863; Oscar O. Hodg- 
don, Company C. Thirteenth regiment, enlisted September 19, 1862, pro- 
moted to corporal March i, 1865, discharged June 21, 1865: William T. 
Holbrook, Company C, Thirteenth regiment, enlisted September 19, 1862, 
discharged January 23, 1863 ; George W. Libbey, Company C, Thirteenth 
regiment, enlisted September 19, 1862, discharged June 21, 1865; Andrew 
J. Stackpole, Company C, Thirteenth regiment, enlisted September 19, 1862; 
Patrick Coleman, Company A, Thirteenth regiment, enlisted August 10, 
1863; Robert Oliver, Company C, Thirteenth regiment, enlisted September 
19, 1862, transferred to navy April 28, 1864; Charles Carle, Company H, 
Thirteenth regiment, enlisted September 2, 1863; Judson P. Randall, Com- 
pany K, enlisted September 20, 1862, discharged May 28, 1865: Daniel Con- 
nor, Company K, Eighteenth regiment, enlisted March 30, 1865, discharged 
May 6, 1865 ; Edward Gerrahty, Company E, First cavalry, enlisted March 
29, 1865, discharged July 15, 1865; Charles D. Foster, First cavalry, en- 
listed March 23, 1865: John Carey, First cavalry, enlisted March 23, 1865; 
James Miller, First cavalry, enlisted March 23, 1865; John Townsend, Com- 
pany G, Heavy artillery, enlisted September 13, 1864; Dennis V. Burbank, 
Company K, Heavy artillery, enlisted September 17, 1864, discharged June 
15, 1865; John V. Hodgdon. Company K, Heavy artillery, enlisted Septem- 
ber 24, 1864; Jas. A. Shaw, Company K, Heavy artillery, enlisted March 29, 
1865; Charles Flynn, Company K, Heavy artillery, enlisted August 31, 1863; 
John Brennon, Company K, Heavy artillery, enlisted September 14, 1863: 
Donald Monroe. Company K, Heavy artillery, enlisted September 26. 1863; 
James Mario, Company K, Heavy artillery, enlisted October 10, 1863 ; Isaac 
Pridham, Company K, Heavy artillery, enlisted September 23, 1864; Geo. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 545 

D. Lamson, Company K, Heavy artillery, enlisted September 2^, 1864; Har- 
rison Sparlin, Company K, Heavy artillery, enlisted March 29, 1864; Wm. 
T. Frost, Company Iv, Heavy artillery, enlisted September 2, 1864, discharged 
August 31, 1865; John S. Frost, Company K, Heavy artillery, enlisted Sep- 
tember 2, 1864, discharged August 31, 1865; Wm. T. Holbrook, Company K, 
Heavy artillery, enlisted September 2, 1864, discharged August 31, 1865; 
Frederick Bell, Company K, Heavy artillery, enlisted September 2, 1864, 
discharged August 31, 1865. 

WALBACH TOWER 

The Alartello Tower, a little west of the fort, is the most picturesque 
object in New Castle. It is built on the ridge of a high ledge, anciently 
called Jourdan's Rocks. Artists have painted it, and poets love to relate its 
story, relying upon each other for imaginary embellishments. Its date is so 
recent, and its history so small, that it is almost necessary to invent some 
facts in order to properly celebrate so rare a ruin. The annals say that the 
tower was built during tlie last war with England, and when an immediate 
attack was expected by an English fleet. Its purpose was to guard more 
effectually the so-called Town Beach, to the south, from landing parties, and 
to reinforce the batteries of Fort Constitution. It was planned and con- 
structed under the care of Colonel W'albach, whose name it has always borne. 
He was a German count, who had seen service in the Prussian army and had 
fought' against Napoleon in twenty-six battles. He was long in the service 
of the United States, and in command of Fort Constitution from 1806 to 
1 82 1. Colonel Walbach summoned the company of sixty men under Captain 
Marshall, who garrisoned the earthworks on Jaffrey's Point, at the eastern 
end of New Castle, to assist his own soldiers in building the tower; and all 
the citizens of the town also aided. It was rapidly completed, but not in a 
night as the legends tell us. No enemy appeared, and soon the tower grew 
a ruin. It is so small as to suggest a fortification in miniature or model, 
rather than for actual use. It is the size of the round towers of the Middle 
Ages, and on this account, perhaps, appears of greater antiquity of the age 
the imagination easily renders it. 

Walbach Tower is a brick ; the terreplein was of peat, which has become 
like grassy turf. Within is a rude Pintle-stone, on which to swing a thirty- 
two-pounder. There are three casemated embrasures for small cannon or 
muskets, in case of assault, and a Lilliputian magazine. 

It is the only Martello Tower on the northern coast. At the south are 
the somewhat analogous structures of Tower Depre in Louisiana and Tybee 
Island in Georgia. The name was added in consequence of the good defense 
made by a small round tower in the Bay of Martello in Corsica in the year 
1794. The legend of the building of the tower has been told by George 
Houghton in the x^tlantic, and by John Albee, the poet and author of New 
Castie Historic and Picturesque. From the latter the following extract is 
made: 

"There just above the shore, is Walbach Tower. 
Its crumpling parapet with grass and weeds 
O'er grown, and peaceful in its slow decay. 
Old people always tell strange tales to us. 



546 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

A later race — always old tales are strange. 

And seems the story of this ancient tower 
A marvel, though believing while I hear. 

Because who tell it do believe it true. 
Three English ships lay under Appledore, 

And men in groups stood on the rocks, intent 
If they the fort could mean to cannonade. 

Or land along the coast and in land march 
To sack and burn the wealthy Portsmouth town. 

The morning dawned and twice again it dawned. 
And still the hostile ships at anchor swung: 

But now a rumor ran they meant to land ; 
At once brave W'albach was resolved to build 

A tower which all the beaches should command. 
And mount thereon his sole tremendous gun. 

He summoned all the villagers at dusk 
Of one September Sunday when the days 

Are shortening, and the nights are bright and cool. 
Men came and boys, and with them women came, 

\\'hose dauntless mothers helped our fathers win. 
In that rebellious time again the king. 

The freedom which, forgetful of its cost. 
We toss to any hand raised o'er the crowd. 

And pushing hardest, or with loudest voice. 
They wrought as never men and women wrought. 

And in one night the tower completed rose." 

New Castle became (piite a summer resort soon after the close of the 
Rebellion and had the greatest number of summer people about 1890. Since 
that time the town has been on the decline, the United States officials having 
begun talking of enlarging the military reser\-ation in this town, and shortly 
after did take a large amount of valuable property, and again about 1908, 
after much opposition by the town, secured the Wendell property, which at 
the time was the most valuable estate, excepting the Hotel Wentworth. At 
the same time it also acquired the Belknap property. The late Edwin Niles 
tried hard to prevent the Government from obtaining the Wendell and Bel- 
knap properties, even sending a delegation at his own expense to Washing- 
ton to see the President and .Secretary of War, Init without a\ail. as it only 
delayed the matter a little while. Beautifully located on this historic island 
is The \\'entworlh, which is acknowledged to be the leading .seaside hotel on 
the New England coast. 

The Nezv Castle Library Association was organized October, 19 1900, and 
the town accepted the library on July 20, 1901. under the title. New Castle 
Public Library. The books are selected by the Library Aid Association. 
Miss Ella Becker is librarian. 

Societies. — Wentworth Lodge Knights of Pythias, King's Daughters, 
Ladies Industrials, AX'albach Pythian Sisters. 

Town Officers. — Clerk and treasurer. C. C. Tarlton : E. E. Eaton, chair- 
man of selectmen; postmistress. Mrs. Nellie A. Card. 



CHAPTER XL 

\E\VFIELDS 

Name changed from South A'czc Market, February si. iSp^ — Settlement — 
Indian ll'ars — Incorporation — Roads and Stages — Shipbuilding and 
Commerce — Manufacturing — Military History — Churches — Public 
Library. 

Xewfields is pleasantly situated on the west bank of the Squamscot River. 
It is thirty-six miles southeast from Concord, the capital of the state, twelve 
miles southwest from Portsmouth, its principal seaport and four miles north 
from Exeter, the half-shire town of Rockingham County. It is bounded 
north by Newmarket, east by Stratham, south by Exeter, and west by Epping. 
Area, about 6,cxx) acres; inipro\-ed lands, 3,330 acres: population in 1850. 
516; in i860. 786; in 1870, 808; in 1880, 829; in 1910, 503. 

South Newmarket constituted a part of Exeter till December 15, 1727, 
and of Newmarket till June 2^, 1849. Newmarket was early called Lamprey 
River Village. Perhaps there is a question respecting the origin of the name. 
It was early written "Lamprey Eel." Air. L L. Beckett writes it "Lam- 
prae," from John Lamprae, a Catholic hermit, who built his hut on the banks 
of the river. South Newmarket was called Newfields, because of the beau- 
tiful lands which border on the Squamscot River. 

Rev. William Hubbard recorded that the settlement of Edward and Wil- 
liam Hilton was at Dover Point in 1623. Edward Hilton was the first 
planter of Newfields. The date of its settlement is unknown. There is a 
tradition that it was prior to the coming of John Wheelwright and his asso- 
ciates to Exeter, in the spring of 1638. Until the locality of Hilton's grant, 
March \2. 1630, is more definitely settled, perhaps we may suppose that 
Hilton himself interpreted the grant as including his settlement of Newfields. 
In 1633 the authorities at Portsmouth and Dover agreed that the settlement 
at Squamscot Falls should be called Exeter. As early as "the 4th day in 
the first week in the loth month," 1639, Hilton had built his house at New- 
fields. At that time the boundaries of his uplands were fixed and his meadows 
specified by "certaine Orders made at the Courte holden in Exeter." 

The civil and religious character of the community depends largely upon 
its founders. While the Hilton brothers were enterprising planters, they 
also were lovers of good men. William Hilton was of Episcopal sentiments. 
Edward Hilton was a Puritan. The Congregational form of worship and 
the first lueeting house in New Hampshire were set up at his seat at Dover 
Point in 1633-34. He was the personal friend and confidential correspondent 
of Gov. Joiin \\'inthrop in 1633 and 1638. During the early political and 
religious "disorders at Dover he contended effiiciently for good government 
and religious order. His neighbors of Massachusetts Bay thought him the 

547 



548 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

man most entitled to confidence in the New Hampshire colony. When New 
Hampshire, in 164 1, entered the New England confederation, he was the 
first named in the list of magistrates. He was made deputy for Dover in 
1644, and assistant for Exeter in 1652. 

The Hilton family was helpful in the affairs of the First parish of Exeter. 
Edward Hilton, in 1645 ^"^ 1646, endeavored to purchase Mr. Wheel- 
wright's house and land as a parsonage for Mr. Nathaniel Norcrosse. Ed- 
ward Hilton, Jr., in 1652, was one of the overseers to build the second meet- 
ing house in Exeter. The younger Hilton, however, was so much in sym- 
pathy with imperialism and prelacy as in 1665, with others, to petition that 
they might be "governed by the laws of England, and enjoy both of the 
sacraments of which they have been too long deprived." But the action of 
the General Court, May 19, 1669, releasing the elder Hilton from the impo- 
sition of county rates, nuist be interpreted as bearing witness to its respect 
for his continued fidelity to Puritan ideas of civil and religious polity. 

Edward Hilton, Sr., the -Newfields patriarch, died in the beginning of 
the year 1671. He had lived in the colony nearly half a century. 

Indian H'ars. — The aborigines were essentially of one nation with one 
language, though divided into numerous tribes and different dialects. The 
Newfields planters found only the feeblest remnant of the Squamscot tribe 
with Wahangnonawit, their chief, in possession of the soil, and they never 
claimed a foot of land on any other score except that of fair purchase. The 
Squamscots were subject to Passaconaway, the sagacious and friendly sachem 
of the Penacooks. They migrated from this vicinity about 1672, and settled 
on the Hudson near Troy. King Philip's war in 1675 was the first serious 
trouble New Hampshire had with the Indians. Hostilities began at the east 
between the Kennebec and Penobscot rivers. The victorious squads ap- 
proached the Piscataqua, marking their track with conflagration and blood, 
and filling the community with alarm and distress. In September, 1675, 
they did some mischief at Lamprey River. On their way to E.xeter one 
person was killed, another made prisoner, and other outrages were com- 
mitted. 

Upon the ascension of William, Prince of Orange, to the British throne, 
February 16, 1689, war with b' ranee ensued. Eight persons were slain, and 
a lad captured at Lamprey River July 4, 1690. The next day, July 5, 1690, 
the Indians attacked Hilton's garrison at Newfields. Lieutenant Bancroft 
endeavoring to relieve the garrison, "eight or nine of his men were killed. 
Simon Stone, one of his men, received nine wounds with shot and two strokes 
of a hatchet. When his friends came to bury him they perceived that life 
was not extinct, and upon the application of cordials he revived. In the 
course of one week not less than forty people were killed between Lamprey 
River and Amesbury. Two men were killed at Exeter in the summer of 
1 69 1. The frontier garrisons were reinforced April 24, 1693. two additional 
soldiers being stationed at Edward Hilton's, and two at Lubberland. This 
latter garrison was resolutely and successfully defended in the attack on 
Oyster River, July 17, 1694. In the month of July, 1695. the Indians killed 
two men at Exeter. One person was slain at Lubberland August 27, i6g6. 
June 10, 1697, the inhabitants in this vicinity were remarkably preserved. 
The deep laid plot of the French and Indians involved a general inassacre 
of the town of Exeter. The enemy hid in ambush waiting a favorable time 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 549 

for their attack. Some women and children went into the field without a 
guard to gather strawberries. Some men coming in from work fired a gun 
to cause the women to return to the garrison. The alarm reached not only 
the strawberry party, l>ut spread quickly through the community, bringing 
the i)eople together in arms. The Indians supposed themselves discovered 
and beat a hasty retreat, killing one individual, wounding another, and cap- 
turing a child. 

The Piscataqua plantations felt the whole strength and fury of the F"rench 
and Indians in Queen Anne"s war, 1703-13. 

W'inthrop Hilton was the eldest son of the second Edward Hilton, and 
became the personal friend and firm supporter of his uncle. Gov. Joseph 
Dudley. After the death of Col. Richard Waldron, June z"]. 1689, Hilton 
became the principal military chieftain in New Hampshire. As early as 
March 4, 1702, he kept out a scout of two men between Exeter and Lamprey 
River. He offered his service to the Provincial Council to go eastward 
against the enemy, January i-j, 1704. Governor Dudley requested him to 
raise volunteers March 12, 1704. The council instructed him in the matter 
March 2j, 1704. Though the expedition accomplished but little, the council 
call it "an honorable service." Edward Taylor was killed, and his wife 
Rebecca and a son were captured near Lamprey River April 26, 1704. The 
captives were taken to Canada, whence Mrs. Taylor was afterwards re- 
deemed, having endured severe hardship. Major Hilton joined the expedi- 
tion of Col. Benjamin Church in May, 1704, and was gone all summer, 
marching as far as the Penobscot. 

January 8, 1703, Governor Dudley wrote Lieutenant-Colonel Hilton to 
get ready to march against the Indian headquarters. Hilton led his com- 
mand of 270 men. including twenty friendly Indians, to Norridgewock on 
snowshoes. They found no enemy, but burnt the deserted wigwams and 
chapel. In September, 1705, Hilton was obliged to reduce his scout of twenty 
men, marching every ten days, to ten effective men, because of the failure 
of the towns to comply with the requirement of the law. This gave offense 
to the governor, who tutored the colonel severely for it. 

July of the following year, 1706, was a stirring month at Newfields. 
Hilton was so brave and active an officer that the Indians marked him for 
destruction. For this purpose a party of twenty "French Mohawks" lurked 
about his house, watching all who went in and out. On the morning of July 
I, as they lay in ambush, they saw ten men with scythes leave the house, go 
into the field, and put aside their arms to mow. Stealthily they crept between 
the mowers and their guns, intercepting their return to the garrison, and 
suddenly rushed on the men. Joseph Hall and one other only, of the whole 
number escaped harm. Richard Mattoon and his son, Hubertas Mattoon, 
Robert Barber, and Sanniel Pease were killed. John Taylor was sorely 
wounded, but recovered. Edward Hall, Samuel Mighels, an<l a mulatto were 
captured. After a time Hall and Mighels made their escape. But the fatigue, 
privation, and terror of recapture which they underwent are almost incredible. 
For three weeks together they had nothing to subsist on e\ce]jt lily roots and 
the rind of trees. 

The council now ordered that ammunition, pork, and biscuit be forwarded 
from Portsmouth and Hampton to Lieutenant-Colonel Hilton, who in July 



550 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

led a coniiJan}- of sixty-four nu-n as far as Kingston and Amesbury without 
meeting the enemy. 

(iovernor Uuilley made i<no\vn to Lieutenant-Colonel Hilton, December 
9. 1706, his further designs against Norridgevvock. Her Alajesty's Council, 
December 23, 1706. sent Hilton to Boston to consult his excellency in the 
affair. The expedition consisted of 220 men with ninety Massachusetts 
troops, and the chief command fell upon Hilton. About twenty Indians 
were slain, — a successful campaign, considering the difficulty of finding their 
haunts. Tradition relates that a squaw, who. with her papoose, was cap- 
tured at this time, became an inmate of Hilton's family, and lived with them 
till her death. 

The ginernor commissioned Hilton as colonel for the expedition to Port 
Royal, April 2t,, 1707. Arrived at the place of destination May 26, 1707, 
the army after some ineft'ectual attempts to bombard it broke up in a disor- 
derly manner. Colonel Hilton, with as many officers and men as did not 
choose to run away, retired to Casco Bay, and there waited further orders. 
Governor Dudley was nnich (lis])leased at this unexpected result. Rut Hilton 
had the good fortune to secure his approbation and to receive his character- 
istic compliments. 

On the point of sailing a second time to Port Royal, Hilton wrote home 
to his wife, July 16, 1707. But the second attempt also failed through the 
sickness, fatigue, and discouragement of the army. 

Our own frontier was kept in continual alami. In September Colonel 
Hilton set out with fifty-four men as a scout after the enemy, whom he 
traced from Kingston to Cocheco, and so towards Winnipiseogee. Return- 
ing he discovered traces of a new- party of Indians, and followed them to 
within two miles of Cocheco. Arrived home, he sent out a second scout of 
fifty-six fresh men, who were to tarry out fi\'e days. The next year, on Feb- 
ruary 19, 1708. council ordered Hilton out with a good scout; on August 
2d, to Fort William and Mary, with soldiers, and out with a scout of sixteen 
men; and on .August nth, to call out the troop and eighteen men for scout- 
ing. During the winter of 1708-9. Colonel Hilton made a tedious march with 
170 men to Peciuawket and places adjacent, but without discovery. During 
the summer of 1709 our people kept close in garrison, and Colonel Hilton 
performed his usual tour of duty in scouting. In 17 10 the Indians still hov- 
ered on our frontier. Hilton's garrison was commanded by Capt. Nicholas 
Gilman. He was out upon scout duty frequently through the summer, — 
June 2 1 St. with twelve men, two days; June 23d. with twenty-eight men, 
two days; July 5th, with twenty-one men, two days. 

The Indians succeeded, July 23, 1710, in their cherished plan of killing 
Colonel Hilton, who had so long been their terror. This was the most sur- 
prising and afflictive stroke of the war. This worthy officer was largely 
engaged in the masting business. Having several valuable trees felled the 
previous winter beyond Piscassic, he went out with seventeen men to peel off 
the bark. It is thought the party was less w^atchful than usual. While at 
work they were ambushed by the Indians, who rushed suddenly upon them. 
They were unable to make any defense, as their guns were useless from the 
storm of the day. At first fire Colonel Hilton and two others fell. Dudley 
Hilton, brother of Colonel Winthrop, and another man were captured, and 
heard from no more. The rest fled without firing a gun or making the least 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 551 

reprisal. Flushed with this success the Indians then insolently appeared in 
the open road, and took four children at their play. They also captured John 
Wedgewood and killed John Magoon, near his brother's barn. The next 
day after Colonel Hilton fell a company of loo men marched in pursuit of 
the Indians, but found only the mangled remains of their neighbors. With 
barbarous triumph the savages had scalped Colonel Hilton, struck hatchets 
into his head, and left a lance in his breast. One of the slain was jjuried on 
the spot. The other two were brought home. When, on the i6th of August, 
another company of ninety-one men, under Capt. John dilman, went five 
days in pursuit of the enemy, they had fled beyond reach. 

Thus died Col. Winthrop Hilton, one of our most estimable citizens, and 
one of the bravest defenders of New Hampshire. "He was a gentleman of 
good temper, courage, and conduct, respected and lamented by all who knew 
him." — Pcnhallow. 

He was buried with the honors due to his rank and character. A large 
military escort did duty on the melancholy occasion. He was in his thirty- 
ninth year, and left a widow and children. His elegant silver-headed cane 
is preserved as a precious memorial by his descendants. He was succeeded 
in Her [Majesty's Council by his kinsman, John Wentworth. His tombstone 
bears upon it the earliest date of any monument in town : 

"Here Lieth Interd 

the Body of Colol. Winthroi) Hilton, Esq., 

Who Departed this Life 

June 23d. A. D. 17 10, 

In ye 39th year of his Age." 

But our community had no rest. In 17 11. besides exerting themselves to 
the utmost in the common cause abroad, they were obliged at home to keep 
a scout of forty men continually on the march. In 1712 new depredations 
were committed. April i6th, 'Sir. Cunningham was killed as he traveled the 
road from Mr. Hilton's to Exeter. On JMay 5th additional soldiers were sta- 
tioned at Richard Hilton's garrison. The killed and captured in old Exeter 
during the war numbered between thirty and forty individuals. When a 
treaty was made with the chiefs at Portsmouth, July 11, 1713. our people 
most joyfully left their garrisoned houses and betook themselves to the peace- 
ful pursuits of industry in their own dwellings and fields. 

Ten years later and Lovewell's war (1722-25) brought nameless terror 
to our people. In 17 19 Jeremiah Folsom built his two-story brick garrison 
house on the hill between Newfields and Lamprey River, where it stood till 
1874, more than a century and a half. 

In 1722 the enemy appeared at Lamprey River, .\gain. August 21,. 1723, 
eighteen Indians attacked the garrisoned house of Aaron Rawlins. Mr. Raw- 
lins was shot through the walls of the house he was defending and afterwards 
scalped, while the head of his eldest daughter, twelve years of age, was cut 
ofT. Mrs. Rawlins was the daughter of Edward Taylor, who was killed, and 
of his wife Rebecca, who was captured from the same fami, April 26, 1704. 
She was made prisoner while attempting to escape from the house with a 
son and daughter who followed her. The mother was redeemed in a few 
years. The son was adopted by the Indians, and lived with them all his days. 



552 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

The (lauglilcr married a Frenclinian, and when nearly sixty years old visited 
with her husbantl her native jdace, hoping to recover the patrimony which 
she supposed was left at the death of her father. 

In September, 1724, Peter Colcord with others was seized and carried 
to Canada. He soon returned, bringing important information respecting 
the Indian settlements and proceedings. In November he went on an expe- 
dition against the Indians, and the Provincial Assembly made him a present 
of ten pounds for his patriotism. In 1725 hostilities ceased, peace was rati- 
fied the following year, and proclaimed in town by beat of drum. 

The colonists enjoyed unusual tranquillity for twenty years. In the war 
of Cieorge II. 1744-49, Indians prowled continually through the Piscataqua, 
Merrimac, and Coimecticut valleys. But new settlements had sjjrung up. 
Souhegan, Amoskeag. Suncook, Contoocook, Pemacpiid now constituted the 
frontier. Newfields and Lamprey River soldiers enlisted in defense of other 
distressed communities. 1liey were found in the command of Capt. John 
Gage, June and July, 1744, "to guard the mast-men;" of Capt. Benjamin 
Mathes, January 11, 1745, "to scout up the western branches of the Pisca- 
taqua;" of Sergt. Joseph Rawlins, June 3, 1746, "men and horses impressed 
and sent to Canterbury to carry provisions for thirty men a month ;" of Capt. 
Daniel Ladd. June i to October 30. 1746, whose timely arrival, August loth, 
reinforced and saved Rumford; of Col. Samuel Moores, 1744-46, against 
Louisburg, where William Hilton died; of Col. Theodore Atkinson, July i, 
1746, for the reduction of Canada; of Capt. Joseph Thomas, September 29 
to October 13. 1747, "twenty-eight men, scouting from Durham to Chester, 
F4)ping, and Nottingham." The story of Mrs. Fanny Shute falls into the 
narrative somewhere about this time. She was much esteemed, not only for 
her excellent qualities, but for her youthful adventures. When eigliteen 
months old she was carried by the Indians to Canada and sold to the French. 
She was educated in a nunnery, and after remaining thirteen years in cap- 
tivity was redeemed and restored to her friends. "In Memory of Mrs. 
Frances Shute, consort of Mr. John Shute, died Sept. 7, 181 9. aged seventy- 
seven." — Tombstone. 

What is know'u as the last French and Indian war, 1754-60, again threw 
tlie colonies into anxiety and distress. Robert Barber, who had lately removed 
to Salisbury, was captured by the St. Francis Indians. August, 1753. and 
afterwards redeemed. Other stories of Indian depredations still are told at 
our firesides which are doubtless true, but they do not have the requisite name, 
place, and date to secure narrative here. Newmarket had officers and men 
in the various campaigns against the French Forts Du Ouesne, Niagara, and 
Crown Point in 1755. under Col. Jo.seph Blanchard, where they won dis- 
tinction by a well-directed and prolonged attack; in 1756 and 1757. under 
Col. Nathaniel Meserve. in expeditions against Crown Point: in 1757. under 
Maj. Thomas Tash, posted at Number Four; in 1758. under Col. John Hart, 
in another expedition against Crown Point; in 1760. under Col. John Goff, in 
the invasion of Canada. 

Hostilities ended with the fall of Montreal in 1760 Great and universal 
joy spread through the colonies. From this time may be dated the flourish- 
ing condition of New Hampshire. Population and cultivation progressed 
with unprecedented rapidity. 

Caf^t. Edward [fall was. after the death of Col. \\'inthrop Hilton, the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 553 

principal man of affairs at Newtields. He headed a petition to the Legisla- 
ture praying that a parish be set off by metes and bounds from the north 
part of Exeter, and that the inhabitants be excused paying to the ministry 
of the old parish. The petition was granted December 15, 1727, and the 
new parish was called Newmarket. About ten years after, September 2, 1737, 
the parish was granted town privileges. When incorporated is not definitely 
stated. South Newmarket was afterwards detached from Newmarket by act 
of the Legislature, June 27, 1849. 

Capt. Edward Hall was deacon of the church, justice of the peace, repre- 
sentative for Exeter in 1736, and for Newmarket in 1739, lot-layer, and 
sun'eyor of highways and of the boundaries of towns. Arthur Slade, 
Walter Bryant, and James Hersey, Esqs., were the king's surveyors. The 
eastern boundary of iSJew Hampshire was a subject of hot dispute from 1737 
to 1766. Walter Bryant, Esq., was ordered by Gov. Jonathan Belcher to 
run the line between the Province of New Hampshire and that part of Massa- 
chusetts Bay called the County of York. About half a century later, October 
9, 1790, Esquire Bryant was living to correspond with Reverend Dr. Belknap 
respecting this matter. lie set out from Newmarket with eight men to assist 
him on Friday, March 13, 1741. He proceeded by way of Cocheco, with 
snow-shoes and logging-sleds, through Upper Rochester, up Salmon Falls 
River to the head of Nechawannock River. Flere, on Thursday, March 19th, 
he set his compass north two degrees west, making an allowance of ten 
degrees for its easterly variation. At the end of every mile he marked a 
tree, where the place would admit of it. Thus he traced the line for about 
thirty miles. He was prevented from proceeding farther, partly by the melt- 
ing of the snow and breaking up of the ice, and partly by meeting unfriendly 
Indians and the backwardness of his men to proceed. On Friday, March 
27th, he turned back, and he reached Newmarket Wednesday, April ist. His 
return to the Council was made May 22d, and his account of £116 14s. was 
allowed February 12, 1742. 

ROADS AND STAGES 

The Newmarket settlers had such easy communication with other towns 
up and down the Squamscot and Lamprey by their boats that they were slow 
in adopting other methods of conveyance. The roads to neighboring towns 
were only narrow bridle-paths through the forests. There were no car- 
riages, but considerable distances were traveled on foot and on horseback. 
They forded the Squamscot previous to 1700. That year Richard Hilton 
established a ferry at Newfields. There was no bridge across the river till 
tlie time of the Revolution. 

The road to Piscassic is described in 1731 as "already a pretty good cart- 
way, commonly called Hallsway, four or five miles from the landing-place at 
(South) New Market towards Nottingham." In 1733 a highway was laid 
out along this cart-path, and extended to Nottingham. Tlie Hall's Mill Road 
was laid out in 1763. In 1768 a road was laid out from the bridge at Lam- 
prey River to Durham. 

When Governor Jonathan Belcher, of Boston, contemplated a visit to 
New Hampshire he wrote Richard Waldron, September 19, 1734: "I am 
told there is between Haverhill and Exeter 10 miles of very bad Road and 



554 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

that Govrs Shute or Burnet could not pass that way with wheels, and the 
Cavalcade will not look so well with the Govr o" Horseback." Three-fourths 
of a century later came the era of turnpikes and stages. The incorporated 
turnpike, though a great convenience, was never a very popular institution. 
It was looked upon as a sort of monopoly, and the toll was evaded with 
no compunctions of conscience. 

Two lines of stages passed through here daily from Dover to Boston, 
one line going by way of Haverhill and the other through Newburyport. 
They passed about 9 o'clock A. M., changed horses at the tavern of' John 
Emery, of Exeter, and dined at Haverhill and at Newburyport. Horses 
were changed again between these places and Boston, which they reached 
between 4 and 5 o'clock P. M. They returned through here about 5 P. M. 
The fare to Boston was $2.50. e.xcept when competition sometimes reduced it 
to fifty cents. Each driver was furnished with a tin horn, which hung by 
the side of his seat, with which he announced his coming at the enrtance to 
the village. The blowing of the horn was always a signal for the gathering 
of the \illage quidnuncs, who were interested in the arrival of travelers and 
the mails. This was before the era of railroads. The opening of the Boston 
and Maine Railroad in 1840 cut off the drivers as fast as the rails were laid 
from place to place. 

SHIP-BUILDING .VXD COMMERCE 

New Hampshire, with only eighteen miles of sea-coast, and but one com- 
modious harbor, yet bears for its seal a ship on the stocks. .\nd previous to 
1784, when the Constitution and seal were adopted, ship-buidling was a prom- 
inent branch of business on the Piscatanua and its tributaries. It is not 
ascertained when this business first began. Robert Moulton was appointed 
commissioner of the navy at Portsmouth, April 5, 1651. He had come to 
.\merica at the head of six ship-carpenters in 1629. At first only vessels of 
small size were constructed, such as sloops, pinnaces, ketches, shallops, barks, 
and skiffs. Sometimes these were framed and set up in the woods where the 
timber grew. Then they were taken down and hauled to some suitable landing 
on the river, completed and launched. Navigators two and a half centuries 
ago traversed the seas in the merest cockle-shells. 

The early settlers on the Piscatacjua availed themselves of the facilities 
offered by the natural advantages of the place to engage in shiivbuilding. The 
"Falkland," of fifty-four guns, in 1690, was the first war ship launched on 
this side of the Atlantic. Richard, Earl of Bellamont, governor of New 
Hampshire in 1698, credits the state with "eleven ships of good burthen, five 
brigantines, four ketches, and four sloops." 

To what extent ship-building was carried on in Newmarket down to the 
Revolution it is impossible to tell. No record of the business is known to 
exist. The owners and tonnage of the craft built are not fully ascertained. 
The Lamprey River meets the tidewater over falls of more than twenty 
feet. At high tide vessels of 120 tons freight land, bringing coal, salt, and 
other heavy articles. Seven vessels, some of them of large size for the 
times, have been seen on the stocks together in process of building. A score 
of all kinds have been built here in a single year. 

The Squamscot is navigable at high tide for vessels of over two hundred 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 555 

tons burden. Hea\y freights of iron, coal, and moulding-sand still sail up 
the river. In times past ship-building flourished on its banks. At Exeter 
twenty-two vessels, large and small, ha\-e been seen on the stocks in a single 
year. At Newhelds the people were busily engaged in lumbering and ship- 
ping. Her landing was occupied by ship-yards. The busy hum of the shij>- 
wright"s hammer and awl was heard from morning till night. So pressing 
was this w'ork that in the busy season he was exempted from military train- 
ing. Masting required a large number of men and oxen to move the mas- 
sive king's pines. One of them is said to have been eight feet in diameter 
at the butt end and no feet long, requiring seventy yoke of oxen to draw 
it to the river's side. From the landing these masts were floated to Ports- 
mouth and shipped abroad. In 1746 objection was urged against a bridge 
over the Squamscot at Xewfields. on the ground that it would obstruct vessels, 
masts, and rafts passing along the river. 

The Squamscot abounded in fish, which furnished subsistence for the 
inhabitants and also an important article of commerce. In 1665 exports to 
bVance, Spain, and the Straits consisted of fish, lumber, pitch, tar, and tur- 
pentine, for which were brought back salt, preser\-ed fruits, tea, and coffee. 
Shipments to \'irginia embraced pork, beef, and peltry, and returns were 
received of rice, sugar, and tobacco. Great quantities of deal boards, masts, 
pipe-staves, and shooks were sent to Barbadoes and the \\'est Indies, for 
which were returned logwood, sperm oil, molasses, and spirits. Before the 
Revolution this foreign trade with the \\'est Indies was very profitable. 
So great were the gains that vessels of all sizes and description were pressed 
into the service. Vessels of fifteen tons burden and upwards were used. 

During the Re\'olution New Hampshire fitted out several private armed 
vessels. The privateer "General Sulli\'an" was overhauled and refitted at 
Newfields' Landing in 1778. After the Revolution, ship-building on the 
Squamscot again became profitable. Commerce, however, never reached its 
former extent. 

A brigantine was built at Portsmouth, and had made a cruise previous 
to 1778. At a meeting of her proprietors at Portsmouth, April 9, 1778, 
"Voted This proprietary pay Capt [Eliphalet] Ladd twelve hundred and 
fifty pounds lawfl money, for which the said Ladd agrees to take the brigt 
'Genl Sullivan' from Portsmouth to Exeter, and lengthen her for two more 
guns on a side, in a proper manner, and return her here again as soon 
as may be, the proprietary- to pay the iron bill, joiners' bill, oakum, pitch, 
and turpentine." A fortnight later, April 23, 1778, "Voted, To stop Capt 
Ladd's proceeding any further with the 'General Sullivan,' and agree with 
Messrs Hackett, Hill & Paul for the lengtheng the said vessel, and pay Capt 
Ladd the charges he has been at. Accordingly have agreed with Messrs 
Hackett, Hill, & Paul to take said vessel at Newmarket, where she now 
lies, and lengthen her for two more gtms on a side, caulk, iron and fix her 
for a ship, complete in a proper manner, lengthen her forecastle agreeable 
to Capt Dalling's instructions, and deliver her at Portsmouth by the first of 
June next; for which the proprietors agree to pay the said Hackett, Hill & 
Paul fifteen hundred pounds lawl money in cash, and give them one barrel 
of New England rum: proprietors to find iron-work, pitch, turpentine, and 
oakum." The "General Sullivan" made several cruises, and captured some 
valuable prizes. Among these were the "Caledonia." the "Mary," and the 



556 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

"Charlotte." It is understood that the career of the "General Sullivan" was 
terminated in the year 1780, by her being captured by two British ships of 
vastly superior force, after a spirited resistance. Maj. Nathaniel McClintock 
was in command of her marines, and was killed in the engagement by a ball 
through the head. 

The ship-building and commercial interests of Newmarket were seriously 
injured by the War of 1812. Her population was nearly two hundred more 
in 1767 than in 1820. The decrease was owing to the decline in ship- 
building. Very little had ever been done by the general government for 
defense of our harbors. The embargo well-nigh annihilated all our com- 
merce. After the spring of 1813, our sea coast, thousands of miles in extent, 
was blockaded by a British squadron. A few enterprising captains ran the 
blockade, and privateers were fitted out which were successful in escaping 
luiglish cruisers. But the relief was only partial. Three years of blockade 
destroyed ship-building on the Squamscot. 

Among the last to engage in ship-building at Newfields were Zechariah 
P.eals. Dudley Watson, Samuel Tarlton. and George Hilton. The last vessel 
built here was the "Nile," in 1827. She was of about three hundred tons 
burden, and built for parties in Salem, Mass. 

Our later coasting trade was principally with Boston. Household goods, 
clothing, military ecpiipments, and implements of husbandry were imported, 
and returns made in lumber, dry hides, and buckskins. Capt. Joseph Fur- 
nald ran a packet from Exeter to Portsmouth, by which our traders received 
all their heavy articles of trade. Our merchants went by stage to Boston 
one day, spent three or four days purchasing goods, and returned on the fifth 
or sixth day. The goods were shipped at Portsmouth by the regular coaster. 
Here they were transferred to Captain Furnald's packet and brought up the 
river, generally arriving about two weeks after being purchased. This was 
before the era of railroads. 

MANUFACTURING 

Mechanics and artisans are important personages in every community. 
Shoemakers, carpenters, masons, and blacksmiths are indispensable in a new 
settlement. The wives and daughters of the Newfields patriarchs manu- 
factured the garments which clothed themselves and their husbands and 
brothers. The flax was ]3ulled, rotted, broken, swingled, hetchelled. spun, 
woven, and bleached by hand. The wool was carded, spun, woven, and 
fulled by hand, and it was colored in the old butternut, logwood, or indigo 
flye-tub. Persons in comfortable circumstances used wooden table-ware, and 
drank their daily beverages out of glazed earthen mugs, one mug going in 
course the rounds of the table. In times of the scarcity of currency, old iron 
and old pewter had value as articles of l>arter and merchandise. Taxes might 
be paid in tar at twenty shillings the barrel. 

New Hampshire at the present time ranks high as a manufacturing state, 
and is especially noted for its textile industries. Only three states in the 
L^nion out-rival it in the value of cotton goods produced, while its woolen, 
leather, and iron ])roducts are very large. The IMerrimac is said to be the 
busiest stream in the world. The Piscataqua with its tributaries is also 
greatly utilitarian. Newmarket has always been a busv town. Mechanical 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 557 

labor in its various departments is extensively pursued. No towns of its 
size produce more valuable manufactured goods. While the Squamscot offers 
no mill privilege, the Lamprey and the Piscassic afford numerous fine mill 
sites. Other smaller streams in their day have furnished motive-power for 
many wheels. 

The first settlers on the Piscataqua were compelled to secure most of their 
bread from England and Virginia. There were saw-mills at Cocheco in 
1C131, but there was no grain-mill in New England previous to 1633. A corn- 
mill is mentioned at Cocheco in 1640. The earliest mention of a mill of any 
kind in Newfields is in 1653. That year a grant of land some two miles 
square was made to Edward Hilton, "in regard to his charges in setting up 
a saw-mill." This mill is probably mentioned again in 1758. It stood on the 
stream south of the Hilton estate and west of the Exeter road. 

Iron works were set up at Lamprey Village in the year 17 19. To encour- 
age this enterprise the General Court appropriated a slip of land two miles in 
breadth a1)0ve the head line of Dover, for the purpose of supplying fuel and 
of introducing foreign artists and exjierienced workmen. There was "ye first 
Dam," and therefore a second dam, and "ye old Dam," and so a new dam 
across Lamprey River in 1723. We read in the Portsmouth Mercury Novem- 
ber I, 1785, "The fulling and grist mill belonging to the Hon. Major General 
Sullivan have been carried from their situation at Packer's Falls." 

The Newmarket Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1822, and 
the corner-stone of cotton-mill No. i was laid the next year. 

Iron works were commenced at Newfields in 1830. The first blast was 
blown on Christmas day. The South Newmarket Iron Foundry was incor- 
porated in 1834. 

In 1846 the Swamscot Machine Cimipany was incorporated, and Amos 
Paul chosen agent. This compan}- purchased the iron foundry and united 
both branches of the business, b'or many years a large number of work- 
men were employed. 

Mir,IT.\RY RECORD 

It has been said that if every other record of the civil struggle from 
1760 to 1775 should perish, the true character and full history of the Revo- 
lution could be written from the records of the New England town-meetings. 
The resolutions adopted and the instructions given to representatives in con- 
vention. Legislature, and Congress are the wonder and admiration of students 
of political philosophy everywhere. The Town of Newmarket is exceedingly 
unfortunate in the loss of all its records prior to the year 1784. We were a 
free people, loving and prizing our liberties, \^'e did not wish independence 
of the English crown : we were impelled to it by necessity, not by choice. 
As soon as Great Britain had conquered Canada and made peace with France, 
the king and Parliament turned against the American colonies. Such con- 
duct was high treason and rebellion against British freedom. In an evil 
hour the mother-country set her eyes upon the colonies for imperial taxation. 
We denied the right. \Vhen the Stamp Act was passed we resisted, peace- 
fully but pertinaciously, and the act was repealed. The tea tax followed. 
It was opposed by solemn leagues and covenants, and its demands were 
annulled. The Boston Port Bill, cruel and tyrannical, exasperated to the last 



558 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

point of endurance a brave and generous people. The regulation acts of 
1774 were revolutionary and suggestive of "a general disarming of the 
colonists." 

The Town of Newmarket was not indifferent to the momentous agita- 
tion that preceded the Revolution. .\ large number, if not a majority, of 
our leading men were stanch loyalists, and friends, if not members, of the 
Church of England, brave men, but more loyal to the king than to their 
country. During three generations of bloody Indian warfare our soldiers 
fought for British supremacy no less than for personal safety. 

The selectmen of Newmarket, Samuel Oilman, James Cram, and Samuel 
Pickering, returned, July 12, 1776, to the New Hampshire Committee of 
Safety the celebratetl Association Test. It contained the names of 164 
persons. It also contained the names of thirty-eight individuals who "Refuse 
to sign the within Declaration." We read, among others, the names Badger, 
Oilman, Lord, Marsters, Mighels, Odiome, Parsons, Pease, Pickering, Shute, 
Rogers. Some were Quakers, who had scruples against bearing arms. Some 
were sick and infirm, who thought it bombast to pledge themselves as able- 
bodied men "to resist with amis." Some there always are in every com- 
munity who never put their name to paper. But more were Tories, who 
had always been loyal to the church and government of Great Britain. 
Respectable family ties allied some to British oflicers. Governor Benning 
W'entworth had married, in 1760, Martha Hilton, of Newmarket. During 
the Revolution she was living with her second husband. Col. Michael Went- 
worth, a retired British officer. The home of Lady W'entworth, of Went- 
worth Hall, Newcastle, was a noted resort of royalists. The Confiscation 
Act of 1778, extending to John Wentworth and seventy-six others in New 
Hampshire, included James and John IMcMasters, and George Ball and Jacob 
Brown, traders of Newmarket. 

The early years of the war were noted for the .large number of arrests 
of persons charged with Toryism; but it was seldom that they were kept 
long in durance. After the detention of a few days or weeks they were 
generally dismissed on giving bonds to return when called for, or upon tak- 
ing oath not to bear anns against the country or to aid and comfort the 
enemy. The Rogerses were Conformists. In December, 1775, Nathaniel 
Rogers, Escp, was granted leave to go about his business fifteen days, and 
January 3, 1776, his disability was wholly removed. Capt. \Villiam Torrey 
was put under arrest for Tory proclivities in 1775; he had leave to go about 
his business fifteen days in December, 1775, and his disability was wholly 
removed on January 3, 1776, but in 1777 he was committed to jail. Capt. 
Peter Pease was put under guard as a Tory February, 1777, and petitioned 
for release May ig. 1777. Dr. John Marsters would not sign the .Associa- 
tion Test in 1776, and was placed under arrest in 1777, from which he 
humbly prayed the Committee of Safety to be released. 

The number and social position of these "gentlemen Tories" suggest one 
of the great trials that beset the patriot cause. Secret enemies, opponents 
at home, were like thorns in the side or serpents in the bosom. It cost a 
severe struggle to overcome these patrician sentiments. It was not all done 
at once. It was achieved only through provocations long endured. But 
nothing was suffered ultimately to mar the patriotic enthusiasm. At length 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 559 

royalist and rebel rejoiced together in the emancipation of their country 
from a foreign scepter. 

Newmarket contributed her full ([uota of men and money for the war. 
When the first mutterings of the stonn were heard, she sided generally, not 
unanimously, with the colonies. About the middle of December. 1774, Paul 
Revere rode express from Boston to Portsmouth, bringing word that royal 
troops had been ordered to the harbor to secure Fort William and Mary. 

The battle of Lexington, on the 19th of April, 1775, aroused our people 
to a more vivid sense of their danger. Couriers bringing the startling news 
reached Newmarket about daybreak, April 20th. At once the drum beat 
to arms. In less than three hours minute-men were on the march for Boston. 
Tradition includes among those first to enlist the names of Colcord, Folsom, 
Hilton, and Pike. At Exeter they joined other volunteers under Capt. John 
Taylor Oilman. That night they reached, by way of Haverhill, Bragg's 
tavern, in Andover. On the night of the 21st they reached Cambridge, and 
were assigned cjuarters in the college buildings. 

Detachments to and from the Continental army frequently passed through 
Newmarket. 

By the 3d of May. 1775. all the men being gone from the southward and 
westward of this place, the Durham company paused at Exeter, and the 
Provincial Congress resolved that they should return home and keep them- 
selves in readiness to respond when called. 

The Newmarket soldiers were "minute-men" who started at the alarm 
from post-rider and beat of drum. They left shop, field, or home at once, in 
shirt, and frock, and apron, with cold victuals from the cupboard, and a few 
Yankee notions in sack or pillow-case, and the old ducking-gun, fowling- 
piece, or shaky king's arm that had seen service against game in the woods 
or Indian skulking in the thicket. The convention at Exeter, May 17, 1775, 
organized this ununiformed, undisciplined, yet enthusiastic yeomanry into a 
brigade of three regiments. Nathaniel Folsom was appointed major-general; 
the colonels were John Stark. Enoch Poor, and James Reid. The regiments 
of Stark and Reid had their headquarters at Medford. while Poor's regiment 
remained on duty at home. Israel Gilman. of Newmarket, was lieutenant- 
colonel of Reid's regiment, and led many of his townsmen in the glories of 
the battle on Breed's Hill. The preceding day. June i6th. he wrote home 
to the Committee of Safety, describing the position and plans of the opposing 
armies. On the memorable 17th of June the New Hampshire troops fought 
with their accustomed bravery and force. Their position was behind the 
rail fence between the redoubt and Mystic River. The old Indian hunters 
and rangers of the woods were "dead shots." Thrice they hurled back and 
nearly annihilated the gaudy British grenadiers sent against them. They 
maintained their ground during the entire action, and were the last to leave 
the field, retiring with the order of veteran troops. 

After the battle of Bunker Hill Colonel Poor's regiment was ordered to the 
seat of war. But New Hampshire had her own harbor and frontier to defend. 
as well as to furnish men for the Continental anny. Some soldiers were 
employed in building fire-rafts on the Squamscot. others in guarding the sea- 
coast or scouting with boats u]) and down the Piscataqua. Thirty-four New- 
market men under Col. Joseph Smith were thus employed. We have their 
"Acco't of Eahor on Fire Rafts built at Newington Oct. 22. 1775." We have 



560 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

also the pay-roll of twenty-five others, "Men and Oxen Percuring Pich wood 
& other Conibustables for Fire Rafts." 

The next month, November 5, 1775, a Newmarket company of forty men, 
rank and file, James Hill, captain, Samuel Baker, first lieutenant, Samuel Gil- 
man, second lieutenant, Zebulon Barber, ensign, under Col. Joshua Wingate, of 
Stratham, joined the forces in the harbor, and were stationed on Pierce's 
Island. 

Those w ho remained at home, as well as those who went into actual service, 
were called upon for military duty. British fleets were expected at our land- 
ing. I f a strange vessel appeared in the harbor below, the alarm quickly spread 
far into the country. Many times the minute-men were called out on the 
appearance of an armed force or the rumor of one. In fact, however, the 
invader's foot never touched New Hampshire's soil. 

An express arrived, December i, 1775, from Brig.-Gen. John Sullivan, who 
was in command at Winter Hill, stating that the Connecticut regiments refused 
to tarry longer, and requesting urgently that troops might be sent from New 
Hampshire to fill their place. These detachments were called "six weeks' men." 
A Newmarket company under Samuel Baker, captain, Zebulon Barber, first 
lieutenant, John Allen, second lieutenant, responded to the call. They re- 
mained with (jeneral Sullivan till the British evacuated Boston, when they 
were discharged. 

But space does not allow us to narrate the whole history of Newmarket 
in the noble struggle of the Revolution. The town was represented by true 
and determined men on nearly every battle-field of the war. The Committee 
of Safety compliment our selectmen, July 12, 1776, upon "the truly for- 
ward and patriotic disposition often shown by the inhabitants of Newmarket 
in the common cause." 

The following is a partial list of the men who bore military commissions 
and served in the Re\olution : Colonels, Jeremiah Folsom, John Folsom, 
Thomas Tash ; lieutenant-colonels, Israel Gilman, Winthrop Hilton; adju- 
tants, Joseph Smith, Walter Bryant; captains, Samuel Baker, James Hill, 
.Sanuiel Gilman, Zebulon Gilman, Edward Hilton, Robert Barber, Samuel 
Shackford, Asa Folsom, Levi Folsom, Peter Drowne, Robert Pike, Jonathan 
Leavitt ; lieutenants, Nathaniel Gilman, John Colcord, Bradstreet Doe, 
Andrew Gilman, David Gilman, John Burleigh, Joseph Hilton, Robert Clark, 
Zebulon Barber. 

War of 181J-IJ. — With the opening of the nineteenth century the busi- 
ness interests of New-market had revived and she recovered her former pros- 
perity. But Napoleon I was disturbing the peace of Europe, and war- 
clouds soon appeared between England and America. Bonaparte promul- 
gated the Milan Decree December 17, 1806. It declared every vessel dena- 
tionalized and subject to seizure which had submitted to be searched by a 
British cruiser or had traded at an English port. This was the prelude to 
the War of 1812. As early as 1806 the depredations of British cruisers on 
American commerce commenced. In 1807 Congress prohibited the sailing 
of vessels from American ports, and the year 1808 became the era of the 
general embargo. Non-intercourse with Great Britain and France was estab- 
lished March i, 1809. So effectual was the blockade that it was about 
impossible for vessels to leave or enter our ports. Now and then a privateer 
woukl slip by or through the blockading s(iuadrons. The emliargo acts of 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 561 

Congress were severely denounced and resisted in almost all of New England. 
At length long-continued aggressions, without apology or redress, led the 
American Government to prepare for another conflict with Great Britain. 
Congress declared war on the i8th of June, 1812. 

Soon after Governor William Plumer called the attention of the general 
government to the defenseless condition of our seaboard and the public works 
in Piscataqua Harbor, and ordered a portion of the militia into service. The 
Fourth Regiment of Xew Hampshire militia in iSij was commanded by 
Lieut. -Col. W'inthrop Hilton, and the First Battalion was under Maj. Joseph 
Pease, both of Newmarket. .\ company was drafted for thirty days, and 
placed under Capt. Joseph Towle, of Epping. It entered the service July 3d, 
and was discharged August 31, iSu, and contained several Newmarket non- 
commissioned officers and men. A second company under the same com- 
mand from September ist to November 30, 181 2, included nearly the same 
individuals. 

A British squadron was committing depredations upon the Atlantic coast 
and spreading alarm far into the interior. An all-pervading apprehension 
that Portsmouth would be attacked led to renewed calls for the mustering of 
the militia. On the 20th of May, 1814, Governor Gilman issued orders fur 
raising eight companies to march in five days for the defense of Portsmouth. 
The Newmarket company of fifty-three officers and men under Capt. Peter 
Hersey responded to the call. It was mustered May 24th, and discharged 
July 6, 1814. Other soldiers in Capt. William ^Marshall's company were 
credited to Newmarket. While the New'market soldiers were quartered at 
Portsmouth expresses came riding into town on the night of June 21st with 
the alanning intelligence that the British were landing at Rye, and about 
to march upon the town, .\larm-bells were rung, drums beat, and signal- 
guns fired. The militia turned out and hastily prepared for defense. The 
report was unfounded, but the alarm spread into the interior and was not 
allayed for some days. 

On the 7th of September, 1814, Governor Gilman again called for soldiers 
to defend Portsmouth. The call was obeyed with the greatest alacrity. 
Newmarket is credited with nine commissioned officers and men in Capt. 
Jacob Dearborn's company, enlisted September 26th for sixty days. Maj. 
Nathaniel Lias, of Newmarket, commanded a battalion of detached militia, 
enlisted September 9th, and discharged September 27. 1814. It included 
a Newmarket company of forty-one officers and men under Capt. Peter 
Hersey, also fifty-one officers and men under Capt. John Colcord. Thus 
by October, 181 4, about three thousand drafted soldiers were at Portsmouth, 
and Governor Gilman had his headquarters among them. We have it on 
British authority that the English made e\-ery preparation to destroy the 
navy-yard and the Town of Portsmouth. But the defenses were so formid- 
ably manned that the intended attack was accounted too hazardous. The 
danger to Port.smouth and its harbor soon passed away. By October. 1814, 
the major part of our forces were discharged. A treaty of peace was signed 
at Ghent December 14. 1814. It was ratified by the Senate February i8th. 
and signed by the President February 23, 181 5. Nowhere were the people 
more grateful for the return of peace than on the Piscatac|ua and its branches. 
It is related as a singular fact that not a man of New Hampshire was killed 
in this war. 



562 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAAI COUxXTY 

War of the Rebellion. — The patriotism of South Newmarket was again 
manifested in the late struggle to perpetuate the Federal Union. Imme- 
diately on the news of the hring on Sumter the spirit of 1776 fired the hearts 
of her citizens. She furnished her full quota of soldiers for the struggle. 
Many of our noblest young men offered their services. Enlistments pro- 
ceeded with enthusiasm. Companies were raised and equipped first for three 
months, then for three years or during the war. We cannot mention here 
all the noble hearts which beat for the honor of our flag and volunteered for 
its defense. The history of the gallant Second and Eleventh Xew Hamp- 
shire regiments would tell the story of many South Newmarket soldier- 
boys. This town gave some of her most promising young men as a sacrifice 
to sustain the Government in the hour of peril. The blood of her heroes 
enriched the soil from the heights of Arlington to the remote southern 
boundary. 

The names of soldiers and navy men of Revolutionary war. the War of 
181 2, and the Civil \\ar are given in the excellent "History of Newfield," by 
Rev. James H. Fitts. The estimated number entering the army and navy 
from 1 86 1 to 1865 was ninety-five. 

The Rev. John Moody, A. M., belonged to a family that well may be 
called remarkable. He was born at Byfield Parish, Newbury, Mass., January 
10, 1705. He was the son of John Moody, the grandson of Samuel and 
Mary (Cutting) Moody, and the great-grandson of William and Sarah 
Moody. These patriarchs of the family had emigrated from Wales, Eng- 
land, to Ipswich, Mass., in 1633, and to Newbury with its first settlers in 
1635. From the sturdy Xewbury blacksmith, there has descended a long 
line of distinguished ministers. 

The first pastor of Newmarket was graduated at Harvard College in 
1727, his name standing the fourteenth in a class of thirty-si.x. He also 
received the honorary degree of Master of Arts from Harvard. Having 
studied theology, he was invited to settle at Biddeford, Me., in 1728, but 
modestly declined the invitation that he might have further time for study. 
He was ordained at Newmarket, Xovember 25, 1730. 

Mr. Moody preached the sermon at the ordination of Robert Cutter, a 
graduate of Harvard, 1741, the first minister of Epping. December 9, 1747. 
Text, Ephesians iv. 11, 12. The phrase so common in the old town charters, 
"a learned orthodox ministry," is' a very expressive one. Mr. Mood}' was 
a patron of sound learning, and evinced a marked interest in general and 
higher education. He was an original member of the Xew Hampshire 
Ecclesiastical Convention, and bore an active part in establishing a collegiate 
institution in New Hampshire previous to the granting of the charter for 
Dartmouth College. 

Mr. Moody married, April 5, 1730, Ann, daughter of Deacon Edward 
and Mary (Wilson) Hall, of Newmarket. This pastor's wife was a descend- 
ant of Thomas Dudley, the second governor of Massachusetts, and also of 
John Winthrop, the first governor of New Hampshire. She died July 14. 
1 77 1, seven years before the decease of her husband. 

Mr. Moody continued in the pastoral office in Xewmarket till his death, 
October 13, 1778, at the age of seventy-three years. His only settlement in 
the ministry covered a period of half a century lacking two years. To his 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 563 

manly integrity and intelligent piety Newmarket owes much of her social, 
civil, educational, and religious character. 

The second minister of Newmarket was the Rev. Nathaniel Ewer. His 
ministry overlapped that of Mr. Moody about five years, and he is generally 
thought to have been a colleague with his predecessor. He was born April 
17, 1726, son of Nathaniel and Mary (Stuart) Ewer, of Barnstable, Mass. 
He married, before leaving Barnstable, Drusilla Covill, by whom he had a 
large family of children-. Mr. Ewer was not a graduate of college. He was 
a member of the Congregational Church, but became a follower of White- 
field and a New Light preacher. He preached at Durham about one year, 
and commenced preaching at Newmarket Plains in 1773. He joined the 
Presbytery over which Rev. John Alurray, the friend of ^^'hitefield, presided. 
May 31, 1774. ' The "East and West Societies" in Newmarket united June 
29, 1789, and Mr. Ewer was accepted as minister for the whole town. In 
1792 the old meeting-house which stood near the burying-ground had become 
dilapidated, and a stately new edifice was built near the present railroad 
junction. Mr. Ewer continued in the pastorate here nearly a cjuarter of a 
century, and was dismissed by vote of the parish July 10, 1797. He still 
resided in town, and showed himself interested in its welfare. He died in 
April, 1806. aged eighty years. His wife died in 1810, aged eighty-three. 
They were buried at the Plains, close by the west meeting-house he had 
so long occupied. 

The Rcc\ Samuel Tomb was the colleague of Mr. Ewer in the pastorate. 
He was born at Wallhill, N. J., January i. 1767. He studied at Columbia 
College without graduation, and with Reverend Dr. Mason. The church at 
Newmarket extended to him a call July 28th, and he w-as ordained October 
22. 1794. But the connection of the two pastors was not a harmonious and 
cordial relation. A mutual council, April 27, 1797, failed to reconcile the 
parties, and Mr. Tomb was dismissed by vote of the parish, July 10, 1797. 
He was afterwards installed over the Second Church in Newbury, Mass., 
November 28, 1798. where he remained about ten years. He removed to his 
native place, where his stormy but efficient ministry closed. He died March 
28, 1832, aged sixty-five years. Among his printed discourses was an ora- 
tion on the death of \\'ashington, pronounced February 22, 1800, and a 
sermon which he delivered at the annual fast, April 7, 1803. 

The Rei'. James Thurston was born at Exeter, N. H., March 17, 1769, 
the son of Capt. James and Mary (Jones) Thurston. He entered the first 
class at Phillips' Academy, but did not pursue a collegiate course. He taught 
school a year or two, and entered business in Exeter and in Boston. After 
some years, by the advice of friends, he entered the ministry. He preached 
at Raymond 1798-99, and was ordained at Newmarket, October 15, 1800. 
Parsonage land and buildings for the use of Mr. Thurston and successors 
in office were deeded to the parish. May 30, 1803. During the summers of 
1805, 1806, and 1807. he was in the employ of the Piscataqua Missionary 
Society to the northern parts of New England and Canada. He was dis- 
missed January 6, 1808. 

.\fter leaving Newmarket, Mr. Thurston was installed at Manchester, 
Mass., April 19, 1809. Here he continued in the pastorate more than ten 
years, and was dismissed, June, 1819. From Manchester he returned to 



564 HISTORY OP^ ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Exeter, his native place, where he died, December 12, 1835, in the sixty- 
seventh year of his age. 

Mr. Thurston possessed a truly Christian spirit, thoroughly devoted to 
his calling and giving to it his undivided powers. His ei^orts were blessed 
and his ministry was a successful one. 

The Rev. John Brodhead was born in Smithfield, Northumberland County, 
Pa., October 5, 1770. He entered the itinerant service of the Methodist 
Church in 1794. In 1796 he came to New England. As early as 1809 he 
settled at Newmarket, and in 1810 moved into the parsonage, receiving the 
use of it as a portion of his salary. He entered political life as state senator 
in 1817. From 1829 to 1832 he was representative to Congress under Jack- 
son's administration. During the latter years of his life his work in the 
ministry was very irregular. He died of a disease of the heart, from which 
he had suffered many years. His end was peaceful, even triumphant. His 
monument is inscribed : 

"In memory of the Rev. John Brodhead, born in Lower Smithfield, 
Pennsylvania, 1770. Died in this place, April 7, 1838, aged 67 years, hav- 
ing been an Itinerant Minister in the Methodist Church 45 years. Senator 
and chaplain to the Legislature of this State, and a member of the Congress 
of the United States. 

"He was beloved as a husband and father, honored as a citizen, esteemed 
as a statesman, and venerated as a minister. 

"Peace to the just man's memory, let it grow greener with years and 
blossom through the flight of years." 

With the close of the first century in the religious history of Newmarket, 
there came a change in the administration of ecclesiastical affairs. New busi- 
ness interests sprung up at the villages of Newfields and Lamprey River, 
and it was found impossible to gather the people for worship at the old 
center near the railroad junction. Both villages had occasional preaching 
services by various denominations from 1810 onward. As early as 1825 
regular congregational services were held at Lamprey River, and in 1826 
assistance was asked in erecting a house of worship. The church was organ- 
ized there May 27, 1828. Newfields contributed means and members to this 
enterprise. Meanwhile the Lamprey River pastors, from 1827 onward, main- 
tained a third service on the Sabbath, or a weekly lecture at Newfields. The 
Rev. David Sanford, from May 22, 1828, to June 22, 1830, abounded in 
labors of this kind here. During the spring of 1829 the Piscataqua Asso- 
ciation appointed several of the neighboring pastors to preach at Newfields. 

The old parish was organized January 16. 1829, and took the form of an 
incorporated religious society, and annually raised money for the salaries of 
their ministers. Among these were the Revs. Bezaleel Smith, 1828-29: Wil- 
liam M. Cornell, M. D., LL. D.. 1829-30: Orsamus Tinker, 1831-32: Samuel 
Harris, 1833: Mr. Barton, 1834: Constantine Blodgett, D. D., 1835-36: 
Charles D. Jackson, 1836; William F. Rowland, 1836-37: Thomas T. Rich- 
mond, 1839. These ministers preached in the old meeting-house and old 
academy In 1839 a new house of worship was erected at Newfields. and the 
old house was practically abandoned. 

The church was reorganized February 12, 1840. The ministers were 
John E. Farwell. 1840: John Le Bosquet. 1840: John L. Ashby, 1840-41: 
Henry Kingsley, 1841 : John C. Hurd, 1841 : Elijah \\'. Tucker, pastor, 
1841-45; Preston Pond, 1845-46. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 565 

The old meeting house, which had stood sixty years and of late used 
only as a town house, was taken down in 1852. 

Charles E. Lord became stated supply in 1851-52; Winthrop Fitield, act- 
ing pastor, 1852 till his death. May 9, 1862. In 1853-55 the parsonage prop- 
erty was transferred to Newfields, and the present buildings erected. Jesse 
H. Bragg, minister, 1862: Elias Chapman, stated supply, 1862-67; Israel T. 
Otis, 1868; Joseph Bartlett, acting pastor, 1869-77. The meeting house was 
enlarged and refurnished in 1871. Alexander C. Childs, acting pastor, 1877- 
79; James H. Fitts, 1880 until his death on November 22, 1890. The ves- 
tries were retitted 1880, and the parsonage enlarged 1882. 

On January 6, 1901, the church became associated with the church in Strat- 
ham under the care of Rev. Geo. E. Lake. 

Rev. Bernard Copping, the present pastor, commenced April 10, 1905. 
The Methodist Church. — The year 1808 is probably the date of the for- 
mation of a Methodist class in Newmarket. In 181 1 there is mention of the 
Newmarket, Durham, and Portsmouth Circuit. In 1828, Matthew Newhall 
was sent by Conference to Durham and Newmarket. It is probable that 
this is the real date of the full organization of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in Newmarket. There is nothing in its records, however, concern- 
ing its organization at any 'time. The meeting house was erected in 1835, 
and dedicated in the spring of 1836. The earliest register of church mem- 
bers now to be found was made in 1842. It contains the names of the class 
of 1808, The parsonage was built in 1854-55. In 1870 the church edifice 
was raised and vestries placed underneath. The house was reseated in 1880 
and in 1906 electric lights and other improvements made. The following is 
a roll of the preachers, beginning with the year 1828: 

1828, Matthew Newhall; 1829, Caleb Lamb; 1830, Daniel J. Robinson; 
1831-32, Elijah Mason; 1833, Samuel A. Cushing; 1834, William J. Kidder; 
1835, J. H. Patterson; 1836, John Brodhead; 1837, William Padmun; 1838, 
G. W. Steams; 1839, William Padmun: 1840, "Reformation" John Adams; 
1841, A. H. Worthen; 1842, Franklin Furber; 1843, G. W. T. Rogers; 1844- 
45, H. N. Taplin; 1846-47, C. N. Smith; 1848-49, Frederick A. Hewes; 
1850. Charles Greenwood; 185 1, \\'illiam Hewes; 1852, Samuel Beedle; 
1853, Matthew Newhall; 1854-56, N. L. Chase; 1857-58, William Hewes; 
1859-60, F. R. Stratton; 1861-62, lohn W. Adams; 1863-65, Eleazer Smith; 
1866-67, \\\ P. Rav; 1868, George N. Brvant; 1869, David W. Downs; 
1870, M. T. Cilley; 1871, A. A. Cleaveland; 1872-73, H. A. Mattesson; 
1874-76, C. H. Chase; 1877-78, C. S. Baketel; 1879, L. C. Earnham; 1880- 
81. Otis Cole; 1882, Mellen Howard; Charles W. Tavlor, 1883; C. M. Dins- 
more, 1884-86; E. R. Perkins. 1887-89; B. O. Cambell, 1890: A. L. Smith, 
1891-95; A. R. Rowell, 1896; A. E. Draper, 1897-98; W. R. Locke, 1899- 
1902; i. D. Miller, 1903-05; Otis Cole, 1906-07; Henry Chandler, 1908; L. 

D. Bragg, 1909-13; D. W. Downs, assigned for 1914. 

The Univcrsalist Church. — The Cniversalist meeting house in this town 
was built in 1873. and dedicated in December of the same year. Rev. G. W. 
Becknell, of Portland, had been preaching in the town hall previous to that 
time, and it was at his suggestion and by his influence that the society was 
formed, August 5, 1874. The church was also organized August 5, 1874. 
Rev. L. F. McKinney was the first pastor, and resigned in June, 1875. Rev. 

E. A. Read was his succes.sor, who resigned in April, 1877. Rev. Royal T. 



566 HISTORY OF ROCKLNGHAM COUNTY 

Saw \CT was the next pastor to February, 1879. Rev. Benton Smith resigned 
in Xoveniber, 1881. Rev. A. L. Rice, 1882-83; Henry L. Fiske, 1883-87; 
W . 11. Trickey, 1887-91: Edward Smalley, 1892-96; Allen Brown, 1896-97; 
Nancy \\'. Smith, 1897-1907: W'infield S. Turner, 1907-10; George E. Laigh- 
ton, 1910-14. 

Roiiian Catholic. — The first mass was celel;rated in E.xeter in the fall of 
1849 at the house of Daniel Fenton by Rev. J. O. Donnell of Lawrence, 
Mass. Rev. John McDonald of Haverhill, Mass., commenced making reg- 
ular visits to Exeter and Newmarket about 1850. Services were first held 
in a Ijuilding, later converted into a dwelling house, in which in 1882 lived 
Thomas and John Griftin. The first pastor was Rev. Father Walsh, who 
occupied the stone house on "Zion's Hill," purchased of the Universalists. 
He was succeeded by Revs. Father Charles Egan, Lewis McDonald, C. W. 
Calligan. Dennis Ryan. Previous to 1882 ser\ices were held several years 
in private houses and the town hall. During that year a house of worship 
was erected at a cost of about $17,000. It was dedicated on Thanksgiving 
Day in 1882 by Bishop Healey of Portland, Me. It goes by the name of 
"The Church of the Sacred Heart." Rev. John R. Powers was succeeded 
in 1883 by Rew John Canning, who remained, till 1898, when he was fol- 
lowed by Rev. James Hogan. In 1902 Rev. Fabian Deshaies assumed the 
charge thus left vacant and continued his pastorate till May, 1907, when Rev. 
Herbert Hennon was appointed to the place. 

THE BRODHE.\D LIBR.-\RY 

Dr. John M. Brodhead of Washington, D. C, who died in South New- 
market I'ebruary 22, 1880, left all his property to his widow during her life, 
but his w ill contained the following provision : "Ten thousand dollars to 
the town of South Newmarket, N. H., for the purpose of purchasing books 
for a town library to Ije under the control of the selectmen, under conditions 
that the name of the town shall l)e legally changed to the name of Newfields 
and so remain. On the same condition and for the same purpose I bequeath 
to said town my private library. Neither of these bequests shall take effect 
until the name of the town shall have been changed." At the next town 
meeting, March. 1880, the town voted to accept the bequest of Doctor Brod- 
head with its condition. A bill for this purpose was passed February 21, 
1895, as follows: "An Act to change the name of the town of South New- 
market. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Gen- 
eral Court convened: Section i. That the town of South Newmarket shall 
hereafter be known and called by the name of Newfields. Sec. 2. This act 
shall take effect upon its passage." 

Thus the name of South Newmarket under whicli the town had acted a 
creditable part in war and peace for forty-five years w^as quietly dropped and 
the older name of Newfields restored with the sanction of the law. 

The Brodhead Library was opened for the circulation of books Septem- 
ber 23, 1893. Mrs. Geo. S. Paul has served continuously as librarian. 

The socieites are: Piscassic Grange, organized 1892: Fraternity Lodge 
I. O. O. F.; Golden Cross, No. 238, instituted June 4, 1883. A. H.' Varney 
and D. C. Wiggin are the physicians. 



CHAPTER XLI 

NEWTNGTON 

Geographical — Topoyraphical — Settlement — Indian Troubles — The Massacre 
— Civil History — Incorporation of Parish — Tncorporation of Toivn — 
Congregational Church — Langdon Library — Military Record. 

The town of Xewingtun lies in the eastern part of the county, and is 
bounded as follows : on the north by the Piscataqua River, which separates 
it from Strafford County : on the east by the Piscataqua and the town of 
Portsmouth ; on the south by Portsmouth, Greenland, and Great Bay ; and 
on the west by Great Bay and Little Bay. 

The surface is generally level, and the soil near the water rich and pro- 
ductive. Population, 296. 

Newington was settled in about the year 1670, and soon became an im- 
portant adjunct to the settlements at Portsmouth and Dover. The year 1690 
was a sad one for the little settlement which had been gathered at Fox Point. 
Although there were not at this time any fomiidable tribes of Indians resid- 
ing in the vicinity, still there were strolling bands of savages roaming about, 
and the pioneer history relates many instances of their barbaric warfare prac- 
ticed upon the defenseless settlements. Newington was no exception. In 
May. 1690, a band of these strolling marauders, led by a sachem named Hap- 
good, made an attack on the settlement at Fox Point, and destroyed several 
houses, killed fourteen persons, and captured six prisoners. The aroused 
inhabitants pursued the sa\ages. when a severe action occurred, in which the 
chief Hapgood was wounded. Some of the captives were retaken, and the 
plunder recovered. 

Newington is one of the old historic places or parishes of the state. It 
was embraced in what is called the Squamscut or Hilton's Point Patent. A 
part of Newington was claimed to lie in Dover, and a part in Portsmouth. 
The name Newington was given by Governor Dudley, May 12, 1714. Its 
bounds were settled July 28. 1714. at which time it was called a. parish. It 
had town privileges as early as 1737. but when incorporated is not definitely 
ascertained. The late John Farmer, Esq., said it was in July, 1764. 

"Bloody Point" originally belonged to Dover, but soon after the "union," 
which took place 8th mo. 9, 1641, it was taken from Dover and given to 
Portsmouth. The people did not seem to like this kind of a decision, and in 
1643 petitioneil to be '"reannexed." 

This petition was signed by James Johnson, Thomas Canning, Thomas 
Fursen, William Fray, William Jones, Thomas Trickey, John Goddard, 
Henry Langstaffe. John Fayer, Oliver Priminges, Philip Lewis and Radric 
( unreadable). 

The result of this petition was that the court "Ordered that all the marsh 

r,67 



568 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and nieddow ground lyinge Against tlie Great bay on Strawberry banck side 
shall belonge to the Towne of Dover, together with lower hundred Akers of 
L'pland ground Adjoining and lying as may be most Convenient for the Im- 
proving & fencing In of the said Meadow, the Remainder of the said ground 
to belonge to Strawberry Bancke, &c." This territory with the terrible name 
remained in the peaceable possession of "the Towne of Dover" until 1713. 
John Pickering was a distinguished son of this town. (See Bar chapter.) 
Ephraim Pickering was appointed second major in Colonel Whipple's 
regiment in 1776, and was one of the committee of correspondence the same 
year, and was representative in 1780-82. He was a selectman in 1775. 

CHURCHES 

CoiKjrcijatioiial Chitrcli. — The meeting house used by the Congregational 
Church in this place was erected 1710. It was repaired and the interior 
remodeled about fifty years ago, but with this exception is the same building 
that was originally erected. After the destruction by fire of the Methodist 
meeting house, about i860, it has continued to be the only meeting house in 
town until the present time. Its bell originally came from Newington, in 
England, being given and sent over the Atlantic by the people of that place. 
It afterwards cracked, but was recast and is still in use. In former times a 
sun-dial on the building answered the purpose of a clock. 

The church was organized October 26, 17 15. The original record says 
that on this date "a fast was kept at Newington, and a church gathered, con- 
sisting of nine members," five of whom were "fonnerly members of Dover 
Church." The first pastor of the church was Rev. Joseph .-\dams. He was 
uncle of Hon. John Adams, second President of the United States. On the 
15th of January, 1716, he administered the Lord's Supper, which the record 
says, "was the first sacrament ever administered in Newington." He con- 
tinued his pastorate for a period of sixty-eight years. During these many 
years the church records were kept in his own liandwriting. The book, a 
small parchment-covered one, is still in existence, though from the effects of 
time the writing is dim and the pages much discolored. He died May 20, 
17X3. He was nearly ninety-five years of age. 

It may be of interest to notice the kind of terms on W'hich he was settled 
among his people in those early days. I therefore transcribe from the old 
book his own statement of what these were. He says, "The record that I 
took of the agreement I made June 20, 1715, with the committee that were 
chosen to agree with me about settling in the ministry at Newington. Ar- 
ticles, namely, that my salary be ninety pounds. But as they pleaded the 
poverty of the people and the great charges they had been at in building the 
meeting house, I consented to accept of eighty pounds for seven years. .-\nd 
withal I promised on their retiuest that in case I lived bachelor, and had not 
a family, I would abate the six pounds, and so accept of eightv pounds for 
the seven years aforesaid. 

"That I was to have my salary agreed upon paid in money, and that at 
two payments, that is one-half on the last of July, as my salary began on the 
1st of February. 1714, and the other half on the last of January, and so 
yearly. 

"It was agreed that I should have the stranger's contributions. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 569 

"That I slioukl have the parsonage leased for the minister's use and hen- 
efit, that is, partly cleared as is common in such cases, and all fenced with a 
good and sufficient fence, and also to remain for his use and benefit during 
his natural life. 

■"That they would give me (>o pounds to help build my house, together 
with a tract of lanil lying near Stony Hill, namely, behind one William 
\\'ithom's lands, which tract of land they promised to give me deed of, that 
is, upon condition of my settling and being ordained also in the ministry at 
Newington." 

This agreement was signed by Rev. Joseph .Xdanis and se\'en other men, 
who are styled. "A committee chosen by the people." 

Re\-. Joseph Langdon succeeded Mr. Adams as pastor of the Newington 
church. He was ordained in 1788. and was dismissed in 18 10. At the date 
of his ordination there were twen,ty-six members of the church, — seven males 
and nineteen females. For the sixteen years succeeding the pastorate the 
church had only occasional supplies. In 1826 the church had become reduced 
to two members. During the next two years fifteen members were added. 
From this time there was occasional ])reaching until 1843, when another 
interval of fourteen years occurred, during which but little was done. After 
this Rev. Asa Mann supplied for a season with useful results. Rev. John 
Le Boscpiet succeeded for a period of four years, closing his labors in 1863. 
Rev. Sewal Harding suppliefl for the greater part of the next year. Rev. 
Franklin Davis then labored for eleven years. Again it had occurred that 
there were only two remaining members of this ancient church. But in 1870. 
in connection with the labors of Mr. Davis, the pastor, and visits of the 
Young Men's Christian .Vssociation of Portsmouth, an increased religious 
interest was awakened. The result was an addition to the church in that 
year of fourteen members. During the following six years sixteen others 
were added to the church. Rev. F.' Davis discontinued his labors in May, 
1876. At this time Mr. \\'illis A. Hadley began to supply the pulpit. He 
closed his lalx)rs in December, 1877, having accepted a call to the Congrega- 
tional Church in Rye, N. H. Rev. Elijah Roke preached from July, 1878, 
until November, 1879. The Rev. George Smith was pastor till 1885. 

On June i, 1885, Rev. William S. Thompson succeeded Rev. George 
Smith as acting pastor, remaining till 1892. During Mr. Thompson's pas- 
torate a new parsonage was secured through the will of Miss Lydia Rollins, 
an aged native resident of the town, who bequeathed $500 for the purpose. 
Voluntary contributions by other living residents amounting to $1,400 more 
were added to this bequest and a substantial anrl commodious set of build- 
ings was erected on a plot of land just opposite to the old church building 
and on the same spot where formerly stood the Methodist meeting house, 
which was burned in 1862. 

Mr. Thompson's pastorate closed May 31, 1892. In October, 1892, Rev. 
Henr\' Pitt Page began his ministry here and remained till June, 1894. and 
was succeeded by Rev. Charles W. Rogers who remained till March, 1896. 
In July. 1896, John W. Bell, an evangelist, was secured to serve as a pastor. 
On August 26, 1896, he was ordained. He gave up his charge June 3, 1900. 
Charles R. Small was with us for one year. From January 26, 1902, Rev. 
Mvron S. Dudlev was pastor till his death on November 17, 1905. Rev. 
Frank E. Rand began his pastorate July 15, 1906. He remained till July. 



570 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

igo8. In October following Air. Don Ivan Patch, a Harvard student, came 
to occu])y the pulpit for twenty-seven months. 

Rev. Isaiah P. Smith filled the pulpit till July, 191J. Rev. William G. 
Burkcley, pastor, began his pastorate in December, 1912. 

In the year 1899 '^ small company of sixteen persons organized a religious 
society to be known as the Unitarian Congregational Society of Newington, 
and for a few years they held meetings once in three weeks at the old meet- 
ing house, conducted by Rev. Alfred Gooding of Portsmouth. Their last 
service was held October 13, 19 u. 

The Methodist Society, which flourished from 1832 till 1856, is now 
entirely extinct. 

MILIT.\RV RECORD, I 86 1-^15 

William Bergmann, Company B, Sixth Regiment, enlisted December 30. 
18(13; .\dolph Beck, Company B. Sixth Regiment, enlisted December 31, 
i8(>i : .\ugust Meier, Company B, Sixth Regiment, enlisted December 30, 
18O3, killed June 16, 1864: William Robinson, Company D, Sixth Regiment, 
enlisted January 4, 1864; Meyer Smith, Company B, Sixth Regiment, enlisted 
December 31, 1863; Otto Scholz, Company B, Sixth Regiment, enlisted Jan- 
uary 2. 1864; August Vritze, Company B, Sixth Regiment, enlisted January 
2. 1864; Joseph Simpson. Company .\. Si.xth Regiment, enlisted Septeml:)er 
II, 1862, died September 7, 1863; \\'illiam Bowlen, Company C, Sixth Regi- 
ment, enlisted September 3, 1862, promoted to corporal, died July 28, 1864; 
George C. Williams, Company C, Sixth Regiment, enlisted September 3, 
1862, discharged June 4, 1865: Thomas Hughes, Company A, Seventh Regi- 
ment, enlisted October i, 1864; Alfred P. Dearborn, Company K, Thirteenth 
Regiment, enlisted September 20, 1862, promoted to sergeant, discharged 
July 10, 1865; Lorenzo D. Drew, Company F, Thirteenth Regiment, enlisted 
September 19, 1862, discharged May 29. 1863; George W. Brown, Company 
K, Thirteenth Regiment, enlisted September 20, 1862, discharged June 21, 
1865; John Harrison, Company K, Thirteenth Regiment, enlisted September 
20, 1862. discharged June 2Tf. 1865: .\lfred P. Derochment, Comjiany K. 
Thirteenth Regiment, enlisted September 20, 1862, discharged November 10, 
1862; John B. Le Bosquet, corporal Company K, Sixteenth Regiment, en- 
listed October 25, 1862, discharged August 20, 1863: James Mclntire, Com- 
pany K, Thirteenth Regiment, enlisted September 20, 1862, promoted cor- 
poral January i, 1865, discharged June 21, 1865: George Taylor, Company 
K. Thirteenth Regiment, enli.sted September 20, 1862, promoted to corporal, 
discharged May 10, 1865; John Crystal, Company K, First New Hampshire 
Cavalry, enlisted September 8. 1862, discharged June 5, 1865: William H. 
Berry, Company A, Heavy Artillery, enlisted July 2. 1863. discharged Sep- 
tember II, 1865; Richard Carey, Company L, Heavy Artillery, enlisted Octo- 
ber 14, 1864, discharged September 11, 1865; William H. H. Young, enlisted 
September 19, 1862, date of discharge unknown; John Grant, enlisted Sep- 
tember 19, 1864, date of discharge unknown; James Skinner, United States 
C. T., enlisted October 3. 1864, date of discharge unknown. 

The public buildings consist of the meeting house, which belongs to the 
town, the same as when first built, never having been transferred to the 
church; the town hall and schoolhousc. which occupy one building, and the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 571 

public library building. The brick public library building contains 4,700 vol- 
umes — largely the gift of Hon. Woodbury Langdon of Portsmouth, for 
whom the library is named, and who has generously endowed the same with 
gifts of funds as well as books. It is open Wednesdays and Saturdays. JNIiss 
A. L. Beane is librarian. The public cemetery adjoining the meeting house 
was set apart in 17 17 and enlarged in 1883. A substantial wall of split 
granite was built on the eastern side in 1900 and a receiving tomb in 1907. 
The largest contributor to the cost was Mrs. Hannah P. Newton, widow of 
John C. Newton of Portsmouth, and daughter of the late Capt. James Cole- 
man of Newington. 

In 1913, just 200 years since the town became a separate parish from 
Dover and Portsmouth, the people in town meeting, voted to give power to 
the selectmen to take water from the town spring to the public library, school- 
house and town hall, giving others liberty to take water for the new parson- 
age. This vote was carried out and now by electric power water is forced to 
these buildings, a distance of over two thousand feet, at an elevation of sixty- 
four feet. A public drinking fountain was placed between the library and 
parsonage. The foundation was the gift of James W. Coleman, Esq., a 
descendant of the sixth generation from Eleazer Coleman, living here 200 
years ago. The cost of installing the water system was $1,772, of which 
sum $450 was contributed by private individuals. 

TJic Piscataqua Grainjc. A'o. 776, was organized March 3, 1892, with a 
membership of twenty-three charter members. Its membership at the present 
time is seventy- four. Master Simes, secretary; Mrs. G. Emma Pickering, 
treasurer; Stillman A. Packard and Mrs. George W. Pickering, chaplain. 

Tini.'ii officers chosen March 11, 1913. — Town clerk, Jackson M. Hoyt; 
selectmen, assessors and overseers of the poor, Clarence M. DeRochemont, 
Simes Frink, James W. Coleman; treasurer, John J. Greenough; collector of 
taxes, Margaret N. Harrison; highway agents, James B. Pickering, James 
H. Knox, Thomas Xewick ; library trustees, 1913, Margaret N. Harrison, 
three years; 1912, Beth L. Rand, two years; 191 1, Laura E. Frink, one year. 



CHAPTER XLII 

NEWMARKET 

Ccin/rapliical — Toj^oiiraphical — I'lic Settlement — Maiiufaetiiriiuj — Ecclesias- 
fieal [:listory — 77k' National Bank — Rebellion Record — Public Library 

Xewniarket is situated in the northeast corner of Rockingham County, 
at the head of tide-water, on the Lamprey River and on Great Bay. It is 
thirty-.six miles southeast from Concord, fourteen miles west from Ports- 
mouth, eight miles north from Exeter, and nine miles south from Dover. It 
is fifty-seven miles from Boston, on the Boston and Maine Railroad, which 
passes directly through the town. The Portsmouth and Concord Railroad 
also passes on and near the soutlicrn Ixiundary, crossing the Boston and 
Maine at the "Junction." 

About one and a half miles northwest of the village is what is known as 
the Chapman Spring: it issues through a large aperture under the roots of a 
white oak tree at the foot of a gentle declivity. The water is very pure, soft, 
and limpid. Its flow of water has been gauged, and it was found to dis- 
charge 149,610 gallons of water every twenty-four hours, or over one hundred 
gallons per minute. As far back as tradition can trace its history it is said 
that there has not been any perceptible variation in the (|uantity of water 
discharged. Whether the seasons are wet or dr)-. cold or not, the quantity 
does not vary. 

The waters fall into the Piscassic River, a branch of the Lamprey, about 
one mile above the village, and constitute one of the main sources of supply 
to that stream, especially during dry seasons. 

Tradition has it that the name was derived from the al)un(lance of lam- 
prey eels that formerly thronged its waters. 

The geological formation of Newmarket is mostly a sandy loam with a 
clay subsoil. Near Rockingham Junction is quite a large area of drift, from 
w'hich the Boston and Maine Railroad take sand for repairing and building 
the bed of the road. Ledges of granite crop out here and there with great 
frequency. There are also ledges of dike or trap-rock, with some quartz and 
feldspar. A short distance south of the village, near the highway leading to 
Exeter, is a granite formation known here as Great Hill. 

What is now Newmarket and Newfields was formerly, and down to the 
year 1737. a part of E.xeter, and its history prior to that date belongs to the 
annals of the latter town. Newmarket has no official records extending back 
further than the year 1784. These records, prior to that date, were in 1875, 
destroyed by fire. 

Prior to the incorporation of Newmarket as a sejiarate town, Exeter e.x- 
tended to the line of Dover, which latter town included Madbury and Dur- 
ham. For many years quite a controversy existed betw^een Dover and Exeter 

572 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 573 

as to where the boundary hue between the two was or should be located, 
Exeter claiming that the line was the Oyster (now Durham) River, while 
Dover claimed that the Lamprey River was the dividing line. Finally a com- 
mittee was appointed to settle the question of the boundary, which they de- 
cided to be Lamprey River. 

There is now no means of determining who erected the first house or 
commenced the first settlement here. The most that can now be ascertained 
is that at an early date, probably about the time of the settlements at Exeter, 
Dover, and Durham, a small settlement was made here. Afterwards a saw- 
mill, grist mill, and carding mill were erected, and the place became cjuite a 
lumber mart. Aiuch ship timber was cut and carried from here, and at one 
time, for quite a period, a large shipyard was in active operation, and ships 
of the capacity of 500 tons were built here and floated to Portsmouth, where 
they were rigged and put in order for sea. 

Seven vessels, some of them quite large for those times, have been on the 
stocks here in process of building at one time, and twenty-one of all kinds 
have been built here in a single year. Shipbuilding was also carried on at 
Newfields village (then a part of Newmarket) by Zechariah Beals, Dudley 
Watson, George Hilton and others, and lumber and shooks were shipped there 
direct from the West Indies. 

The first ofiicial reference we have been able to find to the site and organ- 
ization of this town is in the proceedings of the Provincial Legislature, and 
in the legal proceedings, as found in the records of the courts, for fixing the 
boundary betw een Exeter and Dover. 

In 1668 one Edward Colcord testifies that the northerly bounds of Exeter, 
mentioned in an agreement made with We-han-now-now-it, the chief saga- 
more of the Indians located here, was the westerly part of Oyster River, 
about four miles northerly beyond Lanipcride River. This (Oyster) river 
is several times mentioned as the boundary between Exeter and Dover, Exeter 
claiming to own a strip of land northerly of the river. Like many early 
names of localities, rivers, and mountains, we find the name of this river 
spelled in various ways, as Latiiperiele, Lanipreele, Lainprecl, Lainpeill, and 
Lauiprclc. It was claimed to be six miles from Exeter, and six miles from 
Dover. It is, in fact, about eight nfiles from Exeter and about nine from 
Dover. 

In 165J one H. Nutter makes a deposition that in the year 1636 the land 
about Lamprill River was in possession of the inhabitants of Dover, on both 
sides the river, both for fishing and planting and felling timber. One William 
Furber also testifies to the same. John Baker testifies that he was one of a 
committee to fix the bounds betw'een Exeter and Dover, and that Lamprey 
River was the bounds. Here we find the name of this river spelled Lamprey 
for the first time. 

In 17 19 a committee was appointed to renew the line of a tract of land 
granted by Massachusetts to Portsmouth, and that two miles were added to 
the six miles before granted : which two miles to be appropriated to the en- 
couragement of the ironworks building at Lamprill River, for cole, wood, 
etc., and for settling people thereon, to be imported for that service, and set- 
tled in such order as a committee appointed for that purpose shall direct, 
and that Mark Hunking, Geo. Jaffry, and Richard Waldron, Esqs., and Col. 
James Davis, Capt. Timothy Gerrish, and Capt. Samuel Tibbetts be the com- 



574 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

mittee for laying out and building said land, and that Samuel Penhallow, 
Esq., be added for directing the settlement. 

The next mention we find of this river and settlement is also in connec- 
tion with the line between Dover and Exeter, in the same year. It is therein 
provided that those holding the eldest grants of land shall be good to them 
that have them, always excepting highways and such land sufficient to mills 
or works set up on Lamprile River. 

The next mention found of this place is that a petition was presented to 
the legislature, praying for the erection or establishment of a parish in the 
north part of Exeter. Upon this petition the following action was had : 

In council, December 14, 1727, it was ordered that the prayer of the peti- 
tioners be granted, and that the petitioners have leave to bring in a bill accord- 
ingly, and that the name of the parish be Newmarket. In the House of Rep- 
resentatives the same day, "Read and concurred." 

In the proceedings of the Provincial Legislature, August 18, 1737, it was 
voted that Newmarket have liberty to bring in a bill, and to have the privilege 
of choosing their town officers as other towns have. Newmarket, then, seems 
to have been formed into a parish in 1727, and in 1737, ten years later, given 
town privileges, or incorporated as a town. 

Prior to June 27, 1849, what is now the town of Newfields, constituted 
a part of Newmarket. At that time South Newmarket was set off and incor- 
porated into a separate town. Before this the village here was called "Lam- 
prey River," the Concord and Portsmouth Railroad at Rockingham Junction 
being at that point, on or near the line of separation. Newmarket remained 
as then constituted till June, 1870, when a portion of Durham was annexed 
to and became a part of this town. By this annexation the population of 
Newmarket was increased to about two thousand three hundred, being, by 
the census of 1870, 1,987. In 1880 the census gives us a population of 2,369, 
which has since increased, so that in 1910 we had a population of 3,348. 

At one time Newmarket was the sixth town in the state in population, 
and is now the fourth in Rockingham County. 

Manufactures. — As before stated, the principal business of the town in 
its early days was fishing, lumbering, and shipbuilding. In 1822 the New- 
market Manufacturing Company was incorporated, and the building of No. i 
mill was commenced the next year, and completed in 1824. This mill had 
2.560 spindles. No. 2 was built in 1825, and had 4,096 spindles. No. 3 was 
built in 1827, and the machinery put in two years afterwards. This mill had 
1,034 spindles. In 1832 the company ran 13,824 spindles in the whole. No. 2 
was destroyed by fire the ist of September, 1857, and rebuilt the next year. 
No. 4 was completed in 1869. After the erection of this mill the company 
ran 39,000 spindles, 906 looms, employed 500 operatives, and turned out 
about one hundred and sixty thousand yards of different kinds of cotton cloth 
per week. Their pay roll then amounted to about eleven thousand dollars 
per month. These mills are all built of stone, the three first of large blocks 
of granite, and the fourth of a kind of trap-rock or slate. In 1881 a fifth 
mill was built. This is built of brick, is 363 feet long, 94 feet wide, and two 
stories high, with a tower and basement. 

The sixth mill was built in 1892. This is 160 feet long, 94 feet wide and 
has three stories with basement. The seventh mill was built in ic)oo, and is 
about one hundred and thirty-three feet square. An addition to No. 5 mill. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 575 

i_'0 feet by 58 feet, was erected in 19 10. The manufacture of silk goods was 
introduced by Air. Nichols during his term as agent; this department has been 
under the management of Mr. Gallant, the present agent, for the last nine 
years. It has developed from a few looms, making pongee, to 1,100 looms, 
now making all classes of silk, including box-loom work, Jacquards, fancy 
silk shirting, etc. The value of the silk production is over two million dollars 
per annum. The manufacture of cotton goods exceeds in value one million 
dollars per annum. 

The company now run 70,000 spindles, turn out 300,000 yards of cloth per 
week, employ 1,500 operatives, and their monthly pay roll amounts, on an 
average, to about forty thousand dollars. 

Hon. Daniel M. Durell was the first president of the company. The 
agents have been, first, Stephen Hanson ; he was succeeded by Stephen A. 
Chase, and he by Benjamin Wheatland; after him came John \\'ebster, who 
was succeeded by George W. Frost. Mr. Frost held the office of agent about 
thirty years, and down to July i, 1879, when he died very suddenly while 
bathing. He was succeeded by Ambrose J. Nichols, 1879-1903; John M. 
Burton, 1903: William H. Gardner, 1903-1911; George E. Spofford, 191 1- 
1913; Walter M. Gallant, 1913. 

In 1862 Lafayette Hall erected a machine shop nearly a mile out of the 
village, on the Packer's Falls road. The water of the Piscussic River fur- 
nished most of the motive power for the machinery. When the water falls 
short he had steam power to supply the demand. The first mill or shop was 
built in 1862. In 1876 this shop and machinery was destroyed by fire. This 
was immediately rebuilt, and again burned to the ground in 1877. With 
characteristic energy, Mr. Hall again rebuilt. The site of Hall's machine 
shop is now the pumping station of the Newmarket waterworks. 

Churches and Religious History. — Prior to 1730 a meeting house had 
been erected a few rods north of where the hotel now stands at the "Junc- 
tion." The minister was supported by public taxation. The first preacher 
settled here was Rev. John Moody in 1730, who died in 1778, having sup- 
plied the pulpit forty-eight years, the last five years of which he seems to have 
been assisted by Rev. Nathaniel Ervin, who was settled in 1773, and dis- 
missed in 1797, and who died in 1806. Rev. Samuel Tombs, as colleague of 
Mr, Ervin, was settled in 1792, and dismissed in 1797. Rev. S. M. Natell 
was employed to supply the pulpit six months in 1798. 

In 1799, Rev. James Thurston was settled over this church, and dismissed 
about the year 1808. He was the last minister settled by the town and church. 
This was then called the Established Church, but was classed as Congrega- 
tional. 

There seems here to have been a kind of religious interregnum or hiatus 
of about twenty years, during which the church must probably have employed 
a preacher without the aid of the town or public support. For some little 
time prior to 1828 the Congregationalists held their meetings in the New- 
market Manufacturing Company's wooden warehouse. The first sermon was 
preached there by the Rev. John P. Cleaveland. and the first Sabbath school 
in town was organized there. 

May 22, 1828. Rev. David Sanford was installed pastor of this church. 
Immediately thereafter the society took measures to build a meeting house, 
which was dedicated December 20th the same vear. Rev. Mr. Cleaveland. 



576 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

who had preached the first sermon in the old warehouse, preached the ded- 
icatory sermon here from the text (Neh. ii. i8), "So they strengthened their 
hands for the good work." 

Mr. Sanford continued their pastor till June 22, 1830, a period of a little 
over two years, when he was dismissed. He was succeeded by Rev. Ossimus 
Tinker, who was ordained and installed December 8, 1830, and dismissed 
October 29, 1833. He was succeeded by the Rev. Constantine Elodgett, who 
was installed December 2, 1834, and dismissed June 15, 1836. 

Following him w as the Rev. J. Gunnison, who was installed February 22, 
1837, and preached till October 9th the same year, a period of about eight 
months. Rev. T. T. Richmond was acting pastor of said church from 1838 
to 1842. 

Rev. S. S. N. Greeley was installed as pastor December 15, 1842, and 
dismissed February 23, 1847. Rev. C. Chamberlain was acting pastor one 
year, from 1847 to 1848. He was succeeded by Rev. E. C. Coggswell, who 
acted as pastor from 1848 to 1854. His successors have been Rev. James 
Palmer, 1855-58; Rev. Elias Chapman, 1859-62: Rev. Geo. D. Blodgett, 
1862; Rev. S. D. Bowker, 1863-64. In June, 1865, Rev. Isaac C. White 
began and continued for twenty-two years- — a pastorate four times longer 
than any of his predecessors. In 1907 the Congregationalists and Methodists 
agreed to worship together with Rev. C. C. Babcock as pastor. Rev. Wm. 
Ramsden is the present pastor. 

A Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in this town in 1827, and 
a meeting house built the same year. The Rev. Samuel Kelly was their first 
preacher, and ministered to this church during the years 1828 and 1829. He 
was succeeded by Rev. Ezra Sprague, who remained only one year, 1830. 
Rev Ezekiel Stickney, 1832-33. Rev. William Hatch was their preacher in 
1834. Rev. James M. Fuller, 1835-36; Rev. James E. Marey, 1837-38; Rev. 
Elisha Scott, 1839; Rev. Silas Greene, 1840; Rev. Wm. Hatch, 1841-42; 
Rev. Samuel Kelley, 1843-44; Rev. Lorenzo D. Burrows, 1845-46; Rev. 
James Pike, 1847-48; Rev. James Thurston, 1849; Rev. Henry H. Hartwell, 
1850-51; Rev. Newell Culscer, 1852-53; Rev. Charles R. Harding, 1854-55; 
Rev. Cadford M. Dinsmore, 1856-58; Rev. Samuel Beedle, 1859; Rev. Wil- 
liam H. Jones, 1860-61; Rev. Robert Stubbs, 1862; Rev. John L. Trefren, 
1863-64; Rev. George W. H. Clarke, 1865; Rev. Henry P. Copp, 1866-67; 
Rev. O. H. Call, 1868-69; Rev. Thomas L. Flood, 1870-72. Under his ad- 
ministration the old meeting house was abandoned and sold and the new one 
now occupied by the society on Main Street was built at an expense of about 
twenty-five thousand dollars. Rev. Elijah R. Wilkins, 1872; Rev. Orange 
W. Scott. 1873-74; Rev, George J. Judkins, 1875-76; Rev. Henry Dorr, 
1877-78; Rev. t. Cilley, 1879-80; Rev. Charles B. Pitblado, 1881-83 ;'Har\'ey 
Woodward, 1883-84; David Webster Downs, 1884-87; Fred E. White. 1887- 
90; Silas E. Quimby, 1890-91 ; Daniel J. Smith, 1891-96; Charles N. Tilton, 
1896-99; Frank O. Tyler, 1899-1901 ; Charles W. Taylor, 1901-04; Charles 
D. Hills, 1904-06; Daniel C. Babcock. 1906-08. In .A.pril, 1907, the two 
societies federated, and to this time continued. John C. Prince, 1908-10; 
William Ramsden, 1910-14. 

In 1827 the Free-Will Baptists built a meeting house a little west of the 
village. In this the Rev. John Osborne preached for a short time. He was 
not a Free-Will Baptist, Ixit belonged to the Christian Baptist order. He 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 577 

was followed by Rev. Daniel P. Cilley, the first Free-Will Baptist minister 
settled here. The Free-Will Baptist meeting house in the village was erected 
in 1840 and remodeled in 1881 and 1883. In this Cilley also preached a 
number of years. He was succeeded by Rev. Elias Hutchins. Their next 
minister was Rev. Sidney Frost. 

After him came Rev. Maxy W. Burlingame, and he was succeeded by 
Rev. Allen Eastman, who was followed by Rev. Levi B. Tasker, and he by 
Rev. Willett Vary, and after him came Rev. A. J. Davis. Then they employed 
Rev. Edwin Marison, who was succeeded by Sullivan Cicero Kimball. After 
him Rev. John A. Lowell ministered to this cliurch. He was succeeded by 
Rev. DeWitt C. Durgin, who was followed by Rev. J. H. Durkee. 

Then followed Rev. John ]Malvern, and after him came Rev. David A. 
Adams, and next Rev. B. F. JefTerson. 

The second pastorate of Rev. D. \V. C. Durgin was from 1888 to 1893; 

B. M. Briggs, 1893-94; A. P. Davis, 1894-99; E. E. Osgood, 1899-1901 ; J. 

C. Osgood, 1901-02; J. A. Wiggin, 1902-07; W. L. Phillips, 1907-09; T. M. 
Sparks, 1909-12; L. L. Chase, 191 2-13; Eugene D. Dolloff, 1913-14. 

The Catholic Church. — Mass was said for the first time in Newmarket in 
1848, at which date Rev. John T. McDonnell of Haverhill officiated. In 1865 
a stone meeting house on "Zion's Hill" was secured by Father Walsh, the 
first pastor. In 1878 Newmarket was made an independent parish under the 
jurisdiction of Father McDonnell, who thirty years previously had said the 
first mass in town, and the church was dedicated by Bishop Healy. 

Father Walsh was succeeded by Rev. Father Charles Egan, and he by 
Rev. Father Lewis. Then Rev. Father McDonald ministered to this church, 
and he was succeeded by Rev. Father C. W. Calligan and Rev. Father Dennis 
Ryan. In 1886 he was replaced by the present pastor. Rev. Thomas E. Reilly. 

In 1891 and 1897 land was purchased and in the center of a handsome 
square of nearly four hundred feet the St. Mary's Church was built and ded- 
icated in October, 1898. 

Banks. — Newmarket Bank was first incorporated in 1855. In 1863 it 
was changed to Newmarket National Bank. The presidents of the bank have 
been Z. Dow Creighton, Joseph S. Lawrence, William B. Small, Joseph C. 
Burley, Joseph M. Cilley and Benj. F. Lang. At its first organization Samuel 
A. Haley was elected cashier. The present officers are: J. Langley, presi- 
dent; F. H. Durgin, vice president; .A. C. Haines, cashier; Ella Tuttle, assist- 
ant cashier. The capital is $50,000. 

BIOGR.\PHICAL 

.Among those who have been prominent in business and held important 
positions are Geo. W. Kittredge. David Murray, A. P. Stinson. Samuel A. 
and B. F. Haley, John S. Bennett, Wm. B. Small. J. B. Creighton. .Arthur 
Branscombe and Rev. John Broadhead. 

The first newspaper printed here was in 1841, by J. L. Beckett, called the 
Granite State Democrat. It was moved from Exeter here, and continued 
but a short time. In 1842, Brackett Palmer, Esq., started a paper here called 
the Argus, which also soon died out. In 1873, J. D. P. Wingate started the 
Newmarket Advertiser here. It has changed hands two or three times, and 
is now owned, printed, and published by Frank H. Pinkham. 



578 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Physiciatis. — The physicians who have Hved and practiced in this town 
are as follows : Nathaniel Kidder, George \V. Gale, Perly Blodgett, George 

VV. Kittredge, John R. Sanborn, William Folsoin, Bugbee, Henry 

Hayes, Nathaniel B. Chace, Reuben M. Gray, Holmes, Benjamin N. 

Towle, Isaac N. Perley, James Bassett, H. B. Haskell, Clinton A. Ricker, 
Lafayette Chesley, — — Horr, Chace Moulton, Samuel H. Greene, Joseph 
L. Elkins, Charles A. Morse. Of these, Bugbee, Perley, Bassett, Holmes, 
Haskell, Ricker, Chesley and Horr each remained but a short time. Kitt- 
redge, Kidder, Sanborn, Folsom, Green and Elkins were all long residents 
and practitioners, and all died here. The present physicians are G. H. Towle, 
C. A. Morse, J. D. Butler, L. P. Beaudet and A. J. Mouge. 

Attorneys. — Before the settlement of any attorney in this town, Went- 
worth Cheswell, one of the early settlers, and an educated business man of 
good judgment, ability, and discretion, and a justice of the peace, drew deeds, 
leases, agreements, contracts, wills, and other instruments for his neighbors, 
and also acted as a justice in the trial of causes. The first practicing attorney 

that settled here was Huntson; after him William Tinney. Since then 

there have been attorneys here as follows : Amos A. Parker, Gilbert .V. 

Grant, Hezekiah B. Stevens, Eldridge, James AT Chapman, William B. 

Small, Augustus B. Clay, i\mos W. Towle, Aaron L. Mellows, Charles H. 
Knight, Charles H. Smith, I. T. George, and Elisha A. Keep. Of these. 
Grant, Stevens, Eldridge and Towle remained only temporarily. Parker at 
first went West, and afterwards married for a second wife one of the cele- 
brated "Smith sisters," of Glastonbury, Conn., who have given the local 
authorities considerable trouble by refusing to pay their taxes unless they 
can be allowed to vote. Mr. Clay died here, after having been in practice 
some three or four years. Hon. Mr. Small died here, after having been in 
practice over thirty years. The present attorneys are A. L. Churchill, I. T. 
Dodge, A. P. Sherry and H. G. George. 



Revolutionary War. — Newmarket gave liberally of her sons in the great 
struggle for independence. Immediately on receipt of the news of the battle 
of Lexington her men hastened to the field, and by June i, 1775, she had 
twenty-eight men in the service. Her men were present at Bunker Hill and 
took part in practically all the important battles of the war. Newmarket 
furnished one colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, one adjutant, seven captains 
and 130 men. The total male population eligible for service in 1775 was 
212 men between the ages of sixteen and fifty. 

Soldiers of the War of the Rebellion. — Newmarket furnished more than 
the quota reijuired in the late war between the states. The record of their 
names is somewhat incomplete. As correctly as can now be ascertained the 
names of those who went in the army to fill the (|uota of Newmarket are as 
follows : 

Charles C. Sanders, Charles Basso, Charles Daly, Joseph Alagilio. Fred- 
erick Morgan, John Travers, James Wheelan, James H. Littlefield, James O. 
Watson, William Noyes, Moses E. Colley, James Riley, Calvin H. Wey- 
mouth, John C. Caswell. George K. Rollins, George Brown. Andrew- Calli- 
reer, James Kelpie, Samuel Moore, Lewis Schwarts, Cleorge F. Lord. Robert 



AND REPRESEXTATIVE CITIZENS 579 

E. Foster, John Alenduni, William AIcKenly, George A. Gay, John Kingsley, 
William Smith, Stephen W. Bailey, Samuel Drake, John Cleaves, Charles 
H. Willey, William Fitzgerald, Frederick Koch, Henry Rahn, William Gill, 
John Ray, \\'illiam H. Huckins, James Hall, John F. Gibbs, Charles W. 
Greene, O. T. Smith. George Black, David Brackett, James M. Caswell. Wil- 
liam Chapman, William H. Dackum, Warren S. French, Warren Glover, 
John H. Harvey. James Hughs, George A. Jenkins, Edward F. Keniston, 
Charles Keniston. Joseph W'atson, Cornelius O'Brien, Charles F. Dockum, 
William B. Taylor, W^oodbridge W. Tuttle, Henry B. Hill, Edwin H. Good- 
win, Charles A. Jones, William Alexander, Melville P. Judkins, James D. 
Nealley, Alexander L. Abbott, John J. Hanson, George W. Frost, Charles 
W. Eaton, William B. Morrill, Jacob C. Wentworth, Henry C. Howard, Wil- 
liam S. Keniston, Timothy Caswell, Andrew J. Knowlton, Benjamin F. San- 
born, George W. Ellison, Henry W. Bryant, Francis Coggswell, William 
Gartside, \\ illiam P. Huckins, Ezra Bean, William Gile, Alexander Segdler, 
Henry Schulter, George K. Keniston, Fred Ritcher, John Gregory, James Zvl. 
Durell, Henry H. Murray, Charles F. Chapman, Nathaniel S. French, Sam- 
uel B. Brackett, George K. Caswell, Da\'id \\'. Chapman. Augustus H. Davis. 
Charles A. French, John B. Greene, David Hogan, Franklin Valley, James 

F. Keniston, George K. Smart. John T. Young. Otto Arndt, Morris Shehan, 
Eben Joy, Richard E. Wyman. Henry B. Haley. George L. Floyd, George 
\\'. Taylor, Warren P. Jones, Royal T. Snell, Charles B. Jenness, John O. 
Davis, Nathaniel Willey, John Palmer. John Goodrich, Alanson C. Haines, 
\\'oodbridge \\". Durell. David Bassett, Albert Foell. Michael McCarty, M. 
Norgan. David Allen. Alexander Sydler. William Littlefield. Flavins Souse- 
man. Freeman Clemment. Joseph Gould, Arren D. Shaw, Patrick Hannegan, 
Charles W. Perkins. Joseph Watson, Orrin Holden. Edward Osborne. Daniel 
Moore. George T. Parker, Bernard Casey, Nathaniel Robinson, Thomas 
Lees, Joseph Chapman, John Pinkham, George W. Tibbitts, Albert G. Furber. 

Those who procured substitutes on their own account, so as to be relieved 
from the draft, were as follows : Clinton A. Haley, Thomas B. Robinson, 
Edmund B. Pendergast, Harrison G. Burley, Freeman Sanborn, Constantine 
B. Mathes, Napoleon B. Treadwell, John P. Perkins. 

July 30, 1S73, an excursion party of nineteen went from the village down 
Lamprey River out into Great Bay for a pleasure trip. While all on board 
were enjoying themselves at a distance from the shore, in a depth of forty 
feet of water, without any warning of danger the packet on board which 
they were, from some cause never satisfactorily explained, was found to be 
sinking. She filled and went to the bottom, and the whole nineteen were 
precipitated into the water. Of these, three young ladies, named Abbie Gar- 
land. ^Millie Moulton. and Jennie Burnham, were drowned. The others sup- 
ported themselves, some on oars, some on the hatches, others by swimming 
and supporting those who could not swim, till those who had seen them from 
the shore put off in a sailboat and rescued them. 

On the 6th day of February. 1866. a disastrous fire visited this village. 
The fire was first discovered in a barn belonging to Lucy Maria Watson, near 
the Boston and Maine Railroad depot. This barn was surrounded by dwell- 
ing houses and other buildings in close proximity, to which the fire soon 
spread, and there being at the time a high wind, it raged with great fury. 
Six dwelling houses, two barns, a large paintshop and woodhouse. with other 



580 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

outbuildings, were burned here. The fire and cinders were blown to near the 
center of the village, where four stores, containing several tailor shops and 
tenements, were destroyed. After it was found that the fire threatened the 
village, a telegram was sent to Dover for assistance, and in twenty minutes 
a fire company with a steamer was here from that city, a distance of nine 
miles. This town had only two hand-engines, and without this assistance 
from Dover a large part of the village would have been destroyed by the 
devouring element. Aside from this conflagration and the burning of No. 2 
mill in 1857, the town has been comparatively exempt from fires. 

The societies are : Masonic Lodge, Rising Star, No. 47, was organized 
in this town in 1S24 or 1825. Under the "Morgan" excitement it did not 
flourish, and its charter was surrendered to the Grand Lodge. In 1858 the 
charter was restored and the lodge again commenced work. Geo. A. Gay Post, 
G. A. R. ; Woman's Relief Corps; Lamprey River Grange; Swamscot Lodge, 
I. O. O. F. ; Hope Rebekah Lodge ; Pioneer Lodge, K. of P. ; Durgin 
Assembly, Pythian Sisters; Wm. A. Frye Co., U. R. K. P.; Catholic Order 
Foresters; Piscataqua Lodge, N. E. O. P.; St. Jean Baptiste Society; 
Pocassett Tribe No. 45, I. O. R. M. 

Previous to the building of the Boston and Maine Railroad in 1840 and 
later, the Portsmouth and Concord Railroad, most of the goods sold here 
and the raw materials for the manufacturies, as well as the manufactured 
goods, were transported by water conveyance. Packets and schooners from 
Boston, and gondolas between here and Portsmouth, made a lively business 
on the Piscataqua River across Great Bay and up the Lamprey River. Since 
the building of these railroads the freighting has nearly all been done by 
them, yet schooners from Philadelphia and steamboats from Portsmouth con- 
tinue to bring coal and other heavy goods by water. In 1881 Congress 
appropriated $10,000 to improve the navigation of Lamprey River, which 
was expended under the supervision of General Thorn, and ships of 300 tons 
or larger can come up the Lamprey River without trouble or danger. An- 
other appropriation of $10,000 was made to further improve this river. The 
Newmarket Town Library was established in 1884. It has not received state 
aid but is a free public library within the law. It contains about four thousand 
volumes. 



CHAPTER XLIII 

NEWTON 

Geographical — Petition for Erection of Toz^'n — Ecclesiastical — Rez'olutionary 
Soldiers — Proninent Ahinies — Public Library 

The Town of Newton lies in the southern part of the county, and is 
bounded as follows : by Massachusetts line, commencing at Brandy Brow 
Hill, at a stone by which Plaistow, Haverhill, and Merrimac are bounded; 
thence following Massachusetts line to a stone at northern side of Taxbury's 
mill-pond to South Hampton line ; thence following said line to East 
Kingston ; thence following the Shaply line on Kingston to the Pond Bridge 
at the outlet of County Pond, w hich stream is called Powow River ; from 
thence across the pond to the White Sands, so called ; from thence southerly 
to a stone between Ivingston and Newton, about ten rods west of the railroad 
at Newton Junction ; thence southerly to a bound in land of Mrs. Crane to 
meet Plaistow ; then westerly on Plaistow line to a bound between the 
towns of Plaistow and Newton ; thence easterly on Plaistow line to Brandy 
Brow Hill to the bound began at. Estimated to contain about five thousand 
(5,000) acres, besides the pond. 

The surface of the town is generally hilly ami the soil fertile, yielding 
good crops of grain and grass. Newton is forty miles southeast from Con- 
cord and twenty-eight southwest from Portsmouth. 

The population by the 19 10 United States census was 962. 

In 1720 Joseph Bartlett took up his residence herein and was soon sur- 
rounded by neighbors. Twelve years previous he was taken prisoner at 
Haverhill and was in captivity four years among the Indians in Canada. 

Petition for Erection of Toivn. — The first petition on record concerning 
this town is that of sundry persons opposed to a petition which, it seems, had 
been presented praying for the erection of a new town. This was under date 
February 18, 1741-42, and was as follows: 

"To His Excellency Benning ^^'entworth Esqr Governour and Com- 
mander in Chief in and over his Majestys Province of New Hampshire in 
New England and to the Honourable his Majestys Council for said Province. 

"The Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of that part of the Town of 
Amesbury that lyeth to the Northward of the Boundary line between the 
Province of New Hampshire and Massachusetts Bay by the late Sattle- 
ment of the Sd Line and to the Southward of Shapleys Line so called most 
humbly shews That your Petitioners understand that about sixty persons in 
Number who live in that part of Salisbury that lyeth between the two aforesd 
lines and that part of Amesbury aforesd have petitioned your Excellency and 
Honours for a Township of se\-en miles in Length as mentioned in their 
Petition. That your Petitioners are included within the bounds of said 

581 



582 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COrXTV 

Townsliip. That the meeting house they have Erected lor themselves is so 
situated as that it is no ways convenient for your Petitioners. That many 
of those who signed their Petition now say they were deceived. That it will 
be a great Burden to your Petitioners if they are under an obligation to be 
holden by what their Neighbors have asked for themselves. That your 
Petitioners desire they may have liberty to be annexed to such Parishes as 
arc most convenient for them till Such Time as they shall be able to make 
a parrish among themselves. 

"\\'herefore your Petitioners pray your Excellency and Honours to grant 
your Petitioners liberty to speak for themseh'es before your Excellency and 
Honours and your Petitioners as in Duty bound shall ever pray &c. 

"Feb. 1 8th 174 1-2 — Jonathan Kimball, Jonathan W'asson, Jonathan Far- 
ron. Timothy Farron, David Gooden. Samuell Gooden, Phillip Challess, 
Benjamin Kimball. Caleb Hobs. Roger Estman, \\'illiam Sargent, Nathaniel 
Ash. George Marsten. Robert Marter, Abraham Marroll, David Marten, 
Ivery Fooler ( ?), Orlando Bagly, David Bagly, Andrew W'hitt, Timothy 
W'hittier. Josiah FowUer, Thomas Fowller, David Elott, Thomas Carter, 
John Carter, William Fowller, Thomas Carter Junr, Willm Fowller Junr, 
John Carter Junr, Joseph Fowller, John Carter, Jacob Carter, Samuel Carter." 

Newton was settled about 1700; it was then called Amesbury Newtown. 
Name changed to Newton in 1846. The State of Massachusetts was bounded 
three miles from IMerrimac River; on the final settlement of the line this part 
of the territory was left off from Massachusetts. 

In 1749 it was incorporated as a town, taking a part of South Hampton. 

The inhabitants in 181 6 were about four hundred and fifty, with eighty- 
nine legal voters. 

The first record of a meeting is as follows ; 

"Province of New Hampshire: To Sargent Heath. Constable for New- 
town, these are to require you to warn the Inhabitants of Newtown Qualified 
for voting to meet at the House of Sergent Heath innholder in said town 
on W^ednesday the twenty-sixth of March instant at one of the clock in 
the afternoon, then and there when mett as, first, to choose town officers as 
the charter directs, 2d to see who the town will employ to build a ]X)und 
& stocks, & 3dly to see how much money the town will raise for a school, 
4thly to see how much money the town will allow for the selectmen & con- 
stables for service done the town for the year past. 

"Dated at Newton March ye 11. a. d. 1755 

"Joseph Pe.\si.ee 
"Robert Stuart 
"Francis Chase 

Selectmen of Newton" 

By the records we find the above meeting was called at the time and 
place, and David Bayly was chosen moderator, William Rowell, town clerk, 
and Joseph Peaslee, William Rowell, and Aaron Currin, selectmen. After 
choosing the minor officers the meeting was adjourned till ^londay, 31st of 
March, "to be held at the meeting-house." At the adjourned meeting it was 
voted to build a pound and to raise fifty pounds for schooling. A vote to 
see if the town would pay the constable sixpence a pound for collecting 
rates was defeated. Then the closing record of the meeting is, "at the same 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 583 

meeting voted not to act any further on the foregoing warrant, and the meet- 
ing was dismist." 

The next meeting was warned for Monday, the Jist day of April; the 
principal object was "to see whether the town will raise any sum of money 
and how much in order to clapboard said meeting-house, and lay the floor 
and build the doors and to provide window'-frames and sashes and glass for 
said house," etc., and also to choose a committee to select a suitable piece of 
ground for a "burying-place." 

This meeting was called : "400 pounds O. T. was voted to be raised to 
repair the meeting-house." Committees were appointed to "provide stuff" 
for the meeting-house and "look out a burying-place," said committees to 
report at an adjourned meeting to be held May 19th. Also, at the above 
meeting, "it was put to vote to see whether the town would agree with the 
'poolers' from South Hampton, both to do duties and receive privileges in 
full with the inhabitants of Newton, and voted in the affirmative." 

June 16, 1755. At this meeting another committee w'as appointed to 
"examine and receive the accounts of the former committee," they to report 
at an adjourned meeting to be held June 23d. One bill brought in by this 
committee, to "pay for shingling and laying the sleepers 150 pounds, old 
tenor," was negatived: but a bill to provide window-frames and sashes and 
a "joyner to assist in putting them up," was passed in the affirmative. It 
was also voted to allow sixty pounds old tenor for preaching, and to be taken 
out of the money appropriated for repairing the meeting-house. Voted to 
hire Mr. Solomon Paige to preach seven Sabbaths. 

Without doubt, from careful research, and authentic data, the P""irst 
Baptist Church of Newton, N. H., is the oldest organization of tlie denomina- 
tion in the state, the correct date being 1754. An old record tells us that 
"In 1755, or before, a house of worship was built in the south part of the 
town." Very soon after the church was organized much persecution was 
suffered because its members could not conscientiously subscribe to the doc- 
trines of the "Standing Order," and in consequence refused to pay the parish 
rates. Proi^erty was attached. Lawsuits ensued which were finally settled 
after three or more years fully sustaining the Baptists' position. 

The town reimbursed individuals paying them the cost of their rates, and 
were obliged to pay the cost of their own lawsuit. Rev. Walter Powers 
was settled as first pastor in 1755; he had a long ministry and was followed 
by Reverend Mr. Wheelock. Then years of which there was no record, a 
period probably of spiritual inactivity. In 1791, Rev. John Peak was settled, 
after hiiu Rev. Samuel Ambrose and Rev. Otis Robinson. In 1809 Rev. 
David Tuxbury was ordained and settled. Next came Rev. Benjamin Harris, 
Rev. William Norris (ordained in 1836), Rev. Ezra Wilmarth. Rev. James 
Boswell. Rev. A. Philbrick, Rev. Thomas Jameson, Rev. John Blove, Rev. 
John Upton. Rev. Samuel Cook, Rev. T. B. Eastman, Rev. J. T- Peck, Rev. 
R. G. Farlev. Rev. Amasa Brown, Rev. W. H. Eaton. D. D., Rev. B. H. 
Lane, Rev. J. H. Wells, Rev. N. B. Wilson, Rev. Daniel W. Crafts, Rev. 
E. H. \\'atrous. Rev. J. E. Dinsmore, Rev. T- ^^'• Dick, Rev. F. H. Cooper. 
Rev. W. R. Terry, Rev. I. W. Coombs, Rev. J. S. Blair. In 1907 Rev. W. 
P. Richardson the present incumbent became pastor of the First Baptist 
Church of Newton and also of Newton Junction. The latter church was 
organized in 1872. 



o&i HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

T: - _ itionalists raised a meeting-house on tJie spot where the 

Town I-.-. :- ■.. itands, but were never able to complete it, and finally gave it 
up, and the town purchased it for their use and the use of the different 
religious societies in the town. 

Rev. Jonathan Eames was settled here in 1759 and was dismissed in 
1 79 1. No Congregational Church has existed here for a long period. 

In the first settlement of the town it appears by records and other evi- 
dence that there was a Quaker meeting-house in the south part of the town. 
Some of the Peaslees belong to them. 

In 1832 the Christian Church was formed by Joseph Boadey, Douglas 
Famum, John Rand, Mark Fumald, Henr\- Plumer, John Hany-man, and 
others. Nathaniel Day preached his sermon in June, 1856. and sersed for 
many years. Rev. M. J. Housberger is the present pastor. 

Newton has always been verj" patriotic, furnishing men for the different 
wars the colonies were engaged in. The Revolutionary war, the War of 
1812, and down to the great Rebellion she did her whole duty. 

At a town-meeting held in 1774 it was voted "to choose two men to go 
to Exeter and choose a comminee to go to Philadelphia to join the Congress." 
Abraha:n Kimball and Stephen Butler were so chosen. Also voted to pay 
one pound fifteen shillings, to pay the committee that goes to Philadelphia the 
loth of May. 

September 3, 1775, at a town-meeting, it was voted "to raise some men to 
go to Portsmouth to work on the Batteries, by request of the Committee 
of Safet}\" ^'oted to send as many men as will go. 

July II, 1776. voted to give nine men seven poimds two shillings, lawful 
money to each man to go to reinforce General Sulli\"an at Crown Point. 

December 13, 1776. the tovm voted to give three men three pounds, lawful 
money, to go to New York to join the Continental army. 

April 26, 1779. voted that the selectmen be a committee to go and hire 
four Continental -■. V^i , -T-T-cr the war. The above are but a few of the 
many records in r , ^ soldiers. 

At a meeting _ 7^, the inhabitants of Newton met upon 

"joumment." and the meeting opened. W'iUiam Rowell for moderator. It 
put to vole to see if said town will give any sum of money for encourage- 
ment to hire "mullishia" soldiers to go in the army three months: voted in 
the affirmative. It put to vote to see if said town will choose a committee 
to hire said soldiers; not passed in the affirmative. Capt. Robert Stuart. 
Ensign Daniel Morse chosen a comminee to hire said soldiers, and to give 
any price as they shall think proper. Ye meeting was joumed till the tenth 
day of April instant at five of the clock in ye morning. At the adjournment 
it was put tc — " -' :"id town will give five soldiers for three months 

twent}" bushr :. a month, or make it as good to them in money : 

the vote pai;. - -.. ...^ ^: .r/.ative. and the meeting was "dismist." 

Rezolutionary Soldiers. — Lieut. Micah Hoyt. afterwards captain by the 
death of the captain of the company. Reuben Ho}-t. and Wister Sanborn 
went to Bimker Hill when the British tried to drive the .Americans from 
Bree-!': H:ll. How long they stayed in the senice is not known. William 
G : Jewell, David Goodwin, and others went to Ticonderoga or 

Cr ; :. and stayed during the war. Thomas ChaUis was an officer, 

anc ::.a:i}- others left their homes for the seat of war that they and their 
children miarht be freemen. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 585 

During the War of 1812 we find the following names: Enoch Hoyt, 
Sargent Heath, Moses Huse, Moses Hoyt, William Foot, Job Stevens, Wil- 
liam Harveyman, Israel Ingalls, and others. 

John Coojjer enlisted when the war broke out as a Government soldier, 
and remained till after the war closed. His family and friends heard nothing 
from him during the whole war, and supposed him dead. His wife donned 
her mourning garments and supposed herself a widow. What was her sur- 
prise one day at the close of the war to see her husband, dressed in his suit 
of blue and gilt buttons, enter the house, alive and well. Many such cases 
no doubt occurred during the war. 

In the War of the Rebellion the town furnished as many or luore soldiers 
than any town in the state according to her valuation. She sent eighty- 
five soldiers to the army and navy, at an expense of $35,000. 

Always ready from the Revolution to the last war to furnish men and 
money when called upon by the country to protect its rights, she would fight 
its enemies, and maintain the honor of the nation. 

Proinineiif Na))ies in the Town. — Mr. William Rowell was a very promi- 
nent man in his day, was first selectman in 1749, and held most of the 
offices in the gift of the town, sometimes serving as clerk, at others as select- 
man. His descendants to this day have upheld the integrity of the name, 
and are our most honored townsmen. 

The next name we find is Peaslee. John Peaslee had nine children, the 
first born in 1734. His descendants are among our most prominent men. 

The name of Currier is next, and they were very numerous, and quite a 
number of their descendants still live in the town, and many of them hold 
offices of trust. The name of Bartlett is next, and they were among the 
first to hold office in town. Eliphalet Bartlett, a noted man, and Matthias 
Bartlett, a surveyor, were often elected representatives, and for many years 
selectmen. Joseph Bartlett was a noted man, was captured by the Indians 
at Haverhill in 1708, was held by them four years, settled in this town in 
1720. The descendants of the Bartletts are very numerous in the town. 

Hoyts come next in order. Four of that name were soldiers in the Revo- 
lutionary war. The records of Amesbury show that in the year 1776 ten of 
that name enlisted from that place. Samuel Hoyt was one of the selectmen 
a number of years, and town clerk for forty years. Micah Hoyt, son of 
Micah Hoyt, was a prominent man in the time of the Revolution; was a 
lieutenant in the army till the war closed. Benjamin and Eli Hoyt held the 
offices of selectmen and town clerk for many years. John Hoitt, one of their 
descendants, was selectman for twenty years, and town clerk for fifteen 
vears, and is at this date a hale and hearty man, loved, honored, and respected 
by all. 

The Chases were among the prominent men in the first settlement of the 
town, were among the firstto become Baptists, and helped build the meeting- 
house in 1750. 

Among the Peaslees was one Joseph, who was a Quaker, and. driven 
from other towns, he took up his abode in the south part of Newton, to 
worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience, without any 
one to molest or make him afraid. From him sprung the Quaker meeting- 
house and Quaker burying-ground, near by where remains the dust of all the 
Ouakers of this town. 



586 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

The Newton Public Library was established in 1892 with state aid. E. G. 
Kelly is the librarian in charge of the 2,800 volumes. 

The societies are : Twilight Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; Starlight Rebekah 
Lodge : Granite State Grange ; Orient Council, J. O. V. A. 

J. F. Axtell is the physician. 



CHAPTER XLIV 

NORTH HAMPTON 

Geographical — Topographical — The First Settlements' — Garrison-House — 
Indian Depredations — Petition for Parish Privileges — Organization of 
Parish — "The North Hill Parish" — Incorporation of the Tozvn — Peti- 
tion to be Released from Parish Rates — Ecclesiastical History — Military 
Record — Public Library. 

North Hampton is one of the coast towns, and is bonnded as follows : 
on the north by Greenland and Rye ; on the east by Rye and the Atlantic ; 
on the south by Hampton ; and on the west by Stratham. The population by 
the 1 910 I'nited States census was 783. 

The surface of the town is generally le\el and the soil fertile. 

The early history of this town will be found principally in the history 
of Hampton, of which North Hampton originally formed a part. The early 
record history. Revolutionary history, names of early settlers, etc., are incor- 
porated in the history of the mother town. 

Settlements began within the bounds of the present Town of North Hamp- 
ton at one of the earliest periods in the history of the state. It was in about 
the year 1636 that the first intrepid explorer set foot upon this soil, and this 
was an event of no ordinary magnitude. The Indians were still pursuing 
their erratic warfare, and the hardy pioneers earned their bread at the con- 
tinued hazard of their lives. 

Garrison-House. — One of the first acts of the inhabitants was the erec- 
tion of a garrison-house where all might take refuge in case of an attack 
by Indians. This garrison-house stood a few rods southwesterly from the 
site of the first meeting-house, on the southern border of what was formerly 
called the "Green." 

Notwithstanding the precaution taken by the pioneers, the murderous 
tomahawk of the red man left its imprint upon the little settlement. June 
13, 1677, during King Philip's war, four persons, viz., Edward Colcord, 
Jr., Abraham Perkins, Jr., Benjamin Hilliard, and Caleb Towle, fell victims 
to his savage cruelty. With the death of Philip, in 1676, the war in the 
southern part of New England ceased, but in New Hampshire it raged two 
years longer, and for a time seemed to threaten the extinction of the whole 
colony. 

With the return of peace the settlement resumed its former activity, and 
not manv years elapsed ere it became a prosperous and important element in 
the colony, and in 1719 we find it petitioning for parish privileges. The 
Council appointed a committee, by whom the boundaries of the proposed 
parish were run out, which reported to the court October 29, 17 19. The 

587 



588 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

petition, however, was not granted. The next petition relating to the parish 
of which we have any record was under date November 30, 1730^ as follows: 

Petition relating to the Parish 

"To the Honourable hous of Representatives of this his Majesties Prov- 
ince of New Hampshire Greeting. 

"Gentlemen we your honours humble petitioners humbly sheweth that 
whereas his Honour ye Governor with his Majestys Counsel in answer to 
a petition from hampton did Grant a parish at North Ende of said town 
as shall appear by a Coppy of sd grant, but it did not com to the honrable 
hous of Representatives for their concurranc thearwith Thearefore we your 
honours humble petitioners humbly crave your concurrance theare with, and 
in so doing you will much oblege us your huml^le Servants As in duty l)0und 
we shall ever pray, 

"Hampton November 30, 1730 — Simon Marston, Maurice Hobbs, 
Timothy Dalton, David Pag, Simon Darbon, Joshuay Brown, John Godfre, 
Thomas Marston, Joseph Dearbn, Daniel Sanborn, Widow Sarah Samborn, 
John Shaw, Jonathan Page, Richard Taylor, John Johnson, John Radman, 
Thomas Marston, Benjn Roby. John Wedgwood, Edmund Chapman, Eben- 
ezer Ciodfrie, Ruben Darbon, Job Chapman, William Palmar, John Darbn, 
John Marston, Joseph Chapman, Penja Thomas, Sama Darbon. W^illiam 
Godfree, Saml Marston. Saml Bachelder, Benimin Johnson. John Smith, 
Samuel Dearborn." 

The first petition, however, which was reported favorably, was under 
date of November 17, 1738, when the parish was organized with power to 
act in affairs concerning the ministry and schools. It was variously named 
in the town records as the "North Hill Parish in Hampton," "The North 
Parish in Hampton," etc. 

It was incorporated as a tow n by the name of North Hampton, November 
26, 1742. 

The delegate from this town to the Constitutional Convention of 1778 
was Levi Dearborn, and to that of 1781 was Abraham Drake. 

Petition of inhabitants of A'. E. part of Hauijyton to be exempted from 
ministers tax 

"To His Excellency Bennin Wentworth Esq. Governor and Commander 
in Chief In and over his Majesties Provence of New Hampshire in New Eng- 
land and to the Honourable the Council and house of Representatives of said 
Province In General Assembly Convened — November ye i6th 1742. 

"The Humble petition of us the Subscribers Most Humbly sheweth — 
that the houses and habitations of your petitioners are in the north easterly 
part of the town of Hampton at or near Littel Bores Head near Lettel 
Ri\er or near the Sea and that we live most as near upon a Tine to the 
meeting-house at the town as to that of North hill and that it is much 
easier for us to go to meeting at the town than to North Hill by reason 
of the Goodness of the way to the town and there not being any way for 
us to go to meeting at north hill nor ever like to be unless we travil much 
farther than to go to the meeting-house at the town: 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 589 

"Your petitioners Humbly pray that your Excellency and Honours would 
be pleased to take this petition into consideration and in your grate Good- 
ness exempt us from paying to the support of the ministry at North hill and 
that we may still remain — and be taxed to the support of the ministry and 
the other Publick charges of the town as we used to be and your petitioners 
as in duty bound shall ever pray. 

"John Batchelder Mosies Lampre 

"Thomas Hains Obadiah Marston 

"Jeremiah Page Stephen Brown. 

"In the House of Representatives, gmo, 25th 1742. 

"The within Petition Read and considered & voted to be Dismissed 

"James Jeffry Clr. Assm" 

Moses Leavitt, of this town, was appointed captain in the Continental 
service, June 13, 1776, and authorized to raise 100 men to join the army in 
New York. He was on a committee of officers at Hampton, in 1777, to 
petition the honorable committee of safety to take measures for the defense 
of the sea-coast. In 1778 he was again appointed to enlist soldiers for the 
Continental army ; was appointed lieutenant-colonel of Third Regiment New 
Hampshire militia in 1781, and was representative to the General Assembly 
in 1782 and 1783. 

The Congregational Church. — Our forefathers were careful to erect the 
meeting-house and provide for the preaching of the gospel as soon as they 
had fomied any distinct and considerable settlement. Many of the town- 
ships originally were large, and as the population extended to the borders of 
the town, a portion of the people were often obliged to travel a long distance 
to church. The only way to obviate this difficulty was in forming a separate 
parish whenever the population became sufficient to support a minister. So 
it came about that many towns had more than one church of the same 
denominational order, and not infrecjuently were there new parishes after- 
wards incorporated into towns. 

Within one hundred years after the first house was built in Hampton a 
considerable settlement had formed at North Hill, about three miles from 
the meeting-house. Those settlers suffered many trials because of their isola- 
tion, the difficulty in clearing the land, and Indian depredations. Their first 
houses (one of which is now standing) were lined with bricks to make them 
bullet-proof, and a garrisoned house was built on the green, to which they 
resorted in time of especial danger. \\'hile they felt that they must vigorously 
wield the axe, and drive the plow, and unceasingly watch the stealthy savage, 
they grew dissatisfied with their religious pri\ileges, believing that it was 
needless for them to go three miles on the Sabbath to worship when the 
preaching of the gospel could be supported in their midst. 

With the impression that some steps should be taken towards a better 
state of things on the 2nd of May, 17 19. "Samuel Chapman and others pre- 
sented a petition to the Council Board" that they might he relieved from 
giving support for the minister at the old parish in Hampton, and be per- 
mitted to lawfully sustain the gospel among themselves. This was respect- 
fully received, and a committee of four persons was appointed to ascertain 
"the bounds and limits of a parish in the north end of Hampton." On the 



590 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

jgth of May that committee reported that the parish lines should be nearly 
the same as the present boundaries of North Hampton, with the exception of 
a part which has since been set off to the Town of Rye. But as the select- 
men of Hampton remonstrated, the petition was dismissed, and nothing 
further of account was done towards effecting a separation until 1734, when, 
on the 9th of October, thirty-five persons petitioned the General Assembly, 
praying that the parish bounds might be established agreeable to the report 
of the committee appointed to define them fifteen years before. This request 
was carefully considered, but on account of the opposition which the select- 
men offered, and a remonstrance signed by twenty-six individuals who lived 
within the bounds of the proposed parish, they stating "we rather continue 
as we are, one parish," the bill passed in the negative. At the beginning 
of the year 1736 several members of the church living near North Hill 
obtained the consent of their pastor. Rev. Ward Cotton, to hold religious 
meetings among themselves on Sabbath evenings. He drew up some articles 
of agreement to govern the meetings, which all who proposed to attend signed. 

Whether this was done as a compromise to quiet the known restlessness 
is not quite certain. However, it was not sufficient to meet their desires for 
religious advantages. It rather deepened their sense of deprivation, for, in 
1737, they renewed their request to be constituted a distinct parish, but this 
effort also proved fruitless. 

There were persevering men in those days, especially in things which they 
knew were right. Accordingly, on the 2d of November, 1738, another 
petition of a similar nature was presented to the General Assembly, then held 
at Portsmouth. On the 17th of the same month a bill granting the request 
passed the House of Representatives, was concurred in by the Council, and 
received the indorsement of the provincial governor. 

Thus the parish at North Hill was formed, on the condition that they 
would support a minister and a schoolmaster, and would pay their annual 
proportion of the grant which the town had made to Dorothy Gookin, widow 
of Rev. Nathaniel Gookin, who at his death had been minister of the town 
twenty-four years. 

Although the exact date cannot be determined, yet prior to 1 734 a meeting- 
house was erected a little south of the center of what is now the common. 
It was 30 by 40 feet, framed for galleries, and was without pews for years, 
notwithstanding an agreement had been made that one range of pews should 
be laid out adjoining the walls of the house, to be valued from ten pounds 
to fifteen pounds, "according to the dignity of the pews." The evidence 
is only inferred that meetings were held in that house until the parish was 
legally formed. 

The first parish meeting was called by Daniel Sanborn, on Christmas 
day, 1738, when a committee was appointed to agree with Mr. Nathaniel 
Gookin, son of the lamented minister of the first parish, to preach to the 
society for three months. 

The first annual meeting which, by act of the General Assembly, must 
occur in March, was held on the 20th of that month, 1739, at which they 
agreed to employ a minister for one year. But at an adjourned meeting, 
held on the Sth of May following, they voted to settle a minister within 
twelve months. To aid in making a right choice, they proposed to follow 
the usual custom of those days by calling a fast and inviting neighboring 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 5!)1 

ministers to spend the day with them in prayer and consultation. Agreeable 
to the advice then given, the parish chose a committee on the 12th of June 
"to treat with Mr. Nathaniel Gookin to settle with them in the work of the 
ministry." They voted to procure for him a parsonage of at least ten acres 
of land, fence it, and build upon it a convenient house and barn, to furnish 
him annually sufficient firewood, and to give him 1 10 pounds a year, adding 
five pounds each succeeding year until the amount should reach 140 pounds, 
and if it were needful, and they were able, further additions should be made. 
This was to be given him, even if, because of sickness, he might be unable 
to perform Sabbath service. Surely such was a generous offer for those 
times. 

.\fter due consideration the call was accepted. In his letter to the 
parish committee, he said, "I accept your invitation, demanding of you, as 
you will answer it at the great day, that you give diligent heed to the truths 
I shall bring you from the gospel of Jesus Christ, and practice according 
to them : also that you be continually earnest at the throne of grace for me, 
that I may be a faithful and successful laborer in the gospel among you." 
He at that time was twenty-five j'ears of age, having graduated at Harvard 
College seven years before. 

As yet there was no church organization, but on the 23d of .September, 
1739, those persons living within the bounds of the new parish who belonged 
to the First Church made application for letters of dismission, that they 
might organize a church at North Hill, but the purpose was not favorably 
regarded, and their request was refused. Nothing daunted, the North Hill 
people called an Ecclesiastical Council, ex parte, of course, which met on the 
30th of October. The Council and brethren sent a declaration to the First 
Church, but they were not recognized. Afterwards a public conference was 
agreed upon and held, yet the church refused to grant the required letters 
of dismission. Smarting under such treatment, on the day following, the 
Council and brethren took matters into their own hands, and organized what 
they called "the Fourth Church of Christ in Hampton," and at the same 
time ordained Mr. Gookin as pastor. This was a bold stroke, but it proved 
to be a wise one. The First Church afterwards acquiesced in the movement, 
and within three years they granted letters of dismission to several persons 
and recommendation to the church at North Hill. 

After much perplexity and deep feeling the desire of the people in the 
north part of Hampton was secured so far. But as in all new public enter- 
prises there are many calls for money and labor, so the North Hill Parish 
found many things which needed attention. 

In 1741 a parsonage-house was built, of dimensions 25 by 30 feet, with a 
lower addition on one end. During the same year the first pew in the meeting- 
house was built, having the extent of 5 feet on the wall from the pulpit 
stairs, and 3 feet front, covering an area of 25 .square feet. In this the family 
of the minister sat, while the rest of the people had to arrange themselves 
as best they could, for there -were no other regular seats built in the house 
until 1746. In the year following a parsonage barn, 20 by 24 feet, with 
twelve-feet posts, was built. This completed the agreement of the society in 
providing a parsonage. It must have been at great personal sacrifice that 
they provided so much ; and had not relief been given by their right in some 
of the first parish property, their struggle would have been very severe and 
prolonged. 



592 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

On the 30th of November, 1742, the parish was incorjKirated as a town. 
This act brought up new matters for adjustment between the two parishes. 
The second minister of Hampton, Rev. Timothy Dalton, who died in 1661, 
left a large ministerial fund for the town. When North Hampton was incor- 
porated the tax-payers felt that they were justly entitled to their proportion 
of that property, and in a friendly way they requested that it might be con- 
\eyed to them. For some unexplained reason the request, which was several 
times repeated, was not granted ; and it was found necessary to carry the case 
into court, where, after some delay, it was decided in favor of the com- 
plainants. As nearly as can be ascertained, about one-fifth part of the old par- 
sonage property was conveyed to North Hampton. This greatly aided in 
the support of the minister. Especially helpful was it, since about that time 
the colonial currency began to depreciate in value, so that the parish was 
obliged to add to Mr. Gookin's salary. At first they increased it five pounds, 
then twenty, then ninety, afterwards adding more and more every year until 
it became 1,200 pounds. 

As the parsonage-house was too small for the increasing family of the 
pastor, a section of eighteen feet was put on to one end in 1753. In order 
that it might better accommodate the minister, the house was afterwards 
moved to a place opposite the present parsonage, and nearer the meeting- 
house, on to a lot of land secured by exchange with Capt. Abner Fogg. There 
it was occupied by different ministers until the year 1800. 

The first meeting-house had never been fully finished. There was noth- 
ing costly about it. Even the pulpit was unornamented and simple, although 
of good workmanship, and the only pew was not elaborate. There had 
arisen a feeling that the old house was inadequate to meet the wants of the 
increasing congregation, and withal it was probably inferior to houses of 
worship in the neighboring parishes, so after much discussion and planning 
they decided to erect a new one. The work was begun, and for the main 
part of the house completed in 1761. It was 40 by 48 feet, with galleries 
after the style of those days, and was built in a substantial manner, being 
unique and comfortable, except in the cold weather, when the windows would 
rattle and the people would shiver, and the preacher would try to wax warm 
over his well-written manuscript. The days of carpeted floors, elastic 
cushions, anthracite burners, and steam-pipes had not come. The addition of 
a steeple to the meeting-house was earnestly discussed, some wanting it on 
the west end, some on the east end, and some not caring to have it at all. 
Because of this diverse feeling the whole matter was dropped, and it was 
fifty-five years before the tower was erected and the much-needed bell i>ealed 
forth its invitations to worship. 

x^fter the completion of the meeting-house the interests of the church and 
parish moved on without especial innovation or jar until the 22d of October, 
1766, when Mr. Gookin was removed by death, after faithfully laboring for 
the salvation of souls and setting before his people a worthy example for 
twenty-seven years. 

His ministry was marked by many of the hardships which pioneers of the 
gospel necessarily experience. He is said to have been "a sound divine, a 
serious, plain preacher, a wise counselor, and a much-lieloved pastor of his 
flock." He was thrice married — first to Miss Judith Coffin, daughter of 
Eliphalet Coffin, of Exeter. His second wife was Miss Anna Fitch, daughter 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 593 

of Rev. Jabez Fitch, of Portsmouth, by whom he had three children. His 
third wife was Mrs. Love Wingate, by whom he had eight children. 

After the death of Mr. Gookin the town generously provided for his 
widow, furnishing a comfortable home for a while at least, and giving her 
fourteen pounds lawful money. 

As the most of the early church records have been lost, the number of 
members when organized and the additions during the tirst pastorate cannot 
with certainty be given, but it is probable that the original number was quite 
small, and that about forty belonged to the church at the time of Mr. Gookin's 
death. Although it was a sad day to the church when their first pastor laid 
off his care and entered into everlasting rest, yet they were not long willing 
to be without some one to break to them the bread of life. Accordingly, Mr. 
Joseph Stacy Hastings, a native of Newton, Mass., then twenty-five years of 
age, w as invited to preach as a probationer. So highly pleased were the people 
that they at once gave him a call to settle with them as minister of the town. 
Feeling that "a great and effectual door was open" to him, he accepted the 
call, and was ordained over the church on the nth of February, 1767. He 
was a good and true man, although somewhat eccentric, keenly sensitive, and 
sometimes impatient of human weaknesses. He deeply mourned over the 
worldliness and cold formality of Christians, and earnestly labored to effect 
a greater spirituality in the church. He believed that every Christian life 
should be luminous with love. He accomplished a worthy work during his 
ministry of seven and a half years, receiving fifty persons to church member- 
ship. He adopted the Sandemanian doctrines and notions, after which he 
declared the resignation of his ministry in a brief and decided manner on 
the 3d of July, 1774. Although informal, the church courteously accjuiesced 
in his decision. He was treated with great kindness by the people. They 
voted to make him a present of $120, the crops on the parsonage for that 
year, and the use of the parsonage-house until they should want it. During 
Mr. Hastings' ministry the people became agitated about the subject of sing- 
ing. Different opinions were entertained concerning what they should sing, 
but in the month of May, 1771, the town voted "to sing one of Dr. Watts' 
hymns once every Sunday," and in the following April a special parish- 
meeting was called to see if they would introduce "Dr. Watts' Psalms and 
Three Books of Hynms," to be sung in the church and congregation. It was 
decided to use those hymns in their worship which proved to be satisfactory ; 
at least the subject was not seriously agitated again. 

Rev. David McClure, who had just declined a call to the church in Ports- 
mouth, was invited to supply the pulpit for a time. Being highly pleased 
with his ministrations, the people invited him to settle with them, offering 
as a stipulated salary "eighty-five pounds, lawful money, together with the 
home parsonage and the buildings on the same." W'ith unanimity of feel- 
ing he was installed on the 13th of November, 1776, twelve churches having 
been invited upon the council. 

He was a native of Boston, twenty-eight years old, and graduated from 
Yale College seven years before. He was a man of high culture, good judg- 
ment, and pleasing address, and for twenty-three years (1777 to 1800) was 
one of the trustees of Dartmouth College. His Alma Mater gave him the 
degree of D. D. in 1803. 

As the colonies were at war with the mother-country when he was settled. 



594 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

having but a few months before declared themselves independent, as things 
in the political world were in an unsettled state, as excitement on all great 
national questions ran high, as the country was comparatively poor, and as 
no human mind could forecast the future, it was a trying period to commence 
a pastorate. Since national affairs were of absorbing interest, great effort 
was needed to make men feel their accountability to God. But under the 
wise and judicious labors of Mr. McClure the church and parish prospered, 
and during his nine years of ministration twenty-two w ere added to the mem- 
bership. Soon after his settlement depreciation in the currency of the 
country became alarming, and at times the prospect of supporting a family 
seemed discouraging. The people nobly exerted themselves to relieve him. 
During his first year they gave him $ioo more than they had agreed. The 
next year they gave him $500 additional. In 1779 the town added $1,000, 
and afterwards increased it by 100 bushels of corn; and in 1780 his salary 
was raised to $12,000 and twelve cords of wood! He bravely struggled on, 
receiving the affections of his people, and carefully calculating how to make 
his $1,000 a month purchase the necessities for himself and family, h'inally 
he felt it his duty to resign his charge, which he accordingly did in August. 
17S5. Having been dismissed, he moved to East Windsor, Conn., where 
he preached until his death in 1820. 

As the pulpit was again vacant, the church called a fast, and consulted 
with several ministers of neighboring churches in reference to securing a 
pastor. Mr. Benjamin Thurston, of Bradford, Mass., then about thirty 
years of age, was recommended, and being well liked, he received a call for 
settlement, and was ordained on the 2d of November, 1785. Although an 
able preacher, he was not very Christ-like in character, yet during his ministry 
of about fifteen years fifty-three were added to the church. A debt was 
contracted of considerable amount, to pay which a portion of the parsonage 
was sold. Agreeable to the known desire of the people, he tendered liis 
resignation, and was dismissed on the 27th of October. 1800. 

The parish chose a committee to look up another minister, and Col. 
Thomas Leavitt, chaimian of that committee, went to Andover, Mass., with 
the purpose of inviting Mr. Jonathan French, son of the beloved pastor of 
the South Parish in that town, to preach as a candidate. He gave up the 
prospect of another field of labor, and agreed to spend a few Sabbaths in 
town. The people were well pleased with him, and without delay he was 
requested to become their minister. He was ordained on the i8th of Novem- 
ber, 1801, being twenty-three years of age, and having graduated at Harvard 
College three years before. Little then did he realize the work which God 
had marked out for him in North Hampton. Little did he think that he would 
be instrumental in moulding the character of more than one generation in 
the same parish. Little did he suppose he should w rite a history on human 
hearts that would cause his name to be fragrant in memory long after he 
should rest from his labors. It is well that he could not divine the future. 
He proved to be the right man in the right place. 

Party feeling in politics ran high in the beginning of the present century, 
and as the parish included the whole town, this feeling was expressed in 
ecclesiastical as well as civil affairs, and was pronounced in an apparent oppo- 
sition to the settlement of Mr. French. Great wisdom was needed to meet 
such a state of things, but the young pastor was equal to the occasion, and so 
deported himself as to command the respect of all classes. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 595 

It was one condition of the call for settlement that the parish should 
repair the parsonage-house or build a new one. They found it advisable to 
build. The work was undertaken in earnest, and in 1803 they completed a 
substantial and commodious house after the style of those days. About this 
time the pastor was married to Miss Rebecca Farrar, of Lincoln, Mass., a 
lady fair to look upon, lovely in spirit, and possessed of sterling virtues. 
As he was returning to his home with his bride, after having taken a short 
vacation, the people, desirous of showing their esteem, sent a delegation to 
meet him just beyond the border of the state, while the greater part of them 
went out to escort him from the Hampton line to the recently finished and 
furnished parsonage-house, and to make the occasion complete a grand recep- 
tion was held in the evening. This auspicious beginning was followed by 
years of peace and prosperity, the pastor continuing to receive that high 
respect, and sometimes reverence, which people of those days were accus- 
tomed to give to ministers of the gospel, while his words of instruction and 
counsel were received without much serious questioning or even mental dis- 
sent. In those days it required great boldness, and certainly it was a vio- 
lation of the sentiment of the people, to make a public issue with the minister. 
In such a state of society the pastor's influence was potent and usually pre- 
vailing. He was consulted on temporal as well as spiritual interests, and 
often became the final arbitrator when parties disagreed. 

In the year 181 6 the parish decided to add a tower to the church and place 
in it a good-sized bell. This was what their fathers felt the need of and long 
talked about. Its completion was a matter of congratulation, as it gave new 
life to the community by being rung to regulate their daily labors, as well 
as to summon them to worship. 

Although the parish included the town, yet all the inhabitants of the town 
were not in sympathy with the church. For a generation some had enter- 
tained the belief and sentiments of the Baptists, and had protested against 
the support of orthodox worship. This number increased until a Free-Will 
Baptist Society was formed. Many of this class early availed themselves of 
a statute law, by which their ministerial tax could be used for other than 
the support of orthodox Congregational worship. This prepared the way 
for a proportional claim of the parsonage property. A period of great trial 
now came on. Nothing more difTlcult to manage had occurred since the 
North Hill Parish was formed, nearly one hundred years before. Party 
feeling was strong, and it became needful to support the preaching of the 
gospel independent of the town. This necessitated the formation of the North 
Hampton Congregational Society in 1834, although the constitution was not 
adopted until the month of June. 1835. 

In order to equitably divide the parish property, tlie town voted to sell 
the parsonage for $1,600. and that each voter should say to which religious 
society his proportional part should be given. Much the larger proportion 
was given to the Congregational Society. On the 27th of April that society 
voted to purchase the parsonage for the sum specified. In payment of this 
they had to tax themselves only for the amount which the Baptist people had 
received. 

As the town ceased to provide ministerial support after the sale and trans- 
fer of the parsonage, Mr. French was employed by the Congregational Society. 
So strongly attached was he to his people that in their period of trial he 



596 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

proposed to relinquish one-fourth part of his salary, when the entire amount 
was scarcely sufficient to maintain himself and family. But the people never 
knowingly allowed him to be in want. 

The meeting-house still belonged to the town, and an unsuccessful effort 
was made to secure its transfer to the new society. They now began to feel 
that they must have a house of their own in which to worship. This feel- 
ing deepened, and they soon decided to build on the parsonage land. Arrange- 
ments were made for executing their purpose, and on the 21st and 22d of 
June, 1838, "the frame of the new meeting-house was raised. Prayer was 
offered by the pastor on the foundation before the raising commenced. No 
ardent spirit or other intoxicating liquor was furnished at the raising. It was 
accomplished without noise and without injury to any one." The house was 
dedicated to the worship of God on the 31st of October of the same year, 
the sermon being preached by the pastor from John x. 23. This was a little 
more than one hundred years after the first meeting-house was built in town, 
and seventy-seven years after the dedication of the second house. Nine years 
afterwards a new bell was hung in the tower, and in the year following that 
important addition measures were taken by the ladies to purchase the hall in 
the old brick schoolhouse, which years before was built for a lodge of Free- 
masons. This was fitted up for a vestry, and dedicated on the 31st of January, 
1849, and was one of the many improvements secured to the church and 
society by the Ladies" Sewing Circle. 

During Reverentl I\Ir. French's active pastorate of fifty-one years 285 
were admitted to the church, increasing the actual membership to 145. One 
year before having a colleague the pastor was honored with the degree of 
Doctor of Divinity by Dartmouth College. On the 13th of December, 1856, 
he died among his Ijeloved people and surrounded by his large family, until 
this time unbroken by death, at age of seventy-eight years, having been 
ordained over this church a little more than fifty-five years before. 

Mr. John Dinsmore, from Bangor Theological Seminary, was ordained 
as colleague pastor on the i8th of November, 1852. 

Mr. John O. Barrows from Andover Theological Seminary, by his pleas- 
ing address, fine culture and unquestioned piety, won the hearts of the people 
after a few Sabbaths' supply, and received a unanimous call from the church 
and society to become their pastor. He was ordained on the 9th of June, 
1864. During his pastorate of two years there was considerable religious 
interest and thirteen were received into the church. The greater part of the 
parsonage fann was sold about the time of his settlement, while a legacy of 
$2,000 had just been left the society by Rufus Leavitt, Esq., and at a sub- 
sequent period Miss Olive Hobbs left $1,000 for the society. Mr. Barrows 
asked to be relieved from the pastoral office, and was dismissed on the 8th 
of September, 1866, soon afterwards being installed over the First Church in 
Exeter. In the spring of 1867, Rev. Thomas V. Haines, then preaching at 
Ossipee Center, was invited to the vacant pulpit. On the 5th of May he 
became acting pastor, which relation he sustained to the church until the 
27th of .\pril, 1870, when he was installed. The people caught the spirit 
of external improvement which was becoming quite general among the 
churches, and the old vestry purchased by the ladies twenty years before was 
inconvenient and much out of repair, and withal by some regarded as unsafe, 
the meeting house was raised in 1869, and large and comfortable rooms 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 597 

added as a basement for social meetings, lectures and social purposes. The 
dedicatory services were held on the 26th of October. In 1874 the interior 
of the meeting house was remodeled, finely finished, and beautifully adorned. 

New furniture was provided by the generosity of J. W. b". Hobbs, Esq., 
who at a later period added stained windows tastefully designed. A pipe- 
organ was secured and set up, and the finishing touches were given, so that 
the rededication services were held on the 2nd of July. 

Mr. Haines resigned as active pastor in 1907 and remained pastor emeritus 
until his death in 1903. 

Rev. D. H. Evans was pastor from 1897 until April i, 1906. Rev. M. 
F. Mevis was acting pastor from July i, 1906 until July i, 191 1. Rev. Heber 
R. Harper was acting pastor from October, 191 1, until June, 1913. Rev. 
Clarence H. LaRue became acting pastor July i, 191 3, and was ordained 
and installed as pastor in October, 1913. 

In 1818, the Sunday Scliool was started by Reverend Dr. French, in 
which the children repeated texts of Scripture and were catechized. It has 
been maintained with greater or less interest, and has grown to be a service 
of much importance, being promotive of earnest study of the Scriptures. 

Deacon Francis R. Drake filled the office of superintendent for twenty- 
five years. The church and people have generally been interested in the events 
occurring then. They have been true to their convictions, loyal to their God 
and the great principles of our political Government. Some of them suf- 
fered much during the last French and Indian war. When the Revolutionary 
war began they raised minute-men, paying them $7 a month, and six out 
of the number were required to guard the coast of this town each night from 
sunset to sunrise. They furnished soldiers when called upon, and those at 
home deprived themselves of comforts to pay the bounties. During the great 
Rebellion the largely prevailing sentiment was truly loyal, and a considerable 
number of the young men exi>erienced the hardships of the battlefield. 

Nearly one hundred years ago a few of the people of the town lost their 
love for Congregationalism, and complained against paying their rates for 
the support of orthodox worship. They were deeply aggrieved, and on the 
27th of March, 1787, the town voted to give them their minister's rates, 
dating back to the year 1783. The greater part of those who dissented called 
themselves Free-Will Baptists. They erected a small house of worship in 
the south part of the town some time before the close of the last century. 
Their meetings were held for a number of years, although they had no 
organization either of church or society. One of their number was regarded 
as the preacher, but at length the interest waned, and their house of worship 
was moved to Hampton. 

After a considerable interval their interest revived, and the First Free- 
Will Baptist Society of North Hampton was incorporated on the i8th of 
December, 1816. Religious meetings were held for a while, but again their 
ardor cooled, and soon the society had only a nominal existence. But it was 
reorganized about the year 1834, and the interest became so great that a 
Free-Will Baptist Church was formed. 

About this time there arose another class of Baptists who preferred the 
Christian persuasion. They held separate meetings, and in all particulars 
were denominationally distinct from the former. 

In 1838 the Free-Will Baptists built a meeting-house in the east part of 



598 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

the town, where they worshijjjed for a few years, but as there were but few 
of them they soon grew weak, and abandoned their enterprise. This was 
their last attempt as a denomination to maintain the gospel in the town. 
The Christian Baptists, who had increased in numbers and strength while 
they held their meetings in the schoolhouse, began to talk of building a house 
of worship. They saw that it might not be best to erect another house by 
the side of the one then unoccupied, so in 1846 they bought up the pews in 
the Free-Will Baptist house, and came into possession of it, and on the 
22(1 of January, 1859, the Christian Church was organized with twenty mem- 
bers ; but their number has considerably increased, although they have not 
had regular preaching all of the time since. 

MILITARY RECORD, 1861-65 

I'hilip A. Warner, Company K, Third Regiment; enlisted February 13, 
1864: date of discharge unknown. John Cullen, Company C, Fourth Regi- 
ment; enlisted August 10, 1863; not officially accounted for. Albert Isaacson. 
Company I, Fourth Regiment; enlisted Decemljer Jj. 1864; discharged August 
2^1, 1865. Jeremiah Brown. Jr.. Company B. Fourth Regiment; enlisted 
September 18, 1861 ; discharged February 11. 1862. John D. Hobbs. Com- 
pany B, Fourth Regiment; enlisted September 18, 1861 ; discharged Septem- 
ber 27, 1864. Charles SmitTi, Company K, Fourth Regiment; enlisted Jan- 
uary 4. 1865. Edward Smith, Company G. Fifth Regiment; enlisted Sep- 
tember 7. 1864. I'Yederick Toerber, Company I. Fifth Regiment; enlisted 
August 10. 1S63. John W'illiams. Company H, Fifth Regiment; enlisted 
August 10. 1863. John \Vhite. Company G. Fifth Regiment; enlisted Sep- 
tember 7. 1864. Elias H. Marston, Company D, Fifth Regiment; enlisted 
October 23. 1861 ; promoted to sergeant May 12. 1863; promoted to adjutant 
July I, 1863; discharged October 22, 1864. Robert Parrott. Company H, 
Sixth Regiment; enlisted November 28, 1861 ; promoted to corporal; absent, 
sick; no discharge furnished. Albert .\ Batchelder, Company C. Sixth Regi- 
ment; enlisted September 3. 1862; promoted to first sergeant, discharged 
June 4. 1865. Thomas Bell. Company B. Sixth Regiment; enlisted Septeml^er 
3, 1862. Leon Saladad, Company E, Sixth Regiment; enlisted December 
15, 1863; absent, no discharge furni.shed. Wilham Brown, Company A, 
Seventh Regiment; enlisted September 21, 1864. James Daggett. Joseph 
S. Miles, Company F, Ninth Regiment; enlisted December 15, 1863; pro- 
moted to corporal ; supposed to have died in a rebel prison. John Shaugh- 
nessy, Company G. Ninth Regiment; enlisted June 13. 1864. Alexander 
Thompson, Company K, Ninth Regiment; enlisted December 15, 1863; died 
September 8, 1864. John Thompson, Company K, Ninth Regiment; enlisted 
December 15, 1863; promoted to corporal. Henry Andrews, Company F, 
Ninth Regiment; enlisted December 15, 1863. John Anderson, Company F. 
Ninth Regiment; enlisted December 15. 1863; discharged October 15, 1864. 
John Glover. Company D. Ninth Regiment; enlisted July 26. 1862; trans- 
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps September i, 1863. Henry Andrews, 
Company F, Ninth Regiment; enlisted December 13, 1863. Emery Sumner, 
Jr., Company G, Eleventh Regiment; enlisted February 11, 1864; transferred 
to Sixth New Hampshire Volunteers June i, 1865. Jeremiah Batchelder, 
Company 1. Eleventh Regiment; enlisted September 3, 1862; missing in action 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 599 

July 30, 1864. Charles Brown, Company K, Twelfth Regiment; enlisted 
December 15, 1863; transferred to United States navy, April 29, 1864. Wil- 
liam Smith, Company B, Twelfth Regiment; enlisted December 16, 1863; 
transferred to United States navy, April 29, 1864. George Wilson, Company 

D, Twelfth Regiment; enlisted December 16, 1863; killed June 3, 1864. 
James \\'elch, Company H, Twelfth Regiment; enlisted December 16, 1863. 
Josei)h Woods, Company A, Twelfth Regiment; enlisted December 16, 1863. 
Charles Johnson, Company B, Twelfth Regiment; enlisted December 16, 
1863; transferred to United States navy, April 29, 1864. Charles Brown, 
Company I, Twelfth Regiment; enlisted December 15, 1863; discharged May 
18, 1865. Michael W'alch, Company D, Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted 
October i, 1862. Thomas O'Neil, Company F, Fourteenth Regiment; en- 
listed October 7, 1862. Hugh Rainy, Fourteenth Regiment: enlisted August 
3, 1864; not officially accounted for. Thomas Wilson, Company F, Fifteenth 
Regiment; enlisted November 7. 1862. William J. Bradford, musician, 
Company I, Sixteenth Regiment; enlisted November i, 1862; discharged 
August 20, 1863. Eleazer O. Addison, corporal, Company K, Sixteenth 
Regiment; enlisted November i, 1862; discharged August 20, 1863. Samuel 
G. Armour, Company K. Sixteenth Regiment; enlisted November 3, 1862. 
Charles W. Hall. Company K, Sixteenth Regiment; enlisted November i, 
1862. Ephraim H. Packer, Company K, Sixteenth Regiment; enlisted Novem- 
ber 14, 1862; discharged August 20, 1863. Wm. Smith, Seventeenth Regi- 
ment; enlisted November 24, 1862; not officially accounted for. James P. 
Hall, Company B, Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted November 13, 1862; not 
officially accounted for. Oliver Harriman, Company B, Seventeenth Regi- 
ment; enlisted November 13, 1862; not officially accounted for. Patrick J. 
Kidder, musician. Company B, Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted November 
13. 1862; not officially accounted for. Michael McOueeny, Company B, 
Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted November 13, 1862; transferred to Company 

E, Second Regiment; discharged August 14, 1863. Henry Remick, Com- 
pany B, Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted November 13, 1862; transferred 
to Company K, Second Regiment; discharged August 14, 1863. James Davis, 
Company A, Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted November 24, 1862; not 
officially accounted for. Perry C. Moore, Company A, Seventeenth Regi- 
ment; enlisted November 13, 1862; not officially accounted for. James S. 
Townsend, Company B, Seventeenth Regiment: enlisted November 13, 1862; 
promoted to corporal ; discharged April 16, 1863. Charles W. Winship, Com- 
pany B, Seventeenth Regiment: enlisted November 14, 1862; transferred to 
Company D. Second Regiment; killed July 2, 1863. John Williams, Seven- 
teenth Regiment: enlisted November 14, 1862: not officially accounted for. 
William H. Blake, Company K, Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted November 
18, 1862: connected with Second Regiment; discharged October 9, 1863. 
Samuel P. Holt, sergeant. Company B, Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted 
November 13. 1862; not officially accounted for. Frank Michael. Company 
B, Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted December 18, 1862; not officially accounted 
for. James C. Rand. Seventeenth Regiment: enlisted December 18, 1862; 
not officially accounted for. Joseph W'illiams, Seventeenth Regiment; en- 
listed December 18. 1862; not officially accounted for. Walter Binney, 
Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted December 18, 1862; connected with Com- 
pany I. Second Regiment, .\pril 16, 1863. Samuel E. Sanborn, Seventeenth 



600 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Regiment; enlisted December i8, 1862; connected with Company I, Second 
Regiment; died August 20, 1863. Andrew J. Batchelder, Company G, 
Eighteenth Regiment; enlisted January 6, 1865; discharged July 29, 1865. 
Orlando L. Blake, Company G, Eighteenth Regiment: enlisted January 6, 
1865; discharged July 29, 1865. John \\". Mace, Company G, Eighteenth 
Regiment; enlisted January 7, 1865; discharged July 29, 1865. Horace 
Leavitt, Company M, N. E. Cavalry; enlisted December 24, 1861 ; pro- 
moted to corporal and sergeant; transferred to Veteran Reserv^e Corps. 
Frank D. Hobbs, Company M, N. E. Cavalry; enlisted September 15, 
1862; discharged November, 1862. John H. Elkins, Company M, N. 

E. Cavalry ;■ enlisted September 15, 1862; killed June 18, 1863. Joshua 
P. Smith, Company M, N. E. Cavalry; enlisted September 15, 1862; 
discharged July 15, 1865. John W. Warner, Company M., N. E. Cav- 
alry; enlisted September 15, 1862; discharged July 15, 1865. William T. 
Bodrich, N. E. Cavalry; enlisted September 15, 1862; not officially 
accounted for. \\illiam J. Bowly, Company M, N. E. Cavalry; enlisted 
September 22, 1862; died July 25, 1864. James F. Hobbs, Company M, 
N. E. Cavalry; enlisted September 15, 1862; promoted to corporal; dis- 
charged July 15, 1865. Dana A. Torrey, Company K, N. E. Cavalry; 
enlisted September 22, 1862; discharged October 19, 1863. Lawrence 
Merefin, enlisted September 5, 1864; date of discharge unknown. William 
Rochford, enlisted September i, 1864; date of discharge unknown. Walter 
S. Weeks, enlisted August 16, 1864; date of discharge unknown. Michael 
Sullivan, enlisted August 13, 1864; date of discharge unknown. .^Amos W. 
Samson, enlisted August 13, 1864; date of discharge unknown. John W. 
Carmichael, enlisted August 30, 1864; date of discharge unknown. John 
Jones, enlisted August 29, 1864; date of discharge unknown. William H. 
Price, enlisted August 30, 1864; date of discharge unknown. Peter Dudley, 
enlisted September 5, 1864; date of discharge unknown. John Morrisey, 
enlisted January 3, 1865 ; date of discharge unknown. Thomas Atkins, en- 
listed January 21, 1864; date of discharge unknown. William Shannon, 
enlisted January 21, 1864; date of discharge unknown. Samuel Jones, en- 
listed May 2"/, 1864; date of discharge unknown. William H. Hor\-ers, 
enlisted July 3, 1863; date of discharge unknown. John Fh-nn. enlisted 
August 31. 1863; date of discharge unknown. William P. Andrews, enlisted 
August 31. 1863; date of discharge unknown. George Brenard. enlisted 
September i, 1863; date of discharge unknown. Patrick McGrew, enlisted 
.\ugust 29, 1863; date of discharge unknown. Thomas H. Clough. Cavalry; 
enlisted September 21, 1862; date of discharge unknown. John Edwards, 
Cavalry; enlisted September 21, 1862; date of discharge unknown. William 

F. Sanders, Cavalry; enlisted September 21. 1862; date of discharge unknown. 

General Henry Dearborn was bom in North Hampton, N. H., February 
-3- 1751 • served as captain at the battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. and as major 
in the campaign against Burgoyne in 1777. In 1778 he fought with distinc- 
tion at Monmouth. He was a member of Congress from Massachusetts, 
1793-97. and secretary of war under Jefferson. 1801-09. Having obtained 
the rank of major-general, he was in chief command of the United States 
army in 1812. He captured York (now Toronto) in Canada. April 27. 1813. 
He was United States minister to Portugal in 1822-24. He died in Rox- 
bury, Mass., June 6, 1829. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 601 

In 1876, J. \\". F. Hobbs a native of North Hampton, erected a school- 
house and town hall for the use of the town. 

Abraham Drake, a prominent citizen of North Hampton, served as cap- 
tain in the French and Indian war and attained the rank of lieut.-colonel 
in the Revolution. Colonel Drake died ver\^ suddenly in his field in 1781. 
He left a large estate, most of it still in possession of his descendants. 

Xorth Hampton Piiblk Library was established in 1892 with state aid. 
The public Hbrar\- building was erected in 1897 at a cost of $5,000. and the 
entire amount was raised by taxation. Mr. L. \\'. Fogg was the first librarian 
and continued to ser\-e in this capacity until 1913, when he was succeeded by 
Miss Lucy 'SI. Warner, the present librarian. The librar}' contains 1.860 
volumes. 



CHAPTER XLV 

NORTHWOOD 

Ccuyrapliicdl — fopographical — Early Settlements — Names of Pioneers — 

Incorporation — First Town-Meeting — Officers Elected — The Revolution 

— Ecclesiastical — Coe's Northwood Academy — Villages and Hamlets — 
Physicians — Early Families- — Military — Public Library. 

The Town of Northwood Hes in the extreme northern part of the county, 
and is bounded as follows : on the north and east by Strafford County, on the 
south by Deerheld, and on the west by Merrimac County. The population 
is 1,059. 

Early Settlements. — The century preceding that in which the history 
of this town is involved was one of comparatively small beginnings through- 
out New England. In the territory now known as New Hampshire small 
settlements, independent of each other, had been made at Dover, Portsmouth, 
Exeter, Hampton, and elsewhere. As they suffered from the misrule of men 
claiming proprietorship of territory, and from the unfriendHness of some 
of the Indian tribes, they sought protection from the State of Massachusetts. 
This state had claimed that the territories of New Hampshire and Maine 
were included within the limits of their original charter, and willingly took 
these settlements under their care, which proved not a little beneficial. Immi- 
grants from England came in greater numbers, not only increasing settle- 
ments already existing, but pushing farther from seacoast into the interior, 
making settlements at Epping, Lee, and Nottingham. Nottingham was in- 
corporated as early as 1722, including what may now be known as Deerfield 
and Northwood, in addition to its present limits. But the eyes of the 
energetic and restless settlers of the lower towns did not fail to observe 
the high slope of land lying on a line between Portsmouth and Concord. 
Hunters found this region abounding in game, and gave on their return 
to settlements nearer the coast glowing descriptions of the excellence of the 
soil and the richness of the forests. A few had from time to time con- 
structed temporary huts and purposed permanent settlements; but they were 
not the men to fell the trees and rear a population so remote from any con- 
siderable settlement as was this tract of country long known as North Woods. 

In 1762 there arrived in the east part of the town, and lialted there for 
the night, four wearied, weather-beaten, determined men. Three of these 
men — Moses Godfrey, John and Increase Batchelder — resolved here to make 
for themselves permanent homes, while the fourth — Solomon Bickford — 
resolved to look further. Accompanied by Godfrey, he spotted his way over 
the height, and reached the northwestern part of the town, now known as 
"The Narrows." And here, too, were meadows abounding in forage and 
water-power; and in sight of these, and near the gem of lakes, the Suncook^ 
he erected his pillar and resolved to build and abide. 

602 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 603 

Godfrey and the Batchelders naturally affiliated, being from the same 
neighborhood and of the same religious tendencies, and expected many others 
of like syniipathies to follow them; while Bickford saw that it would be better 
for him to seize a point around which he could gather his friends and those 
in sympathy with him; while both parties ever afterwards sustained the 
friendliest relations. 

Bickford and Godfrey returned to the camp, around which the Batchelders 
had effected a clearing, and all aided in erecting a log house for Godfrey, in 
a field west of the turnpike, for Godfrey was a married man, while the 
Batchelders were not. Having made rude beginnings, these four friends 
returned, Bickford to Lee, Godfrey and the Batchelders to Hampton, now 
North Hampton, and on the 25th day of the following March ( ijC-it,). 
Godfrey, with his family, and John and Increase Batchelder returned to 
occupy the land they had chosen, the Batchelders boarding with Godfrey until 
they might build near him, where now stands the house of Francis J. Hanson. 
Theirs was the first frame house built in Northwood. 

In December following. Bickford, with his family and his brother John, 
returned to possess the land at the Narrows, building where stood the 
dwelling-house of the late Deacon Asa Bickford, where was born to him a 
son, named Solomon. June 25. 1764, the first child born within the present 
limits of Northwood. 

The next man that came was Samuel Johnson, from Hampton. He spent 
the first night following the day of his arrival between two rocks that had 
been rent one from the other, spreading over them a covering of boughs. 
Johnson's arrival was in November, 1765, when there were only twelve 
persons within the present limits of the town — five men, Godfrey, John, and 
Increase Batchelder, Solomon and John Bickford. and two women, the wives 
of Godfrey and Solomon Bickford, and five children. 

These Batchelders were the descendants of the Rev. Stephen Batchelder, 
who arrived at Boston, June 5, 1632, having sailed with his family in the 
ship William and Francis. He immediately went to Lynn, where on the fol- 
lowing Sabbath, June 8th, he preached his first sermon in America. From 
Lynn, February, 1636, he removed to Ipswich, and soon after to Yarmouth, 
and in 1638 to Newbury. On the 6th of September, it would appear, the 
General Court gave him permission to settle a town at Hampton. Hither, 
with his family and some personal friends, he came, and was installed the 
first minister of Hampton. In the year 1654 he returned to England, and 
died at Hackney, near London, in 1660, in his one hundredth year. He left 
in this country two sons, Henry, who is believed to have settled in Reading, 
Mass., and Nathaniel, who remained in Hampton, from whom descended the 
Batchelders who earliest came to Northwood : for he had a son named 
.Samuel, and his sons settled here. 

It appears that these noble pioneers w ere soon f(_i!lowed by Daniel Hovi. 
Jonathan, Thomas, and Ebenezer Knowlton. Isrothers, from Kensington ; 
Jonathan and Taylor Clark, brothers, from Stratham ; Jonathan Jenness. from 
Rye ; John, Simeon, and Benjamin Johnson, brothers ; Joshua Furber. Abra- 
ham and Samuel Batchelder, and others, so that the high places of the town 
were taken possession of, mills had 1>een erected, and paths with bridges had 
been constructed leading to the various settlements along the central line 
through the town from south to north in the direction of Concord, as well 



604 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

as over the swells of land on either side, as early as 1772, and as this portion 
of Nottinghain was so far from what was then the center of business, the 
inhabitants began to agitate the propriety of being erected into a separate 
township. Accordingly, at the session of the General Court in 1773, a peti- 
tion was presented by the inhabitants for an act of incorporation, and this 
was granted, February 6, 1773, Avhile John Wentworth was governor of the 
pro\ince, and George III was king of England. We do not know the exact 
number of the inhabitants of Northwood when erected into a separate parish 
or town, but two years later — that is, in 1775 — the town numbered 313. 

Benjamin Johnson was authorized to call the first meeting of the town 
for the choice of officers and the transaction of other business. Accordingly 
a meeting was notified "at the house of mister Volintine kinson," March 23, 
1773, at which Benjamin Johnson was chosen moderator; Increase Batchel- 
der, clerk, and Benjamin Hill, Joseph Demerit, and Samuel Johnson, select- 
men ; Moses Godfrey was chosen constable, and the selectmen were instructed 
to settle with Nottingham matters growing out of the act of incorporation. 

At this same meeting it was voted to raise six pounds lawful money to 
hire preaching, and seven pounds four shillings for schooling. Accordingly, 
we find that there was paid that year five pounds and one shilling and ten 
pence to Mr. Timothy Browai for preaching, and to Mary Walton for school- 
keeping, two pounds ten shillings, while there were "paid to Volintine ken- 
ston five shillings for geting a Pare of Shoes for vScole Dame." And the 
same year it is recorded that the selectmen "paid to the Scoll Dame twelve 
shillings;" while the following year there were paid three shillings to Joshua 
Furber "for caring the scool Dame home," and Betsey Sanborn and others 
are paid various sums "for scooling," and Nicholas Dudley is paid for 
preaching. The money raised for schooling \\as expended in five different 
places, since we find it divided into "Moreel's proportion," "Johnson's pro- 
portion," "Senter proportion," "Batchelder's jiroportion," and "Knolton's 
proportion." 

The Revolution. — March 21, 1775, Benjamin Hill was appointed a dele- 
gate to the congress holden at Exeter, and the question was earnestly dis- 
cussed respecting their duty in the threatening aspect of affairs. The meet- 
ing was adjourned to April 22d, when it was voted "to be equipt at a 
moment's warning." :V short time prior to this a convention of deputies had 
met at Exeter to consult on the state of affairs and appoint delegates for the 
next General Congress, to be holden on the loth of May at Philadelphia. 
Major Sullivan and Captain Langdon, already great favorites of the people, 
were chosen, and the convention issued an address to the people, warning 
them of their danger, exhorting them "to union, peace, and harmony, fru- 
gality, industry, manufactures, and learning the military art. that they might 
be able, if necessary, to defend the country against invasion." Just at this 
time General Gage had destroyed the magazine at Concord. Mass.. and 
sought to seize some of the prominent opposers of the objectionable acts of 
Parliament. Alarmed by this act of hostility, the people of New Hampshire 
and of the other colonies prepared themselves for war. Hence the action of 
Northwood. April 22d. At this same meeting it was also further "voted to 
list eight minit-men; * * * that these men shall have one shillin and 
sixpense a week for exercising;" that these men "shall have five dollars a 
month, and the town find them there Vitling." And to show the spirit of 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 605 

the men of that day it is recorded that "VoHntears hsted for this present 
distress," and these were "Samuel Johnson, Wilham \\'oolis, EHphalet Tay- 
lor, William Blake, Nathaniel Twombly, Benjamin Johnson, Jr., Simon 
Batchelder, and Abraham Batchelder." And only seven days later, "at a 
meeting notified by perticerly men for to chuse deputeys" to attend a con- 
vention called by Governor W'entworth, Benjamin Johnson and Sherburn 
Blake were chosen deputies, and Moses Godfrey was chosen "as a committy- 
man for to see if there is any powder for this parish," and "Increase Batch- 
elder is chosen to take care of this powder." 

Northwood men signed the association test, but "Daniel Sawyer refuses 
to Sine, making plees that he is of a quaker Princabel." 

Ecclesiastical. — Religious worship was first maintained in the east part 
of the town. There the first settlements were made. And these first settlers, 
if not decided Baptists, yet inclined not to sympathize with orthodox Con- 
gregationalism. From 1750 to 1790 there existed great uneasiness in the 
religious mind. Not a few were restive under what seemed staid Orthodoxy. 
The people generally reveled in unrestrained liberty, and this passion for 
liberty ran into extravagance. There was a wild prejudice against what had 
the least claim to antiquity, whether in doctrines or in customs. Hence new 
lights sprung up, wild and fanatical notions were entertained, and customs 
or modes of expression and worship came into vogue that strangely jarred 
and contrasted with the decorous and measured notions and customs of what 
was reproachfully termed the standing order. The great ancestor of the 
Batchelders was an eccentric man, though evidently of much ability. His 
descendants that came to this town, and those that affiliated with them, were 
good men, but their religious bias was against Congregationalism. 

The first pastor was Rev. Edmund Pillsbury, who was ordained Novem- 
ber 17, 1779, and continued about twenty years. His successors have been 
as follows: Rev. Eliphalet Merrill, Elias Gregory, George W. Ashby, B. 
Knight, S. G. Gilbert, W. H. Jones, S. H. Smith, P. Favor, G. B. Chase, D. 
Taylor, J. E. Dame, A. S. Buzzell and L. A. Coony, the present pastor. 

It appears that a church structure was erected for worship in 1772, some 
nine years after the first settlement was made, and was rebuilt in 181 6, and 
dedicated August 4, 181 7. Intervals of some years intervened between sev- 
eral of these pastorates. A tower has been erected upon the meeting house, 
furnished with a bell and clock. 

Congregational Church. — This church was organized November 29, 1788, 
with the eight members: Solomon Bickford, Jonathan Blake, Simon Batch- 
elder, John Sherburne, and Elizabeth, his wife, Susan Clarke, Deborah Bick- 
ford, and Sarah Harvey. 

The first pastor was Rev. Ebenezer Allen, who remained but a short time. 
Abisha Clark then supplied the pulpit for a limited period, and in 1799 Rev. 
Josiah Prentice was ordained pastor. He w'as dismissed May 10, 1842, hon- 
ored and beloved by all. He died October 28, 1855. The next regular pas- 
tor was Rev. E. C. Cogswell, who was ordained in November, 1842. Mr. 
Cogswell was dismissed in 1848, and was succeeded by Rev. Otis Holmes, 
who was installed January i, 1850, and dismissed in 1857. He was followed 
by Rev. Henry C. Fay in 1858. He was dismissed in 1864. Mr. Cogswell 
is also the author of' the "History of Nottingham, Deerfield, and North- 
wood," an excellent work, and an invaluable addition to the historic litera- 
ture of New England. 



606 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUN-n:^ 

Mr. Cogswell, who was dismissed from this church July i8, 1848, where 
he commenced his work the first Sabbath in July, 1S42, immediately entered 
upon pastoral duties with the Congregational Church in Newmarket, where 
he remained until the summer of 1855, when he removed to New Boston, to 
which place he had been invited the previous year, and was there installed 
pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. Having suffered much from over- 
taxed eyes, and with exhausted strength, he was dismissed in the autumn of 
1865, and, by invitation, returned to Northwood immediately, to do what he 
might be able for the destitute church and people for one year, but whom he 
continued to supply as pastor until May, 1876, and during the last nine of 
those years was principal of Coe's Northwood Academy, in which many suc- 
cessful teachers have been trained, and numbers fitted for college. 

After Mr. Cogswell the following ministers served: George F. Wright, 
one year, 1876; Ezra B. Pike, October, 1877, to April, 1880; Henry C. Fay, 
December, 1881 to May, 1885; F. L. Small, June, 1885, to April, 1890; 
Richard H. McGown, June, 1890, to June, 1892; Gilbert M. Hamilton, June, 
1893, to October, 1895; Wm. A. Bushee, May, 1896, to September, 1900; 
Chas. E. Sumner, December, 1900, to June, 1901 ; Joseph H. Haskell, Sep- 
tember, 1901, to September, 1903; Hiram L. Kelsey, November, 1903, died 
July, 1906; Charles S. Young, January, 1907, to September, 1909; Wendell 
P. Elkins, January, 1910, to January, 1913; A. Herbert Amies, January, 
1913, as pastoral supply, still acting in that capacity. 

The first effort to erect a church edifice was in 1780, and it was probably 
completed soon after. In 1827 it was repaired and occupied until 1840, when 
a second house of worship was erected. 

The Frec-JJ'ill Baptist Church was organized June 4, 1833, in the Moun- 
tain schoolhouse, through the influence of Rev. Daniel P. Cilley, consisting 
of thirteen members, five males and eight females. 

Some five years after the organization of the church, their meeting-house 
was erected on Clark's Hill, and provided with a bell. Pastors : S. P. Fer- 
nald, John Kimball, W. D. Johnson, Mark Atwood, W. D. Johnson, F. 
Moulton, S. P. Fernald, Horace Webber, R. D. Richardson, B. S. Manson, 
Edwin Manson, E. H. Prescott, James Rand, L. P. Bickford, G. W. Gould, 
H. P. Lamprey, C. L. Pinkham, R. L. Howard, F. E. Freese, C. A. Bunker, 
F. E. Carver, and H. G. Corliss. 

The Advent Church at Northwood Narrows dates practically from 1854, 
when Christians of that faith began to hold regular meetings in Union Hall, 
though its formal organization was not effected till September 14, 1881. Rev. 
John Parsons was regarded as pastor. He preached generally once a month 
for over thirty-five years. In 1896 Rev. J. A. Bryant was chosen his suc- 
cessor and he was followed by Rev. C. W. Dockum, Rev. Mr. Chase, and 
Elder Joseph Paquett. 

Coe's Northwood Academy. — This academy was incorporated in Fel> 
ruary, 1866, and chartered by a special act of the State Legislature, June, 
1867, as "Northwood Academy," but in June, 1875, the charter was so 
amended as that the institution should hereafter be known by the name of 
"Coe's Northwood Academy," in honor of Ebenezer Coe, Esq., for many 
years a highly respected merchant and Christian gentleman, whose heart and 
hand were ready to aid every good cause, and whose son, E. S. Coe, Esq., of 
Bangor, Me., has shown a lively interest in the town of his nativity, and in 
various ways has materially aided the academy. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 607 

Rev. Eliot C. Cogswell was principal from 1866 to 1S82; during the six- 
teen years the academy had an average term attendance of sixty-three. He 
was followed by Ira E. Holt, G. VV. Bingham, A. H. Armes, W. P. Kelley, 
Rev. S. G. Xorcross, E. L. Blaine, ¥. L. Pattee, and Julius W. Brown. The 
present principal, Edwin H. Welch, commenced in 1899. 

Commemorative services in appreciation of the character and services of 
the late Eben S. Coe were held on June 29, 1900, with addresses by Rev. H. 
L. Griffin of Bangor, Me. ; Hon. G. W. Gate of Amesbury, Mass., and Prin- 
cipal Edwin K. Welch. Mr. Cogswell did not gain the cooperation of all 
the people in the support of his school. Many in the eastern part of the town 
were dissatisiied with its location and proceeded to establish another high 
school at the Ridge, under the name of the Northwood Seminary. The town 
which hitherto had been unable to start one high school, now had two flour- 
ishing academies. L. (}. Williams, A. B., was principal for many years. 

East A'ortlncuod. — Here the first settlement was made, the first school- 
house erected, the first church built, the first blacksmith shop opened, and the 
first store presented the attractive merchandise, — tobacco, salt fish, Xew Eng- 
land rum, and molasses being in excess. 

Clark's Hill. — This locality was early chosen for a settlement, though no 
settlement was made until after families had improved their lands in the 
eastern and central portions, as well as the Narrows. This neighborhood 
was attractive because it overlooked the whole tract of land lying between it 
and the ocean, while from it an extended northerly view might be had. 

The Center. — This part of the town was early settled. Here was built 
the Congregational meeting-house. 

The Narrozi^'s. — Here was the second settlement made in the town, and 
immediately after that in the east part. Solomon Bickford was the hero of 
this region. He loved adventure, had a passion for hunting the fox and 
bear, was strong and tall, a sort of giant, yet mild and gentle, full of mirth, 
and running over with wonderful stories of things and events, delighting in 
making others amazed at what he told them. 

Early Fainilies. — Among the early families are mentioned those of Bart- 
lett, Batchelder, Bennett, Bickford, Blake, Brown, Buzall, Clark, Coe, Cogs- 
well, Crockett, Demeritt, Dow, Durgin, Furbur, Hanson, Harvey, Hill, Hoitt, 
James, Jenness, Johnson, Kelley, Kimball, Knowlton, Knowles, Lancaster, 
Mead, Morrison. Nealley, Norton, Pillsbury, Prentice, Prescott, Sherburne, 
Smith, Tasker, Tucker, Tuttle, Wiggin, Willey, and W'ingate. 

Revolutionary Soldiers. — This region was pretty well settled, and was 
called upon at all times during the whole war to furnish men, and the call 
was responded to promptly. We can give but the majority of men who 
served at this time. 

So far as Cilley's regiment is concerned the list is nearly correct. The 
enlistment for that regiment while Cilley had the command, being the First 
New Hampshire Continental Regiment, commenced January i, 1777, some 
of the men for three years, and others for a shorter term. Stark had com- 
manded the First New Hampshire up to January, 1777. He resigned in con- 
sequence of Colonel Poor's promotion over him. Then Cilley took command 
as colonel of this regiment. 

Nottingham furnished Col. Joseph Cilley, afterwards General Cilley, 
whose biography is well known; Henry Dearborn, who rose to the rank of 



608 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

lieutenant-colonel ; Col. Thomas Bartlett, who commanded a regiment ; Capt. 
Henry Butler. 

In the First New Hampshire Continental Regiment when commanded by 
Colonel Cilley were the following Nottingham soldiers : James Beverley, 
enlisted January 4, 1777, discharged December, 1781 ; Benjamin Butler, en- 
listed March 5, 1777, discharged March 20, 1780; Josiah Clarke, enlisted 
May 9, 1777, died November 20, 1781 ; Thomas George, enlisted January i, 
1777, discharged January 25, 1780; Thomas Harvey, enlisted January i, 
1779, discharged December, 1781 ; John P. Hilton, enlisted January i, 1777, 
discharged February i, 1779; Benjamin McAllister, enlisted January i, 1777, 
died March 7, 1778; Paul McCoy, enlisted April 20, 1779, discharged Decem- 
ber, 1781 : Bradstreet Mason, enlisted January 8, 1779, discharged December, 
1781 : John Pike, enlisted January i, 1777, discharged January, 1779; James 
Randall, enlisted January i, 1777, discharged January, 1779; Nathaniel Ran- 
dall, enlisted January i, 1777, discharged December, 1781 ; William Willey. 
enlisted January i, 1777, discharged December, 1781 ; Joseph York, enlisted 
March i, 1777, discharged December, 1781. 

In Colonel Reid's or Scammel's regiment were enrolled the following 
Continental .soldiers, viz. : Thomas Hall, William Simpson, Nich. Leathers, 
Jonathan Morgan, Joseph Avery, Moses Da\-is, John \A^elch, Thomas Welch, 
Matthew Welcli, Richard Sanborn, Joseph Nealey. John Mills, John Clark, 
Jesse Clarke, James Harvey. 

North Hampton claimed Jonatlian Morgan, James Harvey, and York. 
Captain Butler commanded a company in Colonel Thomas Bartlett's regi- 
ment. 

After the battle of Bunker Hill, in which Capt. Henry Dearborn was 
engaged, he. in the fall of 1773, again commanded a company in Arnold's 
regiment, which marched to Quebec by the way of Kennebec River. He was 
there taken prisoner in the attack upon Quebec, when General Montgomery 
was slain. The following soldiers were enrolled in his company from Not- 
tingham, viz. : James Beverly, John P. Hilton, and Samuel Sias. 

In Capt. Henry Dearborn's company, Stark's regiment, at Bunker Hill, 
we find the following soldiers: John Bickford, Andrew Nealey, Nath. Batch- 
elder, John Nealey, Samuel Sias, Nicholas Brown, J. Runnells, Benjamin 
Berry, Sherburn Dearborn, James Beverly, John Harvey, Robert Morrison, 
Josliua Wells, .Andrew Bickford, Theo. Case, James Garland, Mark Whid- 
den, Benjamin Johnson, Jonah Moody, Clement Moody, Jonathan Dow. Jo- 
seph Jackson, Jacob Morrill, Peter Severance, William McCrillis, mortally 
wounded. 

Weymouth Wallace was severely wounded in Bunker Hill battle; Neal 
McGaffey was also slightly wounded. They were of Dearborn's company, 
but of Epsom : also Andrew McGaffey. David Mudgett also, of Gilmanton 
or Barnstead, who lost his gun. 

Deerfield soldiers: Francis Ames, enhsted March j8, 1778. discharged 
February 7, 1780; Jonathan Griffin, enlisted April 5, 1781, died October i, 
1781; Joseph Grant, enlisted .April 13, 1781, discharged December, 1781 ; 
John Hall, enlisted March 12, 1778, discharged December. 1781 : Nathaniel 
Moulton. enlisted January i, 1777, discharged December, 1781 : John McCoy, 
enlisted March 12. 1778, discharged March 12, 1781 ; Daniel McCoy, enlisted 
March 17, 1778, discharged December, 1781; Thomas McLaughlin, enlisted 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 609 

March 12, 1778, discharged March 12, 1781 ; Joseph Norris, enhsted March 
4, 1778, discharged February 4, 1781 ; Jethro Pettengill, enhsted March 6, 
1778, discharged December, 1781 ; John Riddle, enlisted March 7, 1778. dis- 
charged February, 1781 ; Peter Stevens, enlisted March 7, 1781, discharged 
December, 1781 ; Bernard Sargent, enlisted March 7, 1781, discharged De- 
cember, 1 781. Lieut. Joseph Hilton was wounded at Saratoga and left the 
service. 

In Colonel Scammel's regiment I find the name of Abraham Potter, who 
died at Saratoga October, 1777, probably from wounds received at the battle 
October 7th. Also the names of Chase Page, James Robinson, John Abbott, 
Reuben Rand, Ezekiel Thurston, Robert Chase, Benjamin Towle, Nathaniel 
Batchelder, Josiah Batchelder, Jacob Morse, Daniel Mathes, Thomas Mat- 
thews, John Jewell. Most of the last named men were Continental soldiers, 
enrolled in Scammel's or Reid's regiment. 

Captain Sanborn was wounded at Saratoga. He belonged to Deerfield. 
He was an officer in Colonel Evans' regiment. In his company were enrolled 
Joseph Hoit, Deerfield ; John Chandler, \orthwood ; Jonathan Haw kins, Not- 
tingham; Joseph Langley, Nottingham: Benjamin Langley, Nottingham; 
John Robertson. We do not present here a perfect list of this company. 

Xortlizvood Soldiers. — William Wallace was first lieutenant in Capt. John 
Drew's company, of Barrington. in the regiment commanded by Colonel 
Hale, afterwards by Col. George Reid, of Derry, 1777. In July, 1776, he 
was first lieutenant in Capt. Joseph Chandler's company. Col. Isaac Wyman's 
regiment. 

In Col. Joseph Cilley's regiment w ere enrolled : Benjamin Dowe, enlisted 
January i, 1777, discharged December, 1781 ; Levi Hutchinson, enlisted April 
20, 177S, discharged December, 1781. 

In other Continental regiments were enrolled Philip Fowler, John Har- 
vey, Benjamin Sanborn, .\ndrew \\illey, John Knight, Sanuiel Trickey. John 
Bickford. 

In addition to the above names, which were furnished by the Hon. George 
W. Nesmith for Mr. Cogswell's history, he adds the following names from 
Deerfield, the most of whom are known to have done service in the Revolu- 
tion. Joseph H. Seavey and Isaac Moore enlisted as three years' men. 

Among those who served three months' and six months' enlistments are 
the following, while it should be remembered that not a few of them enlisted 
several times during the conflict : Edward Dearborn, Joseph Marston, David 
Moulton, Daniel Seavey, Robert Simpson, Joseph True, Nicholas Hoitt, John 
Kelley, James Morse, Joseph Chase. F'arker Chase, Aaron I'age, Jacob Hunt, 
Asa Aloulton, Andrew Kenniston, Samuel Collins, Capt. Daniel Moore, Rob- 
ert Smart, Jeremiah Sawyer, Parker Chase, Jr., True Brown, Robert Lock, 
Reuben Doe, Caleb Philbrick, a son of Josiah Sawyer, a son of John Morse, 
a son of Lieutenant Chase, Jonathan York, Ezekiel Knowles. 

In addition to the names given us from Northwood we find the following : 
Samuel Johnson, \\'illiam Wallace, Eliphalet Taylor, William Blake. Na- 
thaniel Twombly, Benjamin Johnson, Jr., Simon Batchelder, .Abraham Batch- 
elder, John Johnson, Benjamin Hill, Nicholas Dudley Hill. John Wiggin, 
William Willey, Jo.shua Furber. 

In the census for 1840 it was required that the names and ages of all 
persons receiving pensions for services rendered in the wars of the Revolu- 
tion and 1812 should be returned, and the result was as follows: 



610 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Nottingham. — Betsey Langley, 88; Sally Witham, 85; Abigail Wescott. 
75 ; Sarah Chapman, 78 ; Lovey Pickering, 88 ; Abner Davis, 86 ; Jonathan 
Davis, 84; Joseph Cilley, 49; John Crawford, 55. 

Dcertteld. — Sally Mathers, 75; Moses Chase, 78; Francis Rollins, 79; 
Joshua Veasey, 80; John Stearns, 80; Ezekiel Knowles, 85; Jenette Blue, 75; 
Asa Folsom, 86; Abijah Ring, 65; Joseph Robinson, 84. 

Northtvood. — Abigail Knight, 86; Lydia \\"eeks, 68; John Chesley, 89; 
Joseph Shaw, 90; Simon Batchelder, 80; John Johnson, 83; John Bickford, 
80: Betsey Furber, 95; Sarah Fogg, 82; Ebenezer Bennett, 78. 

CAPT. HENRY DEAKBORN's COMPANY 

Franklin, August, 31, 1878. 
Rev. Mr. Cogswell. 

My Dear Sir. — I send you a correct list of the men that composed 
Capt. Henry Dearborn's company in the Bunker Hill battle and subsequent 
campaign. We leave you to fix the residences of most of the men : Capt. 
Henry Dearborn, Nottingham ; First Lieut. .Amos Morrill, Epsom ; Second 
Lieut. Michael McClary, Epsom ; First Sergt. Jona. Clarke ; Second Sergt. 
And. McGaffey, Epsom ; Third Sergt. Joseph Jackson, Nottingham ; First 
Corp. Jonah Moody, Second Corp. Andrew Field, Third Corp. Jona. Oilman, 
Fourth Corp. Andrew Bickford, Simon Dearborn, Gideon Glidden, James 
Garland, John Harvey, Da\id Mudgett, Simon Sanborn, Robert Morrison, 
John Runnels, John Nealey, Joseph Place, Abram Pettengale, Andrew Nea- 
ley, Peter Severance, John Wallace, Theoph. Case, Epsom ; Israel Clifford, 
Nathaniel Batchelder, died November 22, 1776; Jacob Morrill, John Simp- 
son. John Wallace. Jr., Neal McGaffey, Jonah Libbey. Moses Locke, Francis 
Locke, Zebulon Marsh, Solomon Moody, Chase ^\'hatcher, Marsh Whitten. 
Noah Sinclair, drummer; James Randell, fifer; Nich. Brown, Benj. Berry, 
Epsom ; John Casey, Jona. Cram, Jeremiah Conner, Elisha Hutchinson, Dud- 
ley Hutchinson, Benj. Judkins, Josh. Wells, Jere. Dowe, Jona. Dowe, John 
Dwyer. David Page, Jr., Beniah Libbey, Wm. Rowell, Weymouth Wallace, 
Thomas Walsh. William McCrillis, Samuel Winslow. enlisted July 10, 1775; 
Francis Locke. Jr., enlisted July 8, 1775. 

Weymouth W allace. of Epsom, was wounded, and received from govern- 
ment an invalid pension. 

William McCrillis. of Epsom, also was mortally wounded, and died early 
in July, 1775. His widow received half-pay under subsequent statute law 
of this state. 

Lieut. Joseph Hilton, of Deerfield, who was wounded at Saratoga, recov- 
ered so far as to do some duty, finally resigned his commission October 10, 
1778, 

Lieut. Jose])h Thomas, who belonged to Capt. Daniel Livermore's com- 
pany, and was killed at Saratoga, was paid by Deerfield. 

There were two officers of the same name, one of them belonged to 
Rindge. 

John Harvey, of Xorthwood. was sergeant, was promoted to ensign's 
commission March 9, 1779, and to lieutenant's commission May 12. 1781. 
He was also quartermaster for some months in 1780. 

In writing the biography of Gen. Ilenry Dearborn I supjwse you will not 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 611 

forget to state the courtesies rendered by Peter Livias, the Tory councilor at 
Quebec, when Dearborn was made prisoner, and by Lixias' influence was 
paroled and sent home, under the injunction to forward his wife and chil- 
dren to him from Portsmouth to Quebec. All this was done very promptly 
b\- Captain Dearborn in 1776. 

Truly yours, etc., 

Geo. W. Nesmith. 

Soldiers in the War of 1812 from Nottingham. — James Atwood, sixty 
days : Samuel Brown, sixty days ; Ebenezer Chapman, three months ; Valen- 
tine Davis, three months : John Demerit, sixty days ; Henry Eames, sixty 
days : Nathan W. Gove, three months ; Asa Hardy, sixty days ; Oliver Leath- 
ers, sixty days ; David Odell, three months : Israel Putnam, sixty days ; Simeon 
Rand, three months; Hezekiah Randall, sixty days: Reub. Richardson, three 
months ; Edward Richardson, sixty days ; John Rollins, three months ; John 
Runnels, three months; Rufus Seavy, sixty days; Oliver Sprague, sixty days; 
Samuel Steele, three months ; Henry Tarbox, sixty days ; Samuel Thurston, 
sixty days ; John Weymouth, three months ; Josiah W'hicher. 

Soldiers in the War of 1812 from DceiUcld. — David H. Allen, [oshua 
Bishop, True Brown, three months ; Bradbury Brown, three months ; Samuel 
Batchelder, three months ; Serg. Joshua Bishop, sixty days ; Stephen Brown, 
sixty days; James Brown, sixty days; Lowell Batchelder, sixty days; Levi 
Blaisdell, sixty days ; George F. Blaisdell, sixty days ; Stephen Bartlett, sixty 
days; David Bladgen, Jr., sixty days; William Coffin, substitute for Samuel 
Simpson; Samuel Coffin, substitute for David Chase; Capt. Sam. Collins, 
three months ; True Currier, three months ; Abraham Cram, three months ; 
Christopher Collins, sixty days ; Jcseph Chase, sixty days ; David Chase, sixty 
days; John Cochran, sixty days; John Cotton, sixty days; John Dearborn, 
three months ; William Durrer, sixty days ; James Dow, sixty days ; James 
Dalton, sixty days ; Jeremiah Eastman, sixty days ; Ebenezer Fogg, sixty 
days; Daniel Haynes, three months; John Hilton, three months; Ebenezer 
Huckins, sixty days; Capt. David Haynes, sixty days; Benjamin Hazletine, 
sixty days ; Caleb Judkins, sixty days ; Josiah Lunt, sixty days ; Reuben Lang- 
lee, sixty days ; Caleb Langley, sixty days ; Jesse Libby, sixty days ; John 
Langley, sixty days; — Mudgett, substitute for E. Thurston, three months; 
Nathaniel Marston, three months ; Jeremiah Alaloon, sixty days ; Joseph Mer- 
rill, sixty days; Jacob Nute; John Palmer, three months; Timothy Pearson, 
sixty days ; True Prescott, sixty days ; Stephen Prescott, sixty days ; Joseph 
Prescott. sixty days; Levi Palmer, sixty days; Reuben Prescott, sixty days; 
Josiah Rollins, sixty days ; Abraham Rowell, sixty days ; William Rand, sixty 
da3'S ; Stephen Smith, sixty days ; Samuel Stearns, sixty days ; Isaac Shep- 
hard, sixty days ; David Tandy, three months ; Abraham True, sixty days ; 
John M. Todd, sixty days ; Jacob Wallace, three months ; James W'hite, three 
months; Mesheck Weare, sixty days; John \^'allace. sixty days; Jonathan 
Veasey, sixty days. 

Soldiers in the U'ar of 1S12 from Northivood. — Israel Durgin, sixty days; 
Job Durgin, sixty days; George Hill, three months; Oliver Knowlton, three 
months ; Joseph Knowlton. three months ; Sergt. Curtis Laws ; Sergt. Gideon 
Moore; Burnham Morrill; David Rollins. Jr.. sixty days; John Smith, three 
months ; Samuel Small, sixty days ; Jeremiah Stokes, sixty days ; Isaac Willie. 
three months ; Levi York, sixtv davs. 



612 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion from Nottingham. — Oliver P. Batch- 
elder, Addison F. Bean. William H. Brown, Sherburne K. Burnham, John 
Carr. Daniel F. Copp, Jacob Demeritt, Corp. John A. Demeritt. John H. 
Dow, Bradbury C. Davis, Corp. John D. Daniels, Albert W. Demeritt, Charles 
Dinsmore. Daniel \V. Davis. L\Tnan Edgerly, Omri H. Eastman. Horace 
French, Gaj'ton W. Fuller. Samuel J. Furber, Alexander Guyon. Samuel 
Glover, ChaVles F. Gerrish, Corp. William H. Gilpatrick, Charles G. Harvey, 
Amos S. Holman : Bradbury \\'. Hill. William F. Holmes. Noah W. Holmes, 
John L. Holmes, Charles B. Har\-ey, George W. Jenness. David Jones, George 
Tohnson. Thomas J. Kelley. Thomas Kennedy, Levi Leathers. Daniel Leath- 
ers. W'illiam Libby, Robert W. Lucy, True W. Lovering, Charles Leathers, 
Andrew Lovering, Joseph A: Langley. Joseph Martin, Isaac E. Miller. John 
McColley. Elvin F. Nay, Moses B. Nealley, John Newton, Alexander Nichols, 
John R. S. Prescott, Thomas R. Prescott. Patrick Ryan. Samuel A. Simpson, 
Samuel Sayles, James \V. Smith, Horace Scales, Franklin Tilton. Joseph H. 
Thompson. Charles C. Tuttle. John H. P. Thompson. John P. H. Thompson, 
Sylvester E. Thompson. John Turpin, Levi C. Tuttle. Albert H. Tuttle. John 
M. Tuttle, Daniel A. Ure, Charles B. Wallace, Joseph \\'itham, Henry Wil- 
son, Harry Wade, John B. W^itham. 

Soldiers in the IVar of the Rebellion from Deertield. — Alexander W. 
Ainslee. Joseph B. Ayer. George A. Abbott, James R. Anderson, Corp. Alfred 
E. Ambrose. John Boody. George ^\'. Benson. James Boyd. John Bryson, 
Joseph C. Batchelder. Edmund R. Batchelder, Jonathan H. Batchelder, 
Charles H. Boody, Charles O. Brown, Edmund Batchelder. Franklin H. But- 
ler. Moses Barnard. George W. Corliss. Jesse H. Clay, Edward Carney, 
Charles N. Conway, Matthew Casey, Michael Coleman, Jolin W. Cook, Abel 
R. Cook, Charles H. Carter, John C. Chafin, Lieut. Jeremiah Chadwick. Jo- 
seph W. Chase. Joseph H. Cram. Lauty Conklin. James Dickey. Joseph A. 
Doe, James M. Dickey. George Day. Benjamin F. Dennet, Rufus E. Doe, 
Henrj' E. Durgin. Thomas Donohue. \\"illiam C. Donavan, John A. Emer- 
son. James Evans, Stephen F. Fogg, Henr\' M. Fife, Henry L. Fifield. James 
Gannon. Charles N. Graver. Rufus P. George. Jacob W. Hill, Charles E. P. 
Hoitt. Benjamin T- Hazleton. Albert M. Harvev, Ladd P. Haney, William 
E. Hill, Shemian'F. Hildreth. Isaac L. Hill, MVtin V. B. Hill, John Hen- 
derson, James Jenkins, George H. Johnson. Lieut. Merrill Johnson. Charles 
H. Jones, Thomas H. B. James, John Jones, S. P. Jagers, William Jenkins, 
\\'illiam H. Kenniston, James Kelly, \\'illiam Kenney, Thomas Kennerley, 
Edward F. Lyford, chaplain, George P. Ladd. John K. Law. William H. H. 
Lang, .\lmond S. Langley, Mitchell P. Legro. John Livingston. James Mcln- 
tyre, James Morrissey, John McGowan, Charles G. Marsh. Peter Menard, 
Capt. Isaac H. Morrison. Enoch F. Meloon, Samuel S. Meloon, Marvin L. 
Medlar, Frank O. ^larrifield. Joseph W. l\Iorrell. Henry J. Pettigrew. George 
P. Prescott. William H. Parsons. David M. Ouimby. John L. Randall. Dana 
D. Robinson, Christopher Ransch. Samuel J. Randall, James Ritchie, Jr., 
William Ritchie. Abijah Ring. Stephen B. Robinson. Jr.. Braning W. Robin- 
son, Francis F. Rollins, McNorman C. Smith, Peter Smith, Wilham Smith, 
Thomas W. Sanl)orn, David Smith. Jr.. Paschal Sturtivant. George F. Syl- 
vester. John Smith. Charles F. Smith. Charles F. Tilton. John O. Thomas, 
\\'illiam S. Thompson, George B. Tilton, John L. B. Thompson, Francis B. 
Thome, Charles H. Thompson, Charles E. Tilton, Charles S. Tyler, Henry 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 613 

Thompson, George Teel, Otis C. Witherell, George S. W'itherell, John L. 
Woodman, Ste|)hen W'lieeler, James Ward, Charles E. White, David 
Young, Jr. 

Soldiers ill the War of the Rebellion from Northzvood. — George H. 
Avery, John H. Bruce, Charles Brown, Ovide Baril, Patrick Butler, Daniel 
R. Brown, Ricliard Bennett, Paul P. Brown, Corp. Charles W. Bean, Charles 
Brown, W'illiam D. Burnhani, John Bradley, James M. Canny, Henry L. 
Carter, Francis S. Clay, William Chesley, Thomas Casey, Patrick Comstock, 
John Clark, Eugene L. Cutler, James Donoughoue, Charles P. Durgin, 
Thomas Downy, Samuel T. Dow, Pearly B. Dow, Corp. William A. Dow, 
John R. Davis. William H. Day, Henry T. Day, Jonathan C. Drake, James 
English, John A. Enrerson, Edward Fisher, George Fife, William Fife, 
Charles W. Foss, William W . Furber, George \V. Greenleaf, John F. Good- 
win, William S. Gray, Alben Hall, Capt. Augustus J. Hoitt, Byron D. Hoitt, 
John C. Hanscom, Joshua J. Hoitt, Chrisham F. Hyes, William Hartman, 
James Harris, Alfred R. Hill, William T. Jones, Samuel S. Johnson, George 
F. Johnson, Corp. Benjamin F. Kelly, Jesse M. Knowles, Sergt. Charles H. 
Kelley, Samuel P. Knowles, George Knowlton, James M. Kempton, George 
W\ Lawrence, Joseph P. Lovering John L. Lancaster, Charles H. Miller, 
Andrew Morton, Corp. John G. Morrison, Corp. Andrew J. Morrison, 
Charles H. Miller, Ira Meserve, Henry Norton, Charles A. Norcross, John 
O'Brien, James Poole, George H. Page, Charles H. Randall, Henry L. Ran- 
dall, John H. Ross, Arthur Reynolds, John Richardson, Eben R. Richard- 
son, Alvin H. Roberts, .^Iphonze S. Reynolds, William .\. Reynolds. Mason 
F. Reynolds, Joseph Roderick, John B. Riber, Smith M. Seavey, John Smith, 
Charles Stockman, John .\. Smith, Barnard Smith, Sergt. Jeremiah J. Swain, 
John W. Small, James Sanborn, Joseph Trombly, William R. Tuttle, .Alfred 
Taylor, William \\'ilson, David P. \\'atson, Rowell S. Williams, Lieut. Plum- 
mer D. Watson, Sergt. John ^\'aldo, Reuben B. Watson, James C. Watson. 

In 1873 tlie centennial celebration was held. The historical address was 
by Rev. Mr. Cogswell and poem by Miss Susan C. Willey of Kansas. 
Among the speakers was T. J. Piukham of Chelmsford. Mass.. who pre- 
sented a stalled ox which had l^een roasted whole for the centennial dinner. 

Northivood Public Library was established with state aid in 1892, and 
contains over one thousand three hundred volumes, located in a dwelling 
house. 

The Albion Knozdton Library, North wood, was established in 1899 with- 
out state aid and contains over two thousand two hundred volumes. It 
serves part of Nottingham and Barrington, as well as Northwood. 

A. E. Cotton is the resident lawyer. Tlie physicians are: J. P. Merrill, 
C. W. Hanson and H. R. Whitney. 

The societies are: Olive Branch; E(piity Lodge; River Encampment, 
I. O. O. F. ; Forest Reljekah Lodge; Xorthwood Grange; Mountain Laurel 
Grange ; Morrison Lodge ; A. F. and A. M. ; Charles H. Holt Post, G. A. R. ; 
Woman's Relief Corps, and Maple Hill Rebekah Lodge. 

Since the first shoe factory was built at East Northwood in 1866 by John 
and .Alpha Pillsbury the shoe business has had many fluctuations and some 
misfortunes, the greatest being the loss of J. R. Towle & Son's new factory 
by fire in 1895. 



CHAPTER XLVI 

NOTTINGHAM 

Geographical — Topotjraphical — Petition for a Grant of the Toivn — Name of 
Town — The Royal Grant — Original Proprietors — The Survey — Ecclesias- 
tical — Attorneys — Physicians — Early Families — Public Library — The 
Square — Rcz'olutionary — Indians 

The town of Nottingham Hes in the northern part of the county, and is 
bounded as follows : on the north and east by Strafford County, on the south 
by Epping and Ravinond, and on the west by Deerfield and Northwood. The 
surface is hilly and rugged. The population by the United States census of 
1910 was 607. 

Nottingham originally comprised, in addition to its present territory, 
that of the present towns of Deerfield and Northwood, and was granted in 
1 72 1, chiefly to inhabitants of Boston and Newbury, Mass., and New Hamp- 
shire. 

The petition for this tract of land was under date of .\pril 21, 1721, and 
was signed by loi persons. 

After the petition had been granted, but before the royal charter was 
received, the proprietors at Boston, at a legal meeting, voted that the pur- 
chase should be called New Boston, and why the name of Nottingham should 
appear in the charter instead is not known. 

The royal charter was obtained May 10, 1722. It was given by "George, 
by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland King. Defender of 
the Faith, etc.," and signed by Samuel Shute. 

Original Proprietors. — The following is a list of the original proprietors 
of the town : Joseph Maylem, Ezekiel Walker, Elisha Story, James Pitson, 
Nathl Martin, John Walker, Peregrin \\'hite. Thomas Mandsly, Francis 
Hatton, Richd Greggory, Willm Pitson, John Grainger. Saml \Miitwell, John 
Warrin, Zach. Fitch, David Chapin, Wm Pearse, Nicho Belknap, Ebenr Bur- 
gess. James Stringer, John Brown, James \\"right, David Dolbeare, John 
Brock, John Russell, Stephen Perks, Willm Young, Nathl Hasy, John Pratt, 
Jeremiah Staniford. Ebene;;er Messenger, Peter Gibbins, Benjamin Gambling, 
Thomas Phipps, Thomas Peirce, Clement Hughes. Majr John Gilman, Capt 
John Gilman, Benjn Harris, Willm Briggs, John Goodman, John Allen, 
Joseph Dodge, Thomas Creese, Willm Creese. Willm Cleferton, Richard 
Heard. Samuel Durant. John Proctor. Thomas Clerk, James Gumming, 
Robert Auchmuty, John Steel, Nathl Joslin, Jabez Joslin. Saml Story. Willm 
Langdon. Clement Renough, Joseph Calfe, Thomas Ward. Jeremiah Calfe, 
Saml Kindal, Willm Partridge. Henry Somerby, Edwd Sargent, Joseph 
Chandler, John Calfe, Mary Plummer, S. Bradstreet. Robert Addams. John 
Tufts. Thomas Arnold, Nathl Sargent, Jotham Odiorn, Benning Wentworth, 

614 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 615 

John Newton, Joseph Richards, Benjamin Bickford, Jonathn Clement, Faun 
Clement, Daniel Sawyer, Beniah Titcomb, Nathl Hale, John Calfe Junr, 
John Bayly, Job Giddins, Mary Cottle, Richard Williams, Sarah Boardman, 
John Wiat, Joshua Moody, Anne Smith, Benj. Woodbridge, Richard Kent, 
Jacob Knowl, Samuel Jones, Aaron Morril, Stephn Sawyer Junr, Philip 
Hodgkins, Cutting Noyes, Abram Rowel, Mary Somerby, Stephen Ackerman, 
Marv Wheeler, John Faver, Ostin Boardman, Thomas Dean, Moses Stickny, 
John W'adleigh, Stephen Coffin, Stephen Coffin, Stephen Coffin, Edward 
Hall. Joseph Hall, Peter Oilman, Nathl Rodgers, George Smith, Richard 
Wilborn. 

Province of New Hampshire, May ii, 1722. 

His Excellency the Governour, The Honourable the Lieut.-Govr, and the 
Council enterd associates with the within named persons, viz. : 

His Excellency, a home Lott and farm of Five Hundd Acres. 

The Lieut. Governor, the Same. 

.Saml Penhallow, a Proprietor's Share. 

Mark Hunking, Ditto. 

George Jaffrey, Ditto. 

Shedrech Walton, Ditto. 

Richard Wibird, Ditto. 

Thomas Westbrook, Ditto. 

Thomas Packer, Ditto. 

Archd Maxfedrice, Ditto. 
1722. 1723. 

June 13, admitted proprietors. March 2O, admitted proprietors. 

Joseph Savel, Joseph Joslin, 

Robt Pike, Joshua Peirce, 

Eleazer Russell, Nath'l Rodgers, 

John Cutt. First Minister. 

Joseph Moulton, The whole 132 shares. 

June 13, 1722, at a meeting of proprietors held at E.xeter, at the house 
of Maj. John Oilman, it was voted, "That Maj. John Oilman, Capt. John 
Oilman, and Capt. John Wadleigh be a committee to agree with men to 
build a bridge and make good ways to Nottingham." 

Selectmen seem for the first time to have been chosen at the annual meet- 
ing of the proprietors at Portsmouth. March 26, 1723. This meeting was 
held at the house of Mrs. Suzanna Small. '"Col. Thomas Packer, Esq., was 
chosen moderator, John Calfe, clerk." And the selectmen were "Mr. Elisha 
Story at Boston, Capt. Edward Sargent at Newbury, and Mr. Benj. Gambling 
at Portsmouth." 

The town was surveyed in 1732 by John Brown and Stephen Hosmer, Jr. 

Ecclesiastical. — The institution of religious worship was contemporary 
with the settlement of the town. The first preacher was Reverend Mr. 
Maylem, in 1729. He was succeeded by Revs. Joshua Moody, Stephen Emery, 
Mr. McClintock, Mr. Goodhue, Benjamin Butler, Oliver Dodge, James 
Hobart. A church building was erected early in the history of the town, and 
a second one in about 1804 or 1803, which was taken down in 1840. 

When the Congregational Church was organized we cannot tell ; the people 
united in church relations in 1742. Rev. Stephen Emery preached for seven 



616 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

years, followed by Rev. Benjamin Butler and Rev. J. LeBosquet. In 1840 
a church was organized. This was the third that had been formed, the first 
two having ceased to be. Rev. Jonathan Ward, Rev. E. C. Cogswell, Rev. 
E. Uow and Rev. C. H. Gates supplied at different times. Rev. E. C. Cogs- 
well was the author of "History of Nottingham, Deerfield and Northwood." 
"The Eree-Will Baptist Church was long since organized, and was min- 
istered unto by Elders Dyer, Tuttle, and others, while a Christian Baptist 
congregation centered at Tuttle's Corner. The Universalists claimed one- 
third of the meeting-house at the Centre, and sustained worship one-third of 
the time. Adventists held meetings in various parts of the town at their 
convenience and as interest demanded." — Cogswell. 

Rev. I. D. Morrison is the present minister of the Universalist Society. 
One hundred and four signed the Association Test and twenty-five refused 
or neglected to sign, but nine of the twenty-five advanced money to hire men 
to go to Crown Point. 

For military record, see history of Northwood. 

Attorneys-at-Law. — Jonathan Rawson, a native of Massachusetts, com- 
menced practice in 178 — , removed to Dover, died 1794, aged thirty-six. 

Jonathan Steele, a native of Peterborough, practiced law for a while in 
Nottingham. His wife was a daughter of General Sullivan. Was appointed, 
judge of the Superior Court of Judicature in 1810 and served until 1812. 

Thomas Bartlett was appointed a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 
a county court, in 1790, and continued until 1805. 

Bradbury Bartlett was appointed judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 
1832. He was son of Judge Thomas Bartlett. 

James H. Butler was appointed to the same office. 

Physicians. — Samuel Shepard, Henry Dearborn, and Charles S. Downs 
have practiced medicine here. 

Early Families.' — Among the early families are mentioned those of Bart- 
lett, Butler, Cilley, Colcord, Dearborn, Demeritt, Gerrish, Gile, Goodrich, 
(iove, Harvey, Kelsey, Langley, Lucy, McClary, McCrillis, Marsh, Nealley, 
Norris, Scales, Simpson Stevens, Tuttle, Watson and Winslow. 

Nottingham Public Library was established with state aid in 1893. It 
contains about one thousand volumes. Pistuccoway is the name of the grange 
in Nottingham. The editor is indebted to the well known historian John 
Scales of Dover, a native of Nottingham, for the following sketches of 
"Nottingham Square," "The Company of April, 1775," and "In Indian 
Times." 

Nottiiujhaui Square. — After the Royal Charter was signed by Governor 
Shute. no settlements of any account were made until after 1732, when the 
first survey was made by John Brown and Stephen Hosmer, Jr. An elaborate 
plan ot Nottingham Square was made, which is still preserved with the 
town records. 

That "Scjuare" is the same today as it was when the first settlers built 
their houses on its sides. No land owner has ever l>een permitted to encroach 
upon it. The location is level, on the summit of a magnificent hill, which 
commands far-reaching views at all points of compass. 

The roads leading from it are the same today (1914) as they were 
marked out on the surveyor's plan. The road to the northeast is King Street; 
that to the southeast is Queen Street: that to the southwest is Fi.sh Street; 
that to the northwest is North Street. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 617 

Joseph Nealley who was an oflicer in the Revolution resided on North 
Street, a short distance from Colonel Bartlett's store. It is one of the most 
beautiful locations about the Square. Two of his grandsons, Benjamin F. 
and John H. Nealley were mayors of Dover, N. H. A great granddaughter 
was wife of United States Senator James W. Grimes of Iowa. His grand- 
son, Capt. Joseph Cilley, who was also a grandson of Col. Joseph Cilley, of 
the Revolution, was a bra\e officer in the War of 1812. In later years he 
was known as Col. Joseph Cilley, and his grandfather as Gen. Joseph Cilley, 
they obtaining their titles by service in the State Militia. 

Capt. Joseph Cilley resided in the house that stands on the south- 
west corner of the Square, and which is the residence of his grandson, Joseph 
Cilley (1914). 

Rev. Benjamin Butler, the first minister of Nottingham (1757). He 
came to Nottingham in 1755, and at first resided where Joseph Cilley now 
lives but in 1750 he bought of Gov. Benning VVentworth the lot on which 
the present Butler residence now stands, and built that house that year, 
and took up his residence there, since when it has remained continuously 
in possession of the Butler family, 158 years. 

Dr. Henry Dearborn, known in history as Gen. Henry Dearborn, 
had a house on the north side of the Square, on the east side of the street; 
the "Elsie Cilley Cilley Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution," has 
marked a spot with a stone marker. 

Capt. Cutting Cilley lived on the north side of the Square, near Col. 
Thomas Bartlett. Nottingham Square furnished more officers in New Hamp- 
shire Revolutionary army than any other town in the state except one or 
two that had a larger population. Joseph Cilley was colonel of the Second 
New Hampshire Regiment, and in the service three years ; after the war he 
was general of the New Hampshire Militia, and is known as General Cilley. 

In the southeast corner of the "Square" was placed the schoolhouse; it 
has been there continuously to the present time. In the northwest corner 
was the meeting-house and the town meetings were held there until about 
i860, when the meeting-house was removed and a town house was built at 
the foot of the hill ; on the north side where town meetings have since been 
held, the locality is known as Nottingham Center. In the southwest corner 
the garrison house, in connection with a large store-house was built. The 
first minister's house was close by, on the west, where now (1914) Mr. 
Joseph Cilley resides. Dwelling houses were located on all the streets, down 
the hill-sides and "The Square" was the center of business for more than a 
a century and a quarter, and during that time the families of good influence 
in town and county lived here, the Cilleys, the Bartletts, the Butlers, the Simp- 
sons, and others: it was from here that Gen. Ulysses Simpson Grant's 
ancestor emigrated to Ohio (before it was Ohio), from whom the general 
received his middle name, Simpson. 

Joseph Cilley, father of Col. Joseph Cilley of Revolutionary fame, 
loca'ted on Queen Street, near the line of the Square, and there his descendants 
lived until after the close of the nineteenth century. 

William Nealley, ancestor of a distinguished family, lived on the same 
road about a mile from the "Square." Israel Bartlett, father of Col. Thomas 
Bartlett, who commanded a regiment at ^^'est Point, in the Revolution built 
his house on King Street, a short distance from the "Square." 



618 HISTORY OP' ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Another Colonel Thomas resided until his death in 1803. Colonel 
Thomas had a store on the northwest corner of the "Square," which was 
removed in x8o6, when his son Bradbury Bartlett built the house which 
now (1914) stands there, owned by his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Brainard. who 
is now in her ninety-third year. 

Thomas Bartlett was member of the Committee of Safety, and besides 
holding other important positions was colonel of a New Hampshire regiment 
that served at West Point. After the war he was major general of the New 
Hampshire Militia, succeeding his father-in-law Gen. Joseph Cilley. For the 
last ten years of his life he was one of the judges of the Court of Common 
I'leas. 

Dr. Henry Dearborn, wlio was brother-in-law of Col. Thomas Bartlett, 
having married Mary Bartlett, his sister, was captain of a company in Col. 
John Stark"s regiment at the battle of Bunker Hill. Next he was captain 
of a company that went to Quebec, in the fall of 1775 with the regiment 
under command of Benedict Arnold, marching up the Valley of the Kennebec 
River, to its head waters and then through the forest to Quebec. He was 
taken prisoner there December 31st, but was released on parole in May, 
1776, and exchanged in March, 1777, when he was appointed major in Scam- 
mell's (Third N. H.) Regiment, and served bravely in the battles of Still- 
water, Bemis" Heights, Saratoga, Monmouth and Newton. In 1781 he was 
appointed deputy quartermaster general on Washington's staff, with rank 
of colonel and served at the Siege of Yorktown. At the close of the Revolu- 
tion he resided in the District of Maine, where he was member of Congress; 
L'nited States marshal ; major general of militia : secretary of war in Presi- 
dent Jefiferson's cabinet from 1801 to 1809. Major general United States 
army in command of Northern Department from January 2j, 1812, serving 
till close of the war. Minister to Portugal from May, 1822, to June, 1824. 
On his return he settled in Roxbury, Mass., where he died June 6, 1829. 

He was bom in North Hampton, N. H., Feb. 23, 1751. General Dear- 
born in person was large and commanding, frank in his manners, and remark- 
able for his integrity. He published an account of the battle of Bunker Hill, 
and wrote a journal of his expedition to Canada, imprisonment at Quebec 
and other adventures. 

Henry Butler, son of Rev. Benjamin Butler, who was born in 1754. was 
lieutenant in Capt. Joseph Parson's company, at Rhode Island, August, 1778. 
and captain of a company in Col. Thomas Bartlett's regiment at West Point. 
After the war he succeeded General Bartlett as major general of the militia, 
which office he held until his death January 17, 1808. 

Cutting Cilley, a younger brother of Gen. Joseph Cilley, was captain 
of a company that was organized in Nottingham in the fall of 1775, and was 
stationed on Peirce's Island to defend Portsmouth Harbor against the ex- 
pected attack by the British war ships, which had destroyed Falmouth. Maine, 
and he with his company, remained in the New Hampshire coast defense 
through the year 1776 and part of 1777. Later he did other service in the 
war. Other Nottingham men held positions as lieutenant and lower offices 
in companies. So the Revolutionary military record of this town is one 
of the l>est in the state. 

The Coiiipany of April, ijj^. — Dr. Henry Dearborn, who was bom in 
North Hampton, February 23. 1751, studied medicine and commenced prac- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 619 

tice of his profession, when he was twenty-one years old, in 1772, at Notting- 
ham Square. During that year he was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
Bartlett, sister of Colonel Thomas, and they commenced house-keeping in a 
house that stood on the east side of the road, that leads north from the 
"Square" and next to it. The spot is marked by a granite marker placed 
there by the D. A. R. of Nottingham. While he was studying medicine he 
also studied the military tactics of that period. He at once became popular 
with the people, being affable in his manners and thoroughly versed in his 
profession of medicine. His brother-in-law, Thomas Bartlett, kept a store 
of general supplies of everything in demand by the townspeople. 

This was on the west side of the "Square," a short distance from Doctor 
Dearborn's residence. This store was the news center of the town; so of 
evenings and leisure days, everybody, from time to time, came in there to 
trade and get the latest news from Portsmouth and Boston, in regard to the 
approaching conflict with the Mother Country. As the news grew more war- 
like Doctor Dearborn suggested that the townsmen organize a company for 
drill in military tactics, and he would act as drill master, the large level 
open space on the "Square" affording an admirable place for the drill. 

His suggestion was adopted and during the year 1774 quite a lot of 
active and very efikient work was done under Doctor Dearborn's instruction. 
Men came there for instruction from all the towns around. Some of 
these men were with Major John Sullivan, December 15, 1774, when he 
took the gims and powder up to Durham from Fort William and Mary. 
Doctor Dearborn kept the men drilling all winter, 1774-75, as opportunity 
and weather permitted. On November, 1774, a town meeting was held, at 
which a committee was appointed to "inspect into any person" suspected of 
being a Tory. 

Early in the morning of the 20th of April, 1775, the news of the battle 
at Lexington and Concord reached Thomas Bartlett's store on Nottingham 
Square; from there messengers were sent in all directions carrying the news 
and a call from Doctor Dearborn for the men who had been drilling to 
assemble on the "Square" as soon as possible to organize and march for 
Boston. At 4 o'clock in the afternoon of that day 100 men had assembled 
on the "Square," armed and equipped with the best they had, ready to start 
for the seat of war. Doctor Dearborn took command as he had been their 
drill master, and at that hour they started for Medford, Mass., going through 
Epping, Brentwood, Kingston, etc., to Haverhill and thence by the nearest 
roads to the objective point, a distance of sixty miles, at least from the 
"Square." The tradition is that they arrived at Medford at 4 o'clock on 
the morning of the 21st; all accounts are agreed that the arrival was before 
sunrise; so those patriots accomplished long and hard journey in twelve 
hours, or a little more, which is one of the quickest military marches on record, 
and the most difficult part of it was traversed at night. After remaining 
there a while most of the men returned home, there being no apjiarent need 
for them to remain, but Doctor Dearborn remained and helped organize 
companies and regiments of New Hampshire men who later participated in 
the siege of Boston. Doctor Dearborn was then twenty-four years old. 
That march to Medford closed his career as a physician and opened his 
military career and brilliant and long public career as already stated. 

It is not possible to obtain all the names of the men who participated in 



620 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

that famous march, but the following are known to have been among the 
number: Henry Dearborn, Joseph Cille)-, Jr., Thomas Bartlett, Henry 
Butler, Zephaniah Butler, John Simpson, Xatlianiel Batchelder, Daniel Moore, 
Peter Thurston, Andrew McClary, Benjamin Johnson, Cutting Cilley, Joseph 
Jackson, ^-Vndrew Nealley, Samuel Johnson, Robert Morrison, VVilliam 
W'oolis, Eliphalet Taylor, William Blake, Nathaniel Twombly, Simon Batch- 
elder, Abraham Batchelder, Simon Marston, Moses Oilman, VVilliam Simp- 
son, John Nealley and Samuel Sias. All these men did good service in the 
war from time to time, during the eight years that followed. Zephaniah 
Butler was brother-in-law to Col. Joseph Cilley, and was one of his staff 
officers in several campaigns. His grandson. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, was 
one of the distinguished men in the Civil war. John Simpson was one of 
Captain Dearborn's company at the battle of Bunker Hill, and is said to 
have been the man who fired the first gun at the "rail fence" under Colonel 
Stark. In 1778 he was lieutenant in Capt. Simon Marston's company, in 
Colonel Peabody's regiment, and was subsequently promoted to major. 

His brother Robert Simpson, who also served in the war, is the great- 
grandfather of Gen. Ulysses Simpson Grant. Joseph Jackson was sergeant 
in Captain Dearborn's company at Bunker Hill ; later he was captain of a 
company in several campaigns. Many years after the battle of Bunker Hill, 
about 1 818, Captain Dearborn published an account of it as he saw it. 

In his description Captain Dearborn says he was by the side of Colonel 
Stark as the regiment marched over Charlestown neck, where a British 
floating battery in Mystic River was throwing round, bar and chain shot 
over the road on which the New Hampshire men had to march. Captain 
Dearborn says : 

"My company being in front, I marched by the side of Colonel Stark, 
who moving with a very deliberate pace, I suggested the propriety of quicken- 
ing the march of the regiment, that it might sooner be relieved from the 
galling cross fire of the enemj-. With a look peculiar to himself he fixed 
his eyes upon me and observed with great composufe 'Dearborn ! one fresh 
man in action is worth ten fatigued ones,' and continued to advance in the 
same cool and collected manner." 

This was about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and they kept on their way, 
and soon arrived at the position assigned them at the rail fence. Speaking 
of his position there Captain Dearborn says: 

"My position in the battle, more the result of accident than any regularity 
of formation, was on the right of the line, at the rail fence, which afforded 
me a fair view of the whole scene of action. My men were intent on cutting 
down every officer in the British line. When any of them discovered one, 
he would instantly exclaim, 'There! see that officer! let us have a shot at him.' 
Then, two or three would fire at the same moment ; and as our soldiers were 
excellent marksmen, and rested their muskets over the fence, they were sure 
to make him fall. An officer was discovered to mount near the position of 
General Howe, on the left of the British line and ride towards our left, 
which a column was endeavoring to turn ; this was the only officer on horse- 
back during the day, and as he approached the rail fence. I heard a number 
of our men observe, 'There! there! see that officer on horseback, let us fire!' 
'No. not yet. wait till he gets to that little knoll — now!' My men fired and 
he fell dead from his horse. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 621 

"It is a very pleasing thought to me to know that my great-grandfather, 
Nathaniel Batchelder, stood beside Captain Dearborn that day and did his 
duty bravely with the rest. 

NOTTINGHAM IN INDIAN TIMES 

On Flag Day. June 14, 1902, Mr. Scales delivered the following address. 
It was prepared more especially for the children who were present from 
ever}' section of the town : , 

"The regent of Elsa Cilley Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolu- 
tion, requested me to appear before you and tell you something about the 
Indians who used to li\'e in Nottingham or visit here when they were carrying 
on war and hunting for white men's scalps. Your school books have a good 
deal to say about Indians in general, but do not say much about them in 
Nottingham. 

"Of course some of you, probably not all, have seen a real live Indian; 
certainly you did if you visited Buffalo Bill's Wild West show when it visited 
the cities in New Hampshire a year or two ago, when a large number of 
them from the Indian reservations were permitted by the United States 
Government to come East. They were ferocious looking fellows, and as 
they rode their horses bareback with the speed of a race course, it made the 
spectators feel frightened just a least bit, lest their horses run over the spec- 
tators. Well, Wild West fellows were just like the Indians who used to live 
in Nottingham or came here in war time, except the fellows 160 years ago 
did not ride such fine horses, but trax'eled on foot generally, in paths where 
they could not ride a horse; they marched 'Indian file.' that is one behind 
another, and w hen they were on the "war path' they kept their movements 
concealed as much as possible by the bushes and trees. 

"The Indians were in Nottingham a long time before any white men came 
here, and built houses, and cleared farms, and probably they would not have 
made war on the English settlers if England and France, thousands of miles 
from here had not been almost continuously at war for 100 years before the 
Revolution. The Indians took sides with the French in Canada ; the French 
in Canada made war upon the English in New England, whenever the French 
in France made war with the English in Old England. The great mistakes 
the New Englanders made was in allowing the French to win to their side 
the Indian warriors; the Indians never made war on the French, while they 
were continually fighting the English settlers from 1675 to 1763, a period 
of more than eighty years. For fifty years, from 1675 to 1725. Dover, Dur- 
ham, Exeter, Hampton and Haverhill were the points of attack; it is a story 
of cruelty and bloodshed from beginning to end. The last person killed in 
Dover by the Indians was in 1725; after that the settlers in the new towns. 
Nottingham. Barrington. Rochester and others, had to stand the attacks 
from the wily red men and his French backers. 

"Old Nottingham, you know, included Deerfield and Northwood, so 
when I say Nottingham I mean all of these towns, for the Indian wars were 
over before Deerfield was cut off from Nottingham in 1766; Northwood was 
set off still later, in 1773. 

"There was only one tribe of Indians living in Nottingham when Capt. 
Joseph Cilley and his wife. Elsa Rollins, came up here from Salisbury and 



622 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

commenced their settlement at Rattle Snake Hill on the southeast side of the 
Square. That tribe lived near the north part of what is now called North 
River i^ond, near the line which now divides Nottingham from Northwood. 
The name of the chief who ruled over this tribe was Swausen. He was 
generally disposed to be friendly with the white men for ten or fifteen years 
after Captain Cilley built his log cabin on the ledge farm, after that he did 
not restrain them so much, and entertained other Indians who came here from 
distant tribes and from Canada. 

"A block house, or garrison, was built on the Square about the time 
Captain Cilley came here; some say it stood in the field south of Mr. Butler's 
and on the east side of Fish Street. Others say it stood north of the Bartlett 
burying ground, near the site of the residence of the Neally family. The 
probability is that it was near Mr. Butler's as there was an ancient burying 
ground in the field between Mr. Butler's barn and Fish Street, and it was 
there that the victims of the Indians were buried, in 1747, 155 years ago. 
There were old Indian graves in the same vicinity. The next garrison house 
was built by Capt. Jonathan Longfellow, on the farm now owned by the 
Misses Marston. not far from Deerfield Parade. The Longfellow garrison 
was in possession of the Marston family from 1765 till it was torn down 
a half century ago. When it was built, about 1740, there was no other 
house between it and Canada: it was on the border line of Indian attack. 
Captain Longfellow had to keep guard and watch all the time when the wars 
were raging between England and France, and the Provincial Government 
frequently sent soldiers there to assist him. 

"In 1747 the selectmen of Nottingham, one of whom was Israel Bartlett, 
grandfather of your worthy regent's grandfather, and the first Bartlett who 
settled in this town, petitioned Gov. Benning Wentworth and his council for 
help and protection against the Indians who had already driven off many 
of the fanners and their families. In this petition he says : 

" 'Our settlements are remote one from another in a mountainous and 
broken country: our fields are generally encompassed about with trees and 
bushes, which continually exposes to the danger of being surprised by the 
enemy while about our daily labor: our common roads and highways are 
no less dangerous to pass. We lie open to a wide wilderness which sur- 
rounds us on all sides, by which means the enemy may come, undiscovered, 
very near our garrisons, which we have hardly men enough to defend, our 
number being now very small, many having already removed out of the town, 
and others are so much discouraged that we fear our numbers will be much 
less in the ensuing summer than they are at present.' 

"The result of this petition was that the governor sent a company of 
rangers to aid Captain Longfellow. They staid at his garrison and their 
duty was to march and watch and keep guard on a line of forests from 
Chester to Rochester, fifteen or twenty miles: as they had to range back and 
forth through the woods they were called rangers. They had no horses 
to ride, or roads to march in : they had to cut bushes and spot the trees 
along the route in order to know where to go. lest they get lost ; and as they 
marched they watched lest an Indian might surprise them and shoot from 
bushes, or from behind a tree. 

"This all may seem very strange to you children, but is was a stern reality 
to your grandfather's grandfathers and grandmothers, most of whom were 
but boys and girls then like you here today. I do not imagine the soldiers 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 623 

found much fun in it. The fanners were frequently alanned when at labor 
in their fields ; they did not dare go out to work without their guns, and often- 
times one man kept watch while the others worked. After the farmers had 
grown their crops they sometimes lost them by the Indians breaking down 
the fences and letting in the cattle. Sometimes the Indians would wilfully 
destroy the crops themselves. Their cattle and horses were sometimes killed 
by the enemy, who cut the flesh from the bones and took out the tongues which 
they preserved for food by drying in smoke. When your great, great grand- 
mothers went out to milk the cows they had a man stand guard with a 
gun in his liands, ready to shoot if an Indian appeared. 

"Notwithstanding Captain Longfellow and his rangers kept close watch 
the enemy got through their line and came down here and murdered three 
persons, Robert Beard, John Folsom and Elizabeth Simpson, who lived on 
Fish Street near the Square. By the way, you know the origin of the name 
of that street was because the settlers went that road when they started for 
Amoskeag Falls, now Manchester, to get their supply of salmon and shad, 
in the season when the Merrimack River was full of those fish. Now you 
know our salmon comes from Oregon and Alaska, in cans. Your ancestors 
caught their supply themselves and brought home cart loads of it salted, or 
cured so it could be kept for future use. I suppose Captain Cilley used to 
go a-fishing with the boys, and his wife Elsa used to cure and cook the 
fish after they got home. The fact is they had lots of good things to eat 
150 years ago^ Another by thought, in this connection is, the great difference 
between the people then and the people now. Then they did not think it any 
hardship to ride long distances over rough roads, or no roads, and up steep 
hills; now, most people think they are terribly burdened and fatigued, if they 
ride anywhere four or five miles, unless they have an electric road with fine 
cars, or an automobile. But I am away off ; I was going to tell you the story 
about the Indians murdering those people on Fish Street 150 years ago. 

"Andrew Simpson was one of the first settlers on Fish Street down at 
the foot of the hill, and I think his descendants still own the place, not far 
from the Colonel Cilley residence. Mr. Simpson married Elizabeth Patton of 
Canada. At the time of her death she was a large, flesliy woman and quite 
lame. It was the custom of the people at night to go to the l^lock house, 
already mentioned, and by day go out to their farm houses and attend to 
their work. On the day of her death Mrs. Simpson went down the hill to her 
home to churn and bake, intending to return before night to the garrison. 
While she was thus engaged two Indians sneaked into the house and mur- 
dered her with their tomahawks. Soon after, on the same day they surprised 
Beard and Folsom while at work in a field and killed them with their guns. 
The Indians then made their escape undiscovered. As soon as the murder 
was discovered the remains of the unfortunate people were removed to the 
garrison and later were buried in the old burying ground already spoken of. 

"Tradition has it that these Indians when at Boscawen in 1753 at a place 
known as Indian Bridge, they stopped with Peter Bowen and got very drunk 
on rum ; while in that condition boasted they had killed three persons, two 
men and a woman in Nottingham. They said the woman was 'big' and 
when they were killing her she 'blatted like a calf.' They spent the night 
with one Peter Bowen ; w hile they were asleep Bow en drew the bullets from 
their guns, fearing they might attempt to shoot him. In the morning they 
wanted him to carry their packs on his horse and not daring to refuse he 



624 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

complied with their request. The names of these Indians were Sabatis and 
Plausawa. Sabatis proposed that he and Bowen have race and Bowen 
consented, but allowed Sabatis to outrun the horse. As they went along and 
came near the river, Sabatis proposed another race with the horse ; this time 
Bowen got a little ahead of Sabatis, when he heard a gun snap behind him 
and turning saw the smoke of Sabatis' gun aimed at his head. Leaping from 
his horse he plunged his tomahawk into Sabatis' head and killed him. Plau- 
sowa aimed and hred at Bowen, but did no damage as the bullet had been 
removed by Bowen the night before. Bowen then attacked Plausowa and 
killed him. This was down in the road near the Merrimack River. 

"Bowen was afterwards indicted by the grand jury at Portsmouth for 
having killed the Indians without proj^er cause to justify him, but a crowd 
assembled about the jail the night before the trial and broke it open and 
released Bowen. It is said that Nottingham men had a hand in the w'ork 
of breaking open the jail ; everybody seemed to be satisfied that justice had 
been done in releasing him, as the people believed the Indians had been pun- 
ished as they deserved. 

'T want to say a few words about that Longfellow Garrison, which my 
grandmother's grandfather built, and which Miss Marston's grandfather tore 
dow n. The house was very long and very wide, and not very high ; it was 
one storj' with a lookout perched on the roof, to which they could climb on a 
ladder and watch what w-as going on outside. There were three, large roorns, 
and two smaller sleeping rooms. It was built of hewn timbers, laid one 
upon another, hence was bullet proof. The rooms were ceiled at the top 
and sides, except the kitchen. There was a huge chimney with big fireplaces 
and everything was quite comfortable. The windows were small, and the 
doors were solid oak. Until all the Indian wars were over a large yard around 
the house was enclosed by high posts, stuck into the ground close together, 
forming a stockade, over which the Indians could not climb, and through 
which their bullets could not pierce. There was a huge gate, w^hich when 
closed was fastened bj- an iron bar, placed cross ways behind it. As soon 
as anybody got inside that gate they were safe. It was in this j'ard that 
the soldiers had their tents, and slept when not on the watch. 

"This old garrison and the high stockade had sheltered many a family 
in time of danger from the Indians. It is the tradition that a family con- 
sisting of the husband, wife and tw'O children had a lively experience in 
getting to the garrison during one of the Indian wars. They lived two or 
three miles away. One night, while the husband slept and the wife was sitting 
up a little later than usual to do some knitting or mending she heard a noise 
in front of the house: she suspected the Indians had come, so she quietly 
and hastily coxered the fire with ashes, put out the light and awakened her 
husband. 

".Soon a louder noise about the house proclaimed the presence of the 
Indians. They could not defend their home, so they took the children and 
the family gun and went out at the back door, while the Indians were at the 
front and escaped to the woods near at hand : then they groped their way 
silently to the old garrison, while the Indians ransacked and burned the 
house. When they reached the garrison and got inside of the stockade the 
mother fell fainting from fear and exhaustion. They found a safe shelter 
and good cheer, as did sex-eral other families. I could tell interesting stories 
about those Longfellows but time does not now permit." 



CHAPTER XLVII 

PLAISTOW 

Geographical — Topographical — Petition for Tozvn or Parish — Petitions — 
Churches — Public Library — Military Record 

The Town of Plaistovv lies in the southern part of the county, and is 
bounded as follows : On the north by Hampstead and Kingston, on the 
east by Kingston, Newton, and the State of Massachusetts, on the south 
by Massachusetts, and on the west by Massachusetts, Atkinson, and Hamp- 
stead. The surface of the town is rolling and the soil fertile, consisting of 
black loam, clay, and gravel. Population, 1,173. 

Plaistow was originally a part of Haverhill, Mass., and was included 
in the Indian purchase of 1642. It subsecjuently became annexed to New 
Hampshire, and was chartered as a separate parish February 28, 1749. The 
following is a copy of the petition for incorporation as a town or parish: 

PETITION FOR A TOWN OR PARISH 

To His Excellency Benning Wentworth Escjr. Governour and Commander 

in Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of New Hampre and the 

honble his Majestys Council for said Province. 

Humbly Shew Your Petitioners Inhabitants in the westerly part of Haver- 
hill District. 

That your Petitioners live at a Great Distance from any place where 
the Publick worship is maintained. That Our Situation is such as is Con- 
venient for a Township or Parish But cannot conveniently be joyned with 
any other. 

That there are already Sixty or Seventy families here setled and more 
daily Setling who must be under very great Disadvantages with Regard to 
the Publick worship of God unless we can obtain to have it Setled among 
Ourselves. 

We therefore pray your Excellency & Honours that we may be Incor- 
porated into a tow n or Parrish as you shall Judge most proper by the follow- 
ing Bounds Beginning at the westerly corner of Jonathan Stevens' land by 
the Islandy Pond and from thence to the Northwesterly Corner of Thomas 
Hales farm and from thence Southerly to the Province line so as to make this 
line half way between Mr. Cushing's Meeting house and John Watt's at 
Providence Brook or as near to half way as may be tho't Reasonable, from 
thence westerly by ye Province line to the head of the District then Northerly 
so far as that an East line passing from the end of this Northerly line to the 

625 



626 



HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 



first mentioned Bounds shall Include all the Land to the Southward of Islandy 
Pond. 

And your petitioners as in Duty Bound shall ever pray &c. 



John Watts 
Seth I'attee 
Richard Patee 
Michah Amey 
Obediah Duston 
Caleb Duston 
Obediah Eastman 
Alexander Gordon 
John Watts Junr 
Caleb Heath 
Joseph T'almer 



James Heath 
Samuel Duston 
Moses Belknap 
Philip Nelson 
John Clements 
Edward Carlton 
Joseph Little Junr 
John Currier 
James French 
George Little 
Samuel W'atts 



Wyman Wise 
Thomas Cross 
Benjamin Wheeler 
Stephen Wheeler 
Richard Heath 
John Duston 
Philip Hite 
Thomas Duston 
\\'illiam Morrison 



V\'e the Subscribers Consent to the Lines mentioned in the petition of 
Daniel Little & others anything mentioned herein to ye contrary notwith- 
standing. 

John Pecker 
John W^atts 



PETITION AGAINST BEING SET OFF .\S A NEW PARISH 

To His Excelency Bennen Wintworth Esqr. Capt. General and Governor in 

chief in and over the Province of New Hampshire, and to the Honble 

Councill of the same. 

The Humble Petition of us the Subscribers in our own behalf and others, 
belonging to the Westerly Part of Haverhill District that now belongeth To 
the Rev. Mr. James Cushings Parrish Humbly Sheweth, that it is our Desier 
and Prayer that we may not be separated in to any other Town or Parrish 
( from the Easterly Part) of the District but that we may all be Incorporated 
in to a Town or Parrish (Excepting what has bin voted off by the District 
To Timber lane) so that we may Injoy our Privilege and Proprties for us 
and our children that we may have our meeting House and our Minister 
that we have bin at Great Cost and charges for building Seteling and main- 
taining for near Twenty years last Past and if your Excellency and the 
Honle Councill think it proper to mak us a town with the Easterly Part of 
the District we Shall Leave that to your Hours W^isdom. other ways Pray 
that we may abide as we are and In fullfilling our Desier and Humble Peti- 
tion you will Greatly oblig your Sarvants. 

W^ho as in Duty bound shall Ever Pray. 

Haverhill District December ye 29th 1749 



Benjm Richards 
Jonathan Page 
John Dow 
Timothy Page 
Caleb Page Junr. 
James Noyes 



John French 
Samuel Little 
Jonathan Page Junr. 
Joshua Knight 
Ebene^^er Knight 
Joseph Noyes 



Thomas Noyes 
John Knight 
Nathaniel Knight Jun. 
Joseph Page 
Daniel W^hitticker 
Moses Belknap 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 627 

Joseph Little Junr. Humphrey Noyes Daniel Poor 

Eldad Ingalls Thomas Hale Jonathan Nelson 

Edmund Page Timothy Ladd Israel Webster 

Nathl Knight Caleb Page Jonathan Clements 

Abiel Knight John Webster Moses Page 
Robert Greenough 

PETITION OF THE INHABITANTS IN THE WEST PART OF HAVERHILL DISTRICT 
DESIRING NOT TO BE INCORPORATED 

To his Excellency Bening Wentworth Esqr. Governor and Commander in 

Cheaf in and over his Majesties province of New hampshear in New 

England and to the Honourable his Majesties Council &c. 

We the Subscribers being inhabitance in the South west part of Haverhill 

District and Included within the Boundarys of the Last Petition brought 

forward by Capt. John Pecker and Mr. John W'atts Considering the small 

number of Inhabitance and the Low Sircumstances that many of them Labours 

under it is our Humble opinion that we are no ways able to supporte the Gos 

pell amongst ourselves at present therefore we Desier your Excellency and 

Honors to take our case under your wise Consideration and not incorporate 

us into a town or Distinct parrish according to the prayer of the above sd 

Petition till we are better abell to bare the Charges for we are obliged by 

Contract to the Rev. Mr. Cushen and are not as yet set of from his Parish. 

Dated Haverhill District July ye 24th 1749 

Benj Richards Caleb Page Daniel Poor 

James Noyes Joseph Noyes John Webster 

Jonathan Nelson Joseph Page Jonathan Page 

Daniel Flood John Corrier Thomas Little 

Thomas Noyse Jr Eldad Ingalls Edmund Page 

HUSE AND OTHERS PETITION NOT TO JOYN WITH MR. HAZZEN ACCORDING 
TO HIS PLAN 

To his Excelency Bennin Wintworth Esqr. and Honrable Counsel. 

We your humble Pertisioners take Leave to Let you know part of our 
Greavies Coused by Mr. Richard Hazzen Pertisions and plan if he obtains 
will Cut and Carve our Land & pri\-elage all to pieces who were Orderly 
Settled on Kingstown Property & have a Petition Lodg with the Select men 
of our town in order to be set of as a parish. We pray that we may have the 
opertunity to Let your Excelency and Honrable Counsel know what the town 
does for us who are Lawful Setlars who can have now privelage in that 
Regard unless we have part of what is in his Plan. 

We subscribe ourselves yoor Humble Pertisinors. 

Kingst September i6th 1740. 

James Huse Orlando Colby Joseph Dow 

Jacob Gordy Moses Tucker? Reuben Clough 

Mesac Gordy James Graves Jolm Straw 

Jonathan Colby John Hog John Bond 



628 



HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 



Isrel Huse 
Daniel Hiberd 
Daniel Kid 
Israel Huse Junr. 



William Straw 
John Pressey 
John Straw Jun. 
"Philep Wells 



Jacob Wells 
Benjamin Tucker 
Jacob Tucker 



PETITION OF HAVERHILL DISTRICT FOR A NEW PARISH 

To His Excelency Bening W'intworth Esqr. Goviner and Commander in cheaf 
in and over his Majesties Province of New Hampshire in New England 
and to the Honourable His Majesties Council &c. 

The Humble Petition of the Inhabitance in Haverhill Destrict and Prov- 
ince afore sd Humbly sheweth, that we are so Remote from the Place of 
the Publick worship of God that we cannot attend on it unless with Create 
DiiTiculty and our other charges No Less Difficult. May it therefore Please 
your Excelency and Honours to take our case under your wise Consideration 
and Incorporate us and all that Do or shall Inhabit with us and a sufficient 
Parcell of Land into a town or Distinct Parrish so that we may sit up and 
maintain the worship of God amongst us and Carry on Such business as 
shall be Nessesary with the following Boundaries. iJeginning at the Stake 
which stands in the Province Line near Jonathan Clements Dwelling House 
thence Running noth notheast till it strikes Haverhill norwest Line thence 
by sd Line till it Comes to the angle pond thence westerly to the wash Pond 
and so by the Wash pond brook to the Islande pond and so westerly to 
London Dary Line thence by sd London dary Line till it comes to Methuen 
Line thence South easterly by Methuen Line till it comes to the province 
Line thence by the Province Line to the first Bounds mentioned and you will 
Gratly oblige your Humble Petitioners and we shal as in Duty bound for ever 
Pray &c. 



F*eter Pattee 
Richard Heath 
Joseph Little 
Thomas Little 
Moses Page 
Samuel Watts 
Stephen Dole 
Paul Duston 
John Dustin 
Alexander Gordon 
Richard Patee 
John Ingalls 
Thomas Pope 
Benja Rawlings 
Caleb Page 
Benja Richards 
John Dow 
Edmund Page 
Jonathan Page 
Joseph Page 



Wyman Wise 
Daniel Whitaker 
Gershom Pike 
Nathan Morss 
Timothy Lad 
John Corour 
Henry .Sargent 
Abraham Annes 
Timothy Page 
Thomas Dustin 
Obadiah Dustin 
Obadiah Eastman 
Jonathan Wheeler 
Benjamin \\lieeler 
Stephen Wheeler 
Abner Wheeler 
Jonathan Wheeler junr 
John Corrier Junr 
John Watts Jun 
Nathaniel Watts 



Daniel Poor 
Moses Belknap 
Joseph Gile 
John Clement 
Daniel Flood 
Jonathan Hutchins 
Nathaniel Knight 
George Little 
John Watts 
Joseph Noyes 
Ebenezer Knight 
Joshua Knight 
James Noyes 
Humphrey Noyes 
Thomas Noyes 
John Knight 
Nathaniel Knight Jun 
Seth Patee 
Beniamin Heath 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 629 

MEMORIAL OF COL. JAMES WHITE AND OTHERS 

Province of New Hampre ; To his Excellency John Wentworth Esqr Gov- 
ernor the Honourable his Majesties Council and Representatives of said 
Province in General Court assembled. 

The ^Memorial of James White and others humbly sheweth 
Whereas by a late act of Law of this Province the Town of Plaistow is 
Divided and part of it become a New and Separate Parish, which Includes 
our Houses and Lands, we apprehend that our Situation and other Circum- 
stances will render it very Difficult for us to become members of the said 
New Parish. And it being Just and reasonable to allow all men freedom 
and Liberty with respect to the choice of a society wherein to join in Public 
worhsip — 

We therefore Pray that your Excellency and Honours will according to 
your wonted favours Enact and order that we with our Estates may be set 
ofif from said new Parish, be annex'd and belong to said Plaistow (old 
Parish) in the Same manner as heretofore. And we as in Duty bound Shall 
ever Pray. 
Sepr 1767 

James White Moses Page Daniel Poor Jun. 

John W^ebster Jonathan Webster Jonathan Page 

Israel Webster \\'illiam Webster Stephen Noyes 

John Webster Jun. Daniel Whiticker Humphrey Noyes 

Jonathan Eatton Daniel Poor Robart Greenough 

Province of New Hampre: Plastow April ye 2, 1754. At the annuall town 

meeting this Day held by adjournment from ye Last Wensday of March 

Last the meeting being opened at time and place, 

By vote of the town JMr. Saml Kimball is Except of to serve as Constable 
this year Ensuing In the Place of Mr. Benjamin Pettengel who was chosan 
Constabel at our Last meeting Past on the Last W'ensday of March. 

By vote of the town Mr. Moses Belknapp is chosen Constabel for the 
west part of ye town for the year Ensewing. Jonathan Page chosen tithing- 
man Steven Dole Hogreaf. the meeting adjoum to the 8th of Aprill Instants 
at 2 of the clock in the after Noon the town Clark not present 

Nicholas \Miite, Moderator 

VOTE OF HAVERHILL DISTRICT TO SET OFF TIMBERLAIN 

At a Legal District meeting Holden at the old meeting House in said 
District on februar\' ye 9th 1747, on the behalf of a Petition from Timber- 
lane so called with their Desire to be set off into a Destinct Parish by them- 
selves as followeth viz : Beginning at Jonathan Stevens South West corner 
bound near the Islande Pond then Running by the Easterly Side of Clements 
Land to his South Easterly Bound then Running by the Northerle side of 
Caleb Heaths and John Dustans Land to the Brook that runs from Emer- 
sons mill, then Running by the Southerly side of Capt. George Littles and 
Thomas Littles Land to his Easterly corner Bounds which is in Cloughs 
Medow, then Running to the Northwesterly corner of Thomas Hales Land 



630 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and oil the northerly side of said Hale's land and from the North Easterly 
corner thereof to the nearest Place in Almesbury Line. The said Timber 
lane ware set of by a vote according to the Bounds above mentioned except- 
ing Capt. George Little and his Son Thomas and Joseph and their Lands 
to be kept on the South of their Line. 

.\ True Coppe Taken from the Book 

Thomas ^ale District Clerk 

"There is 130 men's Heads above sixteen in the west end of the town 
of riaistow. There is eighty-seven l*"amalys in the west of the Town of 
I'laistow." (Colonial Records, December 3, 1767.) 

Number of People in Atkinson and Plaistow in 1767 or '68. — Plastow, 
576 people; rateable heads, 142; rateable land, 421 acres. Atkinson, 476 
people: rateable heads, ri8: rateable land, 401 acres. 

List of Baptists in Plaistow in 1768 (Supposed). — Those that Profess 
themselves of ye Baptist Perswation which in all Parrish afairs have appeared 
against ye Peace & welfair of our minister and his society are as follows: 

Joseph Flint, Daniel Emerson, Nehemiah Heath, Abner Plummer, Job 
Eattdu, Bartholomew Heath, Joseph Harriman, Joseph Harriman Jr, James 
Bly. Josepli Smith, Jonathan Smith, John Pollard, Daniel Ayer, Simon 
Foilansbe, Edmond Pilsbury, Joseph Welch, John Copp, Moses Orway, Enoch 
Johnson. John Stevens, Stevens Merrill. Ebenezer Noyes, Selvenes Noyes, 
Moses Stevens Jun., Stephen Flanders, Samuel \\'elch, James Huse, Samuel 
Dow. John Trusel, Widow Dow. 

The Hole of ye Inhabitence Besides the above mentioned which was 
Rated in ye Last minister Rate which has Ben made are 70 Seventeen of 
which has ben taken Notice in Town meetings to joyn with ye Baptists in 
voting 4 of which are widows & some stands as Nuters. 

Congrcijatioiial Church. — This church was organized November 4, 1730, 
and was originally styled "the Church in the North Precinct of Haverhill, 
Mass." It was composed of fifty-nine members from the First Church in 
Haverhill. 

The first pastor was Re\'. James Gushing, who was ordained December 
2, 1730, and continued as pastor for thirty years. He died May 13, 1764. 
He was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. Sylas Merrill, ordained March 
6, 1764. and died April 2j. 1801. After the death of Mr. Merrill this church 
was without a settled pastor twenty-five years. December 26, 1826, Rev. 
Moses \\'elch became pastor and served until February 2, 1831. He was 
followed by Rev. S. H. Peckham, who was installed February 23, 183 1, 
and remained until 1838. After Mr. Peckham's removal. Rev. David Oli- 
phant supplied the pulpit until 1852; Rev. Charles Tenney, 1853-58; Homer 
Barrows, 18^8-69; Calvin Terrv. 1869-75; David Bremer, 187^-79; Jo.seph 
Kvte. 1879-83: Benj. F. Perkins^ 1883-85 ;' Edward F. Stone, 1885-88; George 
E, Hill, 1888-92: F. P. E.stabrook, 1892-95; Geo. W. Lawrence, 1895-98; 
F,eonard Dodge, 1898-1901 ; Joseph Kimball. 1901-11 ; C. R. Hamlin, 1912-14. 

In 1837 a neat and commodious church edifice was erected in place of 
the old structure, which had become unfit for use. 

Tin- Baptist CJutrch was organized in the year 1836. Pastors, Benjamin 
Wheeler, James W. Russell, John M. Chick, John Peacock, Lewis Barrows, 
Cyrus Tii)betts, .Mexander M. Higgins, Theodore W. Sheppard, .-Mford 
Colhurn, William Hurlin, Oliver P. Fuller, Horace G. Hubbard, r88i-86; 



AND REPRESEXTATIVE CITIZENS 631 

VVm M. Weeks, 1886-88; \Vm. Dugdale, 1888-89: Albert D. Palmer, 1889- 
96: Wm. C. Whittaker, 1896-98; Frank Parker. 1898-1904; Charles A. 
Towne, 1905-iJ; Chellis V. Smith, 1912-14. The church building was 
erected in 1840. 

The Catholic Church. — In the summer of 1892, the Catholics of this 
section of New Hampshire, including at that time the towns of Plaistow, 
Newton, Danville, Hampstead, Atkinson and Salem, N. H., who were accus- 
tomed to worship at Haverhill, Mass., and Exeter, N. H., thought they 
should have a church of their own, and a priest to attend to them, sent a 
delegation to Rt. Rev. D. M. Bradley, then bishop of New Hampshire, in 
order to request him to send them a priest. 

After due consideration Bishop Bradley selected for this work, the Rev. 
D. Alexander Sulli\an, who came to take up his residence here in January, 
1893. He at once began to hold services in the town hall at Plaistow, but 
early in the spring of 1893, he began the erection of a church at ^Vest- 
ville, a railway station in Plaistow. The largest population of the above 
mentioned towns then resided at W'estville, which no doubt was the reason 
why it was selected as the site for the church. Reverend Fr. Sullivan com- 
pleted the church and remained here as resident pastor for five years. Having 
been promoted to the pastorate of Lancaster, N. H., he was succeeded by 
Rev. J. J. Hogan, who made improvements on the parish property, and added 
a cemetery known as Holy Angels' Cemetery. The Reverend Fr. Hogan 
remained here until February i, 1902, and was succeeded by Rev. F. G. 
Deschaies who purchased a rectory and was pastor until April, 1907, when 
he was succeeded by Rev. H. A. Hennon, who made improvements in the 
parish and remained here until June 30, 1912, and he was succeeded on 
that date by Rev. M. J. jMoher, who is at present the resident pastor. The 
names of the committee selected to wait upon Bishop Bradley were : Jere- 
miah Kelliher, George Denoncour, Hilaire Gilbert. 

Plaistozv Public Library. — When the town hall was completed in 1896 
three rooms were set aside for the use of the library and it was opened 
to public use in December, 1896. It has now 1,500 volumes in care of Mrs. 
James M. Davis, librarian. 

E. A. Landman is the physiwan. 

-MILIT.XRY RECORD, 1 86 1 -65. 

Frederick P. Eaton, Jacob F. Stevans, Isaiah Kelley, .Alfred Kelley, Jr., 
George F. Golden, James D. Golden, David Langmaid, Frank W. Shannon, 
George E. Shannon, Greenleaf C. George, Capt. Jesse E. George, George 
M. Wilson, Isaac Howard Hall, Richard H. Brunell, Warren Clough, Capt. 
Richard Welch, Herain Carleton, Jr., Walter S. Shannon, Isaac B. Clifford, 
Ingram J. Cummings, Greenleaf R. Cummings, Franklin Burnham, Rendal F. 
Cass. Hale Gage, Andrew Sweatser, Jesse E. Harriman, William H. Tripp, 
Charles Godkin. Nathaniel Thompson, Elbridge G. Tucker, Charles W. Cass, 
Moses Kimball, Charles W. Bradley. Benjamin G. Flanders, Stephen F. 
Godkin, Herbert H. Sargent. Isaac N. Cass, James W. Drew, Charles A. 
Dow. Henry A. Dow. George W. Kelley, Edward A. Sleeper, Charles 
Sprague, Frank Roberts, Samuel Hall. 



CHAPTER XLVIII 

RAYMOND 

Gc(i(jrapliica! — Purchase of the Torvii — First Settlements — Names of Pioneers 
— Incorporation of Toziii — First Toimi- Meeting — Documentary History! 
— Early Families — Ecclesiastical and Educational — Public Library. 

'Ihe Town of Raymond is situated in the western part of the county, 
and is bounded as follows : on the north by Nottingham and Deerfield, on 
the east by Epping and Fremont, on the south by Chester, and on the west by 
Chester and Candia. It contains 16,317 acres. The surface is generally level 
and the soil fertile. 

Dudley's Purchase. — The territory embraced within the present bounds 
of this town was purchased of the Indians by Colonel Dudley in 1817. The 
grantors were Penniwit and Abigail, his squaw. 

In March of the following year, Colonel Dudley sold one-eighth of his 
purchase to James Dudley, Jr., father of Judge Dudley, and his brothers, 
Samuel and Joseph. The price paid was three pounds. In 1722, Dudley dis- 
posed of 400 acres more of his purchase. 

The First Settlements were made between the years 1720 and 1730. As 
is seen. Colonel Dudley w-as the active spirit in the settlement, but it is 
doubtful if he was ever a permanent settler. He was a shoemaker by trade, 
and died in Exeter in 1734, aged forty-six. 

The town was surveyed in 1728, and divided into 140 lots of 100 acres 
each 

1744. There is a record, which we think reliable, that Samuel Dudley 
was here at this date, his oldest son having been born about that year. He 
lived where the judge afterwards lived. 

In 1745, Samuel Healey settled in the west part. His house was east 
of what is now the Jersey road, in Candia. 

1750. About this date David Bean came from Kingston. He was brother 
of Lieut. Benjamin Bean, who came soon after. 

1 75 1. Elisha Towle was from Hawke, now Danville. 
In 1752, Lieut. Benjamin Bean came from Kingston. 

Jedediah and Jonathan Brown, from Seabrook, came to the Page road. 

Maj. Josiah Fogg, from Hampton. 

Daniel Robie, from Hampton Falls, settled where the late J. Fullonton 
resided. 

"^y^?!- Daniel Todd was originally from Ireland. 

1754. Daniel Holman was from West Epping. He had lived below, 
but was disposed to move westward with civilization. His small house in 
Epping was not far from Thomas Folsom's, and was the first built west of 
the river. In Raymond he lived on Oak Hill, just above the Abbotts. 

632 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 633 

1755. Robert Page was from Pagetown, in North Hampton, and about 
the same date, John and James Fullonton came from Epping. John built a 
log house which had no glass or doors, properly such. James built back 
from the highway. 

The first operations were at Freetown Mills, and some were early in the 
Branch District. The veritable, shrewd, humorous "Maj. Jack Downing" 
said, "It is well to begin at the beginning of things, and we shall get through 
better." We go to the south part of the Branch road, and then progress 
north. On the Raymond side of Chester line Benjamin True, from .Salis- 
bury, built a house. He was the father of the late Capt. Benjamin True, who 
lived in the edge of Chester. Barton Pollard lived near the Todd place, and 
the Moores were early on the farm still called by the name. On the Currier 
farm the Merrills flourished, and in 1795. Gideon Currier, from Chester, 
came into possession. He became, in his day, perhaps the largest land- 
holder in town. 

About the time of the Revolutionary war, Samuel Poor and his sons 
Samuel and Ebenezer came from West Newbury. They began on what are 
now two farms still in the name of Poor. 

John Prescott Lovering came from Exeter to Fremont, then to what 
is here known as the Lovering place, about the commencement of the Revo- 
lutionary war. His son Daniel, a grandson, the late Captain Daniel, and 
finally a son of the captain, the present Moses L. Lovering, also dwelt here. 

Jacob York came from Lee to what is now called York's Corners in 1795. 
It is said that near this corner Clement Moody early settled. No one lived 
nearer than "the Rocks," in Poplin, now Fremont, and when fire was lost it 
was necessary to go to "the Rocks" to get it. 

At the old Bean house, opposite Widow John Beans's, not only the town- 
meetings were held till a meeting-house was built, but the meetings for 
preaching. 

Near George S. Robljie's, Stephen Prescott, from Hampton, built a 
house in the woods about 1775. Some years later he raised a barrel of 
potatoes, which was then thought a great crop. Stephen Osgood, a grand- 
son, flourished there, and for years he put much in motion in this part of the 
town. Ebenezer Cram, afterwards deacon, came from Hampton Falls in 
1868, and located near here. His brother Benjamin located where Josiah 
B. Cram lives ; another brother, John, on Mr. Moulton's place, near the 
Gove schoolhouse. Afterwards John and Ebenezer changed farms. John, 
in time, moved to Pittsfield. 

Easterly of the schoolhouse, where the old road was, li\-ed Joseph \A'hite. 
A man up north, Capt. John Fullonton, lost his wife, who charged him, 
before her death, not to marry Molly, who lived at Deacon Cram's. The 
man thus charged had a mind to do so, however, and at dusk the captain 
would be seen wending his way to where Molly lived. Mr. White, knowing 
the case, thought to frighten him out of it. So one night, as the captain 
was already in the door-yard, anticipating an interview with his intended 
bride, White appeared, wrapped in a sheet, as if the ghost of the departed 
wife from the graveyard below. The captain did not believe in witches. 
hobgoI>lins, or ghosts. He was aware that "true love does not run smooth," 
but will run regardless of difficulties. ^Nlolly he meant to have in spite of 



634 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

the devil and all his works, so he gave chase. White fled, carrying the 
sheet on his arm. and ran home for fear of a beating. 

Lient. Jonathan Dearborn, from Stratham, came here about 1763. 
fust north of Ca])tain Tilton's road lived Benjamin Fox, — afterwards 
north (jf Oak Hill. Down the back road, near Epping line, lived Joseph 
and Moses Cass. Some confidently believe the late Gen. Lewis Cass was 
son of one of these. The general was born, however, in Exeter, and his 
father was Jonathan Cass. Eliphalet Folsom came from Exeter in 1770. 
His brother "John dwelt at the foot of Oak Hill. On the Hill, besides Hol- 
man. already named, lived Jacob Smith, who moved from Epping to Not- 
tingham, then here. The Abbotts have a large dwelling on the place. Half 
a mile above John Batchelder had a house, of which the fireplace formed a 
considerable part. It would take in a back-log five feet long and tw-o feet 
in diameter, a forestick six feet long, and other wood to match, in all nearly 
a cord. Mr. Batchelder was from Hampton Falls. 

Going south, near the foot of the hill. Daniel Pe\ere. from Hampton 
Falls, early settled. On the place where J. Corson once lived Moses San- 
born resided. John Brown, father of Joseph, came later with his father John, 
from Hampton. A few rods north of Harriman's lived John Montgomery, 
from Ireland. Asa Harriman, a native of Rowley, Mass., came from Ep- 
l)ing about 1783. Opposite the Harriman house Nathaniel Dudley, son of 
the judge, built, .\fter he left, James Dudley occupied the place for a time, 
then moved to the Branch. East, in the Blake field, lived Benjamin Prescott. 

Reuben Tilton, from Hampton Falls, came to where Dudley Harriman 
lived for years about 1770. John Stevens came here not far from the same 
time. Stevens' first house was back towards the river, afterwards the old 
Stevens house on the road. 

Where Grififin's mill is a sawmill was built, \\e think, bv some of the 
Dudleys. Jo.seph Dudley, brother of the jud.ge, lived there; also a Mr. 
Wells.' 

W'here David Griffin owns. Alexander McClure settled. His son Alex- 
ander lived on the late Martha McClure's place, bevond the "Long Hill." 

Nicholas Gilman, from Kingston, was an early settler. His first dwelling 
was in the w'oods. 

Isaac Tucker, grandfather of the late Barnard and Gen. H. Tucker, went 
first from Philadelphia to Portsmouth ; hence to this place about the time of 
the Revolution. Daniel Richardson, the ancestor of several of that name 
here, was from Newbury Old Town about 1765. 

Caleb Smith lived in the Dudley district. He was chosen one of the 
selectmen. 

Near the Gile schoolhouse lived Jesse Gile, from Haverhill. Mass., and at 
the right David Brown, from Chester. John Leavitt early settled nearly 
opposite the Hodgkins place. 

Manoah Scribner. from Fremont, came to the Scrilmer place about 1787. 
.\ Mr. Palmer lived at the northwest of the pond, and Jonathan Smith, 
father of Dean Smith, had a log hou.se near Healy's Mountain. A.sa Heath 
lived northerly of the Green, and Samuel Healey in the vicinity. 

Jonathan \\'oodman came from Candia early in the present century. He 
was a descendant of Peter W^oodman, who lived at Kingston nearly one 
hmidred and fifty years ago. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 635 

John l.ane, from Rye, came to Chester, a mile south of here, in 1749. 
He owned land here, and on it his sons Nathan, Ezekiel, Daniel, David, and 
Jonathan settled. Deacon W'ason was from Chester about 1800. Matthias 
Haines lived in the W'ason district. The xA.bbotts in town descended from 
Ephraim, from Fremont, who lived on the Rye road to the Green. 

On the road east of the Gile schoolhouse settled the Batchelders, from 
Hampton Falls, — Josiah, Jonathan and David. South of Hazen Batchelder's 
lived Samuel Peavey. The Kimballs were from Exeter. 

Josiah Moulton, the first who settled here, was from Hampton Falls. 
Farther down, where the road divides, lived Henry Thresher, who came from 
Hampton about 1775. His sun Da\-id followed, but afterward moved to 
Candia. 

Early Roads. — The first road laid out in Raymond was March 10, 1748. 
It began near where Mr. Knowdes lived in Chester, and followed a path 
through the Branch district to what is now Fremont line, below J. Elliott's. 

September 22, 1749. From a road on the north of what is now Chester 
to Wason district to Candia line. This passed a sawmill called Chatauga, a 
corruption of an Indian word signifying foggy place. 

May 5, 1750. From below ]\Iarden's, in Chester, into Raymond, east of 
the Dean Smith place, called the Todd road. 

May 5, 1750. Near Osgood True"s, by what is called the Dudley place. 

August 21, 1752. Fremont line to Freetown Mills. 

October 18, 1757. North of Captain Tilton's road by the gate that hung 
near Oilman Folsom's, by Timothy Osgood's to Epping line. 

June 12, 1759. From Freetown Mills, by the Center, to Dudley's Mill 
in the west part. 

June 12. 1759. From Gilman l<"olsom's, over Oak Hill, to Nottingham 
line. 

June 13, 1759. Freetown Mill to schoolhouse near Tiiuotliy Osgood's. 

June 14, 1760. Outlet of Jones pond to Center. 

September 3, 1760. Dudley's Mill to Candia line near Mr. Critchet's. 

December 9, 1761. Page road. 

March 24, 1763. North side of Chester to where Henry D. Lane lately 
lived. 

hicov ['Oration of Toi^'ii. — The first recorded action of which we iiave 
any record concerning the organization of this town was a vote of the town 
of Chester, January 26, 1763, "that a part of said township, commonly called 
Free Town, might be incorporated into a new parish." 

March i, 1764. a petition for the incorporation of the town was pre- 
sented to the governor and Provincial Assembly, signed by the following 
persons : 

Daniel Gordon, Jr., Daniel Holman, b^lisha Towle, Jonathan Brown, 
.Simeon Berry. Noah Moulton, Wadleigh Cram, Joseph glgiles (Giles), Da- 
niel I-ane, Ezekiel Lane, David Lane, Nathan Moulton, Josiah Fogg, Daniel 
Clay, Stephen Marden, Obadiah Griffiii, Moses Sanborn, Caleb Rowe, Robert 
Page. John Sweet, Daniel Robie, James Clay, Stephen Wilson, Jethro Batch- 
elder. Benj. \\hittier, Clement Dollof, Daniel Jorden (Gordon), John Cram, 
Alexander Mel (McClure). Stephen l'~ogg, Benjamin Smith, James Fullon- 
ton. Samuel Cram, John Ste\ens. Jonathan Dearborn. Benia Bean (Benja- 
min). Curtis Bean, Isaac Clicord, Paul Smith Marston, Benjamin Prescott, 



636 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

fohn l'"iil!unton. julin Wells. John IVescolt Downs, William Todd. Timothy 
Clough. Ezckiel Smith. David Bean. Alexander Smith. Barton Pollard. Da- 
vid Bean. Jr.. Nathaniel Ethridge. Enoch Fogg. 

The 1-irst ToK'ii-Mccting. — The first town-meeting was held at Benjamin 
Bean's inn May 29, 1764. when the following officers were elected: Mod- 
erator. Samuel Dudley: town clerk. Ezekiel Smith: selectmen. Caleb Rowe. 
Samuel Dudley, and Robert Page; constable. Benjamin Whittier; auditors 
and as.sessors, Stephen Fogg. Joseph Dudley, and Ezekiel Lane : surveyors 
of highways. Josiah Fogg, Jonathan Dearborn, Joseph Dudley, Simon 
Bayard, and Clement Dolloff: haywards. Stephen Thurston. Jonathan Dear- 
born. Jo.seph Smith. Curtis Bean. Samuel Philbrick, and Daniel Scribner: 
tithingmen, James Fullonton, N. Ethridge, Moses Whittier, and Joseph Dud- 
ley: deer inspectors, John Sweatt, John Stevens: surveyors of lumber, Ben- 
jamin Bean and .Alexander Smith: poundkeeper, John Smith. 

Iiarly Families. — The Dudley family. This family has been identified 
w ith the history of this town from the earliest date to the present. It has a 
noble history in the town, in the state, in some other states, and in England, 
before any of them came across the waters. We have seen what offices the 
town conferred here. One also was judge. In colonial times two were pro- 
vincial governors, and in the old country it was an English historical name. 
There were barons. bisho]5s, and knights of Dudleys, from 1376 to [460. 
And later, one wore a crown for a few days. 

The ancestor of the Dudley family here was Thomas Dudley, who came 
to Massachusetts in 1630, and was governor of the province. Joseph Dud- 
ley, son of Governor Thomas, was also pro\incial governor. Gov. Thomas 
Dudley was son of Capt. Roger Dudley, slain in a war in England. Gov. 
Joseph Dudley was popular in New Ham])shire. His portrait is in the coun- 
cil chamber in Concord. 

\\'e are concerned only with Stephen, son of lve\ . Sanuiel Iiy his last 
wife. He married twice, and had eleven children. Of them we need name 
Stephen, who was a cordwainer. and married Sarah Davidson, of Newbury, 
Mass. He purchased Raymond of an Indian sagamore, as has been named 
in its projjer place. He died in E.xeter in 1734. aged forty-six. Flis lirother 
James was born at Exeter, in 1690. and was the father of Judge Dudley, of 
Raymond. John, a younger brother, was killed by the Indians in what is 
now Fremont, in 17 10. at the age of eighteen. This was the same }ear that 
Col. Winthrop Hilton, of Newmarket, was killed, with others, near the 
"mast way." in Epping. 

In 1766. John Dudley came to Raymond, having bought the farm now 
owned by hi.s great-grandson. James T. Dudley, Esq. Gaining the confi- 
dence of the citizens, he soon became the leading man of the town. Two 
years after coming here he was appointed justice of the peace. He was an 
active patriot during the Re\'olution. and prominent in the councils of the 
state. 

Maj. Josiah Fogg was a native of Bride Hill, in Hampton. He came to 
this town iji 1752, and settled on what was afterwards known as the Fogg 
farm, which was kept in the name more than one hundred years. 

Robert Page. The natne Page is found in the early records of Hampton, 
and David Page, the father of Robert, was born there, but moved to North 
Hampton, where Robert was born. He married Sarah Dearborn, sister of 
Gen. Henry Dearborn, and came to this place in 1755. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 637 

Lieut. Benjamin Bean was born in Kingston, and came to this town in 

175-'- 

Capt. Samuel Nay. The Nays of this town descended from John Nay, 
called a Jerseyman because he lived on the Isle of Jersey, east of England. 
John came to Hampton, and died in 1750, aged ninety. Captain Samuel was 
born in Hampton. His father was John, son of the above. He was in the 
war with the French and Indians between 1755-60. He was deputy sherifif 
in Hampton, and a captain in the war of the Revolution. He moved to 
Epping about 1780, and long after to this town. 

Gen. Henry Tucker was one of the most active and enterprising men of 
the town. 

The Blakes of Raymond descended from Jasper Blake. We have the 
authority of the late John Farmer, of Concord, for saying he was the first 
of the name to come over from England. He came to Hampton in 1650. 
He was married four times, his last wife being Deborah Dalton, sister of 
Rev. T. Dalton, minister, of Hampton. He had ten children. He lived in 
Hampton twenty-three years, and died June 5, 1673. 

The Bean House. — In this lived Lieut. Benjamin Bean, followed by his 
son Thomas, w'hose son, Capt. Benjamin Bean, was next : and then the late 
John Bean, son of the captain. It was in early years a tavern. The first 
town-meetings were held there, and also meetings for preaching before a 
house of worship was erected. 

This house was standing in 175.:, and was built by David Bean, a brother 
of Lieutenant Bean. Probably it was built about 1750. 

Jonathan Dearborn lived in Chester. His ancestors came from Hamp- 
ton. His children were Richard, Mehitable, Peter, Benjamin, and Thomas. 
This last had a son Thomas, who was killed by a cannonball in the war of 
the Revolution, in 1778. 

Other pioneer families were the Emersons, Tuckers, Poors, Prescotts, 
Robies, Fullontons, Foggs, Fol.soms, Giles, Gilmans, Healeys, Harrimans, 
Lanes, Loverings, Moodys, Moores, McClures, Moultons, Nays, Norrises, 
Osgoods, Pages, Scribners, Stevens, Swains, Tiltons, Wallaces, Wasons, 
Woodmans, Abbotts, Andersons, Bishops, Bagleys, Burbanks, Batchelders, 
Bennetts, Dolloffs, Davises, Dodges, Dows, Elliotts, Foxes, Floods, Gordons, 
Goves, Griffins, Heaths, Holmans, Kimballs, Leavitts, Lockes, Mandens, 
Magsons, Nortons, Peckers, Pollards, Runnells, Richardsons, Roberts, San- 
borns. Shannons, Smiths, Smarts, Sweatts, Stickneys, Shaws, Spinneys, 
Thrashers, Towdes, Titcombs, Varnums, Whittiers, Wendells, Yorks, Dear- 
borns, Beans, Curriers, Prescotts, Crams, Swains, and Moors. 

CHURCHES 

Congregational Church. — It was customary in the early history of the 
towns in New England, as soon as convenient, to establish meetings for the 
worship of God. The first account here is in 1764, the year of the incorpora- 
tion. At a town-meeting, held June nth, voted to raise £300, old tenor, 
for the support of the gospel. This was but a small sum in dollars. In 
1765 voted to raise the same sum. A few who had come into town from 
Chester (the part now Auburn) belonged to the Presbyterian Church. They 
objected to paying a ministerial tax here, and it was voted that they "be 



638 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

eased of their rates." That year the first minister of whom mention is made 
came. His nanie was Gihnan. Many did not hke him, and at a town-meet- 
ing held March 3, 1766, voted that if Mr. Gihnan preached he should not 
he paid by the town. 

In 1767, Samuel Webster was paid six pounds for preaching, Solomon 
Moore, six, Tristram Gilman seven pounds four shillings. In 1768, Mr. 
Gilman and Jonathan Searle preached. 

The meetings in these years were held at Lieut. Benjamin Bean's tavern. 
The town voted to pay hini three pounds for the vise of his house up to 
March, ijfn). and seventeen shillings for dinners for the ministers. 

In 1770 voted to raise twenty pounds for preaching. Of this Mr. Searle 
received ten pounds sixteen shillings, and ten shillings were paid to Lieuten- 
ant Bean for the use of his house. 

In 1 77 1 the meetings were held a part of the time at David Bacheldor's, 
west of York's Corner. The divided state of the people as to the location of 
a meeting-house for some half a dozen years, and then the war of the Rev- 
olution for eight years, tended to prevent the raising of much money for 
preaching. 

In 1785, two years after the war, a meeting-house was built, and was so 
far completed that meetings could be held in it. The house stood in an im- 
mense woodland, with but few openings or cleared places for considerable 
distance around. 

At the dedication of the meeting-house Rev. Josiah Stearns, of Epping, 
preached from a text singularly appropriate. It was from Psalm cxx.xii. 6, 
■'L(i, we heard of it at Ephrata: we found it in the fields of the wood." 

The location of the house was not liked by some, and not far from the 
time some waggish person posted up an advertisement headed "Found," and 
then went on to describe "a stray meeting-house found in the woods." 

In 1787 voted fifteen pounds for preaching; also that if any who did not 
wish to pay the minister tax enter their names with the town clerk within ten 
days they be not taxed. Also that the minister tax may be paid in pine 
boards, corn, or grain. October 15th, voted to give Mr. Stephen Williams 
a call to settle in the ministry. He did not accept. In 1790, voted to give 
Mr. Thomas Moore a call on terms similar to the above. He did not accept. 

No church had as yet been formed. The organization took place in 1791. 
The original members were twenty-one, as follows : 

John Bacheldor, Robert Page, Ste])hen Prescott, Matthias Haines, Daniel 
Lane, David Lane, Benjamin Cram, Ebenezer Prescott. Ebenezer Cram, 
.Samuel Nay, Samuel Nay, Jr., Sarah Page, Phebe Prescott, Mary Nay, 
Mary Cram, Sarah Haines, .Abigail Lane, Hannah Lane, Mary Tilton, Abi- 
gail Bacheldor. Very soon after Jonathan Swain and Mary Swain united 
by letter. 

Some three or four years passed with occasional sup])Iies of preaching, 
and then Rev. Nehemiah Ordway moved into town, and was a stated sup- 
ply till 1797, when the matter of moving the meeting-house was agitated. 
A strong i)arty wished it moved to what is now the village. Mr. Ordway, in 
one sermon, opjwsed the removal. But some thought that was not preach- 
ing the gosi)el. Not long after he closed his supply here. 

Those for the removal were in a small majority in 1797. at three different 
town-meetings, and in the autumn of that vear it was removed. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 639 

The inhabitants of the neighboring towns assisted and the "team" con- 
sisted of eighty oxen. 

The house was soon put in order for worship, but there was much divi- 
sion of feehng in the church that had grown out of the contention concerning 
the removal Not long after Rev. James Thurston, of Exeter, was obtained 
for a supply in the years 1798 and 1799. 

"The Lord rideth upon the whirlwind and directeth the storm," and at 
the proper time brings all to calmness and repose. The discordant elements 
finally became harmonized, and in 1800. Mr. Jonathan Stickney, of New- 
buryport, was ordained pastor. 

Mr. Stickney continued seven years, and in June, 1807, was dismissed. 

Ten years passed before another pastor was settled. In 1808 the town 
voted that the Free Baptists occupy the meeting-house half of the time. 

The church had some preaching by neighboring ministers till 1813, after 
which a missionary society in Massachusetts furnished supplies about half 
of the time till 1817. Revs. Homer, Cressy, and Wright were here most. 
About ninety united wnth the church. Rev. S. Bailey was installed pastor 
October i, 18 17. He was dismissed in 1822. 

Revs. James Thurston, M. Dutton, and others supplied till the next pas- 
torate. 

Rev. Seth Farnsworth, a native of Charleston, X. H.. was ordained No- 
vember 3. 1824. Mr. Farnsworth was dismissed in 1834. 

A new meeting-house was erected in 1834, and dedicated November 12th, 
and the next day Rev. Andrew H. Reed was installed pastor. Mr. Reed was 
dismissed October 26, 1836. 

Rev. Anson Sheldon succeeded. He was a native of Summers, Conn. 
He was installed June 28, 1837, and dismissed October 15, 1839. 

Rev. John C. Page, a native of Sandwich, was ordained October 6, 1841, 
and dismissed May 7, 1851. 

Rev. David Burt, a native of Monson, Mass., was ordained November 5, 
1851, and dismissed February 22, 1855. 

Rev. Dana B. Bradford, a native of Hillsborough, was installed Decem- 
ber 5, 1855. Mr. Bradford was dismissed in the summer of 1858. 

Rev. George W. Sargent, a native of Dover, was ordained December 21, 
1859, and was dismissed early in 1865. Then nearly two years passed with- 
out a pastor, but there was a supply by different ministers. 

December 6, 1866, Edward D. Chapman, a native of East Haddam, 
Conn., was installed. 

The ministry of Mr. Chapman here commenced some months before his 
installation, and at the end of three years was terminated by his death, Sep- 
tember 17, 1869. 

The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Bowker, installed November 30, 1870, 
This pastorate continued two and a half years, and terminated May, 1873 

In August following. Rev. D. B. Dodge began, and supplied six months 

In June, 1874, Rev. W. A. Patten became acting pastor and Rev. E. O 
Dyer was pastor 1881-83. Nelson Green supplied in 1883-84, Rev. M. B 
Angier in 1885, and ReV. Frank E. Mills, pastor but not installed, from 
May I, 1885, to March i, 1888. Rev. Albert H. Tb.ompson preached as a 
candidate May 6. 1888, and was acting pastor till March 30, 1905. After 
nearly seventeen years' services he was installed pastor, and his name is on 



640 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

tlie rull of lionor of six Congregational ministers in Rocl<ingham County, 
who have served their churches for twenty years or more. The centennial 
of the church was October 22, 1891. The meeting-house was burned in the 
great fire, December 6, 1892. The new church building was erected and 
dedicated March 7, 1894. 

Fanny McClure, who died in 1814, left a legacy of $joo to the church; 
Joseph Richardson, who died in 1852, left $500. the income to help sustain 
singing; Mary Patten, who died in 1853, l^^*^ $100; Hon. Joseph Blake died 
in 1864, and left $500; Martha ]\IcClure died in 1870, and left $1,000; 
Ezekiel Lane died in 1873, and left a bequest. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — Persons of Methodist sentiments have 
lived in town for more than fifty years. The greater part of these lived in 
the Branch district, and attended meetings in Poplin and Chester. Mr. J. 
F. Lane attended at Epping. 

In 1840, Rev. A. Plumer, of Poplin, held meetings here, with some good 
results. Rev. L. H. Gordon moved into town in 1S41, and supplied for sev- 
eral months. The interest declined, and Mr. Gordon moved to Epping. 
Rev. William French, of Sandown, supplied some, but after a while the meet- 
ings were given up. 

The present church began in 1848. At the town meeting in March it was 
voted to give all the right and title the town had to the meeting-house as a 
house of worship to the Methodist Society the ensuing year. Meetings com- 
menced early in the summer. The conference appointed a Mr. Hoyt, but 
after a short time he left, and the presiding elder obtained, for the remainder 
of the year, Rev. J. S. Loveland, a native of Stoddard. Near the close of 
the year it was decided to erect a house of worship. November 7th, the town 
voted to sell the society land for the purpose where the pound then stood. 
Soon there was much contention as to that vote, and on the 22d of January 
the action was reconsidered. 

In 1849 the minister was Rev. James Adams, a native of Williamstown, 
Vt. The house of worship was built this year and dedicated in the autumn. 

In 1850 and 1851 the preacher was Rev. J. C. Emerson, a native of Can- 
terbury; in 1852, Rev. G. W. T. Rogers, a native of Holderness; in 1853 
and 1854, Rev. Elijah Mason, a native of Cavendi.sh. Vt. ; in i8s.S and 1856, 
Rev. Simon P. Heath; in 1857, Rev. Charles Young; in 1858 and 1859. Rev. 
L. L. Eastman, a native of Canaan, had charge; in i860, Rev. N. L. Chase; 
in 1861 and 1862, Rev. N. M. Bailey; in 1863 and 1864, Rev. James Adams, 
the second time; in 1865, R^^'- R- J- Donaldson; in 1866, 1867 and 1868, 
Rev. G. \V. Ruland; in 1869 and 1870, Rev. Eleazer Smith; in 1871, Rev. 
Josiah Higgins; in 1872, Rev. William Hewes; in 1873, nieetings suspended; 
and in 1874. Rev. William H. H. Collins. A. B. Carter, in 1882. Rev. W. 
M. Forgrave has been assigned for Raymond and East Candia. 

The Congregational and the Methodist churches are the only ones hold- 
ing regular services in Raymond. 

Free-Will Baptist Church. — The origin of this church was a religious 
interest near the mountains in Nottingham, under the preaching of Rev. 
Jeremiah Ballard, of Unity, in 1799. The interest extended into Candia, 
Deerfield, and Raymond, and in 1802 a church was formed, the members 
living in the four towns. Mr. Ballard preached in this town a few times, 
once at a tavern and once in a grove. In 1805, Rev. H. D. Buzzell, of Gil- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 641 

nianton, preached here some, and Joseph Dudley was appointed ruling elder. 
His duty was to lead in meetings when there was no minister, and to preside 
in meetings of business. In 1810, Rev. H. D. Buzzell was here part of the 
time; also Rev. Moses Bean, of Candia. 

In 1 8 18 the members in Candia and Raymond were constituted a church 
by themselves. In 1823 there was a revival. The ministers who officiated 
here were Revs. M. Bean and David Harriman, both of Candia. 

In 1824, Candia and Raymond divided, and the members in this town 
became a separate church. The same year Rev. J. B. Prescott, of Monmouth, 
Me., preached here several months. 

In 1826, Rev. .Arthur Caverno, of Epsom, preached a portion of the time. 
The same year a house of worship was erected and dedicated. In the. autumn 
of 1831, T. Robie was ordained. In 1832 there was a revival, in which Rev. 
John Knowles labored. In 1834. Rev. C. Small lived in town six months, 
and preached. 

In the autumn of 1837, '.lev. Hiram Holmes took charge of the church, 
and remained until 1839. 

Not far from this an unhappy division on church polity took place. The 
result was the forming of a second church of the same name on the ground 
where there were not members enough for one efficient church. The second 
church occupied the meeting-house half of the Sabbaths, having, in 1842, a 
licensed preacher, H. B. Brock, a native of Barrington. In 1843 it had J. O. 
D. Bartlett, a native of Center Harbor, who was ordained here that year. 

This church numbered forty, but it fell into division, waned, and lost its 
visibility. The members who desired it were received back into the other 
church. 

Rev. Asa Merrill, of Stratham, supplied some for years, till 1844. In 
the spring of 1845, Rev. B. H. McMurphey, a native of Alexandria, came 
and took charge. He continued two years, leaving in 1847. 

Rev. Tobias Foss, a native of Strafford, succeeded in 1848, and continued 
five and a half years. Air. Foss left in September. 1853. Rev. Joseph Ful- 
lonton succeeded as stated supply, and continued nineteen years. In 1858 a 
good revival brought an addition of twelve. Rev. John Fullonton, T. Robie, 
and Rev. Mr. Fullenten became ministers while members of this church, and, 
later, J. \\oodbury Scribner. 

Universalist Society. — From an early period there have been some Uni- 
versalists in town. In 1827, Rev. T. G. Farnsworth, of Haverhill, Mass., 
preached a Sabbath in the Baptist Church. In 1854 the Rockingham County 
Association of Universalists was held here. The services were in the Meth- 
odist Church, and continued two days. There have been occasional supplies 
of preaching besides, but at long intervals. 

In 1857 a society was formed with corporate powers. 

E.\RLY SCHOOLS 

In 1757, seven years before this town was incorporated, it was voted by 
the town-meeting of Chester that Freetown (now Raymond) and Channing- 
fare (now Candia) have school money according to their tax, provided it be 
expended for schools. The result of this cannot be known. 



642 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

The next record on the subject was in 1765, the year after the incorpora- 
tion. On a i)roposition to see if the town would build some schoolhonses, it 
was negatived. 

In 1767, voted to raise sixty pounds for schooling and other charges. 
The schools were established, one of which seems to have been in the Branch 
neighborhood, and was taught by Daniel True; another was in the section of 
the Dudleys, taught, or "kept," as then called, by Daniel Stillman ten weeks; 
and the third was probably in the east or northeast, in charge of Abel Morse. 
Mr. M. was from Chester, an experienced teacher, and was employed here 
much of the time in following years. 

In 1768, Jona. Palmer is mentioned as a teacher here besides Abel Morse. 
In 1769, Widow Judkins was paid twelve shillings lawful money for teach- 
ing, and fifteen shillings were paid to Ithiel Gordon for going after her, 
boarding her, and carrying her home again. The term was four weeks in 
length. All worked cheap then. Francis Hodgkins about the same time 
taught four months, probably not all in the same neighborhood. His wages 
were about six dollars per month. This year five shillings were paid to Cle- 
ment Moody, who lived near where John Brown, Esq.. now does, for the 
use of a room in his house for a school. 

Seventeen hundred and se\enty. "\'oted to build four schoolhonses, one in 
each quarter of the town, with John Dudley. James Moore, Ezekiel Lane, 
and Robert Page, building committee. 

After the houses were built the principal teachers for 3'ears were A. 
Morse, Dr. Hodgkins. Joseph Flagg. William Dawling. James Farnham. 
Peter Cofifin. Mr. Melville. Amelia Towle. and .-Vbigail Welch. In those years 
there were accounts paid of which the following may serve as a specimen: 
"1771. Paid Benj. Cram, for dinnerin Master Hodgkins 10 weeks. 16 shil- 
lings." This would be eight cents of present currency for each dinner. 

MILITARY HISTORY 

Soldiers i)i the French and Indian Jt'ar, ij^^-60. — John Leavitt. William 
Towle. Ithiel Gordon. Samuel Dudley. James Fullonton. 

Possibly some of these had not then come to town, but went from other 
places. 

War of the Revolution, 1775-S7;. — William Towle. sergt. ; Nathan Lane. 
Ezekiel Lane. David Gilman. 2d lieut. ; Theophilus Lovering. Daniel Todd. 
John Todd, Jeremiah Holman, Levi Swain, John W'ells, Jr., James Clay, 
John Prescott, Josiah Richardson, Reuben Stickney. Samuel Healey. Nehe- 
miah Leavitt, Nathaniel Richardson, sergt.; Josiah Tucker, Thomas Dolloff. 
William B. Brescott, John Leavitt. Nathaniel Dudley. Jonathan Fullonton. 
Joseph Fullonton. Matthias Haines, J. Roberts, Josiah \Vells, Eliphalet Gor- 
don, Nathaniel Smart, John Bacheldor, Caleb Smith, Nicholas Gilman, Jo- 
seph Peavey, Jonathan Bacheldor. Samuel Fogg. Enoch Osgood. Stephen 
Fogg, Jacob Lane. Hezekiah Pollard. Ezekial Pollard. Elijah Pollard. Barton 
Pollard. Josiah Dunlap. Benjamin Whittier. Israel Griffin. Alexander Mc- 
Clure, Josiah Fogg. Thomas Gordon, Daniel Lane. Jeremiah Towle, Moses 
Cass. Ezekiel Morse, Moses Sanborn. Gilman Dudley. John Cally, Moses 
Leavitt, James Whitten, James Randall. Joseph Clifford, Anthony Clififord, 
Elisha Thomas. Joseph Tucker. Richard Flood. Sinclair Fox. John Fox, 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 643 

Timothy Jewell, Smith Cram, Samuel Cram. John Moore, James Libby, 
James Mack, Richard Robinson, Ithiel Gordon, James Merrill, Daniel Moody, 
Daniel Gordon, Jr., Elisha Towle. Benjamin Perkins, John Osgood, Israel 
Griffin, John Tucker, John Lane, 3d., Daniel Whicher, John Clifford. John 
Sargent, Phillip Morse, Thomas Morse, William Randall. For additional 
names, see Chester. 

Killed or Died in War of the Rct-oliitiou. — 1776, John Wells. Jr.. Nathan 
Lane, James Clay, John Prescott: 1777, Josiah Richardson, Jona. Fullonton 
(killed), Ezekiel Lane (killed): 1778, Nehemiah Leavitt, Moses Sanborn; 
1782. Josejjh Tucker. Thomas Dolloff; 1783, William P. Prescott. John Lea- 
vitt. John Todd. 

Some of this list of soldiers in the war of the Revolution were out but a 
short time. Moses Dudley, Esq., about the year 1822, recorded that twenty- 
four from this town were enrolled in the army of that struggle, but others 
of the militia served for a time: some, too. are names not known here. Prob- 
ably they lived in other places, but went for this town. 

We have not learned that there was much disloyalty in this place during 
the Re\-olutionary struggle. The following shows, however, one case : 

"State of New Hampshire in Committee of Safety, Exeter, June 9, 1781. 
To the Sheriff of the County of Rockingham, his under Sheriff or Deputy, 
or the Constable of Raymond in said County. Greeting. 

"You are hereby required forthwith to apprehend John \\'aldron .Smith, 
of said Raymond, Yeoman, who, bv information, has appeared inimical to 
the L'nited States, having uttered sundry expressions tending to discourage 
the people and otherwise to injure the common cause, and bring him before 
the General Court, if sitting, or in their recess before the Committee of 
Safety, that he may be examined touching the premises. 

"M. Weare. President." 

We have not found any record of the results of the case. 

Second JJ'ar icitli England. 1812-1=,. — Josiah Davis, Amos Davis, Theo- 
philus Stevens, David Dolbier. Amos Davis, killed: Theophilus Stevens, 
died. 

During the same war the following were for a time at the fort near Ports- 
mouth. The most part were there in the autumn of 1814. There was a 
draft for soldiers. It was called "taching." The true word was the military 
one detach. Some went as volunteers, some detached, and some as substi- 
tutes. A British fleet lay off the harbor, and it was designed to give the 
vessels and soldiers a warm reception if they came in. 

Henry Osgood, ensign: Francis Folsom, David Glidden. John Lane. Ben- 
jamin Poor. Ebenezer Brown, Samuel Bacheldor, David Robie, Daniel Scrib- 
ner, Amos Kimball. Jonathan Holman, John Brown, Jr., corporal; ^^'il!iam 
Towle, Jr., Daniel Robie, Jr., Oilman Lovering, James Bagley. Moses C. 
Magoon, Thomas Leavitt, Josiah Smith, Josiah Moulton, James Dudley, Jr., 
Isaiah Cram, Phineas Healey. Harry Morse. Supply Morse, Elisha Towle, 
Jr.. Eliot Healey, Gideon Currier. Jr.. David Gile. Flenry Clifford. Samuel 
Roberts. Healev True. Jeremiah Chandler. Nathan Brown, musician ; Samuel 
Moody, David Clifford, David Brown. Jr., i\Ioses Healey. Nathaniel Towle, 
John Smith. Joseph Robie. Nathan Poor. Daniel Towle, Henry Clifford. 

War zvith Mexico. 1S46-48. — George Mace. 



644 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Civil War. 1S61-65. — Sewell D. Tilton, capt. ; John E. Cram, ist lieut. ; 
Geo. B. Cram, regular service; George H. Tilton, John Brown, Oren T. 
Dodge. Samuel G. Bartlett, Warren True, Augustus A. True, Elias True, 
Jr., Elbridge G. Moore, ^\'ilIiam B. Green. Hazen Currier, George P. Sar- 
gent, sergeant; George S. Fullonton, J. Francis Fullonton, Henry Robinson, 
David T. Osgood, George D. Rowe, Daniel R. Bean, Andrew C. Nowell, 
Gilford F. Gilman, George S. Gove, ist lieut.; Charles H. Edgerly, John H. 
Dearborn, David W. Towle, Elisha Towle, Nathan W. Magoon, Nathaniel 
Emery, Richard Abbott, Rufus A. Tilton, Daniel W. Osgood, Nathan Nor- 
ton, Jonathan P. Holman, Abraham Healey, William H. Ferren, Charles H. 
Ablx)tt, William H. Keniston, Alvin Fogg, James Pecker, John H. Hill, 
Franklin P. ^lorrison. Horatio G. C. Morrison, Daniel W. Norton, Laomi 
G. Warren, George C. Johnson, James Card, Charles Dow, Jonathan F. 
Brown, Timothy Gleason, George W. Healey, Samuel H. Robinson, James 
K. P. Morrison, Jesse F. Morrill, Thomas R. Tuttle, Isa. G. Young, Chase 
O. Wallace, William A. \\"allace, George W. Gilman, William Y. Griffin, 
Leonard G. Tilton, Cyrus W. Dwight, James G. Scribner, Charles E. Dodge, 
Joseph Gleason, Hiram Gleason, Edward Gleason, Charles H. Perkins. John 
D. Folsom, Daniel Robinson, John D. Brant, Robert P. Kennard, J. Anson 
Littlefield, Samuel M. Heath, Josiah \V. Lane, George M. Brown, Samuel 
C. Nay, J. Lawrence Stevens, John Marsh, Samuel Spaulding. Abner Lowell, 
Charles L. Rundlett, Cyrus E. Poor, sergeant ; William H. Thurston. Charles 
Jones. David S. Healy, George Tripp, Joshua Smith. Oren B. Cram, Samuel G. 
Healey, John M. Smith, Daniel Bachelder, James Welch, ist lieut.; Thomas 
Morrison, James Buchanan. David L. Magoon. Charles Davis. H. D. Kidder, 
Aroy 0. Roberts. William Smith, William Ca.sh, Elisha T. Gile, Greenleaf 
C. Kenniston, Thomas G. Judd, Anton Kemp. Nicholas Priss, Albert W'ilson, 
John L. Gilman, Joseph Goodwin, William Lamereen, Samuel S. Fox, Jo- 
seph Witham, Asa Bly. John F. W'orthen. Asa T. Worthen, Samuel Healey, 
Charles Poor. Robert Hill. William Hill. Andrew J. Roberts, G. Bradbury 
Robinson, Thomas Currier, Charles Payson, Charles Conway, John Mc- 
Gowen, John Orr. Issacher W. Smith, 2d lieut. ; Julius Adams, John Canner, 
John Harmon, Joseph Kelly, William Parrott. 

Some twenty of these were from other places, put in as substitutes. 

In August. 1863. there was a draft for soldiers to fill the quota assigned 
to the several states. The following were drafted. As the law then was 
there were many "loop-holes of retreat." Three hundred dollars would ex- 
empt. Substitutes could be obtained, and if one had a brother in the service, 
a mother, or motherless children to provide for there was an exemption. 
The examining surgeon also would excuse for slight disability. And the 
result was scarcely one. if indeed one. went into the sendee. 

The draft was at Portsmouth by Capt. J. S. Godfrey, provost-marshal. 
One hundred and three names, thirty-one drawn. 

Bounties, etc. — The following votes were passed at the dates given : 
1861, September qth. voted to pay families of volunteers: 1862. August 22d, 
voted $200 bounty to all who have enlisted since August ist, and to those 
who may enlist to fill the quota for 600,000 men; 1863, August 29th, voted 
a bounty of $299 to drafted soldiers and substitutes; 1863, September 4th, 
voted $300 to drafted men and substitutes; 1864, May 31st, voted $200 to 
all who enlist. Voted that the selectmen hire men to enlist, paying not over 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 645 

$300 per man; 1864. June 25th, voted that the selectmen pay $300 to hire 
substitutes for drafted men; 1864, December 29th, \-oted that $100 be added 
to the state bounty for volunteers for one year, and $200 for two years. 

Died or Killed in This JJ'ar. — August 4, 1861, William H. Kenniston, 
aged 21 years, Georgetown. D. C. ; May 3, 1862, Jonathan R. Holman, 23 
years, Yorktown, Va. ; June 2y, 1862, John Brown, 20 years, killed near 
Richmond, Va. ; August 22. 1862; Andrew C. Nowell, 33 years, fever, near 
New Orleans; October 31, 1862, Josiah W. Lane, 19 years, Washington, 
D. C. ; October 2y, 1862, Gilford F. Gilman. 29 years, killed. Labadierville, 
La.; November 6, 1862, J. Franklin Brown. 33 years. New York City; No- 
vember 9, 1862, John Marsh, 22 years. White Sulphur Springs, Va. ; No- 
vember 13, 1862, Daniel R. Bean, near New Orleans; November 26, 1862, 
George S. Fullonton. 2^ years, Washington. D. C. ; December 6, 1862. Timo- 
thy Gleason; December 13. 1862, Cyrus E. Poor, 31 years, killed, Fredericks- 
burg. Va. ; December, 1862. Charles Perkins, supposed killed. Fredericks- 
burg, Va. ; December 28, 1862, George Brown, near Fredericksburg, Va. ; 
March 3, 1863. James G. Scribner, 24 years. Newport News, Va. ; March. 
1863. George D. Rowe. Louisiana; May 11. 1863. Charles Jones. Virginia; 
May 2y, 1863. John K. Hill, 19 years, killed. Fort Hudson; May 27, 1863, 
George Abbott. "killed. \'irginia; August 3. 1863. David W. Towle. probably 
of wounds, Virginia; September 3, 1863, Elisha E. Towle, 25 years, Ports- 
mouth, Va. ; November 24, 1863, John Smith, killed near Knoxville. Tenn. ; 
January 18. 1864, Charles Davis, Washington, D. C. ; July 26, 1864, William 
Smith, '45 vears, Portsmouth Grove, R. I. ; July 30. 1864, J. Lawrence Stev- 
ens. 41 years, killed, Petersburg, Va. ; August 12, 1864, Nathaniel Emery, 
38 years, Hampton, Va. ; August 12, 1864, Thomas Currier, 24 years. City 
Point, Va. ; August 12, 1864. David S. Healey. 28 years, killed, Petersburg, 
Va. ; August 12, 1864, Oren B. Cram, supposed killed, Petersburg, Va. ; Feb- 
ruary II, 1864, William Cash, killed. 

Amos S. Holman went for Nottingham, but lived here till a short time 
before enlisting. He died at Acpiia Creek. Va.. January 29. 1863. 

Died After Retuniiiig Home of Diseases Contracted in the Army. — C. 
O. Wallace, November 4. 1865; William A. Wallace. May 17, 1868; George 
Tripp, July 15, 1869. 

Stephen Smith, a native of this town, went from some other town, and 
w^as a fireman on board the Kearsarge when its guns sunk the British ship 
Alabama, June 19, 1864. He died in Portsmouth, September 17. 1865, and 
was buriecl here. 

Military Field officers. — Josiah Fogg, major, 1776; Daniel Norris, major. 
1786; Theophilus Lovering, major. 1807, colonel, 1810; Ebenezer Cram, 
major, 1816, lieutenant-colonel, 1818; Lyba Brown, major, 1823; lieutenant- 
colonel, 1825, colonel, 1828; Ebenezer Nay, major, 1829; Daniel Robie, lieu- 
tenant-colonel, 1830; John Todd, major, 1830; Jonathan A. Lane, major. 
1833; Joseph Abbott, "major. 1836, lieutenant-colonel, 1837; Henry Tucker, 
major." 1837. colonel. 1838. brigadier-general. 1840. major-general, 1846; 
Joseph Blake, Jr., quartermaster, 1840, brigadier-quartermaster. 1841. on 
General Tucker's staff; Jacob Elliot, lieutenant-colonel. 1842, colonel. 1843; 
Levi S. Brown, major. 1842: James Welch, major. 1843. lieutenant-colonel, 
1845. colonel. 1846; William P. Tufts, quarterma.ster. 1844; Sherburn P. 
Blake, adjutant. 1845; William H. Fellows. (|uartermaster. 1845: Aaron W. 



646 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Rrown. ailjutant, 1848; Calvin B. Bacheldor. (juartermaster, 1848; Warren 
Tik-onib. adjutant, 1849; David Griffiji. major, 1851; Gilman H. Tucker, 
aide to Governor Berry, 1861-62; Sewell D. Tilton. aide to Governor Harri- 
man, 1867-68. 

Population. — 1767, 455: 1775, 683; 1790. j2j: 1800, 808; 1810, 898; 
1820, 961; 1830. 1,000: 1840, 989: 1850, 1,236: i860. 1,270: 1870, 1,121: 
1880, 1,054: 1910, 1,203. 

Raymond Free Public Library vva.s established in 1892, with state aid, 
and in 1906 its 1,100 volumes were located in a dwelling house. 

In October, 1908, The Dudley-Tuck Library was opened and now con- 
tains 1,701 volumes. The building was erected through the joint efforts of 
the late Col. Gilman H. Tucker and his wife, of New York and Raymond. 

The physicians are G. H. Gui)till and F. B. Stevens. J. T. Bartlett is the 
lawyer. 



CHAPTER XLIX 

RYE 

Geographical — Topographical — First Settlements — The First Grant — Names 
of Pioneers — The First Deed — Indian Depredations — Witchcraft — 
Schools — Ecclesiastical History — Petitions, etc. — Congregational Church 
— Methodist Episcopal Church — Christian Church — Merchants — Physi- 
cians — Summer Resort — Boulevard — Public Library — Submerged Fores't 
— Military — Gasport — Lsles of Shoals. 

The town of Rye lies in the eastern part of the county, and is hounded 
as follows : on the north by Portsmouth on the east by the Atlantic ; on the 
south by North Hampton, and on the west by North Hampton, Greenland, 
and Portsmouth. The surface of the town is generally le\'el and the soil 
fertile. Population in 19 lo, 1,014. 

Early Settlements. — The first settlement of New Hampshire was made 
within the present limits of Rye, at a place now called Odiorne's Point, in 
1623. Sandy Beach was the name to a certain part of Rye, now called 
Wallis' Sands and Foss" Beach. A bridge was very early built (probably a 
foot-bridge only) connecting Rye with Great Islancl, and which was washed 
away or went to decay about 1690. We have no account of another bridge 
being built, though it is probable there was, until about 1760. The money in 
part, if not all, being raised by a lottery, and a toll-rate established. But as 
it did not pay the proprietors it went into public use, and was probably the 
bridge there in the War of 18 12. 

In 1652 a grant was made to William Seavey of fifty acres of land, com- 
mencing by the south side of Mill Creek and running west to White Rock. 
The same land is now mostly owned by the Seaveys. 

The name of the first settler was John Berry. Among those who came 
soon after were Seavey, Rand, Brackett, Wallis, Locke, and Jenness. For 
nearly one hundred years after the settlement of the town the inhabitants 
were but thinly scattered and most of them in low circumstances. 

The first deed ever given of land included within the limits of the town 
of Rye was given by Jane Drake, widow of William Berry, in 1669, to 
William Seavy, Sr., of house, land, and marsh on south side of brook that 
runs between land then owned by William Seavy and Thomas Seavy. It 
appears that William Seavy paid for this land before the death of William 
Berry, but failed to get a deed of it. From this we infer that William Berry 
died'suddenlv, perhaps, like others of the early settlers, was killed by the 
Indians, and 'that he died about the year 1669, in which the deed was given. 
Of the first settlers of Sandy Beach who came over in 1631, Thomas Seavy 
appears to have lived until' 1708. The manner of his death is uncertain. 
Francis Rand was killed Septemlier 29, 1691, while his son was out fishing. 

647 



648 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

TwcMily-onc were killed at the same time, among them another of the first 
settlers. Capt. .\nthony Bracket and others were captured, including two 
young children of the Brackets, — a boy, whom they recovered, and a girl, 
who was carried to Canada, and there married a Frenchman, and afterwards 
came hack to claim her share in her father's property.- One or more of the 
chiklren killed at the time were dashed against a rock which stood in the 
W'allis road near the Brackett road. Captain Bracket's house was set on 
fire. Some of his sons were at work in the salt marsh, and having the guns, 
went over to the garrison-house at Saunders" Point, now Foss' Beach. 
Thomas Rand, the son of Francis, who was killed, when he came from fish- 
ing, being a courageous man, followed them over to Bracket's and fired at 
them, which frightened them away. Old Mrs. Rand, nearly blind, supposed 
to be the wife of Francis, was killed by the Indians while her husband had 
gone to mill. She was apprehensive of danger and begged him not to go, say- 
ing the Indians would kill her, but he made light of her fears, telling her 
there were no Indians this side of Lake W'innipiseogee. Great must have 
been his consternation to find on his return that her fears had been realized. 
This must have been very near the time that he was massacred, A little girl 
named Judkins, five years old, was captured in 1691, with her brother. Her 
brother was frozen to death when crossing Lake Winnipiseogee near Moul- 
tonborough. She was with them several years, and came near perishing 
with hunger. She lived to return, and afterwards married a Randall. 

She died in Moultonborough. A child named Esther, surname not given, 
was taken from the cradle about this time by the Indians while its mother 
was away: her father bought her back with a keg of rum. She afterwards 
married a Waters, lived to a great age, became poor and deaf, and was 
supported by the town. Thomas \A'alford, another of the early settlers of 
Sandy Beach, who came over in 163 1, was killed by Indians on the hill bj'' 
John S. Remick's. Tradition says that after he was shot he crawled on his 
hands and knees to where Robinson Foss now lives. His wife was accused 
of witchcraft. There is still on record an account of the trial of "Good- 
wife \Valford" at Portsmouth in 1658. The complainant, Susannah Trim- 
mings, testified as follows: ".\s I was going home on Sunday night, I heard 
a rustling in the woods, which I supposed to he occasioned by swine, and 
presently there appeared a woman, whom I apprehended to be Goodwife 
W'alford. .She asked me to lend her a pound of cotton. I told her I had 
but two [jounds in the house, and I would not spare any to my mother. She 
said 1 had better have done it, for I was going a great journey, but should 
never come there. She then left me and I was struck as with a clap of fire on 
the back : and she vanished towards the water-side, in my apprehension, in 
the shajje of a cat. She had on her head a white linen hood tied under her 
chin, and her waistcoat and petticoat were red, with an old gown, apron, 
and a black hat upon her head." Several other witnesses were examined, 
but the case was not then decided, and was probably dropped at the next term 
of the court. Mrs. Walford afterwards brought an action for slander against 
Rol>ert Coutch for saying that she was a witch and he could prove her one. 
The verdict was in her favor — five pounds and costs. 

Another prominent person among the early settlers of the Town of Rye 
was Capt. John Locke. He was a carpenter, the son of John Locke, of 
London, who married Christian French. July 26, 1624. He was born Septem- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 649 

ber i6, 1627, and came from Yorkshire, England, in 16^4. Tradition says 
that he first settled in Dover, where he had a tract of land, but this is prob- 
ably incorrect, as the earliest records of Dover contain no evidence that he 
ever resided or had a right of land there. From thence in 1652 he is said 
to have removed to what is known as Fort Point in Newcastle. From New- 
castle he removed to Sagamore Creek, where he resided until 1655, when he 
removed to Josselyn's Neck, afterwards called from him Locke's Neck, now 
known as Straw's Point, which was then a part of Hampton. Here, as it 
appears from the records of Town of Hampton, "he sat down on common 
lands." It appears that the Town of Hampton was indignant at his taking 
such liberties without so much as saying "by your leave," and May 24. 1666, 
a committee was chosen to pull up his fence, and March 12, 1667, to warn 
him to desist from improving the town's land, and to notify him that the 
town is displeased with his building there. Complaint was made against him 
as a trespasser, and he was warned to appear at the next meeting and give an 
account of himself. On the 8th of March, 1667, the town voted as follows: 
"Upon the motion of John Locke, who desireth to yield himself to ye 
town of Hampton as an inhabitant amongst us, being already settled upon 
Josselyn's Neck in Hampton bounds, the town hath accepted of ye said 
John Locke for an inhabitant accordingly." From all which we see that 
he was a man of firmness and not easily clri\en from his purpose. A settle- 
ment in its infancy would have been very much exposed to injury if no pre- 
cautions had been taken in regard to receiving inhabitants. Mischievous and 
disorderly persons might have come in and harassed the settlers. This was 
foreseen and measures taken to prevent it. The power of admitting inhabi- 
tants and of granting them the privileges of freemen was strictly guarded. 
After the town was once organized, none were admitted from abroad with- 
out the permission of the freemen, so that their treatment of Locke was by 
no means exceptional, as will be seen from the following vote : "That no 
manner of person should come into the town as an inhabitant without the 
penalty of 20s. per week, unless he give satisfactory security to the town." 

Capt. John Locke was an energetic, courageous man, very active against 
the Indians, and instrumental in defeating them in several of their attempts 
to destroy the inhabitants on the sea-coast, which excited their ])ersonal 
hostility ; and they came from Canada, eight in number, with an expressed 
design, as appeared afterwards, to avenge themselves in his death. He was 
killed while reaping in his field, August 26, 1696, at the age of seventy. 

The first Jenness, according to tradition, appears to have been Francis, 
a baker, who came with two brothers from Rye, England, he alone settling 
here, and from him probably the Town of Rye received its name. The 
Reverend Mr. Porter, in his Half-Century Sermon, says that the town from 
its first settlement received the name it now' bears, which was given, it is 
supi>osed, by reason of some of its first inhabitants coming from the town 
of the same name in England. Francis Jenness, so far as it appears, was the 
only one that came from that town, and hence we conclude that the town 
received its name from him: it is beliexed that he came previous to 1660. 
In 1675 he received a grant of the common lands by the sea from the Town 
of Hampton. He lived near Rye Beach and is said to have died in 17 16, 
aged eighty-two. The name originally was Jennings. The first Philbrick 
who came to Rye was Joseph, about the year 1700, and settled near the house 



650 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of Francis Jenness, in the south part of the town. He was the grandson of 
Thomas Philbrick, who came from Lincolnshire, England, with Sir Richard 
Salsenstall, and settled in \Vatertown in 1630, and removed to Hampton in 
1643, and died in 1667, very aged. Joseph died November 7, 1753, in his 
ninety-third year. 

The Town of Newcastle was incorporated in 1693. It embraced, in addi- 
tion to its present limits. Great Island, and also that part of Rye extending 
from Little HarI)or, now called Odiorne's Point, to Foss Beach. 

The present Town of Rye was originally taken from Portsmouth. Green- 
land. Hampton, and Newcastle, and was incorporated April 30, i7_'6. 

At the time of its incorporation Jotham Odiorne and Samuel Bracket 
were appointed a committee to settle with the selectmen of the Town of New- 
castle. It was for many years after its fomiation into a society styled the 
Parish of Rye in Newcastle. Only since the commencement of the American 
Revolution has it exercised town privileges. Before that time it acted in 
conjunction with Newcastle in the choice of representatives and in other usual 
town business, but a separation from the Town of Newcastle was agitated at 
an earlier period. March i, 1758, as appears from the records, a town- 
meeting was warned, among other things, "to see whether the Parish will 
for to get off from going to the Great Island to choose Assembly men !" but 
no action appears to have been taken. The first meeting-house was erected in 
17J5, and the next year, July 10, 1726, a church was organized. Other 
matters pertaining to the history of the town in its religious and educational 
aspects are of course omitted. 

The town has contributed more largely to the settlement of the interior 
of the state than any other according to its size. Epsom, Rochester, Bar- 
rington, Chester, and many others recognize many of their inhabitants as 
ha\'ing been originally from this place, and the churches in a number of these 
tow-ns were first formed in part by members removed from the Church of 
Christ here. 

Rye Harbor was dug out in 1792; voted May 7th. One hundred and 
thirty-three days' labor appear to have been given. In the Canada or French 
war fourteen persons lost their lives in the service of their country, and 
thirty-eight in the War of the Revolution by sea and land, most of them 
young men. Capt. Joseph Parsons raised his own company in the War of 
the Revolution. 

Nearly all of them were from Rye. Ninety-five from this town served 
under him at different times, and at least four other commanders. How 
many privateersmen there were is not known. July 18, 1774, two deputies, 
Samuel Knowles and Samuel Jenness, were chosen to go to the convention at 
Exeter to choose delegates to a General Congress, and at the same time it 
was voted that the selectmen shall raise three pounds towards paying the 
delegates, and that the parish will defray the charges of the deputies. 

The town was visited with great sickness and mortality in 1803. More 
than two hundred and twenty persons were seized with diseases of variou.s 
kinds. Thirty-five died. In 181 6 the spotted fever prevailed. The disease 
was so infectious and the mortality so great as seriously to alami the inhabi- 
tants. The burials were made by night. 

.\s early as 1834, as appears from the records, the town committed itself 
by the following vote in favor of temperance: "\'oted, that the selectmen 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 651 

shall not grant license to any j>erson to retail ardent spirit in this town the 
present year." And March 8, 1836, it was further voted, "that no cigars 
or pipes shall be smoked in or about the meeting-house or schoolhouses on 
the Sabbath, under the penalty of $1 fine for each and every offence, to be 
collected by a complaint before a justice of the peace by the sexton, select- 
men, or tithingmen." 

Educational.' — It is not probable that there was any organized school 
system until some time after the incorporation of the town in 1726, although 
what is known as the "moving school" is referred to soon after the parish 
was severed from Newcastle. The "moving school" was an institution 
peculiar to the early settlements, and was kept at private houses in tlifferent 
neighborhoods, so as to accommodate the children of as many families as 
circumstances would permit. The family that "entertained" the moving 
school of course boarded the schoolmaster, who was in those days considered 
quite a dignitary, second in importance only to the minister and the justice of 
the peace. 

Previous to any organized effort to establish public schools, the smaller 
children were taught by village dames, which sounds large at first, but which, 
being interpreted, is generally acknowledged, I believe, to have been used as 
a genteel expression for "old maids." 

Those who desired to fit for college were generally taken in hand by the 
minister and prepared as well as their time and talents would allow. A few 
scattered academies afforded opportunities for those who possessed the 
means to acquire a fair education, but the mass of the people had to be con- 
tented with the facilities offered by the "moving schools." 

Everything relating to our early school history is left in a very frag- 
mentar}' and disjointed condition. The searcher after facts finds but few to 
gather, and those only recorded at irregular intervals. 

While the town records are very complete upon the important subject 
of ringing the bell, and while the town clerks have been commendably faith- 
ful in recording the names of all the great men who have filled the positions 
of "hog-reeve" and "fence-viewer," both leave us in blissful ignorance upon 
the vital subject of education. The earliest date that I have been able to 
find upon the regular town records concerning school matters is March 23, 
1729, when it was "Voted at said meeting that the selectmen should be 
empowered to hire a schoolmaster and move him several times, as they see 
cause for the conveniency of the children's going to school." 

In 1 73 1 it was "Voted that the selectmen be empowered to hire a school- 
master one-half of the year." 

In lune, 1737. there was an article in the warrant "to see what you will 
do concerning a school," but as there is no action recorded, it is not probable 
that there was any school that year. 

In 1739, "Voted that there' should be a moving school, and that every 
party that hath the benefit of the school shall provide a house to keep school 
in. and that the moving school shall be at the discretion of the selectmen of 
the parish." 

From 1739 to 1751 regular school appropriations were made, and in the 
latter year the question of "a new schoolliouse was agitated, and was a "lively" 

' The following interesting article was contributed by G. H. Jenness, Esq., being an address 
delivered by him at the dedication of the town hall in Rye, November 19, 1863. 



652 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

issue at many subsequent town-meetings. In 1751 the people were invited 
"to see if they will do anything concerning building a schoolhouse in the 
parish," and in 1752, to see if they will vote to build two schoolhouses. It 
will be observed that the town is spoken of as the parish for many years 
after its incorporation, and were there nothing but the records of the town 
clerks to guide us, we should infer that Rye continued to be a parish of 
Newcastle long after it is known to have been separate. 

In 1756 there were local dissensions and jealousies, and a first-class school 
row all over town. It finally culminated in a proposition "to see if the parish 
will vote the school money shall be divided, and let each party hire a school- 
master according to their liking," and in 1757, "To see if the parish will 
settle the school in two places or settle the school at the centre." The voting 
at the meeting was slightly contradictory, as will be seen by the following 
record : 

1st. \'oted that the school should be kept in the center of the parish. 
_'(1. \'oted that the school be kept one-half of the year to the eastward 
of the meeting-house. 

3d. Voted that the school be kept in two places above the meeting-house. 
Such \oting as that sets at defiance the fundamental law of physics — that 
two l)odies cannot occupy the same space at the same time. How the diflficulty 
was finally adjusted does not appear, but in March 23, 1761, it was "voted 
that the school should be one-half above and the other half below the meet- 
ing-house." 

It is certain that there \\ere two schoolhouses in town some time between 
1764 and 1774. for in the latter year there was an article in the warrant 
"to see if the parish will build a schoolhouse or repair the old ones," and at 
a subsecpient meeting the same year it was "voted that the selectmen repair 
the schoolhouses and put them in order." The school boys of those days 
were, in common parlance, a pretty tough set. for in two years from that time 
it was found necessary to build anew again, the repairs of 1774 being ratlier 
short-lived. 

In 1786 it was "voted there shall lie a new schoolhouse built where the 
old one now stands between Mr. Johnson's and Mr. Nathan Knowles"." The 
cost was £14 9s. 6d. 

It was but partially finished, however, for in January, 1789, we find an 
article in the warrant "to see what the town will do to finish the schoolhouse 
by N. Knowles;" but as the schoolhouse fever had somewhat subsided, no 
action was taken upon the matter. 

In 1 79 1. "Voted to build a schoolhouse at the east end of the parish." 
Cost, £34 1 8s. 7d. 

In 1796, "Voted the town shall be divided into two etpial parts for to 
hire schools for each district." 

In 1797, "Voted the selectmen .shall keep eighteen months' school, the 
school to begin the ist of May at both schoolhouses. and keep on five months, 
and shall beg'm the middle of November, and keep on four months." After 
this there are no recorded votes worthy of special mention until 1816, when 
it was "voted that no scholar below the meeting-house shall go to the ui)per 
school, and none above the meeting-house shall go to the lower school." 

In 1826 two brick schoolhouses were built in what are now the South and 
West districts, and in 1827 two more were built in the Center and East 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 653 

districts, at an a\erage cost of some four or five hundred dollars each. In 
1827 the town was divided into two districts, each containing two school- 
houses. In 1833 the selectmen divided the town into four districts. In 1845 
the town was redistricted, and the boundary lines defined. In 1854 it was 
"voted that the town convey by deed or otherwise to each school district 
the schoolhouses located in the same for their specific use," since which time 
every district has been entirely independent of the town in regard to the 
management of its local affairs. Within three years a new schoolhouse has 
been built in the West District at a cost of nearly two thousand dollars, and 
the South and East have been repaired at an aggregate cost of eleven hundred 
dollars ; they are all in good order now. and are a credit to the intelligence 
and liberality of our citizens. 

Of the teachers the records furnish but "little information. The only 
person mentioned is Christopher Gold (probably meaning Gould), who was 
in 1762 elected to keep school for six months. We hear no more of him 
until March. 1773, when it was "voted not to hire Master Gold any longer," 
from which I infer that he taught most of the school time during the inter- 
vening eleven years. Through the courtesy of Thomas J. Parsons, Esq., I 
am able to furnish from his private records the names of several of the 
teachers of previous generations. Among them may be mentioned Joseph 
Parsons and Richard ^\■ebster, who taught in 1786 and 1787; in 1789. '90, 
and '91, Peter Mitchell and John Carroll; in 1783, James Dane; in 1794, 
John L. Piper. After them came at various periods Samuel Willey, John 
French, a Mr. Sherburne, Noah Burnham, John W. Parsons, Richard 
Webster, Jr., Joseph Dalton, Joseph Dame, Levi Merrill, Noah Wiggin, 
Thomas J. Parsons, John A. Trefethen, and scores of others whose names 
are more or less familiar to you. The wages paid ranged from ten to twenty 
dollars per month exclusive of board, the earlier teachers being paid in the 
English currency. 

Dr. lohn W. Parsons taught school and practiced medicine at the same 
time. Whenever he was called upon to attend the sick the children were dis- 
missed and sent home. Sometimes after teaching school all day he would 
walk over to North Hampton to attend his patients there, returning home on 
foot in the evening. 

The schoolhouses of Rye are maintained in good condition. None of 
them are old or of antique pattern and the schools will in quality and efficiency 
compare not unfavorably with those of other tov.-ns in the state. 

Pupils desiring more advanced instruction than the grammar schools of 
the town afford, attend the high school in Portsmouth, the town, under the 
state law. paying the tuition. 

ECCLE.SI.\STIC.\L HISTORY 

The Town of Rye was so named by reason of some of its first inhabitants 
coming from a town of the same name in England. It was incorjwrated 
April 30, 1726. Prior to this time the town was destitute of a settled ministry 
of the gospel, the people attending pulilic worship in the neighboring towns 
as was most convenient. The first petition for the formation of a new dis- 



654 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

trict, whereby tliey might enjoy the benefits of the gospel ministry, was under 
date of 1 72 1, as follows: 

"Petitioti for a nezn' Distinct or Precinct, 1^21 

"To his Excellency Samuel Shute Esqr Capt. Genl and Governor in chief in 
and over his Majties Province of New Hampshire &c. To the Honble 
the Council & House of Representatives, now conven'd in Genii Assembly 
in & for sd Province : 

"The humble Petition of sundry the Inhabitants living about Sandy Beach, 
partly in New Castle, Hampton & Portsmouth, humbly sheweth : 

"That your Petitioners, the subscribers hereof, have for these maqy years 
past lived under great inconveniences as to their having the free benefit of 
the gospell, most of us Living at great Distances from our Respective meet- 
ing-houses, especially those belonging to New Castle ;• — for that besides the 
great Distance wee live from thence, there is the great Inconvenience of a 
Ferry, by the Reasons of which for near halfe the yeare. Wee the Masters 
of families that are best able cannot but now and then attend upon the pub- 
lick worship of God (as in Duty wee are bound) and when wee Doe, It is 
many times late within Night e're wee can reach our habitations : And besides 
this great inconvenience to ourselves, there is much greater happens to the 
greatest part of our families (viz.) our women and children, who can rarely 
attend at all or not above two or three times in the yeare, and then but those 
that are groun to years ; for our younger children that should imbibe in the 
precepts of the gospell with their milk, cannot attend until groun to some 
years: Wee having four, five & some more than six miles, besides the Ferry; 
And wee can now count amongst us above two hundred and forty or fifty 
souls, and not one third capeable to attend as wee are now circumstanced : 
And we think ourselves capeable to maintain a minister of the Gospel, and to 
give a Competent Liveing, as our neighbouring Pa'shes & precincts do : 

"Therefore wee, your humble Petitioners prays that we may be set off a 
p'ticular precinct ( from Mr. ^^'illiam .Seveys and westward by the seaside as 
far towards Hampton as the little Boars head or Little River, and back into 
the Country about three miles & a halfe or so far as in your wisdom shall 
see meet) and that we may be impowered to make and raise all our own 
Taxes and gather them : So prays your humble Petitioners. 

"John Lock and 51 others." 

Congregational Church. — The first meeting-house was erected in the year 
1725, the church organized July 10, 1726, and the first minister. Rev. 
Nathaniel Morrill, was ordained September 14, 1726. The following is a 
list of the pastors from the organization of the church to the present time : 
Nathaniel Morrill, ordained September 14. 1726-33: Samuel Parsons (aged 
eighty-two years, great-grandfather of Thomas J. Parsons), November 3, 
1736, died January 4, 1789: Huntington Porter, December 29, 1784, colleague, 
died March 7, 1844, aged ninety-nine years: Bezaleel Smith, May 13, 1829, 
colleague pastor, dismissed July 12, 1841, died May 15, 1879: James F. 
McEwen, December i, 1841, to April 8, 1846; Israel F. Otis, July 4, 1847, 
to April 24. 1866: Silas Leach. October 4. 1867. to December 11. 1870: Jere- 
miah K. Aldrich. May 14, 1873, to November 16, 1876: Willis A. Hadley, 
August 21, 1878. to January i. 1879: J. W. Kingsbury. 1879-82: F. H. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 655 

Boynton, 1882, to November, 1886; Robert Humphries preached for about 
a year; H. M. Hohiies, May i, 1888, to 1890: J. K. Aldrich, 1892-96; A. 
W. Mills, 1896; H. A. Barber, 1906-14. 

The third and present church edifice was dedicated December 27, 1837. 

Methodist Episcopal Church. — The Methodist Episcopal Church in this 
town was organized March 11, 1839, and October 9th following this house of 
worship was dedicated. The following is a list of the ministers : Moore 
McCurdy, Gushing, and Osgood, 1839; James T. Adams, 1840-42; Henry 

Deans, 1843; Abraham Palmer, 1844; Blodgett, 1845; D. \V. Barber, 

1846; J. C. Allan, 1847; Mr. Wallingford, 1848; Mr. Blodgett, 1849; A. 
Heath, 1850-51; I. F. Adams, 1852; D. Macendo, 1853; John F. Adams, 
1854; E. Lagro, 1855-56; J. W. Adams, 1857-58; N. F. Bailey, 1S59-60; 
Mr. Chase, 1861-62; W. H. Stewart, 1863; G. W. T. Rogers. 1864-66; 
Abraham Folsom, 1867-68. Mr. Folsom was the last pastor of this church. 
The society became too weak for the support of a minister, and the church 
building was consequently sold to the town in 1873 and is now used as a 
town-house. 

Christian Church. — This church was originally organized as a Baptist 
Church, May i, 1820, as follows: 

"We, the subscribers, hereby form ourselves into a Religious Society, to 
be known by the name of the first Baptist Society in Rye, agreeably to a law 
of the State of Newhampshire, passed July i, 1819. and have appointed 
Nathan Knowls clerk of the same." 

The persons thus fonning themselves into a Baptist Society were largely 
those who could not accept the positions held by the Congregational Church, 
which up to this time was the only church in the town. The Baptist Society 
being composed of such persons as were inclined to grow in knowledge, 
soon found that the limits of the Baptist faith were too narrow for them, 
and August 20, 1833, they reorganized themselves into a Christian Church. 
They at this time adopted the following covenant : 

"We, the undersigned persons, agree to unite ourselves together as a 
religious body, to be called a Christian Church, and to receive the sacred 
scriptures as our rule of faith and practice, renouncing all allegiance to creeds 
and platfonns of human invention, ^^'e do solemnly covenant to watch over 
each other for good, to build up ourselves in the most holy faith, to admonish 
each other in love and union, asking of our heavenly Father, the Holy .Spirit, 
to aid us in this important work, that we l^e led into all truth, \Ahich makes 
free." 

The following ministers have preached at \arious times : Elders Ebenezer 
Leavitt, Ephraim Philbrick, and Pottle, 1827; Elder Philbrick, 1839; Elder 
Thomas F. Barry. 1840; Elder .Vbner Hall, 1842; Elder \\'illiam H. Nason. 
1843; Elder Mosher. 1845; Elder William H. Ireland. 1850; Elder Joel 
Wilson, 1855 ; Elders Rowell, Pain, Cole. Hall and Dixon. 1857-64 ; Elder Clark 
Simons, 1866; Rev. Alva H. Morrill, 1872; Rev. S. B. Bowditch, 1876; Rev. 
Ira S. Jones, 1878; Rev. Lewis Phillips, 1883; Rev. L. Walker Phillips, 
1885; Rev. J. E. Everingham, 1889; Rev. H. J. Rhodes. 1893; Rev. J. A. 
Beebe, 1895; Rev. Joseph Lambert. 1899; J. B. Fenwick. 1905-14. 

The Episcopal Church by the sea was built in 1876. largely by the summer 
residents, and the bell was hung in 1877. 

The Ad^'ent meeting-house on the south road was dedicated May 2t,. 1872. 



656 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Merchants. — The first merchant in Rye was John Carroll, an Irishman 
and school teacher, who began in a little room keeping needles, pins, etc., and 
afterwards kept a store at Jedediah Rand's. He subsequently associated 
with him his brother-in-law, Simon Goss, under the firm-name of Carroll 
& Goss. Other traders have been A. Seavey, J. Drake, D. Wedgewood, 
Hamilton Locke, J. L. Locke, and Hon. T. J. Parsons. Mr. Parsons com- 
menced business in 1828 and conducted the business continuously at this place 
for more than half a century. ' Mr. Parsons was one of the prominent citizens 
of the town, and held various positions of trust within the gift of his fellow- 
townsmen. He was appointed justice of the peace December 30, 1828, and 
held that office continuously. He also represented the tow n in the Legislature 
and his district in the senate. Mr. Parsons also manifested much interest in 
the old militia, and rose successively from the rank of captain to colonel; 
was also an aide-de-camp to Governor Isaac Hill. He was born in Rye, 
January 4, 1804. 

Physicians. — The first regular settled physician was Dr. Joseph Parsons. 
He was followed by Dr. John \V. Parsons, father of Dr. Warren Parsons, 
who was in active practice in Rye for fifty years. Dr. C. F. Patterson came 
to West Rye in 1896 and to his new house at the Center in 1900. His death 
occurred October 16, 191 1. Dr. H. A. White located in Rye in 1910. 

Rye as a Sioinner Resort. — To its location, away from any line of general 
public travel which made its inns and taverns in the early days of local 
interest and importance only, the Rye of the present day is undoubtedly 
indebted to a great extent for its popularity and fame as one of the most 
noted summer resorts in New England, attracting many hundreds of visitors 
annually from all parts of the country, and having a numerous and steadily 
increasing colony of summer residents whose private summer cottages, scat- 
tered all along the six miles of ocean front from Odiorne's Point to the North 
Hampton line, acid greatly to the taxable property of the town, and not a 
few of which are of such size and cost as would have won them the title of 
"mansions" instead of "cottages" a century or less ago. 

Very large and handsome new summer homes at Rye Beach are those 
of Edgar Champlain, George L. Allen, Ex-Gov. Francis of Missouri and 
Francis E. Drake, the latter one of the finest and most costly cottages 
on the New England Coast, having been completed in 1903. 

The .\benaqui Golf Club was organized in 1899 and built its club house 
in 1900. 

Hotels. — Ocean Wave, Sea View and Farragut. 

S'liiinner Boarding Houses. — S. S. Philbrick. C. A. Jenness. A. Drake, 
Horace Sawyer and S. W. Foss. 

Postmasters. — iMrs. A. C. Walker; West. C. D. Garland; South Road, 
Rye Beach, C. W. Spear; Rye North Beach, F. P. Knox. 

Societies. — Rye Grange: Jr.. O. U. A. M. 

Public Telephone. — Farragut House ; Cable Station. 

U. S. Life .Sax'iny Stations. — One at Straw's Point and one at W^allis 
Sands. 

The cable of the Direct United States Cable Company was landed July 
15. 1874, and opened for business in September. 1874. and is now owned 
by the Western Union Telegraph Company. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 657 

The Boiilenard. — Work on the State Boulevard commenced in 1900 near 
Wcillis' Sands, and as funds were appropriated by the state, was continued 
to the North Hampton hne ; there remains to be built a section from Odiorne's 
Point to the Portsmouth hne. 

Rye Public Library. — Rye was the first town in Rockingham County to 
estabhsh a pubhc Hbrary. Ohver Sleeper left to the town by will, about 
eight thousand dollars, for a library with the proviso that if the town declined 
the bequest, it should go in equal sums to the two churches. At a special 
town meeting called for August i, 1883, the meeting voted against accepting. 
In 1884 the town voted to accept. Litigation followed and in 1893 the court 
decided that the legacy, reduced by litigation, etc., to about three thousand 
dollars belonged to the two churches. Each year after the movement for pro- 
viding state-aided town libraries, an article w^as inserted in the election war- 
rant for Rye to take the sense of the voters on the question, "Is it expedient 
to establish a town library?" and every year the town voted "no," by a large 
majority, yet for years these same voters took advantage of the generosity of 
the Portsmouth Public Library, in allowing the inhabitants of Rye to take 
books from their shelves without charge. 

Miss Mary Tuck Rand conveyed to the town on March lO, 1910, land for 
a library site. She also gave the sum of $7,500 for the erection of the 
building, which was dedicated June 22, 191 1, and opened to the public the 
following September, with 500 volumes on the shelves and has since added 
1,500 volumes. 

During the year 191 3 there were 7,600 books in circulation, the following 
funds having been given to the library : Miss Abby S. Parsons, $500 ; legacy 
J. Disco Jenness, $200; Benjamin F. Webster, $500. 

A Submerged Forest (by L. B. Parsons). — Off the easterly or northerly, 
as the reader prefers, end of Jenness Beach can be seen at extremely low 
tides, 150 feet or more from high water mark, the remains of what was once 
a forest of large trees, in the shape of great stumps that in the course of 
many years, perhaps of centuries, have been ground down almost to their 
roots by the action of the sand-laden waves, but which are still held in the 
positions in which they grew by their huge, gnarled roots, with a tenacity 
which the mighty force of the ocean in its wildest moods has never been able 
to overcome. These stumps of cedar and other varieties of trees are hidden 
from sight at ordinary low tides ; sometimes at very low tide but few of them 
are visible, the larger number being covered with a coating of sand, which 
will be washed clear of them by the next storm from the right direction. 
How far the stumps extend out under the sea is unknown, the tide never 
ha\'ing receded far enough to disclose the outer edge of the group. That 
there was a heavy growth of trees there at some time, long ago, is evident ; 
but how long ago, neither history nor tradition informs us. The place where 
they grew was then dry land ; dry, that is, so far as the ocean is concerned, 
for trees of their kind do not thrive or even live in localities where their 
roots are frequently covered with salt water. The forest must have dis- 
appeared before the advent of the first settlers, for had it been submerged 
after their arrival, even by the gradual encroachment of the sea upon its 
site, it certainly would have received mention in the writings of somebody. 
The submergence may be due to a sudden subsidence of the coast, but this 
is a mere speculation. All that can be said positively of the stumps is that 



658 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

they are still there. Even when they were first discovered is not known. 
One of Rye's oldest residents of fifty years ago, being asked about them 
replied: "Why, everybody in Rye always knew they were there." 



Rye lost a very considerable number of its inhabitants in times of war, 
both by sea and land. The inhabitants suffered severely by the depredation 
of the Indians. In the year 1696 twenty-one persons were either killed or 
carried away captive by the vindictive savages. In the French war the town 
lost fourteen, who were either killed or died in the service. In the Revolu- 
tionary war the town responded promptly to the call of liberty, and twenty- 
eight of its inhabitants died in the service, most of them young men. In the 
War of 18 1 2 there were twenty in the service, two of whom lost their lives. 
In the last war with Great Britain, March 18, 1813, an alarm list company 
of fifty-five officers and privates was formed in this town, of which Jonathan 
Wedgewood was chosen captain. Ninety-two from the Town of Rye were 
engaged in this war, besides the alarm company. Eleven cavalry served 
under Capt. James Colman, and the others in two companies of infantry, 
under Capts. Ephraim Philbrick and Samuel P. Berry. Sixteen served as 
privateersmen ; four were captured, two lost. Three — Robert Robinson, 
Richard R. Locke, and Nathaniel G. Lear — were put in Dartsmouth prison. 
Dr. Joseph Parsons served as surgeon's mate on the ship Orlando. Forty- 
eight applied for bounty land, under the act of March 3, 1855. 

War of the Revolution}— lyyo, July 16. Mr. Joseph Parsons chosen a 
committeeman for to stand by the Sons of Liberty. 

Mr. Mark Randel and Joseph Brown chosen committeemen to stand by 
the Sons of Liberty. 

1774, July 18. — Voted, Mr. Samuel Knowles go to Exeter. 
Voted, Mr. Samuel Jenness go with Mr. Knowles to Exeter. 

Voted, That the selectmen shall raise three pounds towards paying the 
delegates that shall be chosen to go to the Continental Congress. 

Voted, That the parish will defray the charges of the men that are going 
to Exeter. 

1775, May 16. — Voted, That Nathan Goss shall go to Exeter, and that 
Samuel Knowles shall go to the Congress with Mr. Goss. 

Voted, Twelve minute men be enlisted to go on any expedition that a 
committee shall think proper. 

Voted, That the minute men shall exercise one-half a day in a week, 
and have two shillings each for every day they exercise. 

Voted, That the minute men shall have forty shillings per month from 
the time they are ordered on any expedition till they return. 

December 11. — Voted, Nathan Goss represent this parish in General Con- 
gress at Exeter. 

1776, January. — Voted, That Richard Jenness, Esq., Emos Seavey. Esq., 
and Robinson Treferrin be a committee for to draw a petition to the Gen- 
eral Congress at Exeter, praying they would not assume government at 
present. 

' By Hon. T. J. Parsons. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 659 

March 27th. — Voted, The Committee of Safety's expenses for the last 
year be allowed them. 

Voted, Ricliard Jenness, Esq., Samuel Knowles, Samuel W^allis, Richard 
Jenness, Simon Garland, Abraham Libbey, Jeremiah Berry be a Committee 
of Inspection, and the major part of them to act. 

Colony of New Hampshire, 

Rye, July 5, 1776. 
Serjeant Samuel Elkins, — You are hereby required to warn all persons 
belonging to your district, to meet at Mr. Benjamin Garland's Innholder in 
said I'arish on Monday next at eight o'clock before noon armed and equiped 
according to law in order to draft out soldiers to join the Northern Army — 
and it is hoped every person who values his life, liberty or property will 
punctually attend. 

Joseph Parsons, Capt. 

Rye, July 9, 1776. 

I have received orders from Col. Josh. W'entworth for a mediate caul for 
the Committee to be together — you are desired to be at Mr. Abrm Libbee's 
this day at six of the clock afternoon — 

Mr. Simon Garland. Richard Jenness, Jun. 

The twelve minute-men enlisted in May, 1775, of the Town of Rye, a 
■ list of whose names, it is much regretted, cannot be found, went to Cam- 
bridge, Mass. 

It being soon after necessary to have more troops at Newcastle to protect 
Portsmouth Harbor, Capt. Joseph Parsons raised the following volunteer 
company in Rye, and was stationed at Great Island (Newcastle) that summer 
and fall. It was, I believe, the first company in service from Rye. Papers 
show that others served under Captain Parsons at Newcastle : Joseph 
Parsons, captain ; William Seavey, first lieutenant : Nathan Goss, second lieu- 
tenant ; Abraham Libbey, sergeant ; Alexander Salter, sergeant ; Timothy 
Berry, sergeant; Samuel Knowles, sergeant: Henry Shapley, corporal; Wil- 
liam Rand, corporal ; Joshua Locke, corporal ; Jeremiah Berry, corporal ; Peter 
Johnson, drummer; Michael Dalton, fifer, and twenty-nine privates. 

A large portion of the above company enlisted under Capt. Joseph Parsons 
to go to Cambridge, Mass., until February i, 1776. Captain Parsons having 
with the aid of Lieut. Nathaniel Gilman raised the following company to 
take the place of the former at Newcastle. 

Return of what remains of Capt. Joseph Parsons' company, Newcastle, 
November 6, 1775: Nathaniel Gilman, first lieutenant; William Seavey, 
second lieutenant ; Samuel Wallis, ensign ; Abraham Libbey, sergeant ; Josiah 
Hall Bartlett, sergeant; Joseph Seavey, sergeant; Simon Johnson, corporal; 
Benjamin Lang, corporal; Joseph Marden, drummer; Nathaniel Marden, fifer, 
and forty-eight privates. 

Roll of Capt. Joseph Parson's company in Col. David Gilman's regiment, 
commencing December 5, 1776, and ending March 11, 1777, inclusive: 
Joseph Parsons, captain; Josiah Dearborn, lieutenant; Joshua \^'eeks. second 
lieutenant; John Leavitt, sergeant: Simeon Towle, sergeant; Daniel Smith, 
sergeant ; Simon Sanborn, sergeant ; Joseph Hutchins, corporal ; Josiah Batch- 
elder, corporal ; John Odiorne, corporal ; Jesse Prescott, ocrporal ; John San- 
born, drummer; Josiah Moulton, fifer, and forty-three privates. 



660 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

They went to New York and served three months and eleven days. The 
service in Rhode Island was from June 26, 1777, to January 6, 1778. One 
march of fifty miles was made in thirteen hours. 

August 3, 1778, Captain Parsons marched a company of volunteers to 
Rhode Island, but was in service this time but thirty days. September 11, 
1 781, Captain Parsons raised a company of thirty-two men by order of the 
Committee of Safety, to serve three months, and marched for No. 4, Charles- 
town, but served one month. 

1782, April 19th. — Voted, Capt. Joseph Jenness and Mr. Richard Webster 
committee to get soldiers for the army. 

July 8th. — Voted, Capt. Joseph Jenness, Capt. Joseph Parsons, and Mr. 
David Locke, shall be a committee to get soldiers for to fill up the battalions 
for three years or during the war. 

Voted, Said committee shall pay in any sort of pay yearly as they shall 
agree with the soldiers for that purpose. 

Voted, The constable shall go about and gather what money he can in 
order to hire soldiers and let the committee have it. 

December 2d. — Lieut. Nathan Goss chosen representati\e for one year 
from their first meeting and to vote in the choice of delegate to the Continental 
Congress. 

Voted, Ten men for the Constitution and seventeen against it. 

1783, April 28th. — Voted, To preserve the present plan of government 
as it now stands by a vote of thirty-three for it and nine against it. 

I find from examination of old papers in Rye that Rye men shipped and 
served on pri\ateers during the Revolution, a few of the vessels of which I 
give, viz. : 

1777, February 26th, the privateer Portsmouth, Capt. Robert Parker, 
sailed on a cruise March 25th ; took a brig from New York of ten guns, and 
had a fight with two ships, one man killed and one wounded ; March 29th, 
took a brig from Cork, which arrived into Portsmouth April 20th. 

1778, January, schooner (brig) True Blue, Capt. Lawrence Furlong. 
1778, February, ship Portsmouth, Thomas Roche, commander. 
1778, April, ship Portsmouth, Thomas Roach, commander. 

1778, May 15, schooner Hornet (or Friends' Adventure). Kinsman 
Peaverly, commander. 

1778, July, schooner Rambler, Thomas Manning, commander. 

1778, October, brigantine Platio, John Hill, commander. 

1778, October, schooner numliered Six, Samuel Rice, commander. 

1778, November, ship General Sullivan, Thomas Manning, commander 

1779, May, ship General Sullivan, Thomas Planning, commander. 

1780, November, ship Alexander, Thomas Simpson, commander 

1 781, January, ship Alexander, Thomas Simpson, commander 
1 781, May, ship Scourge, Timothy Parker, commander. 

1781, April, ship .America, of Newbury, for a four months' cruise: John 
Blunt, of Newcastle, mate. 

1779, December, Continental ship Ranger, Thomas Simpson, commander. 
1776, May 21, the New Hampshire frigate launched at Portsmouth. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 661 

CIVIL WAR 

Military Record. — The following list of soldiers from this town in the 
War of 1861-65 is taken from records in the possession of Hon. Thomas J. 
Parsons: Daniel D. Locke, captain, Fourteenth Massachusetts Regiment; 
James Goss, captain. Seventh Regiment ; John T. Blazo, First Regiment ; E. 

D. Rand, Company F, Seventh Regiment ; J, A. Rand, Company F, Seventh 
Regiment; William Caswell; Albert Caswell; Augustus Rand; John Caswell, 
navy; S. F. Foss, captain Company E, Fourteenth Massachusetts Regiment; 
J. J. Seavey, Massachusetts regiment; Oliver Locke, navy; John H. Downs, 
navy; Charles Holmes, captain Thirteenth Massachusetts Regiment, killed at 
Bull Run: R. P. Shapley, Company M, First Cavalry; J. H. Shapley. Com- 
pany M, First Cavalry: L. \\'. Hall, navy: D. M. Foss. navy; Daniel Webster, 
navy ; Joseph Youngs, Company D, Third Regiment ; H. Frisbee, Company 

E, Ninth Regiment: Francis Rand, Company E, Ninth Regiment, died July 
20. 1864; Samuel Young; Benjamin Blazo, Company A, Lincoln Guards; 
J. Mow; George Hurdy: G. H. Lang; John Caswell; Emery Dow; G. N. 
Varrell; G. E. Caswell; John Poole: J. W. Berry, Company K, Thirteenth 

Regiment; O. P. Philbrick; Miller; W. N. Mace; C. A. Mace; Alfred 

Lang, Thirty-second Maine; George N. Lang, Seventeenth Massachusetts; 
R. V. Varrell ; S. Tarlton ; Charles R. Caswell ; R. P. Shapley, re-enlisted ; 
J. H. Shapley, re-enlisted; E. D. Rand, captain, re-enlisted; J. A. Rand, lieu- 
tenant, re-enlisted; G. W. Johnson, re-enlisted. 

The following were enlisted and mustered into the service in 1862: Gil- 
man Johnson, George Hurnard, J. T. Blazo, Benj. Blazo, J. Young, R. P. 
Shapley, J. H. Shapley, D. D. Locke, Frank Foss, Capt. E. D. Rand, Lieut. 
J. A. Rand, F. W. Rand, Howard Frisbee, C. J. Mace, W. N. Mace. W. H. 
Shapley, A. Caswell, H. N. Caswell, J. Berry, C. R. Caswell, R. W. Varrell, 
W. T. Mathes, R. S. Foss, O. B. Philbrick, David Locke, Nathan Clough. 
S. B. Tarlton, Chas. H. Morse, E. Miller, J. Omerod, S. H. Parsley. H. G. 
Parsley, A. J. Jenness, J. H. Foye. G. B. Caswell, T- T- Seavey, D. M. Foss, 
J. W. Caswell, Daniel Webster, and L. W. Hull. 

The following enlisted in the navy: O. Locke. D. Trefethen, J. W. 
Marden, D. W. Marden, G. Seavey, F. Marden, C. E. Garland, A. Locke. 
J. H. Locke, A. G. Locke, Chas. A. Abbott, A. M. Lang, and W. C. Green. 

The following furnished sub.stitutes : N. H. Jenness, C. A. Jenness, G. 
W. Jenness, A. D. Jenness, S. W. lenness, S. Jenness, N. G. Jenness, John 
S. Remick, D. W. Philbrick, T, H. Philbrick, O. Drake, T. E. Latham, S. L. 
Chesley, C. W. Jones, J. W. Garland. 

The following men were drafted August 21, 1863, and paid communta- 
tion: Cyrus S. Jones, J. J. Rand, E. P. Davis, J. L. Seavey, J. S. Foss. E. C. 
Jenness. C. A. Drake, D. Philbrick, C. Garland, J. D. Rand, G. H. Jenness. 
W. J. Holmes, B. B. Greene, P. C. Hutchins, A. M. Lang. 

The following were also drafted at this time (August 21, 1863), but were 
exempt: A. V. Seavey, H. D. Foss, H. Trefethen. A. P. Brown, G. Brown, 
C. R. Caswell, G. H. Seavey, O. P. Garland, G. W. Brown. J. H. Foss. J. J. 
Brown, J. H. Lear, A. Rand, J. S. Remick. J. W. Foye. A. Rand. 

The following were mustered in October 22. 1862, for nine months: 
W. S. Bigin, T. E. Hodgden, C. H. Stevens. G. W. Williamson. B. F. Parker, 
J. J. Smith, C. W. Greenleaf, George W. Batchelder, J. F. Hall, G. M. Swain, 
T. W. Brickett, William Tool, 



662 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Six who entered tlie service from this town are known to have lost their 
lives, viz.: Charles Holmes, killed at the first battle at Bull Run; J. Harri- 
son Foye, killed May 3, 1862; William F. Mather, killed at Cold Harbor, 
June, 1864; David Locke, killed at Harrison's Landing, September 29, 186.4.; 
John H. Shapleigh, killed at Waynesboro', Va., September j8, 1864; Lieut. 
Robert P. Shapleigh, died June 2, 1865. 

Gosport: Isles of Shoals.' — By an act of the Legislature, approved July 
20, 1876, the Town of Gosport, Isles of Shoals, was annexed to Rye. The 
territory of Gosport consisted of all that portion of the Isles of Shoals within 
the boundaries of New Hampshire, including Star, White and Lunging 
islands. The transfer was not asked by Rye nor the inhabitants of Gos- 
port; the transfer added ])ut little to the valuation of Rye and nothing to its 
voting list or population. 

From a very early period in the history of this section of country these 
islands have been known as quite famous fishing-grounds, and were settled 
at an early date. 

For a long time the islands were a kingdom and government by them- 
selves, and had a constantly increasing prosperity, so that the number of 
inhabitants ran up to about six hundred, and even with a seminary of some 
repute, to which some families on the mainland sent their sons to be edu- 
cated. It was here that the three brothers Cutt first settled, removing to 
Portsmouth in 1647, but still carrying on business at the Shoals. 

Star Island had so prospered that in 171 5, by act of the Provincial Assem- 
bly of New Hampshire, it was created a town, by the name of Gosport; and 
in 1720, of every 1,000 pounds raised in the province by taxation twenty 
pounds was assessed upon Gosport, a proportion which was maintained with 
but slight variations for many years. In 1767 the number of residents of 
Gosport was 284, of whom four were slaves. 

in 1 81 9 the number of inhabitants of the islands had become reduced to 
eighty-six, and in 1824 to sixty-nine; and from that time till the end came the 
number slowly dwindled, year by year, until the last family and resident of 
the old Shoals stock disappeared. 

CHURCHES .\ND MINISTERS 

Prior to 1640 Rev. Joseph Hull, who was settled at Accominticus (now 
York. Me.), visited the islands occasionally and administered the sacraments 
of the Episcopal communion in the chapel on Hog (called by some at that 
time Farm) Island, now Appledore. During the year 1640 Rev. Robert 
Jordan of Richman's Island, Me., officiated in a similar manner, about this 
time the first church at the Shoals being built on Hog Island; and in 1641 
and 1642 Rev. Richard Gibson, the first minister of Strawberry Bank (now 
Portsmouth) was settled there. 

A sound Puritan divine. Rev. John Brock, was the first of a long line of 
Congregational ministers who rendered noble and self-sacrificing service at 
the islands until the settlement went down in hopeless decay. Of him Cotton 
Mather said : "He dwelt as near Heaven as any man upon the earth." 

Mr. Brock was settled at the Shoals from about 1650 to 1662, and was 
succeeded by Reverend Mr. Hall, and the latter by Rev. Samuel Belcher. 
About 1700 a new church was built on a lofty point of Star Island. It seems 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 663 

reasonable to suppose that there had previously been a church of some kind 
on this island for the population of the group had been centered there for 
years, and it is certain that the old church on Hog Island had long been 
abandoned. The new church was a substantial structure of wood, twenty- 
eight feet wide and forty-eight feet long, with a steeple or bell tower and bell ; 
the tower, from the elevated position of the church, serving as a landmark for 
the fishermen by day, and the bell guiding them to safety in times of darkness 
or fog-services which continued to be rendered by the tower and bell of the 
present stone church on the same site up to the time that the fishing settle- 
ment at the island ceased to exist. 

Rev. Samuel Moody was one of the first to minister in the new church. 
Rev. Daniel Greenleafe was there in 1705, the Massachusetts General Assem- 
bly that year granting him fourteen pounds, and the New Hampshire Gen- 
eral Assembly six pounds toward his support. Mr. Greenleafe was suc- 
ceeded in 1706 or 1707 by Rev. Samuel bloody, whose ministry continued 
to 1730 or 1 731; and he was succeeded by Rev. John Tucke, who was the 
first minister regidarly ordained to the congregation upon the islands. He 
was graduated from Harvard in 1723, and ordained July 26, 1732, the 
ordination sermon being preached by Rev. Jabez Fitch of Portsmouth, who 
took as his text Matt. 4:19: "I will make you fishers of men." He died in 
the latter part of August, 1773, at the age of seventy-one years, and was 
buried on Star Island. His grave was accidently discovered in 1800 by 
Dudley A. Tyng, collector of the Port of Newburyport, on a visit to the 
islands, and a free stone tablet suitably inscribed erected over it. During 
his long pastorate he w as physician as well as religious teacher to the islanders, 
and his influence over them seems to have been very great, and wholly for 
good. A granite shaft, a lasting memorial, is to be erected by his kinsman, 
Edward Tuck, on a circular piece of land deeded by the owner of the 
island to the New Hampshire Historical Society. 

Rev. John Tucke, Sr., was succeeded at the Shoals by Rev. Jeremiah Shaw, 
who remained until 1775, when the inhabitants were obliged to leave the 
islands on account of the breaking out of the Revolutionary war. From 
that time to the close of the eighteenth century the ministrations of religion 
at the islands were suspended. The few people who remained at the islands. 
or who returned after the close of the war. were too poor to support a 
minister, if they had been disposed to do so: they neglected the annual 
choice of town officers : they had no regular schools, and paid little if any 
attention to the Sabbath : the parsonage, constructed for Reverend Mr. Tucke, 
was taken down in 1780 by his son-in-law. and carried to York; and as 
appears from the Gosport town records, the meeting-house itself, which had 
stood nearly the whole centun,'. was wantonly set on fire about 1790 by a 
party of drunken fishennen. who held a wild revel by its light while it was 
burning. Rev. Jedediah Morse. D. D., the distinguished geographer, historian 
and divine, who visited Star Island in 1800, made an entry as follows of this 
incident in the Gosport records under date of August 10th of that year. 

".\bout the year 1790 some of the people of the baser sort, not having the 
fear of God before their eyes, pulled down and burnt the meeting house, 
which was a neat and convenient building, and had been greatly useful, not 
onlv as a place for religious worship, but as a landmark for seamen approach- 
ing this part of the coast. * * * By means of the exertions and benevo- 



664 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

!ence of the society for propagating the gospel, estabhshed in Boston, and 
some liberal minded gentlemen in Newburj'port, Portsmouth, and other 
]>laces. there is a prospect and hope that another place of worship will be 
erected on the site of the old one, and the means of religious and moral 
instruction be again afforded to the unfortunate and almost forsaken people 
of these islands." 

The new meeting-house, which cost about fourteen hundred dollars, was 
erected under the supervision of Mr. Dudley A. Tyng. It was somewhat 
smaller than the former one, being but thirty-six feet long and twenty- four 
feet wide on the outside, the walls being of stone, two feet thick, and eleven 
feet high in the clear. The choice of stone as a material being advocated 
by Doctor Morse, as having, as he said, "two great advantages over wood : 
the inhabitants cannot burn it for fuel and it will be imperishable." 

The new meeting-house was dedicated by Rev. Jedediah Morse on the 
24th of November, 1800. The woodwork was partially destroyed by fire on 
January 2. 1826. but repairs were made through generosity of people on the 
mainland, and the church was rededicated in 1830. 

For about seventy years after the new church was built the ancient 
"Society for Propergating the Gospell among the Indians and others in 
North America," with headquarters in Boston, sent to the islands a succes- 
sion of missionary ministers, some thirty in all, who followed each other 
at frequent intervals until the final extinction of the settlement. These pious 
and devoted men, beside their pastoral duties, often served as school teachers 
and in other capacities : and they were supported partly by the society, partly 
by the contributions of other organizations or individuals on the mainland, 
and partly by the islanders. 

The first of these missionaries sent out was Rev. Jacob Emerson of Read- 
ing. I\Iass., who in 1799 acted as pastor and schoolmaster for about three 
months, and it was his report which caused the society to send out, the follow- 
ing year. Reverend Dr. Morse; and it was the latter's report of the religious, 
moral and intellectual condition and needs of the islanders that resulted in 
the rebuilding of the church and the continued maintenance of missionary 
pastors at the island, a few of whom we will mention. 

Rev. Josiah Ste\'ens, one of the first missionaries, married in 1802. 
Susanna Haley, daughter of Samuel Haley. Jr., of Smuttynose Island, and 
engaged to serve as a permanent minister. A parsonage was built and fur- 
nished for him, on the spot where Mr. Tucke's house had stood, and he was 
commissioned a justice of the peace. His miriistrj- promised to be produc- 
tive of much good, but he died in 1804 at the age of sixty- four years. Reuben 
Moody, a theological student, served as missionary for a few months in 
1822: and Rev. Samuel Sewall served from early in 1824 until his death, 
which occurred in Rye, March 16, 1826. 

Rev. Origin Smith went to the island in 1835, was joined there by his 
wife and family in 1837, and was settled as the minister, remaining until 
1 84 1 or later. Rev. Avery Plummer and others succeeded Mr. Smith, and 
in 1855 the missionary was Rev. J. Mason, who in his report to the society 
for that year said that among other duties personally perfonned by him had 
been the repairing and caring for the public buildings, making the fires on 
Sunday and for the day schools, sweeping the floors, ringing the Iiell. hoist- 
ing the bethel flag, and making coffins, filing saws, repairing clocks, etc., for 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 665 

the islanders, while his wife did much work on dresses and gannents tor 
them. Mr. Mason was succeeded by several other missionaries, one of the 
last of whom was Rev. George Beebe, whose wife for a time discharged the 
duties of schoolmistress. Mr. Beebe was succeeded in 1867 by Reverend 
Mr. Barber, and the latter was followed in 1S69 by Reverend ^Ir. Hughes, 
who was the last of the long line of missionaries. The close of Mr. Hughes' 
pastoral service ended for all time the regular ministrations of the gospel 
at the Isles of Shoals, begun on Hog Island by Episcopal clergymen more than 
two centuries before. Since his retirement divine service has occasionally 
been held in the old church on Sundays in summer by clergymen of various 
denominations passing a season at one or the other of the island hotels ; 
and it has always been an object of interest to summer visitors. Sen-ices 
by candle lights are held by the Unitarians in the old church during the first 
weeks in July. 

The tower which had become much dilapidated was a few years ago 
thoroughly repaired by voluntary contributions, and the little stone build- 
ing, which has now withstood the storms of more than a hundred years 
will not soon be allowed to go to ruin. Long may it continue to serve as 
a landmark for the passing mariner, and an interesting reminder to all 
beholders of other times and other conditions. 

The islands are famous as summer resorts, and not often is it the fortune 
of the summer tourist to drift into pleasanter waters than those that break 
upon the Isles of Shoals. Here are located the Appledore and Oceanic hotels 
and a steamboat makes two trips daily from Portsmouth to the islands during 
the summer season. 

Poetry and romance have chosen these rocks as favorite themes. \\'hittier, 
Hawthorne and Lowell have illuminated them with the magical light of their 
genius. Jenness has given us their history and above all the pencil of Mrs. 
Celia Thaxter has portrayed their sublimity and picturesque beauty with so 
much vigor and delicacy that nothing is left to be desired. 



CHAPTER L 

SALEM 

Geocjraphical — Early History — Settliny a Minister — The Meeting-House — 
The Bitryiny-Groiind — Civil History — Ecclesiastical History — Military 
Record. 

Salem is in the southwest part of the country and is bounded on the north 
by Derry, on the east by Atkinson, south by Massachusetts and west by 
\Vindhani. 

The population is 2,117. 

The Boston & Maine Railroad has three stations : Salem, Canobie Lake 
and Hampshire Road. Semi-daily mail stage from North Salem to Salem 
Centre, Hudson, Pelham and Salem Electric Railway to Haverhill, Ayer's 
Village, Salem Center, Salem Depot, Canobie Lake Park, Pelham, Hudson 
and Nashua ; connects at Pelham with Pelham and Lowell road, from Dracut, 
Collingsville and Lowell ; connects at I'oint A Salem Depot w'ith Methuen 
& Lawrence Electric Road. 

In giving an account of the settlement and progress of the Town of 
Salem, it will be necessary to touch upon the history of a portion of the Town 
of Methuen, Alass., whose limits formerly extended, northward to and beyond 
what is now known as Salem Village. New Hampshire being aimexed, in 
1641, to the province of Massachusetts, made a royal province in 1679, again 
joined to Massachusetts in 1689, becoming a separate province in 1741, and 
the boundary between the two provinces severing the Town of Methuen in 
twain, that portion called the North Parish ( now comprising a large part 
of the present Town of Salem) came under the jurisdiction of New Hamp- 
shire. The organization of the North Parish took place on the 25th of 
January, 1736. The meeting was called by Henry Sanders, acting under 
authority of the General Court of Massachusetts. It was held at Daniel 
Peaslee's house. This house was also a stockade, a place of refuge for the 
settlers in times of danger, and afforded accommodations for the parish- 
meetings as well until the meeting-house was built. The site of this primitive 
fort is at the present time marked by an old and shallow excavation at the 
base of Spicket Hill, a dozen rods from the road. At this first meeting 
David Clark was chosen moderator, and the following parish officers chosen : 
Peter Merrill, parish clerk; Joseph Peaslee, collector; Thomas Eatton, 
treasurer; Henry Sanders, Edward Clark, and Peter Merrill, assessors and 
to warn parish-meetings. Joseph Peaslee, John Bayley, and Abiel Kelly were 
chosen a committee to lay out a burying-place. and forty-five pounds voted to 
support of the ministry and other ]iarish charges. 

Thus began the career of a community destined to help in the work of 
developing the latent resources of the newly-opened settlement. The pioneers 

666 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 667 

had come from the country about, but chiefly from Londonderry. Possessed 
of those fine traits of character that so distinguished the Scotch refugees of 
the north of Ireland, honesty, industry, and an indomitable perseverance, they 
were eminently qualified for the work before them. How well they succeeded 
in their task let the after-history of the town attest. With all their marked 
thriftiness of habit and life, they also manifested a strong religious fervor 
and zeal. This spirit entered into and held a controlling influence over the 
general affairs of the parish. The new settlement centered at a point on the 
west bank of "Spicut River" (as it was spelled by the old-time chroniclers), 
near the bridge. This bridge was built a few years previouly, probably 
about 1730, as mention of it is made in the records of that time. At that time 
it was the onlj' one in the neighborhood. There were, however, several ford- 
ing-places where men and animals waded from bank to bank, but this bridge 
was, par excellence, the grand objective point sought by travelers. The road 
now passing from this bridge, the Haverhill road, was then a mere bridle- 
path, accessible only on horseback or afoot. 

Settling a Minister. — It is recorded under date of 1739, that "ye com- 
mittee shall treat with mr. abner bayley to come and preach with us on trial, 
in order for settlement in ye work of ye ministry among us." They had the 
temporary services of Rev. Daniel Greenleaf in 1735, Reverend Mr. Hale in 
1736, and Rev. Samuel Chandler in i~2,7-z'^. At a parish meeting held 
November 13, 1739, "Mr. Abner bayley was made charge of by a vote of 
ye parish to settle in ye work of ye ministry," and a salary of £140 in bills 
of credit was voted to him, and soon thereafter a free gift of £150 was 
bestowed upon him by vote of the parish, with a further proviso that "as ye 
parish incres in welth and mr. bayleys needs Requier more, that there shall 
be an adition made to his salery." 

The Mceting-House. — It is recorded that on the 13th day of November, 
1738, the frame of the first house of worship was raised on the west side of 
Spicut River, near the bridge before mentioned. The frame was not covered 
until the year following, and no pews put in prior to 1749. 

The Burying-Ground. — Mention has been made of providing a burying- 
place for the parish: for this and the meeting-house an acre of land was pro- 
cured on the parish charge. The location corresponds with the inclo.sed 
park known as the common, which then included the old burying-place, and 
reached to the river. In this burying-ground the "rude fathers of the hamlet 
sleep" side by side with the generations that have since lived and died. 

The most ancient stone now above the surface bears the following inscrip- 
tion sculptured rudely upon its rough face: "In memory of Elizabeth ye 
dau of Mr Joseph Vresy. Died July 30, 1725." But one of the older stones 
bears any sentiment ; this one we give in full : 

"Lieut. Thomas Runnels departed this life Oct. ye 8, 1798 .T^tat 56. 
"Death, thou hast conquered me 
And by thy dart I am slain. 
But Christ hath conquered thee 
.And I .shall ri.se again." 

A curiously-wrought stone bearing a coffin on one comer and a heart 
upon the other is inscribed : "Here lies ye body of Isaiah Ayer. He Died 



668 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Septemlicr j^. 1772, aged 23 years." The mortal remains of Rev. Abner 
Bayle\', the first pastor of the old North Parish, lie in this hallowed spot. 
It is marked by a plain large slab of slatestone six feet in height and two 
wide, and bears the following tribute to his reverend memory: "To per- 
petuate the memory of the Rev. Abner Bayley, who, like a shock of corn fully 
ripe, departed this life March 10, 1798, in ye 83d year of his age, and 58th 
of his ministry." 

Resuming the account of the building of the meeting-house, and follow- 
ing along until the structure is fitted for use for public worship and parish 
meetings, viewing the work as of such importance to the demands of the 
infant township, we shall include it in the general mass of purely civil interests 
and acts. The frame being up. and roof put on, the task of finishing the 
exterior progressed slowly. The parish treasurer, Thomas Eaton, was in- 
structed to receive "4402 feet of bords, which ye committee have provided 
as money for three pounds seven shillings pr thousand ;" "voted to Henry 
Sanders for framing ye meeting-house and hewing timber that was wanting 
of ye frame, 33-5-0;" "to Richard dow, 1-2-6:" voted to daniel peaslee, 
5-7-0:" "to Ebenezer ayer. 3-4-0:" "to John Ober, 2-0-0:" "to David Clark, 
4-4-0;" "to thomas Eatton, 1-4-0:" "to peter merrill, i-ir-6;" "to Richard 
Kimball, 3-9-0;" "to Ephraim dark, 2-0-0." 

In 1749 the meeting-house was still unfinished inside, having no "puse" 
built, and at a meeting the subject came up, when "it was pot to vot to see 
whether thay Lay out ye body of ye house, and it was voted down." Up to 
this time there had been an outlay of £419 19s. 6d. The little settlement 
is now on the eve of a new era in its history, and is about to be honored 
by incorporation as a town, giving increased importance and dignity to the 
aspiring community. It was conferred in compliance to a petition of the 
inhabitants presented to the royal governor and council of the province, pray- 
ing that a township be granted it. The charter of the town bears date of May 
II, 1750, the following being a copy, verbatim et literatim: 

"Province of New Hampshire : George the Second by ye grace of god of 
great Brittain, France and Ireland King, Defender of ye faith &c. 

"To all to Whome these presents Shall Come greeting. * * * Where 
as our Loyall Subjects, Inhabitants of a tract of Land within our Province of 
New Hampshire aforesaid. Lying partly within that part of our Province of 
New Hampshire Called Haverhill Destrict, have humbly Petitioned and 
Re(|uested to us that they may be Erected and Incorporated into a township 
& Infranchised with ye same powers and Privleges which other towns within 
our Sd province by Law have and Injoy, and it appearing to us to be con- 
ducive to ye general good of our Sd Province as well as of ye Sd Inhabitants 
in particular by maintaining good order and Encouraging the culture of ye 
land that ye same Should be done, Knov/ ye Therefore, that we of our 
Espesial Grace, Certain knowledge, and for ye Encouragement and promoting 
ye good purposes and End afore Sd, and by and with ye advice of our 
Govinour and commander in Chief and of our Counsell for Sd Province of 
New Hampshire ha\e Erected and ordained by these presents for us, our 
Heirs and Successors, do will and order that ye Inhabitants of ye tract of 
Land afore sd or that shall Inhabit and Improve thereon hereafter. Butted 
and bounded as follows, viz. : 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 669 

"Begining att a stake by ye Capts pond in ye Province line which is a 
bond of ye town of Plastow ; thence north 22 J/^ Degrees west aI>out 3 miles 
and a half Excluding ye whole of Theodore Atkinson Esqrs farm Situate 
lying and being on ye Sd Line to a blak oak tree near Joseph Palmers Land 
in Londonderry Bounds, then South 90 Degrees west by London Derry 
Bounds one mile and three quarters to a white oak. Standing in an angle 
of London Derry Line thence two hundred ninety-six Rods by London Derry 
Line to a stake Standing in Sd Line thence South 39 Degrs west Nine hundred 
and fifty two Rods to a Stake and Stones thence South 20 Degrees East one 
hundred and fifty two Rods to a pitch-pine Marked thence South 3 Degrs 
East Seven hundred and twenty Rods to a white oak in ye Province Line 
thence as ye Province Line Runs to ye Stak by ye Capts pond first mentioned. 
And by these presents are Declared and ordained to be a town Corporate 
and are hereby Erected and Incorporated into a body politick and a corpora- 
tion to have Continuance forever by ye name of Salem with all ye powers 
and authoritys Priviledges Immunities and In franchise to them ye Sd In- 
habitants and their Successors for Ever allways Reserving to us our Heirs 
and sucsors all white pine trees growing and being or that Shall hereafter 
grow and be on ye Sd tract of Land fit for ye Use of our Royall Navy. Re- 
serving also the power of Dividing ye Sd town to us our heirs and successors 
when it shall appear Necessary and Convenient for ye Benefit of ye Inhab- 
itants thereof. It is to be understood and it is accordingly hereby Declared 
that ye private property of ye Soile is in no manner of way to be Effected 
by this Charter and as ye several towns within our Sd Province of new 
hampshire are by ye Laws thereof Enabled and authorized to assemble and 
by ye Majority of votes to chuse all such officers as are mentioned in ye Sd 
Laws We do by these presents Nominate and appoint Capt Richard Kelly 
to call ye first ]\Ieating of ye Sd Inhabitants to be held within thirty Days 
from ye Date hereof Giveing Legal notice of ye time place and Decine (de- 
sign) of holding Such meating after which the annual meating in Sd town 
Shall be held for ye choice of town officers &c for Ever on ye last Wednes- 
day in March Annually. In Testimony whereof we have Caused ye seal of 
our Province to be hereunto affixed. \\'itness Penning Wentworth Esqr — 
our govinour and Comander-in-Chief of our Sd Province the Eleventh day 
of May in ye yr of our Lord Christ one thousand 'seven hundred and fifty 
and in ye twenty third yr of our Reign By his Excellency's Command, Ben- 
ning ^^'entworth with ye advice of Coimsel. Theodore Atkinson Secre 

"Entered and Recorded in ye Book of Charters this nth dy of May 1750 

"P Theodore Atkinson .Secre" 

Though the town was now in the enjoyment of its newly-acquired privi- 
leges and grew apace, yet the great portion of the lands were still unsettled 
and unbroken, and deep forests and wastes stretched out from the borders 
of the villages, infested with prowling and ravenous wild animals which were 
a constant menace and injury to domestic stock, and not infrequently to the 
inhabitants. Wolves were numerous and audacious, and in 1751 the town 
"voted that any person belonging to the town of Salem who shall kill a wolf 
in said town shall have £10 old tenor, and for a young w^olf £3 old tenor." 

The depreciation of the currency embarrassed and confused the oneration 
of law, the progress of industry, and the honest payment of the pul)lic and 
private debts. Appropriations, seemingly recklessly lavish, dwindled down 



670 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

to mere pittances, with a possibilit}' of still more insignificance before they 
could be applied. So great was the evil that public as well as private liabil- 
ities were met and discharged by substituting the necessaries of life in lieu 
of money. It is recorded that the parish voted 400 bushels of com to Mr. 
Bayley as his salary for one year, but probably on remonstrances by the 
reverend creditor, the vote was reconsidered, and £400 voted instead. About 
this time the minister desired a cushion upon the hard oaken bench in his 
pulpit, but the request was denied by vote of the town. In 1762 Rev. Mr. 
Bayley received arrearages of his salary-, the receipt for which, written by 
him. is preserved with the records, and is as follows : 

"Salem. March 31. 1762. 
"Received of the town of Salem in the Province of New Hampshire the 
whole of m}' Sallery in cash and wood from the beginning of the world to 
March i. 1762. One Thousand Seven Hundred sixty and two. I say re- 
ceived in full by me Abxer Bayley." 

In 1766 a bitter and hostile spirit pers-aded the community, the occasion 
of it being the attitude and demeanor of a sect residing or recently come 
among them, known as "Anabaptists." who. by their arrogjuice and fanatical 
claims, with an open avowal of their exemption from the burdens of citizen- 
ship, while they yet enjoyed its privileges, despising the magistrates, claim- 
ing to be actuated and moved by divine impulse, incurred the hatred and 
abhorrence of the zealots of the established rehgion. Their teachers. Mun- 
ger. Stubner. Storck. etc.. taught that among Christians who had the precepts 
of the gospel to direct, and the spirit of God to guide them, the office of 
magistracy was not only unnecessary but an unlawful encroachment upon 
their spiritual liberty: that the distinctions occasioned by birth, rank, or 
wealth should be abolished, and that as neither the laws of nature nor the 
precepts of the New Testament had prohibited polygamy, they should use 
the same liberty as the patriarchs did in this respect. This sect must not be 
confounded with the Baptists of the present day. The more fier}- of their 
enemies demanded their ejectment from the place, or legal measures to bring 
them to terms, but gentler methods prevailed. The lasting honor of the 
town in refraining from open acts of persecution was assured through the 
counter-action of the more tolerant and liberal of the inhabitants, who. im- 
pressed with the importance of the subject and foreseeing the results of 
bigoted and harsh measures, drew up a formal dissent to the impending suit 
against them. The following is a copy: 

"Salem. March 26. 1766. 

"We the subscribers enter this our Dissent against the town of Salem 
Entering into a lawsuit with those people that are proffessed Anabaptists. 
Because we think it not reasonable to engage in a case where the Law is so 
plain to the contrary : We enter this our Dissent against ye Proseedings as 
witness our hands: Steven Wheeler. Evan Jones. Richard Dow. Jr.. Na- 
thaniel Dow. Benjamin Wheeler. Benjamin Rawlings. Richard Dow. Wil- 
liam Wheeler. Amos Dow. Benoni Rowell. Benjamin Wheeler. Jr.. Nathaniel 
Woodman. Israel Young. John Allen. John Clement. Jonathan Corlis. Jr.. 
Richard Cresey. Oliver Dow. Jonathan Corlis (3). Samuel Ordway. James 
\\'ebster. Jeremiah Dow. Isaiah Rowell. Jr., Richard Krinball. John Johnson, 
Jonathan Wheeler. Jr.. Moody Morss." 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 671 

The reference in this document to '"the Law, etc.." doubtless referred to 
a stipulation made years before on the subjection of New Hampshire that 
the rehgious views of persons setthng within the province should be counte- 
nanced. 

During the year 1766 wolves were again so troublesome that a reward of 
$10 was voted to any one in the town killing a wolf. The next matter mo- 
mentous to the interests of the town, province, and the American colonies was 
the impending War of Independence. Salem, in common with other towns, 
was aroused to the urgent needs of the struggle. Town meetings were held, 
and the demands for men and means responded to with alacrity. The fol- 
lowing are records of some of the events of the times : 

"At the Desire of Some Inhabitants of this town, we have hereby Notified 
the Inhabitants of this town to meet at the Publick Meeting-House in Salem 
on tuesday the 25th day of April Instant at three of the Clock in the after 
noon in order to Raise a Propper Number of men for the Defence of the 
Cuntry, and allso to make some provision for their Pay if Called for. 

"John Hall, 
"John Kelly, Selectmen. 
"Dated April ye 22: 1775."' 

"At a meeting of the Inhabitants of this town on the 25 day April 1775 
then voted to Enlist 30 men for the Defence of the Cuntry if called for: 
voted six dollars per month for Each man when called for : voted the Select 
men be a Committee to Provide Provision for the Enlisted men w'hen Called 
for." 

Pursuant to a request from the chairman of the committee of the pro- 
vince of New Hampshire, the selectmen of Salem "notified the freeholders 
and other Inhabitants of the town to meet at the public meeting-house on 
Monday, the 15th day of May Instant to choose a man to join the Congress 
at Exeter to consult the affairs of the Province," and at this meeting Caleb 
Duston was chosen. 

"Province of New Hampshire, /To the Inhabitants and training Soldiers Be- 
Rockingham ss. Jlonging to the town of Salem: Agreeably to 

a Petition to us Exhibited Desireing us to Notifie Sd town as aforesd — These 
are to Notifie & Desire Sd Inhabitants & Soldiers to meet together at the 
Publick meeting house in Salem on tuesday the first day of August Next at 
four of the Clock in After noon then and there to act on the following Per- 
ticulars : — ily to Chuse a moderator; 2ly to see if the town of Salem will 
Chuse a Committee to advise with the Committees of the Neighboring towns 
on Some Propper measures for Settling Militia as also to Chuse officers there 
for if then thought Propper or to act on any measures then thought Proper 
by sd Body Presant. Dated Salem July 27: 1775. 

John Hall \Select men 
John Kelly jo/So/f;;;." 

At this meeting Mr. Thomas Douglass was chosen moderator. A com- 
mittee was chosen to advise with the neighboring towns on proper measures 
for "settling the militia." Cornet Jonathan Tenny was chosen first com- 
mitteeman, then Robert Young and Thomas Roberson. all for the "South 
Company," and ]\Ir. Timothy Duston, Amos Dow, and Philip Qement for 
the "North Company," They also voted to choose officers for both com- 
panies. For the North Company they chose Mr. John Allen, captain; Mr. 



672 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Richard Dow, first lieutenant: Mr. Samuel Johnson, second Ueutenant ; and 
Daniel Gordon, ensign. For the South Company, Mr. Joshua Swan, cap- 
tain; Mr. Thomas Roberson, first lieutenant: Mr. Abbott Pettingill, second 
lieutenant: and Oliver Kimball, ensign. "Robert Young, Jonathan Tenny. 
Thomas Douglass, and John Hall were chosen a committee for the alarm 
list of the South Company. '" and "Richard Dow, Benja Bixby, Henry Little, 
and William Hall for the North Company." 

"Salem April 13: 1781. 
"We the subscribers whos Names are under written Do Acknowledge 
wee have Recvd of the Selectmen of Salem The Sum of Two Thousand 
Dollars and a Note for the Delivery of Sixteen Heffars (heifers) Each 
Which Sum We have Recvd as a Bounty from the Town of Salem for the 
performance of Three years Servce to be done in the Continental .\rmv for 
said Town. 

his his 

Capt. Th ^■(nlng I'eterX Cross John X Howard 

W'm Duty mark. mark. 

Pivan Jones Moses Heath Daniel Woodbury." 

In 1777 the town voted one hundred dollars to each man of the town of 
Salem "that shall Enlist in the Continental .Army." There were mustered 
to join the Continental regiments for six months seven men from Salem. 
Here ends the meager records of the Revolution in possession of the town. 
At the close of the Revolution Salem was one of the larger towns of the 
■county, and had slowly and steadily gained in population despite the drain 
and untoward experiences of the war. The following gives the population 
of the town as returned in the census of 1786: 

"State of New Hampshire 

Rockingham. S.S. Agreeable to an order received from this Honor- 

able House of Representatives for the purpose of taking the Number of In- 
habitants, and we have Proceeded and find the White males to be five hun- 
dred thirty and one (531) White female five hundred fourty and four 
(544)^1075. Male slaves 3, female slaves 4. =7. Attest 

^'Wm. Thom ] Selectmen 

"James Webster ]■ for 
■"Richard Kimball | Salem:" 

Congreyational Church. — Frequent allusion has been made to this church 
in giving the history of the old North Parish, as it was intimately connected 
with the affairs of the parish for several years. Its organization bears the 
date of January 16, 1740. and took place in the dwelling house of Rev. Ab- 
ner Bayley. The frame of the first house of worship of this church was 
raised in 1738 and rcnjfed over and enclosed the following year, and was first 
used for public worship in 1740. The building was 40x38 feet. Rev. Abner 
Bayley was its first pastor, who was ordained January 30, 1740, and con- 
tinued as such for more than half a century. He died March 10, 1798, aged 
eighty-two years. His labors with the church were eminently successful, and 
he lived and died beloved and revered by all. In 1796, Rev. John Smith was 
invited by vote of the town to settle here in the work of the ministry. Here 
is the concluding portion of his letter of acceptance: 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 673 

"P.S. Your proposals as I understand them are as follows — 'Three hun- 
dred dollars settlement voted by the town — three hundred dollars subscribed 
by private gentlemen — three hundred dollars Salary annually so long as I 
continue to preach in Salem common sickness excepted — and fifteen cords of 
wood annually Brought to my door from the Parsonage (lot) or elsewhere 
and the use of the parsonage in sd town while I continue in the ministry.' — 
These are the Proposals upon which I accept of your invitation 

"John Smith." 

Mr. Smith was ordained and settled January 4, 1797. He was dismissed 
November 20, 181 6. Rev. William Balch succeeded him, and was installed 
December i. iSiq. and dismissed August 6, 1835. He was followed 1j>' Rev. 
Jonas Fiske, who was ordained September 9, 1840. and dismissed March 8, 
1843. Rev. William Hayward w-as next employed for a time, closing his 
labors June 6. 1847. Rev. Daniel H. Babcock commenced preaching here 
August 22. 1847, and continued till September 15, 1849. Rev. John Law- 
rence began preaching here November i, 1849, and remained for a time. 
Rev. William Page preached his first sermon before the church December 3, 
1852, and was installed pastor December i. 1853. but on account of failing 
health he was dismissed November 30. 1858. Rev. John Lawrence was again 
called to minister to the church in iNIay. 1859, and remained till Alay 11. 
1862. Rev. Joseph Tarleton supplied the pulpit from May 8 to December 7, 
1862. Rev. George W. Rogers began to supply the pulpit January 11, 1863, 
as acting pastor, remaining till the beginning of 1869. Rev. Matthew A. 
Gates commenced his labors as acting pastor December, 1869. and remained 
till the close of 1872. Rev. Samuel Bowker began his labors as acting pastor 
July I. 1873, ^"tl closed December 31, 1879. Rev. George A. Perkins began 
his labors here as acting pastor May 30, 1880. Mr. Perkins was fonnerly a 
missionary at Constantinople. 

The following succeeded Rev. Mr. Perkins: Rev. H. H. Colburn, acting 
pastor, 1883-90: Rev. Edward Blanchanl. supply, 1890-92: Rev. G. P. Moore, 
acting pastor, 1892-93; Rev. J. S. Gove. 1893-94: Rev. I. P. Smith, acting 
pastor. 1895-96: Rev. W'm. S. Bowley, 1897-1902: Rev. H. A. Coolidge. 
1903: Rev.' W'm. Ganby. 1904-09: Rev. M. V. Mc.\li.ster. 1909-11: Rev. 
Chas. S. Haynes. 1912-14: Rev. M. H. Babcock, 1914. 

The house of worship was built in 1840, and the old "meeting-house," 
which had done good service for a century, reverted to the town and was 
altered, and used as the town-house. It had' previously ( 1833) been removed 
from its original site a few rods easterly, and placed upon the schoolhouse 
common. There are a few reminiscences preserved of the ancient church. 
The principal door was towards the river, two other doors, one at each end. 
also affording passage to the interior. The dimensions of the building are 
thirty-eight by forty feet. Rough temporary seats of plank sufficed until 
individuals built pews for their families, gradually completing "ye body of 
ye house." The exterior was plain and simple, no steeple adomed it, the 
windows were small and placed high up from the floor, the largest and most 
ornate one being back of the pulpit. The pulpit was lofty, and in looking 
at the preacher it required a painful inclination of the head and neck if pro- 
longed for some time. The pews were roomy and deep, and the seats in 
them all turned up against the back of the pew. while the congregation were 
standing in devout prayer. The instant the pastor uttered the "Amen," — 



674 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

click, click, click, was heard all o\er the house as the seats fell down in place 
for the weary worshipers. 

No provision was made for warming the meeting-house ; men, women, 
and children went to church in severe winter weather enduring the cold. 
Stoves and furnaces were unknown, and fireplaces were impracticable for 
large buildings. It was not till 1824 that a stove was put into the church. 
In 1890 the 150th anniversary was observed. The church building was thor- 
oughly repaired and rededicated November 6, igo8. 

Methodist Episco/^al Churches. — From the best sources of information 
on record it appears that Rev. George Pickering, presiding elder of Boston 
district of the New England conference, visited Salem in May, 1805. and 
preached in the house of Natlianiel Woodman. In the fall of tlie same year 
Rev. Daniel W'eljb assisted Mr. Pickering for several Sabbaths, and then 
Rev. Alfred .Medcalf regularly supplied one-half of the time till tiie follow- 
ing conference. 

In 1806 Salem was united with "Salisbury Circuit," which reached from 
Salisbury, Mass., to Salem, and included the intermediate towns. From this 
time till 183 1 Salem was embraced in a circuit, and regularly supplied with 
preachers, as follows: 1806, Alfred Medcalf; 1807, Joseph A. Merrill; 1808, 
W'm. Stevens, A. Medcalf, Thos. Asbury; 1890, Asa Kent, Edw. Hyde, Da- 
vid W'entworth; 1810, Asa Kent, Benj. Sabin, John Jewett; 181 1, John Wil- 
liams, Orlando Hinds; 1812, Benj. F. Larrabee, O. Hinds; 1813, Leonard 
Frost, J. W. Hardy; 1814, L. F>ost, Aaron Lummis; 1815, Ebenezer Blake, 
E. Marble; 1816, Philip Munger, John Briggs; 181 7, Philip Munger; 1818, 
Bartholomew Otheman ; 1819. O. Hinds; 1820, O. Hinds, J. P. Harvey; 
182 1. J. P. Harvev, D. Culver; 1822, D. Dorchester, |as. Templeton; 1823, 
J. Randall, A. Buck; 1824, O. Hinds, A. Buck; 1S25, J. Allen; 1826. H. 
Foster, Sereno Fiske; 1827, Lewis Bates; 1828, Lewis and Lemuel Harlow; 
i82(), L. Bennett; 1830, L. Bennett. 

In 1831 the church in Salem had grown so that it was made a separate 
station, and the following ministers were sent and labored here: 1831-32, 
Samuel Norris; 1833, A. Brigham ; 1834-35, Warren Wilbur. 

In tlie year 1836 the parent church divided the offshoot, locating itself at 
North Salem, while the old society removed from the old meeting-house on 
Bluff Street to Salem village. They had just erected a new meeting-house 
in the village. The building vacated had served them twenty-one years. It 
was a plain wooden house, thirty-six feet square, and covered with a "hip 
roof." It stood at the foot of "Zion's Hill." The interior was neatly but 
cheaply finished. The pulpit was high ; and in place of pews plank seats with 
a straight back were used, the men sitting on one side of the house and the 
women on the other. It accommodated about two hundred and fifty persons 
comfortably, yet many more used to crowd in on quarterly conference days, 
when the concourse was always so great that none but women could be 
seated, and the men stood outside at doors and windows, eager to hear the 
word of life. People from Sandown, Hampstead, Plaistow, and other towns 
attended these meetings. The old house was sold in 1840 to Col. John R. 
Wheeler. 

Resuming the account of the original society we give a list of its pastors: 
1836-37. Jacob Stevens; 183S, S. Cu.shing; 1839, O. G. Smith; 1840-41, 
Matthew Newhall ; 1842-43, A. M. Osgood; 1844-45. J. L. Slason; 1846-47, 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 675 

A. C. Manson; 1848-49. C. C. Burr; 1850-51, William D. Cass; 1852, Wil- 
liam Hewes; 1853-54, G. W. T. Rogers; 1855, Justin Spalding; 1856-57, 
J. L. Trefren; 1858-59, Elihu Scott; i860, G. W. H. Clark; 1861, Lewis 
Howard; 1862, \\'. H. Jones; 1863-64, Irad Taggart; 1865-66, O. H. Call; 
1867-69. Theodore L. Flood; 1870-71, David W. Downs; 1872, Abram R. 
Lunt; 1873-74, Henry Dorr; 1875-77, A. C. Coult; 1878, N. P. Philbrook; 
1879-81. Eben C. Berry; 1882-84, W. C. Bartlett; Mellen Howard, April. 
1885-87; Arthur W. L.' Nelson, April. 1887-89; Chas. H. Leet, April. 1899- 
90; John C. Langford. April. 1890-91 ; Ernest W. Eldridge, April, 1891-93; 
Herbert F. Ouimby. April. 1893-95; Edgar Blake. May, 1895-99; Almon B. 
Rowell, April, 1899-1901 ; Edwin S. Coller, April, 1901-04; H. E. Allen, 
April, 1904-09; Wm. Magwood. April, 1909, to September. 191 1; Frank P. 
Fletcher. October. 191 1, to June, 1913; Earl C. Wright, July, 1913. 

The Xorth Salem Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1836 in that 
village. It was repaired during the pastorate of Rev. J. B. Holman. Val- 
uation, $2,200; seating capacity, 250. 

Following is a list of pastors: 1836. Warren Wilbur; 1837-38, R. H. 
Spalding; 1839-40. Samuel Prescott; 1841-42. Warren Wilbur; 1843. J- S- 
J. Gridley; 1844-45. C. B. M. Woodward; 1846-47. Benjamin D. Brewster; 
1848, James Adams; 1849-50. R. Tilton; 1851-52. Benjamin R. Hoyt; 1853- 

54. Stewart; 1855-56. L. H. Gordon; 1857-59. Abraham Folsom; i860. 

Samuel Beedle; 1861^)2. William H. Thoma's; "1863. J. W. Adams; 1864- 
65. J. B. Holman; 1866-68. Eleazer Smith: 1869-70. Joel A. Steele. A. Fol- 
som. S. J. Robinson. William Stuart. George C. Powell. George H. Hastings. 
George ^^'. Buzzell, J. F. Frye. 

Pleasant Street Methodist Episcopal Church is situated at Salem Depot. 
The church edifice was erected in i8f)i. at a cost of $3,500. It has a fine 
parsonage, valued at $2,000. 

Following is a list of the pastors: Luther T. Townsend. D. D.. D. C. 
Babcock. John Currier. T. W. Guernsey, Nelson M. Bailey. Reuben Dear- 
born. J. H. Haynes. A. W. Bunker. C. M. Dinsmore. O. P. Wright. 1881-82: 
John D. Folsom, 1883-85; Elwin L. House, 1886-87; N. M. Leonard, 1888: 
L. Morgan Wood, 1889; Fred E. \\'hite, 1890-91; W. A. Mayo, 1892-93: 
Daniel Onstott, 1894-96; S. E. Ouimby, 1897-1900; J. Roy Dinsmore. 1901 ; 
Fred W. Gamble. 1902; F. T. Kelley. 1905: Chas. R. Bair. 1906-07; Wm. 
Ramsden. 1908-09: D. C. Balicock. 1910-11: C. F. .\rmitage. 1912: Floyd 
G. Webb. 1913-14. 

First Baptist Church. — This church is at Salem Depot, situated east of 
the railroad, and is a neat and commodious structure, and was built in 1869, 
and remodeled in 1875 at a total cost of $4,000. seating 250 persons. Rev. 
P. Richardson, Rev. John McKinley. and Rev. Edward Mills served the 
interests of the society while it was a mission station of the First Baptist 
Church in Lawrence, 'Mass.. from the year 1858 to 1865. Rev. C. H. Cole 
was recognized as pastor April 25. 1866. and served till July. 1867. Rev. 
E. A. Whittemore became pastor in May. 1873. He was succeeded by Rev. 
A. S. Stowell August i. 1875. who remained until the fall of 1880. Rev. 
M. N. Reed, began his labors\yith the church July 30. 1881. and served till 
1885. and was followed by Rev. Henry G. Gay. part of 1886. stated supply; 
Rev. Tilman B. lohnson. "1886-88. pastor: Rev. Wm. B. C. Merry. 1889-91. 
pastor; Rev. Chas. R. Bailey. 1892-93. pastor; Rev. Myron D. Fuller. 1893- 



676 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

95, pastor; Rev. Joseph H. Fletcher, 1896-1902, pastor; Rev. Geo. T. Ray- 
mond, 1902, supply; Rev. John F. Blacklock, 1902-13, pastor; Rev. Geo. T. 
Baker, 1913-14, stated supply. 

Military Record, iS6i-0j. — List of names of soldiers credited to the 
town of Salem in the war of the Rebellion, 1861-65. The town records are 
very meagre and faulty and uncertain. This list has been made from the 
best obtainable sources, and as far as it goes may be relied on as correct. 
Owing to the great difihculty in getting particulars of enlistment, service, 
etc., it is (.leemed best to conline the list to the names simply. 

John W. Austin, William J. Bodwell, Charles Bodwell, Timothy Breen, 
David Bartlett, Benjamin \V. Cluff, George Clark, Charles C. Foster, Issachar 
O. Foster, Hiram B. Foster, Benjamin D. Foster, James F. Fletcher, Jacob 
B. Hall, Joseph Hibbert, Isaiah M. Kelly, Moses D. Rowell, Edmund G. 
Kimball, Levi W. Simonds, Benjamin Wheeler, James T. Wallace, Sylvester 
O. Woodbury, George W. Taylor, Charles H. Thompson, Charles H. Kelly, 
John H. George, Jerome Kelly, Michael Haley, Ogilvia Connor, Wm. H. F. 
Chase, John B. Pattee, George M. Whidden, David Sloan, George L. Kelly, 
Edward B. Mosher, Henry W. Woodbury, Cyrus S. Dolloft', Wm. G. Cole, 
Charles W. Gould, Ido K. Morrison, Wm. E. Caren, John C. McArthur, 
John P. Bodwell, George C. Gordon, Oliver Lee, C. M. Hanson, S. B. Hazel- 
ton, Simon C. Kelly, Aaron Goodwin, Charles Newell, J. L. Prince, John 
Robinson, Wm. L. Stanton, Charles A. Adams, Barzilla Brown, navy; A. J. 
Buckingham, J. K. Sexton, Daniel Wilson, T. B. Middleton, George Sumner, 
Wm. McCabe, Thomas Brown, Edward Delihanty, George \\'atson, J. Cum- 
mings, Henry A. Chase, Aaron Hamblett, Walter B. Kelly, T. T. W^ Clark, 
Charles Lundberg, S. A. Foster, George L. Jennings. George L. Hunt, K. 
S. Perry, John W. Adams, Charles E. Bailey, John H. Jennings, W^arren E. 
Kimball, John Woodbury, 2d ; Melvin Lowell, Frank W. Cluff, Edwin H. 
Kelly, James W. Smith, Isaac N. Cluff, James H. Foster, Wm. F. Mansfield, 
George H. Pattee, Benjamin F. Hall (capt.), Alilton F. Austin, Charles H. 
Hall, Leverett C. Cluff, Benja. R. W'heeler (lieut.), Gilman E. Sleeper (lieut.- 
col. ), Jeremiah D. Drew (col.), Orlow Austin, Charles O. Kelly, J. H. 
Langley, navy; Charles T. Maxwell, S. H. Wilson, Calvin Cookson, Edward 
M. Cooper, James Donly, Edward Drew. Henry T. Marsh, George Morton, 
John Thomas, John Williams, L. J. .\bl)ott, John Brady, Charles Butler, A. 
M. Canfield, Thomas H. Flolland, John Jameson, .\ntonio Leonardi, John 
McFarland, F. Roloff, Charles H. Smith, Benja. J. Springsteel, James R. 
Goodwin, Charles R. Manning, A. G. Buckman, George Howard, J. Whay- 
land, Charles Shamboo. Wm. Sherry, Harry Kickins, Charles Gardner, Henry 
Farrell, J. McDonald, John Farry, Alex. McDonald, Charles Cooper. 

Schools. — The earliest school kept in town was in the winter of 1744-45, 
and lasted two months. The schools were kept very irregularly from this 
time till 1800, ])robably not more than every other winter at best. In 1800 
the town .set off nine districts, and it was not long before as many schools 
were opened. 

Rockiiujliain Park. — The following is the latest information that could 
be obtained from the new management : 

Rockingham Park, the million-dollar race course and country fair grounds 
with its club hou.se, grand stand, exhibition buildings, stables and cattle sheds, 
will not be dismantled and cut up into house lots as generally believed for a 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 677 

group of Massachusetts capitalists have purchased this famous resort and 
will provide ample backing to promote Rockingham fair and other sporting 
events. The new financial interests have turned over the management of 
Rockingham Park to Chester I. Campbell, who has so successfully staged 
the automobile, textile, motorboat and industrial shows in Mechanics Build- 
ing. Boston. 

The new company is to be known as the Rockingham Fair Company. It 
is incorporated under the laws of Maine for $250,000. Frank M. Andrew, 
of Lawrence, is the president and treasurer of the company. 

Rockingham Park was built about ten years ago by John W. Gates and 
a number of other wealthy New York turfmen who were interested in thor- 
oughbred horses. When the doors opened for the first meeting more than a 
million dollars had lieen spent in the construction of the plant. The author- 
ities stopped the betting and the track closed. Several years ago it was taken 
over by another company that inaugurated the Rockingham Fair. The park 
was recently bid in for $100,000 by Frank M. Andrew for the capitalists that 
are now financing it. 

The Salem Free I'lihlie IJhrary was established with 600 volumes Feb- 
ruary 17, 1894, in a small room in the town house. In 1895, when the new 
school building was completed, the old schoolhouse building was repaired 
and the books removed there. Mrs. Hattie F. Abljott, the librarian, has 3,000 
volumes in her care. 

The lawyers are L. \\ allace Hall and W . D. Puh'er. , 

The physicians are V. N. Sikorsky. E. A. Wade and Lewis F. Soule. 

The societies are: C. E. Sleeper Post, C. A. R. ; Salem Grange, P. of 
H. ; Spickett Lodge. A. F. and A. M. ; Washington Council; Junior Order 
American Mechanics; Granite Colony. U. O. P. F. ; Enterprise Grange. P. 
of H. ; Policy Lodge, N. E. O. P. 



CHAPTER LI 

SANDOWN 

Gcoiiraphical — 'Fopiuiral^liical — Early Setlleincnts — Fclitinii for Town Privi- 
Icijcs — Incorpuralioii of TocOi — Xoiiics of Early Scltlcrs — Churches 

This town lies southwest of the center of the county, and is ijouncled as 
follows : on the north by Chester and Fremont, on the east by Danville, on 
the south by Hanipstead, and on the west by Derry and Chester. 

The surface of the town is uneven but generally fertile. The population 
is 3S0. 

There are several ponds in the town, the largest of which is Philips, lying 
in the southern part. It is about three hundred and forty rods long and 
two hundred wide. Angle Pond in the southeast part, lying partly in the 
town and partly in Hampstead, is about .two hundred rods in length and 
one hundred in width. The princii>al stream is Squamscot River. 

Sandown was settled in about the year 1736, and among the pioneers 
were Moses Tucker, Israel and James Huse, James Craves, Thomas Wells. 
(See list below.) 

Sandown was originally a part of Kingston, and was incorporated .\pril 
6. 1756. The first vote of the town of Kingston on this subject of which 
we have any record is under date of September 24, i/f^H- as follows: 

Province of ].\t a Legall meeting of the Inhaliitants & free holders of 
New Hampshire^Kingstown held the Twenty-fourth of September 1746, 
firstly Leiut John Sweat was Chosen Moderator for that meeting 

2(lly Voted that we do hereby as far as in us lyeth set off 

Moses Tucker Israel Huse 

John Straw James Huse 

Jonathan Colbee James Craves 

Daniel Hibard John Bond 

Daniel Kid • Jacob Wells 

Jacob Curdey Meshech Curdey 

David Straw John Straw Jr 

Reuben Clough William Straw 

Israel Huse Jr Phillips Wells 

John Pressey Jacob Tucker 

Benjamin Tucker Joseph Dow 

John Hogg & Orlando Colby 

Of Kingston abovesaid with a Certain Track of Land in said Town for a 
distinct Parish or precinct, bounded as followeth Vizt Beginning at the Beech 
Tree which is the Dividing boundary between Londonderry & Che.ster said 
Tree standing on the West Line of said Kingston and running .Southerly on 
said Kingston said line as heretofore settled between said Londonderry & 

678 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 679 

said Kingston to tiie Island Pond (so called) Then running Easterly South 
Three miles then Northerly till a North & by West Course will Strike said 
Kingston Line (where it crosses the mill brook so called) as heretofore set- 
led between sd Kingston & said Chester and from thence Viz. where said 
line crosses sd mill brook to run Southerly on said line to Beech tree first 
mentioned. 

This is a true Copy taken out of Kingston Book of records 

Attest Jedh Philbrick. town Clerk. 

Among the first settlers were : Moses Tucker, James Huse. Israel Huse. 
James Graves, Thomas Wells, Israel Huse, Jr., William Straw, Daniell Kid. 
Orlando Colby, Paul Chase, Benjamin Tucker, Jacob Tucker, John Pressey, 
John Hoog, John Bond, Joseph Dow, Philip Wells, Daniel Hebberd, Jona- 
than Colby, Rolen Clough, John Straw. Jacult Wells. Jacob Gordy, Mesheck 
Gordy, Daved Straw, John Straw, Jr. 

A Congregational Church, embracing fifty-seven members, was formed 
in 1759. The following description of the old meeting-house was written 
many years ago : 

The edifice is forty-four by fifty feet. The inside has a quaint appear- 
ance, with its tall pulpit, the top of which is eleven feet above the floor, and 
above which is the sounding-board seven and one-half feet scjuare, and nine- 
teen feet above the floor. Directly in front of the pulpit were the deacons' 
seats, made of two-inch plank, where the good fathers sat and shouted their 
fervent "aniens." There are sixteen pews in the center of the house, and 
t\\enty-one wall pews, the former l>eing six and one-half feet square, and the 
latter half a foot shorter. The sunlight comes through seven-by-nine glass, 
twenty-eight lights to each window. There are three ten-paneled double 
doors, and wrought-iron hand-made nails were used in building the structure, 
both outside and inside. Six marble columns support the gallery, in which 
are twenty pews, six feet square, and in front of which are four seats made 
of three-inch plank. The panels in front of the gallery are twenty inches 
wide by four feet long. The frame is all of white oak ; the braces in the 
frame are three by ten inches ; the beams are ten by twelve inches : the rafters 
are eight by ten inches, doubled, one foot apart, with a post between, and the 
corner posts are twenty-eight feet high and twelve inches square. 

November 28, 1859, Rev. Josiah Cotton, a descendant of the renowned 
John Cotton of Boston, was settled in the gospel ministry, and continued his 
labors until his death. May 27. 1780. Rev. James Colloins. born in Lebanon. 
Conn., followed him in the ministerial work; was settled December i-j. 1780. 
and dismissed April 30, 1788. Rev. John Webber was settled here Alarch 24, 
1795, and dismissed September 15, 1800. 

The Methodist Church. — In 1795 Rev. John Webber was pastor of the 
Congregational Church, and about this time Methodism made its appearance. 
The first Methodist sermon was preached at the home of widow Abigail 
Fitts by Elder George Pickering. In 1800 it was voted that the Methodists 
could preach in the meeting-house week days, but dissensions arose between 
the two denominations and Mr. Webber was dismissed. At this time Rev. 
Jacob Cram came to preach for the Congregationalists. He would not con- 
sent to divide the time with the Methodists, so they held their meetings in 
barns, farmhouses and school house No. 2 until the present church was built 
and dedicated in October, 1835. Among those who in the early days preached 



680 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

for the Methodists were Re\-. Jolm P.rodhead, who was once a member of 
Congress ; Jesse Lee, who was chaplain of the House of Representatives at 
Washington, and two who Hved in town. Dr. Abram French and W'ilHam 
French. .-\t this time Sandown was considered one of -the best appointments 
in the New Hampshire conference. After a number of years the Methodist 
Society growing smaller, the Congregationalists had the use of their church 
half of the time. About 1870 the ^Methodists thought they could support a 
pastor all the time, so the Congregationalists had preaching at the old meet- 
ing-house for a while, now, only occasionally do they have preaching; but 
all unite with the Methodists in supporting and sustaining preaching in the 
town. Among the pastors for the last tiiirty-five years have been : Revs. 
Charles H. Smith, William Love. .\. F. Bailey, William Thompson. W. J. 
.\tkinson, Joiin N. Bradford, J. H. Knott, Louis N. Fogg. Edwin Young, 
and .\. B. McAllister, under whose able pastorate the church was entirely 
renovated at a cost of nearly two thousand dollars. It was rededicated on 
December 9, 1909. An organ was presented by Mrs. E. E. Lake of Hamp- 
stead. Rev. C. J. Mekelson came in the spring of 1910, staying one year. 
The present pastor is Rev. John D. Leach, who at the last conference was 
returned for the fourth year. A flourishing Aid Society, of which Mrs. J. 
L". Lovering is the efficient president. Mrs. Nellie S. Sanborn is the super- 
intendent of the Sunday school. 

The Saiuhnm Public IJhrar\ was established with state aid in 1893. It 
contains 857 volumes. A. S. Sanborn is the librarian. 

The societies are: King Philip's Lodge. K. of P.; Sandown Grange and 
O. U. A. M. 



CHAPTER LII 

SEABROOK 

Geographical — Topuijraphical — First Settlements — Indian Depredations — 
Prominent Citi::ens — L'lni relies — Ciz'il History — Incorporation — Militar\ 
Record — Public Library. 

The town of Seabrouk lies in the southeastern part of the county, and is 
bounded as fohow s ; on the north Ijy Hampton Falls, on the east by the At- 
lantic ocean, on the south liy Salisbury, Mass., and on the west by South 
Hampton and Kensington. The early history of this town will be found 
principally in the history of Hampton, of which Seabrook originally formed 
a part. The early record history, revolutionary, names of early settlers, etc., 
are incorporated in the history of the mother town. Seabrook is an ocean 
town, and has extensive plains of salt marsh. The soil is light and very pro- 
ductive. The inhabitants are engaged in agriculture and the manufacture of 
shoes. The latter industry is extensively carried on. The population in 
1910 was 1,4.25. 

The first settlement of the tow^n dates back to 1638, and among the 
pioneers were Christopher Huss^', Joseph Dow and Thomas Philbrick. The 
early settlers of this town sufrered greatly from the depredations of the 
Indians. For a long period the people were in a constant state of alarm, 
and many of the prominent citizens were inhumanly massacred. Among 
those killed were Thomas Lancaster, Jonathan Green, Nicholas Bond, a child 
named Brown, and the Widow Mussey. The latter was a prominent mem- 
ber of the Society of Friends, and distinguished as a public speaker. The 
Indians finally disappeared from their ocean hunting grounds, and peace 
settled over the struggling pioneers. 

Among the prominent men w'ho have resided within this town Mesliech 
W'eare stands pre-eminent. He was the first chief magistrate of New Hamp- 
shire. His grandfather, Nathaniel Weare, was an agent to prosecute the 
complaints against the royal governor, Edward Cranfield. and spent some 
time in England. His son Nathaniel, father of Meshech, was also a prom- 
inent citizen. Both resided within the limits of the present town of Sea- 
brook. Edward Gove, a resident of the town, was a member of the Assem- 
bly which Cranfield dissohed. He distinguished himself by opposition to 
the Cranfield government, and was arrested and convicted of high treason, 
sent to England, and imprisoned in the Tower of London. At the expira- 
tion of three years he was pardoned and returned to Seabrook. 

The order for his pardon reads as follows : 

"Tames R. Where as Edward Gove was neare three years since appre- 
hended, tryed and condemned for High Treason in our Colony of New- 
England, in America, and in June 1683 was committed prisoner to the Tower 
of London, wc have thought fit to signify our will and pleasure to you, that 

681 



682 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COLXTY 

TOU cause him, the said Edward Gove, to be inserted in the next general 
Pardon that shall come out for the poor convicts of Newgate, \\-ithout any 
condition of transijortation, he giving such security" for his good behavior 
as you think requisite. .Axid for so doing this shall be your warrant. Given 
at our Court at \\ indsor the 14th day of September 1685, in the tirst year 
of our reign. By his Maj. his command. Sv.ncerland." 

Ciz'il Historx. — Seabrook wa* granted to others in 

176S. 

The first minister of the town was Rev. Sair.ud r arley, ,:,rdaiiied in 1765, 
and removed in 1775. Rev. Elias Hull senled in 1779, and died in 1S22. 

In regard to the meeting-house erected by the Presb\T:erians in 1763, the 
statement that its timbers came from six different towns is not improbable, 
for the parish of Hampton originally included more towTis than that, and it 
was the custom at that time to contribute materials instead of money: and 
during its history- of one hr.r '-- • " nineteen years it has been occupied 
by ahnost as man^- religion? ^ ns. — first, by the Presbyterians in 

1764: second, by the Congrcj...... ;- Ln 1799: third, by the Baptists in 

1S2S: fourth, by the Congr^:aiionalists in 1835: and finally by the Baptists 
again in 1859. 

Baptist Church. — The house of worship in Seabrook was erected in 1763, 
at which date the Baptist Church in Xewton was the only one of that order 
in the State of Xew Hampshire. 

Rev. Elias Hull, a Congregationalist. was installed as pastor in 1799. and 
continued in that relation until 181 7. Seabrook was then a part of Hampton 
Falls, and prominent among those in attendance at this meeting were Dudley 
Dodge and Betsey Fifield. his wife. Mr:^ Dodge at least was converted 
ujider Mr. Hulls preaching, and both united with his church. July 18. 1800. 
First. Mrs. Dodge became a Bapt:-: "" ' """ " :" ' -;' - - •— ^ -^ 

1816. Their change of views was 

church, for we find that Elder Hv... -.„..^ . .. - :..;. 
6. 181 7. and Elder True, a Baptist, preached in the sa: 
of that month. .\nd fror :h:? :::r.e on the Baptists a- ^ ^ 
this ground, with occasi 'ng by Elders True. Howc .ess- 

well. Femald. Adams. ;. ;he latter of whom in i^. his 

labors for one year between Seabrook and East Salisbury-. It ;s recorded 
that about this time Messrs. Danforth. Prescott. and Towle repeatedly occu- 
pied the pulpit as preachers. 

October 28. i8j8. "The Baptist Church in Seat- .Us" 

was constituted with a membership of fourteen, o: \iw. 

Ruth Brown. Lydia Brown, and Anna Knowles residev;' - This 

infant church immediately in\-ited as their pastor Rev. r - 

their constituent members, and on the jd of December : 

licly recognized by a coimcil called for the purpose, "ar.^ ; , . .: .- 

for the installation of Mr. Ropes in the old meeting-house at Seabrook." 

In 1 83 J we find the second pastor of the church. Rev. Oliver Barron, 
preaching part of the time in the old schoolhouse at Hampton Falls. But 
the old meeting-house appears to have been the headquarters of the church 
imtil the completion of the academy building at Hampton Falls, in Septem- 
ber. 1834. For the history- of the Baptist interest in Seabrook from this 
date until Time. iS;o. the reader is referred to the historical sketch of the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CrnZE\S 683 

Baptist Church in Hampton Falls. The year 1859 was an eventful one for 
the Baptist interests in both these places, for in Hampton Falls the Baptist 
meeting-house was repaired and improved at an expense of $2,cx)0, and at 
Seabrook the old meeting-house was ])ut in order at an expense of $3,562, 
S950 of which was paid by the town towards fitting the first story for use 
as a town house. The old house when new is described as "rough and un- 
cuth, with unplaned seats." "These were the pews of sheep-pen form, 
enough to break people's backs, and the seats raised during prayer time to 
fall with an ominous clatter at its clcjse, with the broad galleries nmning 
around three sides of the house. Then the eyry-like pulpit, with its flight of 
stairs on one side only, and its high sounding-board suspended above, with 
the deacons' seat literally under the droppings of the sanctuary, it being a 
square pew under the jnilpit. the front of which projected over it, * * * 
it having become deserted e\en as a place for the children to play in before 
it was repaired." Concerning the repairs we again quote from the pulilished 
discourse of Rev. Mr. Beaman : "The old pulpit and pews vanished to give 
place to the modern ones. On the outside it was clap-boarded, shingled, and 
the doors and windows put in good condition ; also the end of the house was 
now turned towards the road instead of the side as previously, and twelve 
feet were added to the front end, while the whole was sumiounted Ijy a 
spire." 

The renovated house was dedicatee! March 17, 1859, with a discourse by 
Rev. William Lamson of Portsmouth. Text. "Put ofif thy shoes from off 
thy feet, for the place wherein thou standest is holy ground." June 28, 1859, 
twenty-three members were dismissed from the Seabrook and Hampton Falls 
church to fomi the Seabrook Baptist Church, and in the following Septem- 
ber the church was publicly recognized by a council of pastors and delegates 
from neighboring churches. Rev. C. H. Pearson, one of the twenty-five 
constituent members (supplied as pastor the pulpit), from July, 1859, to 
March, i860. Rev, Mr. Abbott (supplied as pastor the pulpit) from March 
to August, i860. Rev. Charles H. Corey, the seccjnd jiastor, came in August, 
1861 : was ordained September 17th, and resigned December i, 1863. He 
was followed by Rev. Mr. Lyford, Rev. H. H. Beaman, Rev. Geo. Ober. 
Rev. C. H. Parker is the present pastor. 

Congrc(/ationalis)ii in Hampton Falls and Seabrook. — Seabrook was for 
fifty-seven years a part of Hampton Falls, and the leading members of the 
Seabrook and Hampton Falls church ha\e always been residents of Hamp- 
ton Falls. 

The history of Congregationalism in Hampton Falls and Seabrook is a 
deeply interesting one, connected as it is with the liirth and infancy of the 
towns themselves. As a church parish the territory of these two towns was 
first set off from Hampton, the ancient mother of towns. And under the 
name and, authority of "the new parish in Hampton," "the church meeting 
in the Hampton Falls parish," and other similar designations, all town busi- 
ness was transacted for many years. Hampton Falls had no other act of 
incorporation besides a permission from the General Court in 171 8. "to call 
a public parish meeting annually to choose selectmen and such other officers 
as may be convenient to manage their parish affairs, etc. And the charter 
of Seabrook, in 1768. was entitled "An Act for erecting and incorporating 
a new Parish in the Southerly part of Hampton Falls." This was a practical 



684 HISTOUV Ol' l^:OCKINGI-IAM COUNTY 

union of church and stale. Bui useful as lliis union nia)- have been at that 
time it apjiears to have been a peaceful one, only when ability and piety 
united to hll the pastoral office. Such a happy combination of c|ualities ap- 
pears in the case of several of the early pastors of Hampton Falls. 

On the 9th of December. 171 1, several members of the Congregational 
Church in Hampton were dismissed for the purpose of being organized into 
a new church in the south part of the town, now Hampton Falls. Some 
pioneer work had already been done in that section. 

While the early town or ])arish records of Hampton Falls afford but 
scanty materials for a church history, and the records have been destroyed 
by fire, there has fortunately been preserved a small volume of church records 
kept by Messrs. Cotton and Whipple, the first two pastors of the church. 
This \-(>lunie is about four inches l)y six in size, strongly bound in calf and 
boards, and composed of al)Out two hunilred pages of coarse, unruled paper. 
It seems to contain most of the church records during these two pastorates, 
embracing a period of about forty-five years. Seaborn ( liorn at sea) Cotton 
and John Cotton, pastors at Haiupton. were son and grandson of Rev. John 
Cotton, in compliment to whom the town of Boston was named. Boston, in 
England, being his birthplace. Theophilus Cotton, the first pastor of Hamp- 
ton Falls, has been considered by some as the son of Seaborn, but he was 
probably a cousin, being descended from another branch of the ministerial 
Cotton family which settled in Plymouth, Mass. 

Title page number one is inscribed : 

Theophilus Cotton's 

Jan : 1/12 
The Chh Records otY Hampton falls 
Beging January jd 171 2 
By Theophilus Cotton 
Pastor of that chh. 

(^n the next page, "4," occurs this entry under date of loth of May, 
1726, three months before Mr. Cotton's death: 

"I Then took col. weare along with nie to the house off John Cass & 
before him and the mother off John casses wife. Dealt with her for with 
Drawing from our communion, and for embracing the principles off the 
Oua(iuers who proving obstinate 1 did thereupon as Pastor of yt chh. In 
the name of Xt (Christ) Reject her, and Renounce her as one belonging to 
our communion and the good Lord have mercy on her .\nd all hers Amen." 

"Theophilus Cotton was ordained Pastor of the chh. of Hampton falls. 
The 2d Jan :i 712: The Revd. Mr. Rogers of Portsmouth giving him the 
charge And the Revd. Mr. Cushing of Salisbury giving him the right hand 
of fellowship." 

In 172C), the last year of Mr. Cotton's pastorate and about three weeks 
before his death, which occurred .\ugust idlli, he again visited the Shoals, 
perhaps for his health partly, and baptized seventeen children. On the 
second page of the back fly-leaf of the little volume we find this record, 
apparently in the hand of his successor, Mr. W' hippie : 

"Hampton. August ih. 1726. Died the Revd Mr Theophilus Cotton, 
Pastor of the Second church of Hampton after a faithful Discharge of that 
office for nigh 15 years & was Decently liuried the iSlh following alt the 
charge of the Parish." 



AXD RFJn^F.SIZXTATIVE CITTZEXS 685 

This act indicates the love and respect of his parish, and not the necessity 
of his own case. The remains of tliis faithful minister of the jjospel He in 
the old parish burying lot. a part of the lower parsonage lot, nearly in front 
of the entrance, under a stone slab supported by brick-work. The following 
is the inscription cut in a slate tablet imbedded in the slab, which is of coarse 
freestone. The tablet has been badly cracked by the formation of ice 
beneath it : 

"HERE LYES Ye BODY OF Ye REVd. Mr. THEOPHILUS COT- 
TON, Ye EIRST MIXISr OF Ye CHURCH AT HAMPTON FALLS, 
WHO, AFTER HE HAD SERVED GOD FAITHFULLY IN HIS GEN- 
ERATION, DECEASED AUGUST Ye i6th 1726 IN Ye 4Sth YEAR OF 
HIS AGE. 

" 'Blessed are the dead that dye in the Lord.' " 

At a parish-meeting held six days after his death the selectmen were 
directed to settle with Mrs. Cotton ; she was voted the free use of the parson- 
age during the summer: the selectmen were instructed to negotiate with her 
for the entertainment of supplies for the pulpit ; and they were to "asses 
Every men of Estate in ye parish Excepting Quakers in order to pay the 
Charges of our Reverend Mr. Cotton's funeral." At a meeting November 
1st it was voted to call Mr. Whipple at a salary of "one hundred and forty 
pounds money Annualy." he finding himself in firewood and everything else. 
Deacons Nathaniel Weare, grandfather of Meshack, Benjamin Sanburn, and 
Nathaniel Bachilder were named as the committee to treat with him. 
Rev. Joseph Whipple was ordained January 4. 1826-7. 

In October, 1734, it was 

"\'oted that if the people on the west part of this parish — now Kensing- 
ton — hire a minister for four months this winter Ensuing the charg thereof 
Shall be adid into our Reverend nu- Whippel Rate in order to be paid liy the 
whole parish." 

And at the next annual March meeting the selectmen were authorized 
and instructed to raise money to pay Mr. Gilman for this service. The depre- 
ciation of the currency was the chief disturbing cause during the ministry 
of Mr. Whipple, the subject appearing at most every annual meeting, com- 
mencing with 1732, when twenty pounds additional was voted to him for the 
ensuing year. 

"And whereas the valine of Provision is gratly Risin & the wood on the 
Parsonag is allmost gon," it was voted at the annual meeting in 1738 to give 
him £30, on condition of his signing a receipt in full. Said receipt appears 
on record February 29, 1739. 

In 1740 the term "badness of our money" is used, and in 1743 the annual 
allowance was increased to £40, and this was continued until 1747. when 
provision was made for the annual appointment of a committee to adjust 
the salary under oath, making it equal to what it was at the time of his settle- 
ment, December 24, i75''>. The selectmen called a meeting as follows: 

"\\'hereas it has Pleased God in his Providence to visit our Revd Pastor 
Mr Joseph whipple with sickness so as he has l)een for some time past taken 
off from his Publick Labours In the ministry among us and there doeth not 
yet appear any prospect that he will be able for some time to Preach among 
u.s — Therefore to se if the Parish will agree to hire some suitable person for 
to Preach among us till such a time as Mr Whipple, shall be able to Preach 
again," &c. 



686 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Mr. Whipple's death occurred February 17. 1757, at the age of fifty- 
seven, just after entering on the thirty-first year of his pastorate, and at that 
date a meeting was called for the next day, when a committee consisting of 
Deacon Jona Fifield, Capt. Richard Nason, and Col. Mesheck Weare. were 
chosen to take charge of his burial at an expense not exceeding £400. At a 
meeting, March 15th. Colonel Weare and two others were chosen a committee 
to secure preaching for two or three Sabbaths. .-\nd it was voted that 
Mrs. Whipple should have the use of one-half of the parsonage-house for 
one year, also half of the garden, the fruit of thirty apple-trees, the use of 
half the barn, the pasturing of a cow at the upper parsonage, the improvement 
of the whole lower parsonage for pasturing a horse ancl cutting hay for a 
horse and cow, and also the full produce of an acre of rye sowed at the 
upper parsonage. At a meeting. May 3d, a committee was chosen to present 
to Mr. Josiah Bailey a unanimous call to settle with them as the successor 
of Mr. Whipple. And at a meeting. May 23d, he was offered a salary of 
fifty pounds sterling and a part of the parsonage lands. Declining to accept 
this offer, on the 23d of June the other lands were included, with the pro- 
vision that he should keep in repair at his own expense the buildings and 
fences. This offer he accepted in the following fonn : 

"To the Inhabitants of the Parish in Hampton falls. Gentlemen — I have 
calmly weighed & deliberated upon the last vote you passed for my encourage- 
ment to settle in the work of the Gospel ministry over you in this place. 
.\nd under a solemn sense of the great importance of this work and with 
humble dependence upon the Grace & good Providence of God. I hereby 
declare my acceptance of your invitation and offer to settle in the work of 
the Gospel ministry, not doubting your readiness not only cheerfully and 
faithfully to make good your purposes for my outward comfort but upon 
every occasion to testify the same good will for me as unforeseen Providence 
may give occasion and above all a constant remembrance of me at the throne 
of grace that I may be faithful and successful in my office among vou who am 
Your affectionate friend and humble servant for Christ's sake. 

"Josiah B.wley. 

"Hamilton Falls June 30th 1757." 

The al)ove is the first instance in the records where Falls is written with 
a capital F. .\nd Levi I^ne. a man of excellent ability and education, con- 
tinued until 1861 to write it with a small f in the records of one of the 
religious societies. 

Mr. Bayley died on the 12th of September, after an illness of more than 
seven months. He was born in Newbury. Alassachusetts. in 1734. graduated 
at Harvard 1752. was ordained October 19. 1757. and died at the early age 
of twenty-eiglit. having been settled less than five years. On the day of his 
decease, a meeting of the parish or town was legally called for the next day, 
to make arrangements for his burial at the expense of the parish, and at that 
meeting the selectmen were instructed to proceed in the matter at an expense 
not exceeding £350 old tenor. Side by side in the old parish burying-ground 
lie the remains of the three first pastors of Hampton Falls. 

All natives of the same state, two of them from adjoining towns, all grad- 
uates of Harvard, laboring in the same field, they together rest in the com- 
pany of many whose spiritual welfare they sought by precept and example. 
A dark slate head-stone marks the resting-place of Mr. Whipple, inscribed 
as follows : 



AND REPRESENTATIVE TTTIZENS 687 

"Here lies the Body of the Revd 

Mr JOSEPH WHIPPLE, 
Who having wisely and faithfully 

Discharged the Pastoral otifice. 

In the second Church in Hampton. 

Deceased Eeby. 17th, 1757, 

In the 56th Year of his age. 

And 32d of his Ministry, highly 

Esteemed and beloved in Life, 

And in Death much Lamented." 

The lettering remains clear-cut. while that on the soft, light-colored head- 
stone of Mr. Bayley has begun to be obliterated. The latter is inscribed as 
follows : 

"Here are Interred the Remains of the 

REVd. Mr. JOSIAH BAYLEY, 

Third Pastor of the Church 

In Hampton Falls. 

Who after He had 

Wisely and Faithfully 

Discharged the Duties of his oiifiice for the Space 

Of 5 Years Was Received 

Into the Joy Of his LORD. 

SEPTr. 12. 1782. .Etats 28." 

Both head-stones are ornamented ( ? ) with the figure of a cherub, accord- 
ing to the fashion of that period. 

We now come to the record of efforts made to secure a successor to 
Mr. Bayley in the pastoral office. .\t a [larish-meeting on the 2d of Novem- 
ber a committee of five. Deacon Jonathan I-'ifield, chairman, were instructed 
in behalf of the parish to extend a call to Mr. Paine \\'ingate. 

".-\.t a Leagul meeting of the Free holders of Hampton falls parish held 
the thirty-first day of October 1763. ily, Voted that Col. Mesheck weare be 
moderator for said meeting. 2dly, Voted to renew the call to mr Pain Win- 
gate to settle in the work of the ministry in this i)arish. 3dly Voted that 
for an allowance to mr Pain Wingate for his salary and support During his 
Continuance in the work of the ministry in this Parish in case he shall settle 
in that work here. Then be paid him the sum of sixty-five pounds sterling 
money of great Britton or Equivelent thereto in the Curraincy of this Prov- 
ince yearly and Each year During his Continuance in said work, also that he 
have the use and Improvement of the parsonage House Barn orchard and 
gardens and about five acres of Land near mescheck weares House commonly 
called the Lower parsonage the Buildings and fences to be kept in Repair by 
the Parish or if it will be more agreeable to mester Wingate to have the 
Improvement of the whole personage lands and buildings Belonging to this 
Parish the fences and Buildings to be kept in Repair by the Parish as afore- 
said then he to have for his salary in money only the sum of fifty-five pounds 
sterling or Equivalent thereto in the Currency of this province to be paid 
him yearly and he to determine at his first settlement which he will take that 
the parish may be at a certainty." 

Mr. Wingate's answer; "To the Church and Congregation at Hampton 



688 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

falls — Hond and Beloved Inasmuch as thro the permission of divine Provi- 
dence your attempts to resettle in order of the gospel have once and again 
been disappointed and your disposition towards my settling with you seems 
at present so far as I can learn in general not to be alienated or divided by 
our former parting and the Trials you have since made but rather increased 
contrary to my expectations. I may I think look upon your Renewed Call as 
a Call of di\ine providence notwithstanding the uneasiness of some whose 
dissatisfaction I cannot account a sufficient discouragement to my settling 
with you but hope thro' the interposition of divine goodness will soon be 
removed' — I therefore now accept of your invitation and purpose by the 
will of God to devote myself to his service in the work of the ministry among 
you and being sensible of my own Imperfections and humbly depending on 
the help and grace of God I ask your prayers continually for me and wishing 
grace mercy and peace may be multiplied unto you I Remain readv to serve 
you in the gospel of our common lord. 

"Pain Wingatf. Junr. 
"Hampton falls Nov. "th 1763." 

Under date of December 14th Mr. Wingate chose to take the whole par- 
sonage with a cash salary of fifty-five pounds sterling. 

From another source it is learned that in 1763 a Presbyterian meeting- 
house was built in the south part of the town, now Seabrook. No allusion 
to the matter appears on the parish records until 1765. 

"Providence of New hampse : these are to Notify the freeholders and 
Inhabitants of the Parish of Hampton falls in said province who are by law 
qualified for to vote to meet at this meeting-house on Monday, the Second 
day of Septr next, at one of the Clock in the afternoon for the follow-ing 
purpose, viz. : Whereas a Number of persons in said parish have Lately 
professed themselves of the PresJjyterian perswasion, and have applied to 
some ministers at Londonderry, whome they Call the Boston Presbytrey, 
desiering to be under their care, Representing that they apprehend them- 
selves able and are freely willing to maintain a minister of the orthodox 
faith, and that is united with said ministers in the Presbyterian government, 
and have made some objections to paying towards the support of the settled 
minister in said parish, and altho' there is no just reason that the above- 
mentioned persons shuld in anj^ Respect be Excused except that it may 
Probably be most for the peace of said parish that the above-mentioned per- 
sons and their Estates should be set of¥ to act in all Respects as a Distinct 
Society or parish by themselves Except paying there proportion of the prov- 
ince tax until a new proportion thereof. Therefore to see if the parish 
will vote to set of¥ the above-mentioned persons and there estates to be Incor- 
porated if they think proper to apply for it to act in all respects by themselves 
as a Distinct society or parish Except paying there proportion of the Provence 
tax until a New proportion thereof, and to pay all other charges as usual 
untill they shall be set of¥ as above mentioned, the line of said New Parish 
to be fixed by a comtte of the general Court with Liberty for such of the 
above-mentioned persons as shall not fall within said New Parish to fall ofif 
with there Estates and Belong there to and for any who shall fall within said 
New Parish who are not of the Presbyterian Perswasion to fall off with 
there Estates, and belong to the old Parish, and for any who are of the 





WEEKS PUBLIC LIBRARY, GREENLAND, N. H. 




BROWN JiE-MoiUAL LiBi;Ai;v. ,'-i:ai;i;i )(iK. n. ii. 




WEARE'S illLL, .SKADKUUK, N. H. 





ilAI'LE RIDGE FARM. SEABROOK, N. H. 



BIRTHPLACE OF <iO\'. Ml^llliK \\l.\l;i., >l ,.\ I;|;()0K, 
N. H. BUILT 17().->; j:i KNEI) Ar(a. ST (j. 1913 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 689 

Presbyterian perswasion who have or shall have lands within said New Parish 
to poll off said Lands to belong to the parish of Hampton Falls. 

"Hampton Falls, August 22, 1765. Meshack Weare, 

Richard Nason, 
Nathan Tilton, 
Samuel Collins. 
Selectmen of Hampton Falls. 

"At a Leagul meeting of the freeholders and Inhabitants c-f the parish of 
Hampton falls held the Second day of Septr 1765 Coll Meshack Weare chosen 
moderator for said meeting. 

"Voted that the people Called presbyterians in this parish be sett off as 
a Destinct Parish by themselves according to the foregoing Notification for 
the aforesaid meeting." — (Not signed.) 

The following notification bears the same date as the other : 

"Province of New hampse : Pursuant to a Request to the selectmen in 
hampton falls by thirty Inhabitants there in Desiring them to Call a parish 
meeting — ist to see if the Parish will Exempt the Presbyterian Society in 
Hampton falls fron-i all Charges that may hereafter arise by the support of 
the Congregation minister or ministers in Hampton falls. 2ly to see if the 
parish will sett off to the presbyterian society a proportionable of the par- 
sonage and priviledges which belong to the Inhabitants of Hampton falls." 

Then follows the legal notification of a meeting for August 22d, signed 
by the same selectmen. The following is the record of the second meeting, 
held the same day : 

"At a Leagel meeting, etc., Col. Meshack Weare chosen moderator for 
said meeting. The first article in the notification was put to vote, and it 
was voted in the negative ; and also the second article in the notification, and 
that was voted in the negative." 

Signed by the parish clerk. 

They next appeal to the General Assembly, — 
' "representing themselves aggrieved at the settlement of the Rev. Mr. 
Pain Wingate as a minister in said Hampton Falls, that the religious senti- 
ments and doctrines preached by the said Mr. Wingate are different from 
theirs and disagreeable to them." 

Therefore they pray to be set off as a separate parish and exempted from 
taxation for ministerial support in the other parish. As the immediate 
result of this action a parish-meeting was held the 30th of December, at which 
Col. Meshack Weare, then — and most always at this period — moderator, 
was chosen chairman of a committee of six to appear at the General Court 
in behalf of the parish — 

"to make a True Representation of the proceedings of the parish and to 
endeavor that the Petition may be Dismissed or that the petitioners may 
be set off in all Respects to act as a Distinct Parish by themselves." 

In this last clause is found the first intimation of the town or parish of 
Seabrook. As to the result of the first petition of the Presbyterians the 
records are silent ; but it appears that in the final disposition of the matter 
the petitioners got more than they wished, while in the division of territory 
which followed Hampton Falls obtained the lion's share, in the opinion of 
some of the present residents of Seabrook. 

In 1767 they again petitioned the General Assembly "to be set off as 



690 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

a Distinct parish for ministerial affairs only;" and on the 23d of November, 
Colonel Weare was again chosen chairman of a committee to appear and 
answer the petition, and "Represent the Inconveniences that would attend the 
prayer thereof being granted." 

At a meeting held the J5th of April, 1768, it was voted that the select- 
men "be a com. to wait on the com. appointed by the General Court to Divide 
the parish of Hampton falls to inform said com. * * * a,id to repre- 
sent to said com. what may appear necessary," etc. 

These records are copied from the first volume of the records of Hampton 
P'alls, but the charter of the new South Parish does not appear on record 
until eleven years later. It may be found on the 123d page of the second 
volume, inscribed in beautiful penmanship. The following is the heading: 

Seabrook Charter 

Anno Regni Regis Georgii tertii mgnae 

Brittani^e Francije et Hiberniae 

octavo 

"An Act for erecting and incorporating a new Parish in the Southerly 
part of Hampton falls in this Province." "Whereas a considerable number of 
the Inhabitants of the Southerly and Westerly part of Hampton falls have 
petitioned the General Assembly to be set off from the old and erected into 
a new Parish, which has not been opposed; &c." 

This act of incorporation was signed by John \\'entworth, June 3, 1768. 

The ministry of Mr. Wingate, so peculiar in its inception, was fraught 
with changes in parish affairs. The dissatisfaction of some at the time of 
his settlement appears to have led to the final division of the parish. And 
the setting oft' of the new parish disturbed the equilibrium of the balance, and 
led to other important changes. 

On the 19th of December it was voted that a new meeting-house, 40 by 
55 feet in dimensions, be built on the vacant lot near Jeremiah Lane's: that 
John Tilton, Abner Sanburn, and William Prescutt, selectmen, with Elisha* 
Prescutt, Samuel Prescutt, and Jonathan Cram, be the building committee, 
and that this committee sell the pews to the highest bidder. Under the changed 
situation of the parish the meeting-house was at one end, and the majority 
of the parishioners towards the other end of the parish. And the result was 
that at a meeting called for the purpose Octol>er 20th it was \oted that a 
new meeting-house be built near the center of the inhabitants of the parish. 
And the selectmen and two others, most of whom resided in the upper part, 
were chosen a committee to fix the location. To this action dissent was then 
and there made for three reasons: first, it ought not to be removed during 
Mr. Wingate's ministry ; second, on account of the expense of land and 
new buildings, while by the terms of the deed the old ones could not be put 
to other use; third, because such hasty action has the most direct tendency to 
make confusion and lead into such difficulties as will probably ruin the 
parish. 

The following is the last half of a request addressed to Mr. Wingate. 
signed by sixty-one legal voters, and dated December 4. 1769: 

"And we, the subscribers, * * * your Parishioners being Desirous 
that the said meeting-house may be Solemnly Dedicated to the Public wor- 
ship of God, and that the Duties of your Sacred Function may be by you 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 691 

performed there Do hereby signify to you our hearty Desire and Sincere 
Request that you will Come to the said house and Perform the Same. In 
doing which we Trust and hope you will Honour God, acquit yourself 
Worthily, in your Sacred Office, and Do Great good to your Parishioners." 
To which Mr. Wingate replies, December 28th, taking the ground that 
he had no power to change the place of worship; that the petitions of others 
could not convey to him that power; and that even the next, under date of 
May 10, 177 1, is recorded the delivery of the new house to the parish by the 
building committee. The next document which contributes to the history 
of these events is dated .August 30, 1770, signed by Nathaniel Healey and 
fifty-seven others, and states that whereas Air. W ingate refuses "to Per- 
form the Duties of his ministerial Function at Said new meeting-house," 
"agreeable to the Vote of Said Parish and the advice of Neigboring ministers," 
and they are obliged to hire preaching in the new house at their own expense, 
they "Do hereby Protest against all and Every Tax & assessment for the 
salary or support of the said Mr. Wingate." 

The following document closes the controversy between Mr. Wingate and 
the party of the new meeting-house. It appears that the new meeting-house 
party outvoted the old. but were out-generaled by Mr. Wingate : 

Mr. Winyate's Resignation. A Legal Document. 

"Hampton falls Dec 4th 1771. 

"To the Parish of Hampton falls. Genl and attested copy of the votes 
passed at your Parish meeting on the Twenty-fifth of November last has 
been laid before me & I have observed in them the steps taken by you in 
order for my Dismission from the ministry in this place and a final settle- 
ment Between us — and since from your proceedings I find no encourage- 
ment to expect peace and Quietness with you in the ministry and hoping that 
thro' the overruling providence of God it may be most for the interests of 
Religion in your unhappy circumstances & for my own Comfort and useful- 
ness I Do now agreeable to the decrees of the late Council ask a Dismission 
from my ministry among you to take place at the time & after the manner 
specified as follows (viz) That I shall receive Fifty pounds Lawfull money 
of the Parish to be immediately paid or sufficiently secured to me with interest 
until paid and shall still continue a settled minister of this Parish by virtue 
of the agreement made at my Settlement in this Place and shall Enjoy all 
ministerial Rights and privileges as heretofore except those I shall Resign 
by a mutual agreement Between me & the Parish — that I shall be exempt 
from all taxes in the Parish & shall Retain the free quiet & faith possession 
Enjoyment & improvement of all the parsonages Buildings & Lands now 
in my possession the Repairs to be kept good by the Parish, all the aforesaid 
right' Priveledges & Enjoyments as a Settled minister of the Parish to Con- 
tinue secure to me for the space of four years from next March & no Longer : 
that I shall be wholly released from perfonning any ministerial Service in 
or for the Parish except what I shall voluntarily consent to after the usual 
term of the present year & shall have Liberty to resign my ministerial Rela- 
tion whenever I shall see fit short of the four years and Remove out of the 
Parish and in that case the Parish warranting to make Good the improvement 
of the Parsonages Buildings and Lands as above During the aforesaid term of 
four years the above sum of money to be paid & all the aforesaid priviledges 
and improvements to be continued' to me as an equitable & humble compen- 



692 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

sation for the secular inconvenience of my Removal and I Do not only ask 
a Dismission to take place at the time & after the manner specif yed But I Do 
hereby Give to the Parish a full acquitance from that part of their contract 
which is to pay to me fifty-five pounds sterling annually as a salary and I 
Do hereby Likewise promise & hold myself obliged in the sum of two hundred 
pounds Lawfull money to be well & truly paid to the F'arish in case of for- 
feiture that I will not improve my ministerial Right and Priviledges by con- 
tinuing a Settled minister of the Parish any way to involve them in the 
Least Charge as their Settled minister except in the Respects above men- 
tioned or for the hindrance of a quiet & peaceable Settlement of another 
minister speedily — and that I will quit my ministerial Relation & Resign all 
the Parsonages & other privelidges as a Settled minister of this Parish at 
tlie time & after the manner specified above all which is upon condition & firm 
Dependence that the vote above Receited shall be truly & fully complyed 
with on the part of the Parish — given under my hand and seal this fourth 
Day of December in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred and Seventy- 
one & in the twelfth year of the reign of king George the third of Great 
Britton &c 

"Signed Sealed & Deli\'ered 
"in Presence of us Paine Wingate 

"Stephen Chase 

"Joshua Chase 
"attested pr Benjamin Tilton Parish Clerk" 

On the next page are copies of three receipts given by Mr. Wingate for 
notes received of the selectmen. It is with a sense of relief that we come 
to the close of this controversy, which has been so fully narrated for the 
special benefit of those people in Hampton Falls who expatiate on the good 
old times when there was but one church in the place, and the Congregational 
lion, the Unitarian lamb, the Presbyterian ox, and the Baptist walrus lay 
down lovingly together in Monument Square. Distance ever lends enchant- 
ment to our views. Rev. Paine Wingate, fourth pastor of the Hampton 
Falls Parish Church, was born in Amesbury, Mass., in 1739; graduated at 
Harvard in 1759; was ordained December 14, 1763, and "resigned March 
18, 1776." "After his dismission he turned his attention to civil affairs, 
was honored with office, and was for many years one of the judges of New 
Hampshire. Died in Stratham, N. H., March 7, 1838, aged ninety-nine 
years." 

Mr. Wingate lived with his one wife more than seventy years, and the 
births of two children are recorded. When after his dismission he was a 
candidate for the State Senate and for Congress, he received a full vote in 
Hampton Falls. At a meeting December nth it was voted not to hire any 
one to preach on probation, but it was voted to extend a call to Reverend Dr. 
Samuel Langdon to settle at a salary of £50 lawful money annually, or £4.' 
and eight cords of good merchantable firewood. 

"Three and sixpence of said money to be as good as one Bushel of Indian 
Corn: four Pence Equal to One Pound of Pork; Two Pence half Penny 
Equal to One Pound of Good Beef." 

.\nd the buildings and outside fences of the ])arsonage were to be kept 
in repair, "as has been usual in times past." the lands to be free of taxes. 

Samuel Langdon's letter of acceptance was dated January 7, 1771. He 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 693 

was born in Boston, Mass., in 1723; graduated at Harvard in 1740; opened 
a school in Portsmouth soon after; was settled as pastor at Portsmouth from 
1746 to 1774, after acting as associate pastor for one or two years; president 
of Harvard from 1774 to 17S0; installed pastor at Hampton Falls January 
18. 1 781, and died November 29, 1797, aged seventy-five, having been settled 
sixteen years. 

We copy from F. B. Sanborn's interesting pamphlet entitled "President 
Langdon, a Biographical Tribute. 1904," the epitaph on the tombstone at 
Hampton Falls : 

"Here lie the remains of REV.'D SAMUEL LANGDON. late pastor of 
Hamptonfalls; & for several years President of Cambridge University. His 
extensive knowledge, hospitality, Catholicism, Patriotism and Piety obtained 
& preserved the esteem, respect, admiration & love of the people of his 
charge & of his \-ery numerous Acc|uaintances in this and the neighboring 
states, thro" a life of great usefulness to Mankind which ended No\'. J9th 
1797. Aged 75." 

March 12. 1798, it was voted to hire Mr. Abl>ott five Sabbaths on pro- 
bation, and at the expiration of that time a call was extended to him to 
settle as pastor. The terms offered him were die parsonage, as usual, ten 
cords of pine and hemlock wood delivered at his door, $200, and his choice 
between six cords of good merchantable hard wood and ^2^. May 7th, a 
month later, this offer was increased to "300 silver dollars." and his lengthy 
letter of acceptance, on record, is dated June 2. 1798. 

Rev. Jacob Abbott was the only one of the six parish pastors born in New- 
Hampshire, the rest all being natives of Massachusetts. All were graduates 
of Harvard, for that was then the only college in the country. Mr. Abbott 
was born at Wilton, N. H.. in 1768, graduated in 1792, was ordained August 
15. 1798, and resigned April i. 1826. after a settlement of twenty-eight years. 
Mr. Abbott was drowned on Sabbath day, November 2. 1834, at Windham, 
N. H., aged sixty-six. He preached on the day of his death, and was return- 
ing from meeting in a boat across a pond in company with two of his own 
sons, a neighbor, and his son. Two of the young men escaped by swimming, 
Ebenezer Abbott clung to the boat and was saved, while the two elder luen 
were drowned. 

April 30. 1827. twenty-nine persons had legally organized themsehes under 
the name of the "First Congregational Society in Hampton falls." which title 
is retained today by the organization known only to those outside as the 
L'nitarian Church or Society. Of the twenty-nine constituent members 
of this society only two survive, Robert S. and True M. Prescott. The final 
division was evidently the result of the "half-way covenant," for preaching 
against which Jonathan Edwards, of immortal fame as a theologian, was 
driven from his life settlement at Northampton. Mass.. and reduced to poverty 
by the sacrifice of his real estate in that place. A similar experience has been 
the lot of ever\- earnest radical reformer since the world began. 

On the 30th day of March, 1832, the selectmen sold the parsonage, land, 
buildings, and wood, and on the 8th of October the assessors of the Congre- 
gational Societv receipted for $1,154.91. that being the proportion due said 
society. And at the annual meeting of this society April 4, 1836. — 

"It was put to vote to see if the Society would give those persons who 
contemplated forming themselves into a new Society to be called the Hamp- 



694 HISTO]^^ OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

ton falls and Seabrook Congregational Society their proportion of the fund. 
Passed in the negative, six voting in favor, eight against." 

But on second sober thought this decision was reversed, and at the next 
annual meeting, in 1837, it was 

••\'oted that the funds of the first Congregational society in Hampton 
falls be divided into two parts according to polls and retable estate of 
the year \. d. 1836 provided the disaffected part of said society, with such 
other, members of said society as may join with them, shall form a separate 
society, and withabove form this society, producing a certificate from the 
Clerk of their society that they are actual members thereof." 

The common fund at this time amounted to $1,500, of which the new 
society received $450. May 13, 1837, the following names are recorded as 
having withdrawn : Thayer S. Sanborn. Reuben Bachelder, Emery Bach- 
elder, Moses Bachelder, Samuel Bachelder, Jonathan Cram, Jr.. Luke Averill, 
Joshua Pike, Jonathan Cram, Stephen Green. Robert S. Prescott, Josiah 
Bachelder, Sherburn W. Rand, Caleb Tilton, Rebecca F. Cram, and Polly 
Dow. of whom Deacons Emery Bachelder and Robert S. Prescott are the 
only sur\-ivors. Leaving to another the task of sketching the further history 
of those who remained, the writer will follow those who went out. 

1834. While tlie Re\erend Mr. Jerrett was preaching in Hampton Falls 
a meeting was held Septemljer 18, 1834, for the purpose of "taking into con- 
sideration the expediency of uniting the towns of Hampton Falls, Seabrook, 
and Kensington into one Evangelical Congregational Society." This meet- 
ing was adjourned from time to time, and as a final result of the deliberations 
had at these meetings "the Evangelical Congregational Society at Seabrook 
and Hamilton b'alls" was formed and a meeting-house erected. This stands 
near the line which separates the two towns. 1835. The people of Hampton 
Falls united w ith the people of Seabrook to support the gospel. They attended 
meeting together at the old meeting-house in Seabrook. The Rev. Jonathan 
Ward preached for them during the summer. The Rev. David Sunderland 
was employed during the next season. He preached part of the time in the 
old meeting-house and part of the time in the new house. 1836. The Rev. 
D. Sunderland was preaching in the place when the new house was dedicated. 
He preached in it for several months. During the remainder of the year 
and a part of the next the desk was supplied by occasional preachers, prin- 
cipally from the theological institution at Andover. 1837. February. On 
the first Sabbath in February, 1837, Deacon Timothy Abbott, a native of 
.Andover. Mass.. preached for the first time in the place. He graduated at 
.■\mherst College in 1833. completed his theological studies at .Andover. Sep- 
tember. 1836. and was licensed by the Andover .Association. .After preach- 
ing a few months he received the following communication : 

"Rev. S. T. .Abbott: 

"Sir, — I am requested to inform you that the Seabrook and Hampton 
Falls Evangelical Congregational Society, at a meeting on the 24th of June 
inst., voted that the sum of five hundred dollars for one year be given you 
as a salary, and request you to settle as pastor of said society. They also 
request you to return an answer in writing as soon as the ist day of July next, 
at w hich time this meeting stands adjourned. 

"Jacob Noyes, Clerk of said Society. 

"Se.\brook, June 27. 1837." 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 695 

.Mr. Abbott accepted July ist and was ordained on tbe i2tb. at whicb 
time twenty-two persons dismissed from the Hampton Falls Church, together 
with Widow Mehitable Eaton, formerly of the old church in Seabrook. were 
organized into a church styled "The First Evangelical Congregational Church 
of Seabrook and Hampton Falls." 

1855, March 28th, after an injunction was served on Mr. Abbott he 
preached in his own house until a few weeks before his death, which occurred 
March 28, 1855. It cannot be denied that he labored faithfully for the 
welfare of his church and community. He stood stiffly upon his ecclesiastical 
rights, desiring to remain where he had built himself a house and spent seven- 
teen years of his life: while, on the other hand, the leading men of the church 
probably considered that they should be permitted to say who should minister 
to them. Under a more tlexil)le system there might have been less friction. 

The next minister was Rev. H. .V. Lounsbury. He resigned in 1857. 
He was followed by Rev. Frank Haley in 1876 to 1S81 and he by Rev. Joseph 
Boardnian, who commenced September 4, 1881. The successors of Mr. 
Boardman were: Rev. Andrew J. Small, Rev. W'm. H. W'oodwell, and John 
W. Savage, the present pastor. 

The Congregational Church in South Seabrook was organized July 9, 
1867, with seventeen constituent members, fourteen of whom united on pro- 
fession of faith. This new church was the result of a series of meetings 
held in the district schoolhouse. under the leadership of Mr. William A. 
Rand, beginning January 2~, 1867. In 1868 a house of worship was erected 
at a cost of about fi\'e thousand dollars, outside aid being received from fifty 
or more churches in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. A native of Ports- 
mouth. N. H., Mr. Rand, at the time mentioned was studying with his brother. 
Rev. Edward A. Rand, pastor of the Congregational Church in Amesbury, 
Mass. After graduating from the Portsmouth High School, he learned the 
drug business with the late William R. Preston, of Portsmouth: at the age 
of twenty went to war as corporal of Company K, Sixteenth New Hampshire 
Volunteers, and while in service in Louisiana was converted as the result of 
meetings held in camp. After he was mustered out in 1863 he was employed 
for two years in the wholesale drug business in Boston : then a year in a 
retail store in Biddeford, Me., after which he left busjness to commence his 
studies for the ministry. Mr. Rand was licensed to preach by the Essex 
North Association at its annual meeting August, 1867, with the church in 
Ipswich, Mass. Continuing to labor in South Seabrook, he deferred the 
completion of his studies until 1872, when he entered the Theological Semi- 
nary at Andover, Mass., and while jjursuing his course there continued to 
supply the infant church with the aid of his fellow-students. Graduating 
from Andover in July, 1875, he was immediately ordained and settled as 
pastor of this church, and has since continued to labor with them. Mr. 
Rand's work in this locality has been a unique one. for which few other 
men would have been so well adapted. There was need that law. order. 
temperance, and education should be presented as prominent features of the 
gospel, and this work Mr. Rand has done with marked success. Like all 
other good men engaged in a good work, he and his work have had their 
traducers. But, unmoved by these things, he has labored on. interested in 
both the spiritual and material welfare of the community in which he has 



696 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUXTY 

been providentiall)- located. Through his efforts a post-office was estab- 
lished in that locality- several years since, and in January, 1882, he received 
the appointment of postmaster, and was commissioned a justice of the peace. 
In South Seabrook Mr. Rand appears to have foimd his life-work at an 
early age, and to be content to labor on. making an indelible impression on 
the character of a whole community. 

The Methodist Denomination in Seabrook. — According to the most 
reliable information now to be obtained, the first ^^lethodist preaching in 
this town was by preachers from the East Salisbun,- Church about the year 
1S20 at the South Village. About that date "Uncle" Robert Dow and Thomas 
Fowler, two earnest Methodists in that locality, fitted up a house for a church, 
and services were held there by Reverends Mr. Aspinwall, Amos W'onhen 
Prescott. and, some say, "Reformation John Adams." 

A class was soon formed there with Robert Dow as leader, and weekly 
sessions were held alternately at his residence and that of Thomas Fowler. 
Mr. Dow lived on the place nearly opposite the Congregational Church. And 
near the year 1835 religious services were occasionally held in the Boyd school- 
house, on the Walton road, by Father Broadhead. a Methodist preacher. 

As the result of this preliminary work the present church building was 
erected in 1836. in that part of the town known as Smith's \'illage. at the 
junction of the Xewbur\-port and Amesbury roads. 

And the class at the South \'illage then united with their ^lethodist 
brethren at Smith's Village in the formation of a Methodist Episcopal Church 
organized in due fonn. Rev. E. D. Trickey was the first preacher appointed by 
the Conference to the charge of this church. 

The present church edifice was built in 1836. at a cost of about fifteen 
hundred dollars. In 1862 this house was enlarged and improved at an expense 
of about fifteen hundred dollars. These improvements were made under the 
super\-ision of the following committee : Jeremiah Smith. Moses Eaton, 
Jonathan G. Chase, True Morrill, and Jonathan Walton. In 1834 a parsonage 
was erected at a cost of about one thousand dollars, located on the Amesburj' 
road, a short distance from the church. 

The following is the list of preachers appointed to this charge by the 
Conference: E. D. Trickey. Warren Wilbur. James M. Young. Jacob Boyce. 
Rufus Tilton. Caleb Duston. L. D. Blodgett, Joseph Palmer (supply). J. W'. 
Huntley. J. C. Emerson. F. O. Barrows. Samuel Beede. D. W'. Barber. A. C. 
Dutton, George W. T. Rogers, C. H. Smith, C. R. Homan, O. H. Call. Free- 
man Rider. H. B. Copp. J. L. Flood. T. H. Mason. William H. Hays. Hugh 
Montgomeni-. W. C. Bartlett, Lorenzo Draper. W". C. Yanson. E. C. Berry. 
Joseph P. Frye. George Wesley Buzzell. Rev. William Wilkins is the present 
minister. 

SEABROOK 

The Friends. — Among the religious organizations in the different parish.es 
or towns set off from the early settled Town of Hampton, none date so far 
back as the Societ}- of Friends in Seabrook. This society was organized in 
1 701, ten years before the first colony from the Hampton Congregational 
Church established itself in Hampton Falls. And the earliest records of 
Hampton Falls, which then included Seabrook, commencing with 1718. show 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 697 

that the legal position of the Friends was at that time well defined, for in the 
warrants for the parish-meetings occurs this clause, "Quakers excepted." 
The period of their bitter persecution had then passed, and we will not 
here recall it. One of their speakers, a Mrs. Hussey, shared the fate of 
other inhabitants of Seabrook in a murderous attack by their savage foes. 

Their house of worship was erected in 1763, two years after the old 
Presbyterian house. 

This society has had no local speakers since the decease of Air. and Mrs. 
Edward Gove. Mrs. Gove was a very gifted speaker, and her departure in 
1873 was commemorated by the poet Whittier in tender and touching lines. 
\\'hile these good old people commanded the respect of all, their mantle 
appears to have fallen on none. Their first house of worship was erected in 

1703- 

The Adz'cut Church, Seabrook, \vas organized in 1868, with about forty 
members, and a church edifice erected in the following year. 

Dearborn Academy was founded in 1854. by Edward Dearborn, an emi- 
nent physician and distinguished citizen of Seabrook. He endowed it with 
$15,000. 

MILITARY RECORD, l86l-6S 

George S. Barnes, chaplain. Second Regiment; enlisted April 17, 1863; 
resigned April 25, 1863. William Locke, Company K, Second Regiment; 
enlisted June 8, 1861 ; discharged June 31. 1864. John Anderson, Company 
A, .Second Regiment: enlisted October 7, 1864; discharged December 19, 
1865. John Clark, Company C, Second Regiment; enlisted October 12, 1864; 
discharged December 19. 1865. Albert Dusham, Company C, Second Regi- 
ment; enlisted October 8, 1864; discharged December 19. 1865. Israel 
Partington. Company F, Second Regiment; enlisted October i, 1864; pro- 
moted to corporal; discharged December 19, 1865. Bernard Cosgrove, Com- 
pany C. Second Regiment; enlisted October 15, 1864; discharged May 27 
1865. Joseph Wright, Company I, Second Regiment ; enlisted October 5 
1864. Albert Webb, Company I, Second Regiment; enlisted October 7. 1864 
promoted to corporal; discharged December 19, 1865. Joseph P. Blaisdell 
Company D, Third Regiment; enlisted August 2^, 1861 ; promoted to cor 
poral; killed May 15, 1864. Julius C. Currier, Company D, Third Regiment 
enlisted August jt,. 1861 ; discharged October 18, 1861. Alfred N. Dow 
Company D, Third Regiment; enlisted August 23, 1861 ; discharged June 22 
1862. Lowell M. Dow, Company D, Third Regiment; enlisted August 2T, 
1861 ; promoted to corporal ; discharged August 23, 1864. Charles \\'. Eaton 
Company D, Third Regiment; enlisted August 23, 1861 ; absent, sick. July 
20, 1865; "o discharge furnished. James P. Fowler. Company D, Third 
Regiment; enlisted August 23, 1861 ; discharged November 19, 1862. George 
W. Gibson, Company D, Third Regiment; enlisted August 23, 1861 ; died 
January, 1865. William Knowles, Company D, Third Regiment; enlisted 
August 23, 1861 ; promoted to corporal; absent on furlough; no discharge 
furnished. John W. Perkins, Company D. Third Regiment; enlisted August 
23, 1861 ; died April 23, 1865. Joseph Wilson, Company D, Third Regi- 
ment; enlisted August 23. 1861 ; killed July 10, 1863. Robert Eaton, Com- 
pany D, Third Regiment; enlisted January 2, 1864; discharged May 26, 



698 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

1865. Samuel George. Company B. b^ourth Regiment; enlisted September 

18, 1861. Henr}- Cook, Company H, Fifth Reginient; enlisted August 10, 
1863: discharged December 15, 1863. Peter Melliot, Company I. Fifth 
Regiment: enlisted August 12, 1863: died August 29, 1864. Thomas H. 
Dearborn, sergeant, Company C, Sixth Reginient; enlisted November 27, 
1861; promoted to second lieutenant September 13, 1862; promoted to first 
lieutenant July i, 1S63; promoted to captain. Company A, Sixth Regiment, 
December 24. 1863; discharged November 27, 1864. David A. Titcomb, 
first lieutenant. Company C, Sixth Regiment; enlisted November 30, 1861 ; 
promoted to captain, Comi)any K, April 18, 1862; resigned December 22, 
1862. David S. Tilton. corporal. Company C, Sixth Regiment; enlisted 
November 2/. 1861 ; discharged January 22. 1864. Jacob E. Brown, Com- 
pany C, Sixth Regiment; enlisted November 2^, 1861 ; discharged November 
27, 1864. Robert I-". Collins. Company C, Sixth Regiment; enlisted Novem- 
ber 2/, i8()i ; discharged Alay 23, 1865. Levi Collins, Jr., Company C. Sixth 
Regiment; enlisted November 2/, 1861 ; died March 5, 1862. John M. 
Dow, Company C. Sixth Regiment; enlisted November 2/, 1861 ; discharged 
January 9, 1863. Melvin Dow, Company C. Sixth Regiment; enlisted Novem- 
ber 27, 1861 ; killed August 29, 1862. William A. Eaton. Company C. Sixth 
Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861 ; killed September 30, 1864. Abel 
Eaton. Company C, Sixth Regiment; enlisted November 27, 1861 ; pro- 
moted to corporal; discharged July 17, 1865. Samuel Eaton (3d), Com- 
pany C. Sixth Regiment; enlisted November 2j. 1861 ; discharged, date 
unknown. Sewell B. Fowler. Company C, Sixth Regiment ; enlisted Novem- 
ber 2/. 1861; discharged November 22, 1864. James R. Fowler, Company 
C, .Sixth Regiment; enlisted November 2/. 1861 ; died February 2j. 1862. 
Elias Felch. Jr.. Company C. Sixth Regiment; enlisted November 2j. 1861 ; 
transferred to V'eteran Reser\e Corps May i. 1864. John H. Hardy. Com- 
pany C, Sixth Regiment; enlisted November 2/, 1861 ; promoted to corporal 
and sergeant; discharged July 17, 1865. Moses B. Knowles, Company C. 
Sixth Regiment; enlisted November 2/, 1861 ; promoted to corporal and 
sergeant; discharged July 17. 1865. Elijah Knox. Company C. Sixth Regi- 
ment; enlisted November 2y. 1861 ; discharged May 3, 1863. Francis Rowe. 
Company C. Sixth Reginient; enli.sted November 2j. 1861: discharged Jan- 
uary 2(1. 1863. Charles L. Brown, Company .\. Sixth Regiment; enlisted 
August 10. 1863; discharged July 17, 1865. James Ouinn. Sixth Regiment; 
enlisted January 5. 1864. Charles Selkinghaus, Company K. Sixth Regi- 
ment; enlisted January 5, 1864. Edward A. Go\e. Company H, Sixth Regi- 
ment; enlisted b^bruary 6. 1865; discharged iMay 6, 1865. Albert Schmidt. 
Eighth Regiment; enlisted August 12. 1863; not officially accounted for. 
William Rowe. Company K. Thirteenth Reginient; enlisted September 20, 
1862; promoted to corporal; discharged May 29, 1863. George N. Janvrin, 
sergeant. Company D. Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted September 23. 1863; 
discharged July 8. 1865. Jolm W. Locke, corporal. Company D, Fourth 
Reginient; enlisted September 2;^. 1863; promoted to sergeant; discharged 
July 8. 1866. Charles W. Noyes, corporal. Company D. Fourteenth Regi- 
ment; enlisted September 23. 1863; missing and supposed killed September 

19, 1864. Walter N. Butler. Company D. Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted 
September 2t,. 1863; discharged September 17. 1865. Francis Beckman, 
Conipanv D. Fourteenth Regiment: enlisted September 2t,. 1863; promoted 



AXD RErRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 699 

to corporal and sergeant: discharged July 8, 1865. Webster Brown. Com- 
pany D, Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted September 23, 1863: discharged July 
8, 1865. Aaron E. Boyd. Company D, Fourteenth Regiment: enlisted Octol^er 
3. 1862: killed September 19. 1864. Lewis Boyd, Company D, Fourteenth 
Regiment: enlisted September 27,. 1862: discharged July 8, 1865. Sumner 
Real, Company D, Fourteenth Regiment: enlisted September 2t,, 1862: dis- 
charged Alay 2. 1864. Daniel Boyd, Company D, Fourteenth Regiment; 
enlisted September 2^, 1862; discharged June 8, 1865. Nathaniel Chase. 
Company D, Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted September 26, 1862; discharged 
July 8, 1865. Stephen W. Chase. Company D. Fourteenth Regiment: en- 
listed September 2;^, 1862; killed September ig, 1864. Simeon L. Dow, 
Company D, Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted October 2, 1862: discharged July 
8, 1865. Alfred B. Dow. Company D. Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted October 
2, 1862; discharged July 8. 1865. Robert C. Eaton. Company D, Fourteenth 
Regiment; enlisted September 21,. 1862; discharged July 8. 1865. Morrill 
S. Eastman. Company D. Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted Octoljer 10, 1862; 
discharged July 2~. 1863. James F. Foster. Company D. Fourteenth Regi- 
ment: enlisted September 2^, 1862; absent, sick, supposed discharged. Albert 
H. Gove. Company D. Fourteenth Regiment: enlisted September 2;^. 1862: 
discharged July 8. 1865. John S. Janvrin. Company D. Fourteenth Regi- 
ment: enlisted September 23. 1862: discharged June 28. 1863. Joseph P. 
Jones. Company D, Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted September 23. 1862. 
Joshua Janvrin. Company D. Fourteenth Regiment ; enlisted September 2^, 
1862; discharged June 28, 1865. Charles B. Kimball. Company D. Four- 
teenth Regiment; enlisted October 10. 1862: discharged July 8. 1865. Ber- 
nard McCormick. Company D. Fourteenth Regiment: enlisted October 10. 
1862; discharged February 3. 1863. Frank T. Mofflt. Company D. Four- 
teenth Regiment; enlisted Octoljer 10. 1862; discharged July 8. 1863. John 
E. Randall. Company D. Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted September 23, 1862: 
died August 30, 1864. George W". Swett, Company D, Fourteenth Regi- 
ment: enlisted September 23, 1862: discharged June 1 1. 1863. Charles Stott. 
Company D. Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted October 6. 1862: discharged 
October 16. 1862. James .\. \\'right. Company D. Fourteenth Regiment: 
enlisted September 23, 1862; discharged July 8, 1865. Edwin Walton, Com- 
pany D, Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted September 11, 1862: died October 
30, 1864. George T. Souther, Company D, Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted 
January 2, 1864: killed September ig, 1864. William H. Randall, Company 
D. Fourteenth Regiment: enlisted January 4. 1864; discharged July 8, 1863. 
Abner L. Eaton, Company D, Fourteenth Regiment: enlisted January 18, 
1864; discharged July 8. 1863. William T. Janvrin, Company D, Fourteenth 
Regiment; enlisted March 13, 1864; died April 15. 1865. Daniel S. Davis. 
Company D. Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted October 6. 1862; discharged 
July 30. 1863. Charles Hastings. Company D. Fourteenth Regiment: en- 
listed October 3. 1862; promoted to hospital steward March i. 1863. James 
Martin. Company F. Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted August 3, 1864: dis- 
charged July 8. 1863. \\illiam T. Osgood. Company I. Fourteenth Regi- 
ment"; enlisted December 30. 1863; discharged June 2j. 1863. John B. 
Tuttle, Company F, Fourteenth Regiment: enlisted January 4. 1864: dis- 
charged July 10, 1863. Charles Brown, Com])any H, Fourteenth Regi- 
ment; enlisted December 30, 1863. George Brown, Company I, Fourteenth 



700 HISTOm- 01' ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Regiment: enlisted December 30, 1863: discharged July 8. 1865. Jeremiah 
F. Boyd. Company F, Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted January 4, 1864; dis- 
charged June 14, 1865. John Englebrick, Company F, Fourteenth Regi- 
ment; enlisted August 5, 1864; absent, sick, supposed discharged. Hial F. 
Eaton, Company K, Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted February 2, 1865; died 
June 7, 1865. Charles R. Gove, Company I, Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted 
December 30. 1863 ; discharged July 8, 1865. William H. Sanborn, Com- 
pany I, Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted December 30, 1863; died February 
3. 1864. John N. Brown, second lieutenant. Company D, Fourteenth Regi- 
ment; enlisted October 9, 1862; resigned March 9, 1863. Lemuel M. 
Richardson, Company E, iMjurteenth Regiment; enlisted September 2^, 1862; 
discharged July 8, 1865. Xewell F. Dow, Company I, Fourteenth Regiment; 
enlisted December 30, 1863: died March 18, i'864. Charles H. Clark, 
Company I, Fourteenth Regiment; enlisted August 3, 1864: died October 
15, 1864. Eucher Boisvert. Company H, Fifteenth Regiment; enlisted 
October 31, 1862. Robert Final, Company H, Fifteenth Regiment; enlisted 
October 31. 1862; transferred headquarters troops July 24, 1863. Charles 
Grosette, Company H, Fifteenth Regiment; enlisted October 31, i8('>2. Hugh 
McGuire, Company H, Fifteenth Regiment; enlisted October 31, 1862; 
transferred to headquarters troops July 24. 1863. Paul Mignot, Company 
H, Fifteenth Regiment; enlisted October 31. 1862, Theophel Paradis. Com- 
pany H. Fifteenth Regiment; enlisted October 31. 1862. Frank Jones. Com- 
pany H. Fifteenth Regiment; enlisted November 8. 1862. John Loudon, 
Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted November 25, 1862; not officially accounted 
for. Charles F. Laurence, Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted November 25, 
1862; not officially accounted for. Charles IVatt, Seventeenth Regiment; 
enlisted November 25, 1862; not officially accounted for. James Barton, 
Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted November 25, 1862; not officially accounted 
for. William J. Gardiner, Seventeenth Regiment ; enlisted November 25, 
1862; not officially accounted for. Felix Stone, Seventeenth Regiment; en- 
listed November 25. 1862; not officially accounted for. Kendall W. Cofren, 
Company H, Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted November 26, 1862; died July 
30, 1863. Moses Quarter, Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted November 26, 
1862; not officially accounted for. George Ava, Seventeenth Regiment; 
enlisted November 25. 1862; not officially accounted for. George Brown, 
Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted No\'ember 25, 1862; not officially accounted 
for. George C. Spaulding, Company B, Seventeenth Regiment ; enlisted 
December 26, 1862. Gaton C. Ross. Se\-enteenth Regiment; enlisted Decem- 
ber 29, 1862; not officially accounted for. George J. Busher, Company A, 
Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted December 29. 1862; discharged October 9, 
1863. Benjamin F. Foster, Seventeenth Regiment; enlisted December 18, 
1862; not officially accounted for. Reuben W. Price. Comijany M. \l. A.; 
enlisted October 13, 1864; promoted to assistant surgeon October 12, 1864; 
discharged June 15, 1865. William Jones. L". S. C. T. ; enlisted October 8, 
1864; date of discharge unknown. James Bean. U. S. C. T. ; enlisted October 
7, 1864; date of discharge unknown. Thomas Ladson. U. .S. C. T. ; enlisted 
October 5, 1864; date of discharge unknown. Abraham Dow, V. R. C. ; 
enlisted August 23, 1864; date of discharge unknown. John Francis, V. R. 
C. ; enlisted August 5. 1864; date of discharge unknown. Samuel Eaton, 
V. R. C. ; enlisted January 13. 1864; date of discharge unknown. Nicholas 
Gaynon, V. R. C. ; enlisted January 6. 1864; date of discharge unknown. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 701 

Alvin A. Gove, V. R. C. ; enlisted January _', 1864; date of discharge 
unknown. Stephen F. Knovvles, navy; enhsted February 6, 1862; date of 
discharge unknown. George W. Randall, navy; enlisted December 19, 1862; 
date of discharge unknown. George Rowe, navy, enlisted December 19, 
1862; date of discharge unknown. John R. Beckman, navy; enlisted Decem- 
ber 19, 1862; date of discharge unknown. Edward Austin, enlisted Septem- 
ber 14, 1862; date of discharge unknown. Charles Phillips, enlisted 
September 19, 1863; date of discharge unknown. Almon Eaton, enlisted 
September 9, 1863; date of discharge unknown. Michael Corbett, enlisted 
September 12, 1863; date of discharge unknown. Joseph E. Wilder, enlisted 
September 12, 1863; date of discharge unknown. Charles Welsh, enlisted 
September 12, 1863; date of discharge unknown. Joseph Byard, enlisted 
September 12, 1863; date of discharge unknown. William Segarson, enlisted 
September 1, 1863; date of discharge unknown. James McNeil, enlisted, 
September 8, 1863; date of discharge unknown. Abraham Ross, enlisted 
November 8, 1862: date of discharge unknown. William Henry, enlisted 
September 14, 1863; date of discharge unknown. George Blake, enlisted 
September 14, 1863; date of discharge unknown. Charles Hinds, enlisted 
September 7, 1863; date of discharge unknown. Antrus Lopez, enlisted 
September 9, 1863; date of discharge unknown. Jacob Roker, enlisted Sep- 
tember 7, 1863; date of discharge unknown. Daniel Rating, enlisted Septem- 
ber 8, 1863; date of discharge unknown. George Dunn, enlisted September 
14. 1863; date of discharge unknown. Peter Shields, enlisted October 11, 
1864; date of discharge unknown. George Taylor, enlisted October 8, 1864; 
date of discharge unknown. Robert McKinley, enlisted October 9, 1864; 
date of discharge unknown. John C. Clark, enlisted October 12, 1864; date 
of discharge unknown. John D. Brandt, enlisted October 17, 1864; date of 
discharge unknown. John Brown, enlisted October 7, 1864; date of dis- 
charge unknown. William Ramsey, enlisted October i, 1864; date of dis- 
charge unknown. P. M. Caventor, enlisted October 11, 1862; date of dis- 
charge unknown. James P. Whitefield, enlisted August 12, 1864; date of 
discharge unknown. Daniel McEllery, enlisted August 10, 1864; date of 
discharge unknown. William Murphy, enlisted August 2, 1864; date of 
discharge unknown. 

Brozvn Memorial Library, Seahrook. — In November. 1890, Mrs. C. P. 
Jackson, assisted by several other women of Seabrook, inaugurated a public 
reading room at her residence, and gave the use of her library. Brown 
Memorial Library is the outgrowth of that movement. A society composed 
wholly of women, known as the Reading Room Circle, was fomied and 
seventy-five volumes were collected, when Mr. Sewall Brown of Salem, Mass., 
a native of Seabrook, generously donated 175 volumes and $roo towards a 
building fund. In January, 1892, Mr. Brown suddenly died, and his cousin, 
Mr. David Pingree of Salem, wishing to perpetuate the memory of the 
deceased, proposed to erect a suitable building, which was accordingly built 
and gratefully accepted. The building was formally dedicated September 
12, 1893, ^^ ^^^ Brown Memorial Library, and passed into the possession 
of the Brown Library Association. Mr. Pingree has given a total of about 
sixteen hundred and twenty-five volumes, which have been card-catalogued 
by an expert. In January, 1896, Mr. Pingree and his two sisters gave 
$1,570 as a permanent fund, the same being their mother's share in the 
estate of Augustus S. Brown. 



702 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Other donations of books have been received, and the hbrary now con- 
tains 2,1 16 vokimes, exclusive of Government and state reports. The Hbrary 
is free and has received no aid from state or town. 

F. D. \V. Colcord and G. R. Fellows are the physicians. 

The societies are : John A. Logan Post, G. A. R. ; Woman's Relief 
Corps; Gov. Weare Council, U. O. A. M.; Passaconaway Council, Junior 
O. U. A. M. : Good Will Grange; Alfred N. Dow Camp, S. of V. 



CHAPTER LIII 

SOUTH HAMPTON 

Geographical — Topographical — Incorporation of the Toum — The Charter — 
Documentary History — The Churches — The Association Test — Military 
Record — Public Library. 

South Hampton lies in the southwestern part of the county, and is bounded 
as follows : on the north by East Kingston and Kensington ; on tlie east by 
Seabrook ; on the south by Massachusetts ; and on the west by Newton. The 
population in 19 lo was 279. 

The surface of the town is rolling and the soil fertile. Agriculture is 
the principal occupation of the inhabitants. It is the fourth town in the 
county to bear the name of Hampton. 

Incorporation of the Town. — Prior to 1741 the boundary line of New 
Hampshire and Massachusetts was what is called the Shapley line, the present 
northern boundary of South Hampton being the state line, hence the town 
was wholly a part of Amesbury and Salisbury, extending from the Atlantic 
on the east to the Town of Kingston on the northwest : thence south two and 
a quarter miles to the Mitchel line, so called, embracing the present Town of 
South Hampton, nearly two-thirds of the area of Seabrook, and the easterly 
portion of the Town of Newton. The town was chartered May 25, 1742, by 
Penning Wentworth, governor of the Province of New Hampshire in the 
reign of George H. The first meeting was authorized to be warned and 
called by Joseph Jewell, John Flanders, and Henry Currier on June 7, 1742. 

The following is a copy of the charter : 

Province of New Hampshire, George the Second, by the Grace of God of 
Great Britain, France & Ireland, Defender of the Faith. 

To all to whom these Presents shall come, Greeting — 
(l. s.) Know yee, That we at the Humble Suit and Petition of .Sundry 

of our Leidg Subjects Inhabiting a Tract of Land within our 
Province of New hampshire in New England as hereinafter described. Butted 
& Bounded, Bordering on the Northern boundary Curve Line of the Prov- 
ince of the Massachusetts Bay, to be incorporated into a District Parrish, 
have for divers good causes & considerations us moving. Granted & con- 
firm'd to the said Inhabitants & their successors. And by these Presents of 
our Special Grace, certain knowledge & meer Motion for the well ordering 
& Regulating the affairs of the said Parrish Do Grant & confirm unto the 
Said Inhabitants & their Successors to be a Town or Parrish Incorporate by 
the name of South-Hampton within the bounds following, viz Begining at 
the Atlantick Sea or Ocean on the East, at the distance of three miles North 

703 



7(M HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAil COUNTY 

of the mouth of the River Memmark, & from thence to run Xortherlv to 
the bounds of that part of the Town of Hampton called Hampton Falls. & 
thence \\"esterly pursuing the Bounds of the Said Parrish of Hampton Falls 
to the Parxishes of Kensuiton & Kingstow-n as has been reputed to ha%-e 
been heretofore agreed upon between the said Toktis & Salsbury &: Amsbury 
& Kingstown, till it meets a WTiite Pine Stump in a Line com.monly caUed 
Shapleys hne, & from P. \\"hite Pine Stump due South two miles & one 
Quarter of a mile till it meets a Stake in [Nlitchelis Line that Stands in a 
hollow or \-ale. at the North end of a Road & on the Easterly Side of the 
Said Road that leads from Amsbury across the Childrens Land i so called) 
Said Stake Stands three miles & a half South Seventy Seven degrees & half 
\\ est from the Souths est comer of the Xew Meeting House in Said Parrish. 
Licluding all the inhabitants & their Estates from the Said three Miles North 
of the River Merrimac begining at the Atlantic Sea or Western Ocean on 
the East. & running Northerly from Mitchels Line t as determined by his 
Majtie in Cotmcil) to the bounds of Hampton Falls Parrish & then Westerly 
on the Bounds of Kensington & Kingston aforesaid imtil it meets with the 
Said \\Tiite Pine Stump in Shapleys line So called. & from Said Stump due 
South two miles and one Quarter of a mile to the Stake aforesaid in Said 
Mitchels Line neare the Childrens land ( Excepting the Lands Estates &: Poles 
of Jacob French. John True. Jonathan Hoit. Joseph Tucker. Joseph Page. 
Samuel Eaton. Ephraim Eaton. Richard Smith. Joseph Todd. Thomas Selly. 
Da\-id Fowler. Tristam Collins. Samuel Fowler. Samuel Watson. Jeremiah 
Wheeler. Benjamin Hoit. James Jackman. Elihu Dow. John Eaton. Noah 
Dow, Benjamin Collins. Bildad Dow. Judah Dow. Benony Sellv. Samuel 
Selly. John Eaton. Jr.. * * * vvho are hereby annexed to the Parrish of 
Hampton Falls & in all Respects incorporated into the Parrish of Hampton 
Falls, for their well ordering & being Regulated for Parrish affairs.) To have 
ar ' ^ ' ' ' aU the Priveledges & Imunities of a Town Corporate & to be 
r/.i rmed in all Respects for the Said Town affair;, by the laws of 

the r'r:v;r-:e of Newhampshire as other Towns are. The first Town Meet- 
ing Shall be called by Joseph Jewell. John Flanders. & Henry Currier, the 
Seventh day of June. Next by Notification in Writing by them Signed & 
affixed to the Meeting House Dore Seven day"; at least before the holding 
of Such Meeting & afterwards the Town Meetings Shall be called at Such 
times as the affairs of Said Town may Require in Such Manner as the Laws 
of the Province of Newhampshire hath prescribed for Towms. .And We do 
further by these Presents for us our Heirs & Successors. Grant. Establish 
and Ordaine. That yearly once in a Year & forever her^fter namely the 
first Monday in March Yearely there shall be held and kept by the Free- 
holders and Inhabitants of Said Town a Town Meeting at their Publick 
Meeting Place in Said Town. & there by a Majorit}- of the Freeholders & 
Inhabitants presents Legally Qualified to \'ote. to make Choice of all Town 
Officers for the Ensuing Years, and to transact any other affairs of the 
TowTi as other Towns & Parishes, according to the Laws of the Said Prov-- 
ince do * * * In Testimony whereof v^e have caused the Public Seale 
of our Said Province to be hereunto affixed. — Witness Benning Wentworth 
Esq.. Govemour and Commander in Chief in and over our Said Province of 



AXD RETRKSEXTATIVE CITIZEXS 705 

Newhampshire the twenty-fifth day of I\Iay in the fifteenth yeare of our 
Reign. Annoqr Dom, 1742. B. Wextworth. 

Province of ) ^- , , 

New Hampse \ ^o^'^mber 24th. 1742. 

By his Excelencys Comand 

With the advice of the Council 
Theodore Atkinson Secv 

We omit a petition of sundry persons to be set ofif in 1742 and a long 
memorial of inhabitants of South Hampton relating to the settlement of a 
minister as they are printed in full in the state records. The following refers 
to the settlement : 

At a meeting of ye Inhabitants of ye town of South Hampton, Jan'ry ye 
15th 1742-43, Joseph French was chosen ^Moderator. At ye same meeting 
it was put to vote wheither the Town would chuse the Rev. Mr. Odlin and 
the Rev. Mr. Gookin and their messengers to be assistant in Council with ye 
other Ministers for gathering a Church and carry on ye ordination among 
us, and ye vote was past in the affirmative. 

A true copy. 

Attest, Reuben Dimond, Town Clerk. 

\\'e voted that we would pay back again all their part of ye extraordinary 
charges that should arise to them by finishing ye Meeting house, setteling a 
minister and building for him when they should be thought capable to 
maintain ye Gospel of Christ among them : but then there was a condition 
annext to that vote : it was provided that the}- did not molest or hinder us in 
our speedy setteling a Gospel minister among us: but now they have opposed 
us from place to place, and from time to time they have entered their con- 
trary desents once and agen against our Regular proceedings in an orderly 
way to settle a Gospel minister among us. and then put us to a great deal 
of trouble and to an extraordinary charge in calling in that Grand Council 
which set at ye time appointed, and the Rev. Mr. Caleb Chusing was 
moderator, and our Desenting brethren appeared in Council and objected 
against some of ye Council ; and ye moderator ask them who they were and 
they said Mr. Joseph Parsons, Mr. Samuel Parsons, and Mr. Fogg; the 
Moderator ask them what they had against them men : they sd they wear 
akend : and ye Moderator ask them what they had against ye man that was to 
be ordained as to his life and conversation or his Doctrin. and they eledge 
nothing ; but the}- said ye Province line would be moved and then they should 
lose the money that they had expended w ith us, and they had not a convenient 
way : The Moderator told them as to ye removing ye line that could be no 
bar as to setteling ye minister, for if ye lines should be moved then we must 
petition ye Alassachusetts Court for a Parrish. and as to a way, their law 
provides how they should get liigh ways: so notwithstanding all ve objec- 
tions and allegations they could make the Rev. Council did not see but ve 
way was clear to settel a minister among us. 

All these molestations, interruptions and oppositions we have met with 
from our Desenting brethren since we offerd them that vote: yet now they 
would skreen themselves under that vote, that we are willing they should go 
off when they have never fullfilld ye conditions of ye vote in any one article ; 
for if our Desenting brethren had agreed with us, we should have had none 
occasion to have been at so much trouble and of such an extraordinarj' charge 



706 



HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 



in sending from town to town and from one Parish to another about ye 
country to call in that Grand Council, for two or three of ye neighbouring 
ministers would have done our business in ye morning l)efore ye ordination. 

South Hampton 

Marcli ye jg, 1745. 



Daniel Brown 
Nathaniel Morrill 
Daniel Carter 
Abner Morrill 
Henry French 
Joseph Jewit? 
Joseph Gould 
Josiah Flanders 
Joseph Jones 
Samuel Morrill 
Ephraim Brown 
Fliiah Rowell 



John Ordway 
Reuben Dimond 
Joseph Chandler 
Samuel Straw 
Ephraim Carter 
Nathan Gould 
Samuel Barnard 
Elezer French 
Joshua Clow- 
Jonathan Jewet 
Tonathan Flanders 



Joseph French 
Samuel French 
Henry Currier 
Daniel French 
Joseph Morrill " 
Richard Fitts 
Moses Richason 
Ezekiel Hoyt 
Ephraim Carter 
Orlando Weed ? 
Paul Morrill 



The Conyreyational Church. — Previous to 1742 the people at Loggin 
Plain (South Hampton Hill) worshiped with the Second Church in Salis- 
bury, now known as the Rocky Hill Church. Rev. Joseph Parsons was the 
pastor The meeting-house was then located about one mile north of the 
present church. A moxement was made as early as 1735 to have the meeting- 
house moved to some other location, but it was not \-oted till 1784, when it 
was removed to the present location. 

The Rocky Hill Church was gadiered November 17, 17 18, and Rev. 
Joseph P'arsons was called to the pastorate. He was pastor for twenty years. 

The church received 300 members during his pastorate. In August, 1742, 
Rev. Samuel Webster, D. D., accepted the call of the church, and died in 
1796. in the fifty-fifth year of his ministry. Upwards of three hundred people 
joined the church during his ministry, fifty-three on January 4, 1756, and 
seventy-nine during that year. Rev. Andrew Beatie was pastor from June 
28, 1797, to March 16, 1801. His successor was Rev. William Balch, who 
was pastor from 1802 to 1816. From 1816 to 1830 there was no settled 
pastor. At that time Rev. Benjamin Sawyer was called to the pastorate, and 
continued in charge of the church until his death in March, 1871. 

In November, 1735, the Town of Salisbury voted that they would not 
hire a minister to i)reach a third of the time above Powow Hill, at Loggin 
Plain, although land for the support of the minister had l>een set of¥ in this 
division. In December. 1738. the town of Salisbury voted that the meeting- 
house should not be moved to Stillson Allen's, nor anything be allowed for 
the support of preaching to those inhabitants living above Powow Hill. 

Upon the death of Rev. Joseph Parsons, in 1739, Henry French and 
sixty-six others at Loggin Plain, above Powow Hill, remonstrated against 
the settlement of another pastor of the West Church in Salisbury, unless 
the meeting-house was moved to better accommodate them. March to. 1740, 
ten persons are named in the records as excused from paying minister rates 
in Salisbury, if it would better accommodate them to attend and support the 
meeting at the East Parish of Kingston. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 707 

The parsonage land of Salisbury, in what is now South Hampton, at 
that time was divided into six divisions. 

At a legal meeting held December ij, 1742, it was voted to give Rev. 
William Parsons a call "to settle in the work of the gospel ministry among 
us." and a committee was chosen to carry the tow-n's offer to him and to 
receive his answer on January 3, 1743. It was voted that we build a con- 
venient house and bani for the use of Reverend Mr. Parsons. His salary 
was "the income of the South Parsonage, with privilege to cut wood for 
fire on North Parsonage, and forty-five pounds in bills of credit on either 
province, at silver at six shillings and eight pence per ounce." 

The church was organized February 22, 1743, with Rev. William 
Parsons, Thomas Merrill, and twelve others. One month later, on Lord's 
day, March 20, 1743, thirty-nine were admitted by letter from the Rocky 
Hill Church and three new members. From this date to the resignation of 
Mr. Parsons, in 1762, sixty-one were admitted to the church by letter and 
114 new members. Reverend Mr. Parsons' pastorate closed October 6. 1762. 
For nearly twenty years he had been laboring with the people, and the records 
show that he had baptized 344 children and solemnized 155 marriages. It 
was during his ministry that the great revival in New England was enjoyed. 
He was a native of Boston, a graduate of Harvard College class of 1735, 
and died in 1797, aged eighty-two years. After his dismissal at South 
Hampton he removed to Gilmanton. N. H.. where he continued preaching, 
and also engaged in teaching. 

He was succeeded by Rev. Nathaniel Xoyes in 1763, who remained until 
December 8, 1800. During the ministry of Mr. Noyes sixty-one were added 
to the church by letter, 114 on profession; 189 children were baptized, and 
310 marriages solemnized. Rev. Nathaniel Noyes w-as born in Newbury, 
Mass., August 12. 1735, graduated at Yale College in 1759, studied theology 
w'ith President Davis, was pastor at South Hampton nearly forty years, 
and died at Newburyport in 1810, aged seventy-five years. 

For several years after Mr. Noyes' pastorate at South Hampton closed 
the Congregationalists held meetings in the town a portion of the time; 
Rev. Elias Hull, of Seabrook. Reverend Mr. Hoitt, of Ipswich, and Rev. 
Benjamin Sawyer frequently preached. 

The Baptist Church. — The first Baptist sermon delivered in this town was 
in 1774, by Dr. Samuel Shepherd. He was born at East Salisbury, Mass., 
in 1739, converted in early life, and united with the Congregational Church 
July 4, 1756. He was baptized and taken into the Baptist Church in June. 
1770, and immediately began preaching. He was ordained at Stratham, 
September 25. 1771. Elder Siiepherd commenced his work in this town in 
1774. Here in 1780 was organized the Branch Church. Until 1787 the 
meetings of the Branch Church were all. or nearly all, held in this town, 
and from 1787 to 1793 the Sunday services were held all the time at South 
Hampton, and two-thirds of the time at Salisbury. No reference is made 
on the Brentwood Church records till 1790 of meetings in Salisbury. In 
1793. and forward probably till 1801, the Sunday services were held one-half 
the time at South Hampton, and one-half at Salisbury; after 1801 at Salis- 
bury all the time, at what was known as the "Shoestring Meeting-House," 
and the Baptists of this town had the use of the old meeting-house from 1801 
to 1833, when the Baptist meeting-house was built, an average of one-third 



708 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

part of the time. Elder True supplying the Baptists here most of the time. 
Thus there have been more or less each year Baptist meetings held in this 
town on the Sabbath from 1774 to the present date. 

The Baptist Church of Soutii Hampton was organized September 29, 

1830. with the following members: Thomas Flanders, .Samuel Flanders, 
Priscilla Flanders, Elizabeth Flanders, Elizabeth Dow, Lydia Jewell, Sarah 
Barnard, Sarah Barnard (2d), Hannah Sawyer, and Betsey Flanders. The 
first deacon of the church was Thomas Flanders. 

The old meeting-house was occupied when it could be obtained, but other 
denominations had a right to occupy it a portion of the time, and when it was 
not to be secured the commodious dwelling-house of Moses Tuxbury was 
freely offered, and was occupied by this church. 

In the summer of 1832 the frame of the building for the new church 
was raised and the corner-stone laid. October, 1832, the church was formally 
admitted to the association by letter and delegate. 

January 16, 1833, the house of worship was dedicated. The sermon 
upon that occasion was by Rev. Elijah Foster, of Salisbury. The enterprise 
of building the meeting-house was accomplished by six brethren — Moses 
Tuxbury, Thomas Flanders, Samuel Flanders, Joseph Stockman, Benjamin 
Currier, and Charles Jewell. 

The pastors of the church have been as follows : Jabez True, Samuel 
C. Gilbert, Otis Wing, Samuel Cook, George Ashby, .Samuel Ladd, Palmer 

C. Hines, John K. Chase, Samuel Ladd, C. H. Pierson, E. .\. Edwards, S. E. 
Brown, Erastus Willard, Joel Wheeler, S. S. \\'hite, E. A. Edwards, J. E. 
Brown, James W. Searll, Frank W. Tolman, E. L. Scott. 

The following are the successors of Rev. E. L. Scott : Revs. S. P. Everett. 
1882-85: W. K. Davey, 1885-91: E. S. Cotton, 1892-1901 : E. M. Willard, 
1901-02; J. E. Dame, 1902-05: H. Y. Vinal, 1905-08; A. Mason. 1908-10; 
R. A. Burrows. 1910-13: H. E. Levoy, 1913. 

Free-JJ'ill Baptist Church. — .\ugust 14, 1830, the first Free-Will Bapti.st 
Church in South Hampton was organized with seven members, — James 
\^'oodman, Eunice Woodman, Ezra Flanders, \\'illiam Carr, Mary Carr, and 
Dorothy Goodwin. The first meeting was held in the house of James W'ood- 
man. The second meeting of the church was held at Brother Reuben Flan- 
ders" : Elder Asa Merrill preached. The first monthly church meeting was 
held at Levi B. Pierce's, October 16th. December i6th, Ezra Flanders and 
Levi B. Pierce were chosen deacons, and James Woodman clerk. June 14, 

183 1, Brother Asa Merrill preached at the house of Brother Moses Tuxbury. 
Elder Bean, Elder Knowles, and Elder James Merrill frequently preached at 
this time. The first record of the breaking of bread was on November 20, 
1831. at the house of Reuben Flanders. On May 15, 1833, the church united 
with the New Durham Quarterly Meeting, afterwards was dismissed from 
that, and united with the Rockingham Quarterly Meeting October 7, 1835. 
On July 7, 1833, their meeting was held at the old meeting-house, and on 
April 6. 1834, at the schoolhouse. District No. 2, and later the same year at 
the town house June 22d. Elder Samuel Emmons Brown preached at the 
town house ; nearly all the meetings of the church were held at the town 
house at that time. Brother Charles Stevens, Elder John Kimball, and Elder 

D. H. Lord were among the preachers who supplied the pulpit at this time. 
In 1837 we find the church record dated Salisbury for the first time. In 



AND REPRESEXTATTVE CITIZENS 709 

1838 meetings were freiiuently held at Allan's Corner schoolhouse. July 4, 
1840, Pelatiah Hansconi was ordained to the work of the gosi>el ministry, 
and became the first regular pastor of the church. 

A general rule was established that at church meetings each member 
present should make a verbal statement of God's dealing with him for the 
month past, and those who did not attend were recjuired to send a written 
excuse. 

In 1 84 1 the services were nearly all held at the town house and the school- 
house in District No. 2. 

March 20, 1841, Elder Hanscom became the subject of church discipline. 
and the records say that he has had repeated personal entreaties, and he has 
also been kindly admonished by two or three, and we hope the trial will be 
settled without entering into church labor. May 2. 1842. .the following cer- 
tificate appears : 

"This certifies that Brother Pelatiah Hanscom expresses to us, the under- 
signed, that he has no trial with the First Free-Will Baptist Church of Christ, 
in this town, from which he is dismissed this day. 

"Charles W. Hoit. 
"James Woodman. 
".\zoR G. Woodman." 

The Rockingham quarterly conference was held in the town house May 
24, 1842. The church meetings this year and afterwards were frequently 
held at Dorothy ^Voodman's at Amesbury. and at Allen's Corner schoolhouse, 
Salisbury. In 1844 services were held at the Amesbury Academy. Elder Asa 
Merrill frequently preaching. In 1845 tl^^ meetings were held at Allen's 
Corner and the Mills village, with an occasional sermon at South Hampton. 
In 1847 the church is spoken of as being in a lukewarm state. In 1848. Elder 
Benjamin H. McMurphy became the second pastor of this church. In 1848 
and 1849 the meetings were nearly all held at Allen's Corner schoolhouse and 
Amesbury Academy. 

September 26. 1849. the Free-Will Baptist meeting-house was dedicated. 
It was situated near the residence of Mr. James Ouimby in Salisbury. 

During the nineteen years' history of this church forty-eight persons were 
admitted to its membershi]). The church was continued at Amesbury. it 
being considered advisable to change its location to that thriving and pros- 
perous town. 

Other Religious History. — The population of South Hampton in 1775 
was 498: in 1790. 448: in 1855. 472: and in 1880 it is 383. The income of 
the parsonage from 1800 to 1833 averaged between seventy and eighty dol- 
lars, and the town usually raised a sum not exceeding $150 a year for preach- 
ing. This, together with the interest on the north parsonage money, $263.33, 
was expended by a committee, consisting of two or more persons with the 
selectmen, and was divided among the difl'erent religious denominations pro- 
portionately to their tax. In 1810 the Congregationalists had about three- 
tenths of the income, the Methodists two-tenths, and the Universalists one- 
tenth. In 1820 the Methodists had about one-fourth, the Congregationalists 
one-fifth, the Uni\ersalists a little less than one-third. In 1830 Unitarians 
had one-twelfth, the Methodists one-ninth, the Congregationalists one- 
seventh, and the Universalists one-third, l^Vom 1825 to 1830 the Universal- 
ists emploved as preachers Rev. Messrs. I'ase. I'^arnsworth. King. Adams. 



710 HIS'lOliY 01' l>:OCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

and others ; the CongregationaHsts, Rev. Messrs. Barrett. Sawj^er, Cook, 
Mihon, Grovenor. Babbitt. Walsh, and others: the Methodists, Rev. Messrs. 
Brooks. Peasley, Bulfinch, and others: the Unitarians, Rev. Mr. Turner; the 
Christians, Rev. Elijah Shaw ; the Baptists, Rev. Jabez True, Rev. James 
Barnaby, Rev. Benjamin Harris, and others: the Free-Will Baptists, Miss 
Xancy Towle and Rev. Messrs. Boothby, Ambrose, Marsh, and others. 

In 1830 the subject of selling the parsonage began to be agitated. Already 
the barn had been sold for a small sum, and two acres of land leased for 
900 years. In 1832 the present town house was located. The next year the 
standing wood was sold, the site for the Barnard schoolhouse granted and 
that of the Baptist Church, and in 1834 the burying ground was laid out, 
and the remainder of the property sold in 1842. The amount put to interest 
for religious purposes was 82,585.97. The income of this money in 1834 
and 1835 was divided among the following societies: Deists. Naturalists, 
Second Universalists, Congregationalists, Quakers, Unitarians, Episcopalians, 
Baptists, Free Baptists. [Methodists, I'hilanthropists, Free Thinkers, and I'ni- 
versalists. 

The Second Universalist Society was simply an accommodation for some 
who had little or no religious belief, to secure a part of the income of the 
parsonage fund. The regular Universalist society was at this time at the 
height of its prosperity. It is probable that when Rev. George Richards was 
settled in Portsmouth, from 1793 to 1809. the seeds of that faith were sown 
in this town, and when, later. Hosea Ballou was settled in the same place, his 
biographer says, "He did not hesitate sometimes to leave the dear people of 
his charge and journey to other places. He went into other parts of New 
Hampshire, and sometimes extended his visits in Massachusetts." Among 
the Universalist ministers who visited the town was Rev. Sebastian Streeter, 
and a society was formed as early as 1815, with Joseph Jones as clerk. The 
prominent citizens who embraced Universalism were Benjamin Barnard, 
founder of the Barnard school. Col. Abel Brown, Nathan Brown, Richard 
White, and Jacob Jewell. In 1828, at a meeting of the Rockingham Univer- 
salist Association, held at Kingston, Airs. Richard White was the only lady 
present. In 1830 the Universalist society at South Hampton was reported 
in a flourishing condition : the old society had been reorganized, and Benja- 
min Clifford was clerk. The Rockingham Association met in this town for 
the first time in 1832. Among the speakers present we can name Rev. Messrs. 
Farnsworth. Thomas King, Hosea Ballou. Thomas W'hittemore. and Sebas- 
tian Streeter. In 1838 the Rockingham Association again met in this town. 
Revs. Alessrs. Sebastian Streeter, Daniel Smith, and Thomas Whittemore 
preached. Of this meeting Mr. Whittemore said. "We know that if we 
described this meeting as we viewed it and felt it, we should be regarded as 
too enthusiastic : nevertheless, we must say that taken altogether it was one 
of the most precious meetings we ever attended. The conference and praise 
meetings were peculiarly interesting: all the addresses were inarked by sound 
wisdom and deep evangelical feeling." In 1851, the Rockingham Association 
again met at South Hampton. Sermons were delivered by Rev. William 
Bell. Rev. S. S. Fletcher. Rev. N. Goldsmith. Rev. T. J. Greenwood, and 
Rev. L. B. Mason. Rev. Samuel Ladd, of the Baptist Church, was an atten- 
tive listener. In 1856 a new impetus was given to the Universalist society 
through the activities of the Ladies' Sew ing Circle. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 711 

Rev. A. J. Paterson and Rev. G. V. Maxhani came to this town under 
the cUrection of the United States convention, and regular meetings were 
estabhshed at the town house. Messrs. B. F. Eaton and J. J. Woodman read 
sermons, with occasional preaching in the summer months by Rev. Messrs. 
Greenwood, Patterson, Spaulding, Chambre, and others. A Sunday school 
was organized with J. W. Eaton as superintendent, and a library of more 
than two hundred volumes secured. 

The summer of 1859 closed these lay services. The Rockingham Asso- 
ciation met in this town in 1864. The preachers were Rev. Messrs. William 
Bell. S. S. Fletcher. A. St. John Chambre, and T. J. Borden. While at 
Portsmouth, Rev. Mr. Patterson was much interested in the people of this 
town. A large number of the inhabitants still hold the doctrines of the Uni- 
versalist Church. No services have been held here for several years. 

There were ciuite a number of Methodists in the town between 1810 and 
1835. and Rev. John Brodhead frecjuently preached here. He was stationed 
at different times in nearly all the surrounding towns of the county. He was 
a very prominent man, chaplain to the Legislature, member of the State 
Senate, and for four years member of Congress. In whatever situation Mr. 
Brodhead was placed, he considered it his chief honor to be a faithful min- 
ister of Jesus Christ. He spent twenty-eight years of his ministerial life in 
this imniediate \icinity, and died at Newmarket, April 7, 1838. He had a 
commanding personal appearance and eyes beaming with intelligence and 
benevolence. 

Another prominent Methodist divine who preached in this town was Rev. 
Marton Ruter; he was stationed at Sahsbury in 181 5. He was born at Charl- 
ton, Worcester County, Alass., and was thirty years old when he preached 
here. The degree of doctor of divinity was conferred upon him five years 
later. His preaching was adapted at once to please, to instruct, and to 
awaken. 

Rev. Elias Smith, a member of the Christian Church, and the father of 
Matthew Hale Smith, occasionally preached here. 

The distribution of the parsonage money, which occurred in 184J, was 
a blow to all denominations except the Baptist. Our fathers set apart cer- 
tain property for the maintenance of religious worship, and we cannot but 
regard the disposal of the i^roperty and the distribution of the proceeds 
among the inhabitants of the town was a great wrong. 

As we review the religious history of 140 years, can we discern any prog- 
ress? Has light come to the people? 

There has at least one great problem been settled, — the question of re- 
ligious toleration. 

The germ of all the trouble in regard to religious liberty is found in that 
compact made in the Mayflower before the pilgrim fathers had stepped upon 
the rock in Plymouth harbor. The cjuestion was raised. How shall the min- 
isters of the new country be supported ? It was ordered that houses be built 
for them at the public charge, and their salaries were established. Those 
people who had fled from persecution themselves did not fully comprehend 
the principles of religious liberty or possess its spirit. In this compact of 
the pilgrims was the union of church and state, and immediately following 
this was a law for the suppression of anti-church and state sects, and banish- 
ment from the colony was the penalty for not sustaining this unjust law. 



712 HIS'rORY Ol' ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

People were compelled in those days to pay for churches they never en- 
tered, for teaching they never heard, and clerical services they did not desire. 
The Quaker, the Baptist, the Methodist, and the Universalist was taxed for 
the support of a religion he did not believe. 

Barstow, in his "History of New Hampshire," says, "That all ministers 
not of the standing order were viewed as thieves and robbers, as wolves in 
sheep's clothing, who had gained a dishonest entrance into the fold, and whom 
it was the duty of the standing order to drive out." 

The law of i/Qi recognized only one religious sect, and the agitation for 
its repeal shook New Hampshire from seaboard to mountain. 

When the toleration bill was pending, in i8ig, Mr. Hubbard said, "Pass 
this bill, and the temples now consecrated to the worship of the Saviour of 
the world will soon be deserted and forsaken." 

Ichabod Bartlett, a young and talented lawyer of Portsmouth, espoused 
the cause of toleration, antl finally the bill became a law, and all religious 
denominations in the state were possessed of equal rights and privileges. 

The Association Test was signed by eighty-five, and four did not sign. 

MILITARY RECORD, 1861-63 

Henry Wilson, Company K, Second Regiment, enlisted November ^:;o, 
1863. transferred to United States Navy April 29, 1864; James \\'ilson, 
Com])any K, Second Regiment, enlisted December 2, 1863; John Smith, Com- 
pany K, Second Regiment, enlisted December 2. 1863: George Baker, Com- 
pany I, Second Regiment, enlisted December 2, 1863: Ammi Farr, corporal 
Company C. Sixth Regiment, enlisted November ly. 1861. promoted to sec- 
ond lieutenant Company B, Seventeenth Regiment, discharged April 16, 
1863: Otis S. Currier. Company C, Sixth Regiment, enlisted November 2j, 
1861, absent, sick, July 17, 1865, no discharge furnished; John G. Colcord, 
Company C, Si.xth Regiment, enlisted November I'j, 1861, promoted to cor- 
poral, discharged May 2"], 1865; Joseph F. Deleware. Company C. Sixth 
Regiment, enlisted November ij, 1861. died September 16, 1864; Newell F. 
Hill, Company C. Sixth Regiment, enlisted November 27. 1861. discharged 
July 17. 1865: Stephen M. Towle. Company C, Sixth Regiment, enlisted 
November 2'j , 1861, died November 27, 1863: Amos S. Osgood, Company 
C, Sixth Regiment, enlisted September 3. 1862, discharged June 4. 1865: 
Edwin S. Osgood. Company C. Sixth Regiment, enlisted September 3, 1862, 
promoted to corporal, discharged June 4. 1863; Charles Blumney, Company 
K. Sixth Regiment, enlisted September 17, 1862, discharged May 31. 1863; 
George L. Eaton. Company C, Sixth Regiment, enlisted September 3. 1862. 
discharged January 14. 1863: Evander .\. Goodrich. Company C. Sixth Regi- 
ment, enlisted September 3. 1862. discharged September 3. 1865: Estwick 
E. Morrill. Company A, Si.xth Regiment, enlisted Septeml>er 17, 1862, absent, 
sick. July 17, 1865, no discharge furnished: George H. P. Rowell, Company 
C. Sixth Regiment, enlisted September 3, 1862. died September 20, 1863: 
Cyrus W. Tenney. Company C, Sixth Regiment, enlisted September 3, 1862, 
promoted to corporal, discharged June 4, 1865 ; Phineas P. Whitehouse, Com- 
pany C, Sixth Regiment, enlisted September 3. 1862, promoted to corporal, 
absent, sick, no discharge furnished; John H. Hardy, Company C, Sixth 
Regiment, enlisted November i-j , 1861. promoted to corporal and sergeant. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 713 

discharged July \y. 1865; Edwin Bragg, Company D, Sixth Regiment, en- 
listed August I", 1864, discharged July i, 1865; Thomas Bell. Company B, 
Sixth Regiment, enlisted September 3, 1862; Oliver H. F. Delaware, Com- 
pany B, Eighth Regiment, enlisted December 20, 1861, discharged July 5, 
1862; George H. Flint, Company B, Eighth Regiment, enlisted December 20, 
1861, died February 24, 1863; James Frederick, Company C, Ninth Regi- 
ment, enlisted August 25, 1864; Edward J. Stevens, Company B, Ninth Regi- 
ment, enlisted December i, 1863; Michael Summers, Company I, Eleventh 
Regiment, enlisted September 2, 1862, discharged June 4, 1865; George R. 
Huse, Company I, Ele\enth Regiment, enlisted September 2, 1862, discharged 
June 4, 1865; Lewis Little. Company E, Thirteenth Regiment, enlisted Sep- 
tember 24, 1862: Daniel S. Davis, Company D, Fourteenth Regiment, en- 
listed October 6, 1862, discharged July 2-j. 1863: John Rourke. Company F. 
Fourteenth Regiment, enlisted August 6, 1864. discharged July 8, 1865: Abel 
K. Fowler. Company H. Eighteenth Regiment, enlisted February 9. 1865, 
discharged July 29. 1865; Israel S. Merrill, Company H, First Cavalry, en- 
listed February 21, 1865, discharged July 15, 1865; George Brewer, corporal 
Company K. Heavy Artillery, enlisted September 17, 1864. discharged June 
15, 1865; William F. Dame, Company K, Heavy Artillery, enlisted Septem- 
ber 17, 1864. discharged June 15. 1865; George H. Lang. Company K, Heavy 
Artillery, enlisted September 17, 1864, discharged June 15, 1865; Thomas G. 
Wentworth, Company K, Heavy Artillery, enlisted September 17, 1864. dis- 
charged June 15, 1865; Samuel Campton. United States C. T.. enlisted 
August 5, 1864, date of discharge unknown; John Jones. United States 
C. "t.. enlisted August 5. 1864. date of discharge unknown; John O. P. 
Clifford, navy, enlisted August, 1862, date of discharge unknown; Benja- 
min S. Gordon, enlisted 1863. date of discharge unknown; William Delaney. 
enlisted August 17. 1864. date of discharge unknown. 

The South Hampton Public Library was established on December. 1802. 
with state aid. There are at present 1.716 books on the shelves, exclusive of 
the state records. Israel S. Merrill is the librarian. 

G. W. Palmer is master of Fidelity Grange. P. of H. 

A pamphlet has been issued by Fred B. French of South Hampton dated February, 1914, 
entitled "South Hampton Never a Part of Hampton." The pamphlet is illustrated with maps 
showing without doubt that Belknap and other historians were in error in their statements 
that South Hampton was formerly a part of Hampton. 



CHAPTER LIV 

ST RATH AM 

Geographical — Charter — History of Churches — Military Records — Wiggin 

Public Library 

The town of Stratham is located in the eastern part of the count}-, and is 
bounded as follows: on the north by Great Bay and Greenland, on the east 
by Greenland and North Hampton, on the south by North Hampton and 
Exeter, and on the west by Exeter and South Newmarket. 

The population in 1910 was 602. 

The surface of Stratham is rolling, and the soil ver\- fertile and produc- 
tive. 

A petition signed by fifty inhabitants of Squamscot patent to the gov- 
ernor and council, in which they set forth that they are in number upwards 
of sixty families, and live very remote from any public meeting-house for 
the worship of God, and meet with great difficulties to get to the nearest meet- 
ing-house in the winter time (which is Exeter), that they have never been 
joined to any town, and that their children had no advantages for education, 
etc., was presented December 3. 1709, praying that a charter for a town might 
be granted them with the following bounds : Beginning at a rock called 
Brandy Rock (so called to this day), near Sandy Point, and to run up the 
river to the mouth of a creek called Wheelwright's Creek, and to rim at each 
end into the woods upon a southeast line three miles. The petitioners also 
represented that they had the capacity and were willing and ready to main- 
tain a minister and schoolmaster. 

It appears by the records that there was a remonstrance to this petition, 
signed by nineteen men living within the bounds of Squamscot, in which they 
desire that the petition will not be granted. As for the petitioners, they say. 
most of them are poor people, and several of them, according to the best of 
our knowledge, instead of defraying any town charge, are likely to be a town 
charge themselves. Signed your earnest desirers. 

In one of our early record books I find the following in relation to the 
charter of the town : Ordered and appointed that Squamscot patent land be 
a township by the name of Stratham, and that there be a meeting-house built 
for the public worship of God with all convenient speed, and that it stand on 
the king's great road leading from Greenland to Exeter, within half a mile 
of the midway between the two southeast lines of said towns, and that a 
learned and orthodox minister be obtained to preach in the same by the 14th 
day of March next. 

Signed by George \^aughan. lieutenant-governor. 
March 20, 1716. 

The following interesting old documents are not only of general interest, 
as illustrative of the early times, but also furnish us with a list of early 
inhabitants : 

714 



AXD RJil'RI'lSEN'rATIVE CITIZENS 



715 



PETITION FOR A TOWNSHIP 

To the Honourable the Left Governour, Council! and Representatives con- 

ven'd in Generall Assembly : 

We the subscribers hereof inhabiting in and about Swamscott, not lying 
in any Township and living att a considerable Distance from the publi([ue 
worship of God, not haveing the benefitt of instructing our youth, besides 
many other great inconveniences which we labour under. Being now by the 
Providence of God att peace in our severall Dwellings and being no less than 
thirty five familys all well disposed to maintaine the publique ministry and 
defraying of all other necessary charges to the best of our abilities, and hope- 
ing that within a little time we shall increase to a far more considerable 
number. Doe most humbly pray that your Honours would please to settle 
and confirm us the severall Inhabitants extending from Wheelwright's Creek 
downwards to Sandy Point as a distinct Township of ourselves, impowering 
all such officers among us as your Honours in your great wisdome and pru- 
dence shall judge most meet: We crave leave to subscribe your Honours 
most humble and most obedient servants. 



Andrew Wiggin, senr 
Isaac Cole 
Simon Wiggin 
Andrew Wiggin, jun. 
Thomas Vesy 
Bradstreet Wiggin 
William French 
Nathaniel Wright 
Jonathan Wiggin 
Thomas Read 
Tho. Wiggin 



William Moores Senr 
William Moore, junr 
Oen Renels, his mark C 
George Vasay 
Richard Downes? 

Thomas ? 

Jonathan Norris 
Mark Stacey 
Richard Morgan Sen. R 
mark 



James Rundlet 
Charles Rundlet 
Saml Leavett, sen 
Saml Leavitt, jun 
Edm Gramon X mark 
Stephen England 
Edward Masry Z mark 
Thomas Spild, sen X 

mark 
Richard Mongen, O mark 



A SUBSEQUENT PETITION FOR A TOWNSHIP 



To the Honble Geo : Vaughan, Esq. Lt. Govr & Commander in Chief of his 

Majesties Province of N. Hampr & to his Majesties Council of ye Prov : 

aforesaid : 

The Petition of his Majties good subjects sundry the Inhabitants of ye 
town of Exeter: Most humbly shcivith: — 

The great hardships & Inconveniences which we ( yr Hours Petitioners) 
are made the subjects of by a late order from the Honble Board: — (viz.) — 
yt all ye Inhabitants of Exeter to ye eastwd of west creek line should be 
joyned to ye Parish of Greenland, in answer to a petition presented by Mr. 
Josh : Weeks subscribed by sundry the inhabitants of the town of Exeter 
aforesd, praving to be added to ye sd Parish of Greenland, for that we ye 
subscribers who are on ye east side of sd line never had any knowledge of 
sd Petition till after 'twas p'sented & then not seasonably enough to counter 
Petition before ye ordr 
May it Please yr Hours : 

We have once & again Petitioned to be made a township : yt is, ye Inhab- 
itants of Swampscutt Patent wrof we are some and Intend one address more 
to yr Honrs on the same head, tho' were that nothing at all we cannot but 



716 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUXTY 

represent to yor Honrs the gt hardship we labour under on acct of ye ordr 
aforesd inasmuch as there is a majr numbr yt never knew of sd Petition 
( that are joyned to ye Parish of Greenland by ye ordr made upon it) than 
those that signed it. Whereupon we cannot but humbly pray for a Counter 
Ordr to the Order aforesd at least for so long a time as till both p'titions 
may have a hearing wth will be a plain means to a final determination of the 
matter. Howe\ er all is submitted to yor Honrs by yor Honrs most obedt 
ser%-ts 

Andrew Wiggin 
Thomas Wiggin 

JONATHAX WiGGIN 

W'lLLM French. 
Jany 4th 171 5-16. 

PETITION TO BE SET OFF A TOWNSHIP 

To his Honour George \'ahan Esqr Lieut Governour and commander in cheif 

in & over his Majesties Province of Xew Hampshire in Xew England. & 

to his ^Majesties honoured Counsell for sd Province : 

W'e the Inliabitance of Ouamescuk patent, humbly sliczccih: — The very 
bad circumstances we lay under by reason of our great distance from the pub- 
lick Worship of God and haveing no benifitt of any School, notwithstanding 
we have ever paid our proportion to the School of Exeter, and are now by 
the Providence of God increased to shuch a number as we hope we are able 
of ourselves to maintain a Minister & a school & other town charges as shall 
nessesarily fall upon us. with our proportion of publick assessments : There- 
fore we your i>etitioners does humbly pray that your Honours would pleas 
to set us of from all other Towns and Parishes and grant us a Township by 
ourselves & bound us as followeth : viz. Beginning at Sandey Point bounding 
upon Exeter river untill it comes into Wheelwrights Creeks mouth & from 
thence upon a southeast line three miles into the land ; from sd Sandey point 
to run three miles into ye land upon a southeast line with an head line ac- 
cording to ye sd Patent, which will be greatly to the joy & sattisfaction of 
your petitioners whose names are under writen. 

We j-our Petitioners does further humbly beg leave to inform yours 
honors of our ill convenences. being laid some times to one town & some 
times to another & all wayes a great distance from the Publick worship of 
God : with submission we would pray your honors to consider which is most 
reason — Whether those men which lay near Greenland should joyn with us 
your petitioners, or all we availl to them : We submitt to your honors 
pleasure. 

Dated this tenth day of January Inst, i/jg 

Simon Wiggin Stephen England Benjamin Palmer 

Andrew Wiggin John Hani ford ^Moses Rallins 

Thomas Vezey William Powell Aaron Rallins 

William French Owen Runals. senor James Robison 

Jonathan Wigens Owen Runalls. juner Samll Green 

Moses Leavitt juner James Palmer Edward Fifield 

Richard Callev Edward Ma.sen-^^ Thomas Rallins 



AND ]^i:i'l^l':SEi\TATIVE CITIZEXS 



717 



David Robison 
Joseph Rallins 
Arthur Benitt 
Joseph Hoitt 
John Mead 
Matthew Tomson 
W'iHiam Moore 
George Veasey 
Thomas W'igins senr 
Thomas W'igens. junr 
John W'igens 
Daniel Moody 
John Mason 



John Searll 
James Keniston 
Richard Crockett 
John Satchell 
John Sinkler 
Joseph Mason 
Samuel Piper 
(iillies Brier 
Thomas Toms 
John Pett 
Thomas Brier 
William Scamon 
Satchell Rundlett 



Jonathan Clark 
Nathaniel Folsom 
Richard Morgan 
Nathaniel Stevens 
John Robarts 
James Dorety 
Daniel Leavitt 
Abraham Stockbridge 
John Jones 
\\'ido\v Leavitt 
Israel Smith 
Benja Leavitt. 



The first toivn- iiieetiiuj in Stratham was held Ajiril lo, 1716. Capt. 
Andrew W'iggin was chosen moderator; David Robinson, town clerk. A 
committee of five was appointed to build a meeting-house. The committee 
consisted of Capt. Andrew Wiggin. George Veasey, Nathaniel Ladd, Joseph 
Rollins, and William Scammon. It was voted that the house be forty-eight 
feet long, thirty-six feet wide, and twenty feet stud. At a subsequent meet- 
ing it was \-oted to raise the meeting-house on land of Daniel Leavitt. (This 
was near the site of the present Congregational Church.) At a legal meeting 
held August 15, 1716, William Moore was chosen to represent the town in 
the General Assembly, January 2. 1717. .Andrew Wiggin was chosen to 
represent the town in the General .Assembly. It appears by the record that 
he served as representative until 1744 (and David Robinson as town clerk 
forty-seven years, or until 1763). .At the same meeting it was voted that 
Capt. .Andrew Wiggin and Thomas Rollins shall entreat with a minister to 
preach three or four Sabbaths in the year by w-ay of contribution. 

March 2^. 1717, it was voted that Mr. Rust shall preach in the town, if 
he be willing, for a quarter or half a year. 

.April 24, 1 717, a committee appointed for the purpose, report an agree- 
ment with the Rev. Henry Rust to come and settle among them as a minister 
of the gospel. The first year to give him sixty pounds, second year, seventy 
pounds; third year, eighty pounds: one-third to be paid in corn, pork, and 
beef, the other two-thirds in money, and one hundred pounds in monev, to 
be paid in four years toward building him a house. 

The Rev. Henry Rust, upon the consideration of the terms was engaged 
to settle. 

March 25, 1718, voted that the Rev. Mr. Rust shall be ordained as soon 
as convenient, and the providing for the ordination be done by contribution, 
and that Capt. .Andrew Wiggin's house shall be the place for the people to 
carry on and provide for the ordination. It was x'Oted that Capt. Andrew 
\^'iggin shall have liberty to set in whatever seat he pleaseth. 

It is stated in Bouton's provincial papers that Mr. Rust died in 1740; 
this is a mistake: he died in March 20. 1749. At a town meeting that year 
it was voted that the reverend ministers, who were his bearers, should each 
preach one-half day in the meeting-house. At the same meeting it was voted 
to pay his son Henry, who was the e.xecutor, £163, old tenor, as soon as pos- 
sible, he to give acquittance unto said town from all demands of his father's 
salary from this day. 



TlS HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUXTY 

At a meeting held October 4. 1716. it was voted. "That ever>- man In the 
town Shall Bare his one charge toards the Raising of the said meeting- 
house." There were nine individuals who "entred thare decents" against 
this vote. The meeting-house was bi:i!t -r. !-rS. The pews being "Tjuilt 
with winscot worke and all of a kind. n was obliged to build his 

own pew. keep it in repair, to mainta::; , ..ss against it. and he must 

build, too. on the spot assigned him. i::e 17 ;i meeting-house was replaced 
by a new building in 176S. and that in turn by the present one in 1837. 

The town voted, "that when the cometey have seatid the meeting house 
every person that is Seatid shall Set in those Seats or pay live shillings Pir 
day for even.- day they set out of there Seates in r. "•- -^.-Iv maimer to ad- 
vaince tliemselves higher in the meeting house." 

The otiicers chosen annually were a modem:. r. ..r^%. constable, five 
selectmen, rvvo assessors, a committee of three to call the selectmen to account, 
tithingmen. sur\eyor5 of highways and ler.ce-. It was voted at this meeting 
that Tames Palmer's bam be a sufficier: - the year ensuing. At the 

annual meeting in i7-?7. George \'easey, ^'trc-r. -r:^. >rr?e? T.eavitt 

were appointed a committee to sell the cc ir.ir.on '. r the 

meeting-house. In 1730. Andrew Wieein and Ric^ 'nted 

a committee to strengthen the stee ' " ^ ?afer. ;; , -^ _ 

at the charge of the town. At the vlngitwa? 

comjnittee chosen to appoint a place :r ?'.;.ce> for a sch? .•::■.:?€ :t r.:"5e5 :n 
town. At the annual meeting. 1733. voted that there shall be a schoolhouse 
biult by the mouth of ''r" '-^ '"^y Mr. Jonathan Chase's, by the way that 
leadeth to Jonathan C another the south side of Joshua Hill's 

house- 

.\t a meeting, in 1733. a committee was chosen t r bell, 

which is broke, and send it to London to be new cast. 

"To the Inhabitants qualified to vote in Stratham. Greeting: Inasmuch 
as there is much uneasiness among the • -^--^■■:' - this town imder the Rev. 
Mr. Rust's ministry, that they are obi:.; . :? other towns on Sabbath 

days to hear the word of God preachei :. :.:;.. :.;ore agreeable to the won- 
derful outpouring of God's Spirit of late, and Mr. Rust has been applied to, 
to call a Church meeting, to but a Church meeting can't be obtained. These 
are therefore in his Majest].-'s name to notify you to meet at the meeting- 
house on Friday, the 30th day of September, at 2 O'clk p. m.. to know the 
mind of the town in respect to the ministry, and to choose a committee to 
agree with some person qualified for the ministn.-. and that is a friend to and 
a subject to the wonderful outpouring of God's Spirit at this day to preach 
to the people in the meeting-house one half each Sabbath day for as long a 
time as shall then be agreed on. This by the request of a number of Free- 
holders in this town. Given under hands at Stratham. Sept. 21. 1746. 

"Bext.\mix Xorris. 

"Xo.\H B.AJtKER, 

"Joseph MERRiii, 
"Theophilus Ruxdlett. 

'Sciectvten of Stratham." 

Rev. Joseph Adams, the second minister of the town, it seems by the 
record, had preached for two or three y^rs. more or less, in town pre\-ious 
to the death of Mr. Rust, for it was voted in town meeting in 1746 that 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 719 

Rev. Joseph Adams be invited to settle as a minister of tlie gospel in Strat- 
ham. Rev. Joseph Adams died in Stratham, February 24, 1785, aged sixty- 
six, having served as minister for the town thirty-eight years, — ordained 
March 20, 1747. 

During Mr. Adams' luinistry a difficulty occurred respecting the singing 
in church. The singers wished to break up the old habit of "lining," as it 
was called — the deacon reading one line at a time for the choir to sing. It 
was settled by a compromise. The town voted that the deacon should "line" 
half the time. They had the bass-viol in those days, and the deacon said 
they had "got a fiddle into the church as big as a hogs-trough." 

November 10. 1785, a petition, signed by loi legal voters, was presented 
to the selectmen for a town meeting, to see if the town would vote to give 
Rev. James Miltimore a call to settle as a minister of the gospel in this town. 
Meeting held November 28, 1785, Hon. Paine W'ingate, moderator. Voted 
to give Mr. Miltimore a call, chose a committee of thirteen to present the call 
to Mr. Miltimore. antl to take into consideration what support he should 
have. 

The committee reported that he have ninety pounds lawful money an- 
nually as a salary, have the use of the parsonage land and a house at the 
expense of the town. The report was accepted. 

Mr. Miltimore's letter of acceptance, addressed to the inhabitants of the 
town of Stratham, was read in town meeting, January 2. 1786. 
He was ordained February i, 1786. 

Rev. James Miltimore was dismissed from the ministry in Stratham, at 
his request, by vote of the town October 5, 1807. 

List of Pastors. — Henry Rust, Joseph Adams, James Miltimore ( grad- 
uated at Dartmouth College, 1774), Jacob Cummings (Dartmouth College, 
1819), 1824 to 1834; William J. Newman, 1836-49 (Joseph R. Whittemore, 
one and one-half years stated supply) ; John M. Steele, sixth pastor, installed 
November 30, 1853. He was succeeded by Edward C. Miles, Levi Goodrich, 
Albert B. Peabodv, Ceo. \V. Savorv, Geo. A. Foss, Henry E. Green and Geo. 
E. Lake. 

1 79 1. Voted to have the bell lielonging to the town cast over, and that 
all those of the Baptist Society and the people called Quakers, who object to 
the vote, may give in their names to the selectmen before the assessment is 
made and be excused from any tax on account of casting over said bell. It 
was voted at the annual meeting in 1795 that every man may wear his hat 
if he pleases. 

At the annual meeting in 1799 it was voted to build four new school- 
houses; voted to purchase the stuff this year and build them next year. At 
the annual meeting in 1803 it was voted to raise $300 for schools, and that 
each district mav hire a schoolmistress two months, and pay her out of the 
said $300. 

In 1778 Maj. Benjamin Barker and Maj. Mark W'iggin were chosen 
delegates to attend the first state convention at Concord, to be holden June 
10, 1778. 

At the annual meeting in 1786, a committee consisting of N. Rollins, 
Andrew^ Wiggin, Jr., and Stephen Piper, was chosen to sell the upper par- 
sonage lot (so called) and apply the money towards the purchase of Capt. 
Jonathan Wiggins' house and lot for the use of the Rev. James Miltimore. 



720 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

At the annual meeting in i8og, Nathan W'iggin, Phinehas Merrill, Esq./ 
and George Wingate were chosen a committee to inspect the schools. This 
was the first board of superintending school committee in town. 

In 1829 it was voted to instruct the selectmen to purchase a farm for the 
use of the poor in town. 

In 1837 the town meeting-house was taken down, the Congregational 
Society built a new church the same year, and prepared a room in the base- 
ment for the purpose of holding town meetings. From 171 7 to 1837 the 
warrants for town meetings called the voters to meet at the town's meeting- 
house. 

A petition signed by twenty-four legal voters was presented to the select- 
men to lay out a cemetery. In accordance with this vote a lot was selected 
near the Baptist Church, on land of Andrew W'iggin. Esq.. at a cost of 
S300. 

At the annual meeting in 1877 it was voted to build a town house, and 
that the sum of $3,50x3 be raised for that purpose. Josiah B. Wiggin, Free- 
man H. Burleigh, James \V. Rollins, and Otis B. French were appointed a 
committee to locate said house, and report at an adjourned meeting. At the 
adjourned meeting the committee reported in favor of a lot offered by George 
Wingate, near the postofiice. The report was accepted and adopted. Free- 
man H. Burleigh. James \\'. Rollins, and Charles \V. Jones were appointed 
a building committee. 

At the annual meeting in 187S it was voted to sell the town farm, accord- 
ingly it was sold to E. J. b'olsom for the sum of $3,500 l)y John N. Thomp- 
son, chairman of selectmen. 

Baptist Ministers. — The following is a list of the Baptist ministers from 
the organization of the church : Samuel Shepherd, Samuel Cook, Samuel L. 
Gilbert, J. H. Learned, Thomas Archibald, John M. Wedgwood. Benjamin 
Knight. Charles Newhall, William H. Dalrymple. Jacob Tuck, M. B. Laning, 
Noah Hooper, Henry Stetson. H. X. Wiggin, I. W. Coombs, Frederick W. 
Klein, F. J. Franklyn, Wm. H. Thorne, Thomas S. Sparks, Henry Y. Vinal. 

The first Baptist church was erected June, 1771. The present church was 
erected in 1840. 

Christian Ministers. — The following is a list of the ministers of the 
Christian Church from its organization in 1812: Noah Piper, Frank K. 
Stratton, James L. Pierce, William B. Cottle, John W. Tilton, Henry C. 
Plaisted. George W. Thompson, George E. Merrill, .\. H. Martin, Harriet 
Freeman. J. H. Mugridge, 1889-90. 1894-97, 1903-13; E. K. Amazeen, 
1890- 1902: .\rthur Varley, 1892-94; J. A. Bealright. 1897-99; Geo. H. Kent, 
1899-1902; D. C. Crafts. 1902-03. 

The Christian Church building was erected in 1840. 

The Free-Will Baptist Society ceased to exist and its church building was 
torn down about 1895. 

All the churches in Stratham are now cooperating as the "Federated 
Churches." holding services in different churches alternately. P. S. Sailor 
is pastor. 

MII.IT.\RV RECORD 

Rci'ohition. — On .\pril kj. 1775. the Briti.sh attacked Concord. Mass. 
One day later, .\pril 20. with no means of communication more rapid than 
horsemen, the news of the march of the British troops, and that they and 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 721 

the patriots were fighting, had reached Stratham. the people had been notified, 
had assembled in town meeting, had ordered a company of twenty-five men 
to reinforce their brethren in Massachusetts, had fixed the rate of their com- 
pensation — eight dollars a month — the town to furnish powder, ball, flints, 
and provision, and a committee of three, Stephen Piper, Benjamin Barker, 
and Captain Pottle, were charged with the duty of seeing that those twenty- 
five men were provided with supplies during the expedition. There are 
charges in the town books that year for such unaccustomed items as guns, 
flints, lead, biscuits, pork, etc., bought for the soldiers. A supply of blankets 
was secured from domestic stocks, and the men hurried away to Massachu- 
setts. In all the history of that uprising, no town acted more promptly, sys- 
tematically, and intelligently than ours. In most cases men went forward 
on their own responsibility with little or no arrangement for sustenance. 
Stratham men marcheil under the official authority of tlieir town, paid and 
maintained by it. 

Stratham furnished one- colonel, one lieutenant-colonel, two majors, four 
captains, eight lieutenants, two ensigns, and as far as our record shows, 153 
privates, — a total of 171 officers and men. The following is a partial list 
of soldiers from Stratham who died in service during the Revolutionary 
war: ^^'illiam French, Josiah Piper, \Villiam Brasbridge. John Tilton, 
• Thomas W'iggin, Joseph Jewett, John Taylor, Robert Kimball, John Goss, 
John Foss, Joseph Thurston. Joseph Burleigh, Levi Chapman, Coher Wiggin, 
Nichols Mason. 

IJ'ar of the Rebellion. — Names of soldiers from Stratham who served in 
the war of the Rebellion: Horace J. Willey, Levi W. Colbath, Josiah N. 
Jones, J. Osborne Jones, George H. Rundlett, John H. Chase, Charles H. 
Chase, Howard M. Chase, John L. Chase, John Murphy, John H. Whidden, 
Bennet Leighton, Cassius C. French, George W. French, Charles W. French, 
Daniel J. W'iggin, Alonso W'entworth, William Wentworth, Jeremiah H. 
Jones, Frank L. Rundlett, George Dearborn, John W. Bride. George Smith, 
George Chapman, Jacob Wentworth, Lawrence B. Otis, Charles Midwood, 
John W. Chase, Levi Chase, Alvin S. W'iggin, Henry F. Brown, William 
M. Upton, Charles H. Plaisted, William H. Hawkins, Oliver S. Pearson, 
John L. Sinclair, Robert Innis, John W. Mason, Thomas H. Brown, George 
F. Smith, John Sanborn, Alexander Moore, George B. Wiggin, Jonas Pear- 
son, William Rodman, Charles A. Lord, Samuel B. T. Goodrich, Samuel M. 
Pearson, Howard M. Rundlett, Robert Miles, Charles H. Robinson, Thomas 
Barker, W^illiam H. Huntress, Rufus L. Jones. James M. Bowley, W^alter S. 
W'eeks, William H. Yeaton. Ezra Bartlett. George W^. Bowley. 

Phinelias Merrill, Esq., was perhaps in his day one of the most useful 
and eminent men that this town has produced, born in 1767. He was repre- 
sentative several years, and for many years town clerk and one of the select- 
men. Widely known as a civil engineer, his surveys of land are pronounced 
by modern surveyors as very accurate. He taught all the schools in town 
for a good many years, was the author of a series of arithmetics, published 
a map of the town in 1793; also about iSoo a map of Exeter and a map of 
the state. A very accomplished penman, specimens of his work with the pen 
compare favorablv with tlie best we see now. He died in the prime of life. 

We have had other distinguished men, such as Paine Wingate, Dr. Josiah 



722 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Eartlett, and the Hon. Judge Daniel Clark, who have been members of Con- 
gress. 

Dr. Josiah Bartlett, Jr. — Probably no man ever lived in Stratham who 
was more popular and generally respected than he. His fine personal appear- 
ance, with his cheerful social qualities, made him a universal favorite. His 
practice was extensive not only in this but surrounding towns. He was for 
many years one of the main pillars of the Congregational Church. His un- 
timely death in the midst of his usefulness by drowning on his return from 
a medical convention in New York, by the giving way of a bridge in May, 
1853, was not only a calamity to his family, but to this whole community. 

The Stratham Public Library is the outgrowth of a subscription library 
organization called the Literary and Social Union, started in 1876. Their 
library books came into the possession of the town in 1891. That year it 
received aid from the state and occupied a room in the town hall with over 
two thousand volumes in 1906. Previous to the subscription library, there 
were several library associations ; the first one was organized December 10, 
1793. Apparently there was then or had been recently another library in 
town, as they called theirs "The Stratham New- Library," afterward they 
called it "The Stratham Union Library," until its close in 1822. A similar 
association was formed January i, 1863, under the name of the "Stratham 
Athenaeum." 

The Wig gin Library building was erected in 191 2 by Mrs. Emma B. 
Wiggin, in accordance with the wishes of the late George A. Wiggin. Marion 
VViggin is the librarian. There are 2,623 volumes on the shelves. 

Edward Tuck purchased and gave to the town Stratham Park in 1906. 
The tablet on the summit of the hill was designed and made by Lester W. 
Lane of Stratham. 

The societies are the Winnecutt Grange, Bunker Hill Council and Junior 
O. U. A. M. 



CHAPTER LV 
WINDHAM 

Geographical — C/t'zV History — Military — Churches — Public Library 

Windham is bounded on the north by Londonderry and Derry, on the 
east by Salem, on the south by Salem and Pelham, on the west by Hudson, 
Beaver River, or Londonderry. It is thirty-five miles northwest of Boston, 
Mass., thirty-three southwest of Concord, N. H., ten miles east of Nashua, 
twelve miles west of Haverhill, Mass., fifteen miles southeast of Manchester, 
and ten miles northwest of Lawrence, Mass. 

The population in 1910 was 65 1. The acreage of the town is 15,754 
acres. 

Gaentake or Beaver River is the principal stream, which flows out of 
Tsienneto (Shometo) or Beaver Lake, in Derry, and flows through Wind- 
ham in nearly a southerly direction, and empties into the Merrimac River 
at Lowell, Mass. There are six lakes, called ponds, namely, — Spruce Pond, 
Hittititty. Mitchell's, Golden's, Cobbett's, and Policy. 

Cobbett's Pond is two miles in length, is the second in size, and covers 
1,000 acres. It lies in a basin, is beautiful for situation, and from its shores 
in places rise well-cultivated farms or wooded hills. Policy Pond lies partly 
in Salem, is the largest in area, and extends over ten hundred and seventeen 
acres. This is also a lovely sheet of water, and is much frequented by 
pleasure parties from the cities. 

Causes for the Settlement. — Windham from 1719 to 1742 was a parish 
of Londonderry, a part and parcel of that historic town. Consequently the 
early history of the two towns is indissolubly connected. It will be impossible 
to speak of the first settlements here and the characters of the settlers with- 
out speaking of the causes which induced the emigration and settlement of 
our Scottish ancestors in the wilderness, and of their political and religious 
influences which aided so powerfully in the development and formation of 
their minds and characters, giving those characteristics which contributed to 
the success of the new settlement, to the high honor which has ever been 
accorded to it, to the remarkable intelligence of its people, and the great influ- 
ence which has gone out from it during these succeeding generations. The 
causes were of a politico-religious nature, closely connected with the times in 
which they lived. 

During the reign of King James I, of England, a large portion of the six 
northern counties of Ireland fell to the king, being the sequestered estates of 
his rebellious Irish subjects. 

To hold in check the wild and turbulent spirits of his Irish subjects he 
induced a large emigration of his Scotch countrymen to the Province of IHster, 
Ireland. This was in the year 1612. In 1613 the first Presbyterian Church 
ever established in Ireland was established by these Scotch emigrants at 

723 



724 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Ballycorr}', County of Antrim. The Scotch emigrants were stern Presby- 
terians; the native Irish were ignorant Roman Catholics. They were dif- 
ferent in blood and in rehgion. The Scotch settled on the lands from which 
the Irish had been expelled, and in consequence of this fact, the unlikeness 
of the races in manners and customs, and of the distinctness in race and 
religion, a bitter feud existed between them. Marriages were not contracted 
by representatives of the different nationalities. 

In 1 64 1 the Catholics massacred over forty thousand Protestants. But 
a change soon occurred in the government; royalty fell, the protectorate was 
established, a man was placed at the helm who was both able and willing to 
protect the Protestants from their enemies. 

In 1649 the strong arm of Cromwell bore an avenging sword, punished 
the Catholics, and brought peace to the country. 

On the accession, in 1660, of Charles II to the throne of England, his 
brother James (afterwards James II) was appointed viceroy of Scotland. 
He was a bigoted Catholic, and the Scotch Presbyterians were the legitimate 
objects of his hate. The fires of persecution were rekindled ; the sword was 
again unsheathed and bathed in the "blood of thousands of slaughtered 
saints." 

In conseijuence of this persecution thousands of the Scotch tied to Ire- 
land and joined their Protestant countrymen there, and among them were 
many of the fathers and the mothers of the first settlers of Windham and 
Londonderry. 

In 1688-89 occurred the memorable siege of Londonderry, Ireland. Many 
Scotchmen from Scotland rallied to aid the Scotchmen of Ireland, then 
residents of that city. The heroic nature of the defense, celebrated in his- 
tory, is hardly surpassed in the annals of any people. Many of those who 
were young at the time of the siege were the sturdy men who came in 17 19 
and afterward, and helped to found this settlement. They sought in the new 
world a large degree of religious and political liberty than the old world 
afforded. They came in manhood's strength, prepared the rude habitations, 
broke the ground, scattered the grain which the rich and virgin soil would 
bring forth into abundant harvests. Then the old people came — men who 
were stalwart and strong during the defense of the city — and shared with 
them the joys as well as the perils of the new life in the wilderness. Many 
letters came direct from the "bonnie blue hills" of Scotland. 

Such was the nationality and such the education derived in the school 
of trouble, war, and adversity of the early settlers, and the characteristics 
thus developed enabled them to triumph over all obstacles in the hard life 
in the wilderness. From the fact that the early residents were called Scotch- 
Irish, on account of a prior abode in Ireland, many have supposed that it 
denoted a mixture of Scotch and Irish descent, but such is not the fact. 
The blood of Scotia and Erin did riot flow commingled in the veins of the 
first emigrants. "They were of Scottish lineage, pure and simple." and the 
terms Scotch-English or Scotch-Irish, so far as they imply a different than 
Scotch origin, are a perversion of truth and false to historv'. 

First Scttlciiicitts. — The first settlements in Windham were made near 
Cemetery Hill as early as 1720, and in the locality called Stone Dam. .\t the 
latter place, near Butten's mills, in Pelham. David Grigg and Alexander 
McCoy, each of Scottish blood, the former of Londonderry, Ireland, the 



AND IMlI'I^I'SRXTATIVE CITIZENS 725 

latter from the Highlands of Scotland, settled, according to an old record, in 
1 72 1. The place was then an unbroken wilderness — no trails or paths through 
the forest save as they made them by spotting trees. John W'addell, on 
the highest point of land near Cemetery Hill, was an early pioneer, and built 
the first house in town. In 1723, "Daddy" John Dinsmoor, the emigrant, 
located on the line between Windham and Londonderry, at what is now 
known as the Hopkins" farm. He had been an Indian captive, but was 
released, and came to Londonderry. His father was a native of Crehenmead, 
Scotland, and he himself was the ancestor of the two governors of that name, 
of Robert Dinsmoor, the "Rustic Bard," and all the Dinsmoors of Windham. 
About 1730, Samuel Morison, son of James and grandson of John Morison, 
of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, located in the range. He was the ancestor of 
the Morisons of the town and of the writer. Thomas Morison, his cousin, 
settled about the same time near him. He afterwards settled in Peterborough. 

In 1733, Henry Campbell, born in Londonderry, Ireland, son of Daniel, 
of Scotland, settled in the west part of the town, and where his descendants 
"live unto this day." About this same time Alexander Simpson and Adam 
Templeton struck for settlement here. 

John Cochran, also of Scotch blood, came in 1730, and upon his farm, 
which he hewed from the wilderness, his descendants have since lived. 
Alexander Park and John Armstrong appeared soon after. 

These are some of the pioneer fathers: William and Robert Thompson, 
Joseph Waugh, Thomas Ouigley, Alexander and James Dunlap, John Kyle, 
John Morrow, Hugh Graham, John and James Vance, Samuel and William 
McAdams, James Gilmore, Andrew Armour, John Hopkins, Daniel Clyde, 
William Thorn, John Stuart. Francis Langlie. Hugh Brown. Samuel Kin- 
kead. Alexander Ritchie. \\'illiam Jamison. Nathaniel Hemphill. James Cald- 
well, and others, who were here in early times, and not a single descendant 
of any one of whom bearing their names live in town today. 

The First Settlers. — Immediately after the first settlement had been made 
in Londonderry, near what is now Derry East Meeting-house, individuals 
went out to work in summer upon the more distant glebes and returned to 
the more populous settlement in the winter. Many of the young men would 
thus live several years, laboring to provide a home for their future com- 
panions. Then they went or sometimes sent to Ireland for the brave lass who 
had consented to cross the wide ocean, braving the dangers of the deep and 
the perils of the wilderness to meet her stern lord in the forest home. Land 
was cheap, and John Hopkins bought a large tract for a web of linen cloth. 
Neighbors were far apart, oftentimes as much as three miles, and it was said 
"we were obliged to go three miles to liorrow a needle, not lieing able to 
buy one." 

Then there were no grist-mills nearer than Haverhill or Andover, Mass. ; 
so the grain was carried upon poles which trailed from the horse's back. 
They broke their corn into meal liy t\\(i revolving stones, being a land mill 
called a cairn. They lived mainly on what could be raised in the ground. 
They possessed but little wealth, for their lot was cast in a wintry land like 
their fatherland, Scotland, with a rockv soil. 

Amid the trials of their lot their character stands out in bold relief. They 
were not illiterate people. They had received a fair education, many of them 
in Scotland or Ireland. 



726 IIIS'I'ORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

They were stern, unconipromisinsj Presbyterians, and held to their form of 
worship with great tenacity. They loved intelligence, liberty, and religion. 
No sacrifices were too great for liberty, no sufferings too severe for their 
religion, no hardships too extreme to win a home for themselves and their 
posterity where liberty and true religion, twin sisters, might dwell together, 
and the domestic \-irtues might undisturbed shine forth with peculiar 
brightness. 

Petitions and .-let of hicorf>oratiou. — Uj) to this period the residents of the 
territory now known as Windham and nearly a third of Salem had been 
included in the 'I'ow n of Londonderry. They labored under great difficulties. 
They were seven miles from either church of Londonderry. In order to 
remedy these disadvantages, and to secure a more perfect union among them- 
selves, forty-seven freeholders, in 1747, petitioned for the erection of a new 
parish to Gov. Benning W'entworth and the Legislature. The act of incor- 
porating the Town of \\'indham was passed and assented to by the governor 
February 12. 1742. The bounds of the town were as follows: "Beginning 
at the dwelling-house of one John Hopkins of said Londonderry, yoeman, 
and from thence running on a due west course to Beaver Brook so called, 
then beginning again at the said house at the place where it began before 
(so as to have ye said house to ye Northward) and from thence to run on 
a due east course till it comes to ye easterly line of said Londonderry, thence 
to run as said line runs till it comes to the southerly boundary of said Lon- 
donderry, thence to run to the westward as the said boundary runs till it 
comes to tlie said brook, and thence to run as the said brook runs until it 
comes to the place on the said brook where the said west line runs across 
said brook." There were excepted out of these limits the polls and estates 
of John Archibald, James Clark, James Morse. John Hopkins, and John 
Cochran, and their respective families. This exception was a fruitful cau.se 
of disorder and litigation for many years, till at last they were legislated 
into Windham, where they have since remained. By the provisions of the 
charter Robert Dinsmoor, Joseph Waugh, and Robert Thompson were author- 
ized to call a meeting of the inhabitants March 8, 1742. 

The sun which rose on the morning of February 12, 1742, ushered in a 
new and brighter day to the people. That day Windham became a town 
with a legal name, clothed with individuality, possessing the same rights, 
enjoying the same privileges, and subject to the same burdens and responsi- 
bilities of other towns in the province. Henceforth the people of this little 
republic in their congress, where every man was a member, and could and 
would be heard, were to manage their domestic affairs in their own time, in 
their own way, and for their own good. 

First Town-Meeting was holden at 10 o'clock March 8. 1742. As Robert 
Dinsmoor's name stands first on the list of committee, he probably called 
the meeting to order and presided till Lieut. Samuel Morison was elected 
moderator. He presided in the first meeting, and in twenty-nine subsequent 
legal gatherings of the freeholders. First officers chosen were Robert Dins- 
moor, Joseph Waugh, Robert Thomson, Samuel Morison, William Gregg, 
selectmen: William Thom. town clerk: Thomas Morison and John Dinsmoor 
were chosen inspectors of dears. 

It was "voted that the selectman is to provide too staves, one for the 
Constable, and one for the tavthing man. and a town lx)ok." 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 727 

In this simple, plain, direct way, Windham commenced her career as a 
municipality. The officers worked without pay. 

In March. 1744, commenced the French and Indian war, which lasted 
till October, 1748. This town escaped the ravages of the merciless foe, but 
she shared in the general alarm, and her sons aided in defending other towns 
in the state from the enemy, and William Campbell. William" Cregg. Jr., 
N. L. Smiley, and -William Smiley were scouting as soldiers of Windham 
in the Merrimac Valley in July. 1745, and other of our soldiers did good 
service in the war. ' 

The year 1752 was one of trouble. There was contention in their annual 
meeting, one party seceded and held another meeting, and two boards of 
officers were elected. The proceedings of each meeting were declared illegal 
by the Legislature. A new meeting was ordered, the vanquished became 
the victors, and so ended the dual government of the town. 

This year Windham was dismembered, and about one-third of its terri- 
tory was annexed to Salem. 

Windham was so much weakened by this dismemberment that it could 
no longer support its pastor. Rev. William Johnston, who was dismissed. 

The Last French and Indian War. — The treaty of peace signed between 
England and France Ocotober, 1748, was of short duration. 

In 1754 hostilities commenced anew. It was the conflict of differing 
civilizations, and did not cease- till French-Catholic supremacy was over- 
thrown in Canada, that province conquered and placed under the domination 
of the British government. As an integral part of the British empire this 
town was called upon for sacrifice, to contribute her share for the prosecu- 
tion of the war, so her sons left the delights of the home and fireside for the 
sufferings of the march, the duties and privations of the camp, and the perils 
of the battle-field. Among her soldiers were Samuel Thompson. William 
Thompson, Hugh Dunlap, Daniel Clyde, and many others too numerous to 
mention here. 

In August. 1737, the French and Indians captured Fort William Henry 
on the north shore of Lake George, in New York, and 3.000 troops sur- 
rendered, when an infamous massacre of prisoners took place. In a New 
Hampshire regiment of 200 men, eighty were killed. Windliam soldiers 
w'ere there. Among them was Thomas Dunlap, who was pursued by a savage, 
who caught him by his queue, and was on the point of braining him with 
his tomahawk, when Dunlap sprang away, tearing out a large part of the 
hair from his head, escaped, reached the fort, and was protected by the 
French. 

Some fifty-five different men from this, or the same men at different times, 
served in the course of the "seven years' war." This was a heavy burden 
on the young settlement, and we can look back with pride upon this military 
page of our local history, wliich shines so brightly with self-sacrifice, heroism. 
and patriotism. The conflict drew to a close, and Great Britain was victorious. 
The struggle between the two rival powers of Europe for supremacy in 
America had ceased, and great was the rejoicing of the English colonists. 

The world advances, is educated, and brought to a higher plane through 
conflict, suffering, sacrifice, and blood. This conflict had aroused the martial 
spirit of our people, developed their manhood, strengthened their determina- 



728 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

tion and resolution, and fitted tlieni fur tlie greater conflict, the grander 
struggle of the Revolution, which was so rapidly approaching. 

1770, Windham helps colonize Belfast, Me. 

In 1770, a year or two previous, and for several years succeeding, citi- 
zens of Windham settled in Belfast. Among the actual settlers were John 
Davidson, Deacon John Tufts, and, later, Lieut. James and John Oilman, 
sons of Col. James Oilman. Owners and proprietors were Alexander Stuart, 
Robert Mcllvaine. At a later date John Cochran, Joseph Ladd, and A. W. 
Park became residents. 

The crisis was now on them! The waves of that long contest, the French 
and Indian war, had hardly lulled themselves to rest before the ominous 
mutterings of another tempest were distinctly heard. The breezes of the 
Atlantic brought to American ears the approaching danger. This war was 
to prove the mettle of our people, to show the stern grit of our citizens. 

Our men were soldiers by their mode of life in the new settlement. They 
had seen great exjxisure in the previous wars. They weighed the issues of 
the coming contest in the intellectual balances of their minds, and were pre- 
pared to meet the danger which their conclusion involved. They knew their 
strength, and were not afraid to use it. They were true in peace and quiet, 
they were steady and true in the tempest and storm. 

A companv of minute-men was formed, and when the swift courier 
brought the news of the Lexington alarm, Capt. Joseph Clyde left his field 
hurriedly, rallied his company, and was gone. The good housewives cooked 
provisions, loaded them upon the backs of horses, and sent them after the 
soldiers. 

The following men enlisted immediately after the Lexington alarm, April 
-3- ^775- James Caldwell, Samuel Caldwell, John Caldwell, Nathaniel 
Burrows. 

Mav J3, 1775, Lieut. John Dinsmoor was sent a delegate to the County 
Congress. 

Committee of Safety, 1775, were Oeorge Davidson, Peter Merrill, Robert 
Hemphill, Samuel Morison, Joseph Smith, John Dinsmoor, James Oilman, 
Nehemiah Hadley, and William Campbell. 

June 17, 1775. the battle of Bunker Hill was fought, the cannonading 
being distinctly heard in Windham. Her sons mingled in the deadly fray, 
and some had sealed their devotion to American liberty by their death. Tra- 
dition says five were slain, but the name of only John Collins has come down 
to us. John Simpson lost a part of his hand, and received a pension. 

These men were in the Continental service July 8, 1773: William Duty, 
Charles .\miss, Mark Duty, Alexander Brown, John Jameson, .\bram Planet. 
Tacob Nordy, Moses Morys, Jonathan Thompson. John Kinkead, William 
Mcllvain. 

The legislation of the town was patriotic. It was always in favor of the 
patriots. Their quotas of men and money were usually promptly furnished. 
When a few citizens wished to be excused from the soldier rates, the town 
always voted not to excuse them. 

Ninety-four signed the association test, which was virtually a declaration 
of independence and three refused or neglected to sign. 

During the whole war our men shared in the joys of the army's triumphs, 
or in the'sadness of its defeats. Fourteen men. at least, from Windham 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 729 

were in the battle of Bennington, as follow s : in Stark's brigade, Col. Mons 
Nichol's regiment, Capt. Daniel Runnell's (or Reynolds') company, who 
enlisted July 20, 1777, were John Campbell, Samuel Campbell, John Stuart, 
John Kinkead, John Jameson, Jesse Davidson, James Wilson, Thomas Karr, 
history of that town.) 

In Capt. Jesse Wilson's company, same regiment, were Ensign David 
Gregg (afterwards lieutenant), Samuel Morison, sergeant (grandfather of 
the writer), Ephraim Kyle, corporal, Alexander Morrow, David Campbell, 
John Kinkead, John Jameson, John Davidson, James Wilson, Thomas Karr, 
William Bolton. 

Casualties. — David Gregg had his thumb shot off. Samuel Morison 
suffered severely from sunstroke. James Wilson was taken prisoner by a 
British soldier, and he in turn took his captor captive. John Kinkead was 
killed. His sad fate and other incidents of the battle have been put in verse 
by the "Rustic Bard." 

The success at Bennington was the harbinger of a brighter day. The 
auspicious morning was at hand when England would be compelled to accord 
justice to America. The gallant sons of the old Granite State now rallied to 
join the northern army as men flock to a feast. The British commander was 
effectually "bottled up." and on the 17th of October, 1777, Burgoyne sur- 
rendered to General Gates. Windham men helped to swell the ranks of 
the patriot army, and particii)ated in those battles, and shared in the glories 
of the victory. Among them, who enlisted September 29th and discharged 
October 28th, were Col. Isaac Cochran, Sergt. James Davidson, Sergt. Eliph- 
alet Ladd, Robert Dinsmoor ("Rustic Bard"), Fifer William McCoy, John 
Campbell, Alexander Gregg, John Cochran, John Armor, Alexander Simp- 
son, John Dinsmoor, Daniel Mcllvaine, John Williams (Corp. Daniel Mcll- 
vaine was incorrectly credited to Londonderry in Parker's history of that 
town). In Capt. Joseph Finley's company at Saratoga, which marched from 
Londonderry, enlisted October 1, discharged November 4, 1777, were Adam 
Dunlap, John McCoy, David Quentin, and William McKeen. These four 
\\'indham soldiers are incorrectly credited to Londonderry in Parker's his- 
tory of that town. 

War History, 1S12-IJ and iS6i-6^. — When the War of the Revolution 
was over the best of feeling did not exist between England and her late 
colonies. In 1795 war between the nations was averted by an unpopular 
treaty. There was an itching on the part of the Government and a portion of 
the people to reduce the arrogance of Great Britain, who was mistress of the 
seas. War at length broke out. It was extremely unpopular in Windham, 
and denounced in unmeasured terms as a wicked, causeless war, and a useless 
sacrifice of blood and treasure. It is said that only four men in the town 
voted in favor of the war, and the conditions of the treaty of peace between 
the nations justified the views of our people. Though bitterly opposed to 
the war, the following persons were enlisted or drafted for the service, the 
most, if not all, being stationed at Portsmouth: Benjamin Blanchard, Wil- 
liam Balch, Robert P. Dinsmoor. Samuel Dinsmoor, Thomas Nesmith. Samuel 
Davidson, Richard Dow, David Campbell, Alexander Gordon, Jolui B. 
Hilands, Moses Sargent, Phillip K. Wilds, Rufus Patterson, Stephen E. 
Blaisdell, Samuel Rowell, .\mos Dow. Thomas Moore, David Durrer, I^hineas 
Danforth, James Simpson, Samuel Marshall, Aaron Senter, Solomon Corliss, 



730 HISTORV 01' ROCKIXGHAM COUXTY 

John Webster, '\\illiam Simpson. John Xesmith (served in a Massachusetts 
regiment). Woodbridge Cottle. When the treat}- of peace was signed. Decem- 
ber 24. 1814, and ratified by the President. Februar\- 17, 1815, there was 
great rejoicing by all parties. The news of peace was brought from Harbor 
Hill. Mass.. to Windham by Samuel Armor. Esq.. who rode up to the houses 
of people shouting. "Peace, peace, peace!"' and with only a word of explana- 
tion he reined his horse into the highway and was gone to earn.- joy to other 
households. 

So far as this town is concerned, peace reigned for many years. The war 
with Mexico did not affect us, and not a soldier is known to have gone from 
the town. But a storm was brewing which would shake to their center the 
foundations of our national Government. The slaveholders" rebellion was at 
hand, and the hour would call for sacrifice on the part of our people. Sumter 
was attacked .\pril 19. 1861. The North sprang to anns. The following list 
is ver\- nearly correct of the men furnished by the town : 

Walter Burnliam. Asa Bean, Seth X. Huntley. A\"illiam W}-man. Moses 
W'%iTian. James G. Batchelder, Jesse Crowell. Theodore Clark. Joseph R. 
Everett. Albion K. Goodwin, Horatio Gleason. John Calvin Hill. Samuel 
Haseltine. John G. Johnson. Lemuel ^larden. Closes M}-rick. Louis McCon- 
nihe. Lewis Ripley. James G. Stone. Caleb G. Wiley. Moses W}-man. 

William Anderson. John G. Bradford. Asa Bean. George W. Colbum. 
Henr}- W. Chellis. Horace W. Hunt. Seth X. Huntley. John W. Hall. David 
B. Fessenden, Micajah B. Kimball. William X. ]\IcConnihe, Reuben A. 
Phillips, James S. Stephens. 

Carl Albert. Joseph G. Ayers. James Baker. James Brown. C. H. Bach- 
elder. George W. Durant, Severe L. Duplissis. Albert Fletcher. Charles E. 
Hanscom. George A. Jackson. Joseph F. ^lugot. Elixis ^Nlarcotte. Truworthy 
Xorris. Ephraim Plimpton. Wentworth S. Cowan. Thomas Crook. Patrick 
Hannan. Bernard McCam. Oliver Bums. James Murphy, Russell W. Powell. 
Jasques Dreux, James Brown. Charles Cole. Frederick Otis. James C. Crowell. 
Charles Fegan. George W. Carr. Whiting R. Richardson. Gilman Jaquitt. 
James Jones (colored). Harr}- Hancock. Seven citizens were drafted and 
sent substittites. Eleven citizens voluntarily sent substitutes to the war. 

The Scotch settlers of Windham were of a stem and rugged tv^pe. and 
clung to the tenets of the Presb}-terian Church with an obstinacy hard to 
surpass. Xor is this surprising when we consider the circumstances of their 
lives and stock to which they belonged. They were the descendants of the 
Covenanters. Their fathers had resisted the onslaughts of the Roman Cath- 
olic and the English Established Church. They hated Popen,-. and had 
but little more regard for the English Church. They had struggled on through 
the troubled years, bearing aloft the ensign of their faith — to them the only 
true faith — and their banner the only true standard of the cross. 

The storv" of the past was familiar to our first settlers. It was engraved 
upon "the red-leaved tablets'" of their hearts, and that they should cling with 
great tenacity" to the faith and form of worship of their fathers is not 
surprising. 

The religious side of their characters was strongly developed. They were 
the followers of John Knox, and exhibited much of the stem, honest, plain, 
uncompromising spirit of that reformer. 

This town has been decidedly orthodox from the beginning. Many 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 731 

families attended meeting at what is now East Derry. After attending to 
their morning duties the whole family, even women and children, would 
walk eight or nine miles to meeting, listen to two long sermons, and then 
return to their homes, not reaching them till after dark. So they prized the 
sanctuary, and appreciated and loved dearly the faith in which they trusted. 
The first religious meetings were holden in barns during the warm season 
for eleven years, when, in 1753, the first meeting-house was built on the high 
ground southeast of Cobbett's Pond. Following the custom of the dear old 
fatherland, the burying-ground stood beside the kirk. 

Rev. \\'illiam Johnson received a call, July 12. 1742, to settle here, but 
was not installed till 1747. His salary was 200 pounds and the use of the 
parsonage, besides 300 pounds as a settlement. He ordained as ruling elders 
Nathaniel Hemphill, Samuel Kinkead, and John Kyle. By the dismember- 
ment of Windham, in 1752, whereby about one-fourth of our territory with 
its people were annexed to Salem, the society was so weakened that it could 
not support the minister, and he was dismissed in July, ij^2. having been 
with this people ten years. 

Rev. John Kinkead was installed October, 1760, with a salary of £1300, 
old tenor, or about two hundred and sixteen dollars, six pounds making one 
dollar. He was dismissed in April, 1765. 

Rev. Simon \Mlliams was ordained in December, 1766, with a salary 
of about two hundred and thirtj'-three dollars and thirty-three cents, with a 
settlement of $200 and the use of the parsonage. He was pastor here for 
twenty-seven years, dying November 10, 1793. He did a noble work, and his 
influence lives after him. He established a private academy, which was an 
important tributary' of Dartmouth College. 

A new church was at the center of the town in 1798. Rev. Samuel Norris 
was ordained over the church October 9. 1805, and continued as pastor till 
he was dismissed on account of failing health, in 1826. 

Rev. Calvin Cutter was installed over the church in April. 1828, and died 
February 19, 1844. He had previously been settled in Lebanon, N. H.. was 
graduated at Dartmouth College in 1819, at Andover Theological Seminary, 
1823. During his ministry the church was built ( 1834), and the old house 
used as the town-house. The latter has at different times been occupied for 
preaching some three months a year by the ^Methodists and Unitarians, 

In 1845, November 5th, Lorin Thayer was ordained over the church, 
with a salary of $500. Like the most of his predecessors, he continued with 
his people till death. For over twenty years he continued their pastor, and 
the disease which terminated in his death, September 19, 1869, was the 
cause of the dissolution of his pastoral relation with his people, April 2>, 
1866. 

He died at the age of fifty-four years, and he is buried among us, as are 
three of his predecessors. He was thrice married, his last wife being Eliza- 
beth C. Farley, who became closely identified with the society and interest 
of the people. She sun-ived her husband till ]^Iarch 4, 1878. His ministry 
was an eminently successful one, and the memory of him and his wife are 
tenderly cherished by many. January 20. 1868, Joseph Lauman received a 
call to settle, and he was installed June 2, 1868. .\ parsonage was built in 
1868 at an expense of over three thousand dollars. Mr. Lauman's pastorate 
continued till his resignation. He was dismissed Fel)ruary 6, 1872. 



732 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Re\-. Charles Packard was installed April 29, 1873, at a salary of $800 
and the use of the parsonage. The church was thoroughly remodeled in 
1874. and rededicated December 29, 1874. The outlay was $2,6cx). 

Mr. Packard was born at Backfield. Me., October 14. 1818, graduated 
at Bow'doin College in 1842, at Bangor Seminary in 1845. As a pastor he 
was faithful, as a friend he was true, as a citizen he was always upon the 
right side, and always had the best interests of the people in view. 

He performed his pastoral duties till January 29, 188 1, when the disease 
which had been upon him culminated in entire prostration, and he died Feb- 
ruary 20, 1 881, and is buried in Farmington, Me. 

Rev. Joseph Smith Cogswell was born in Boscawen^ X. H., October 
29, 1836, and was installed over the church December 21, 1881. He was 
followed by Re\erend Mr. Westervelt from 1892-96: Rev. Jas. P. Harper 
in 1898; Rev. .\ll)ert Watson, 1899-1910; Reverend Mr. Funk acting pastor 
in 1912: Rew i-Vederick McNeill in 1913; and the Rev. A. L. Dunton the 
present pastor. 

Previous to 1800 some of our jjcople were shareholders in a library in 
Salem, and the books were much read. The first book controlled by the town 
was in 1800. This was the commencement of the first public or social library, 
which was incorporated June 7, 1806, It had a constitution, by-laws, and a 
board of ofticers annually elected. In 1S25 the number of volumes exceeded 
two hundred — and valuable works. 

A social library was founded in 1851, numl)ering over one hundred copies, 
and was destroyed by fire April 7, 1856. 

Ncsmith Library in Windham. — In 1781 Col. Thomas Ne^mith of Lowell 
bequeathed $3,000 to found and perpetuate a free public library in his native 
town. It was opened in the town hall on June 24. 1871, with 741 volumes 
and increased in 1872 to 1,600. In 1898 George W. .Armstrong of Brookline, 
Mass., a native of Windham presented the town with a building for the 
library. The Armstrong Memorial Building, as it is called, was dedicated 
January 4, 1899. Bessie Emer.son, the librarian, has charge of the 4,000 
volumes in the building. 

The name of the grange is the Windham Grange, P. of H. 

Our Schools. — The early residents possessed considerable education, hav- 
ing acquired it in Scotland or in the Scotch settlements in the north of Ireland 
before their removal here. In accordance with the laws of the province and 
their own elevated views, provision was immediately made after the settle- 
ment for the education of the young. Four common schools were sup- 
ported in Londonderry in 1727, of which Windsor was then a part. Of the 
earlier schools in town we have no record : the preceding years have borne 
away all specific knowledge of them. The first school of which we have a 
positive account was in 1766. and James Aiken was the teacher. He taught 
a singing-school evenings, and a day-school for the children. Nicholas Sauce, 
a discharged British soldier, in 1760, of the French and Indian war, after- 
wards taught for a long time. He was a cruel teacher, as was the custom 
of those days, yet his scholars owed him a great debt of gratitude for the 
instruction received from him. 

Master McKeen was the ne.xt teacher in order, and taught about the year 
1776. He was a man of fine acquirements and ripe scholarship, but his mind 
was not upon his calling, and if he chanced to see a squirrel by the roadside he 
would catch that squirrel if it took "all summer." 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 733 

The schoolhouses were but rude affairs at the best, and often unfit for 
school purposes, oftentimes the school in summer would be kept in shops 
or barns. The schoolhouses were wholly discarded in winter and the schools 
taught in private houses. Family schools were much in vogue, the elder child 
teaching the younger ones. In one family there were eighteen children who 
were thus taught. 

jrHlianis' .-laulciny. — This academy was the. most potent influence ever 
exerted in town for the higher education of our youth. It was taught by 
Rev Simon Williams, commencing about 1768, and terminating a short time 
previous to his death, in 1793. His scholarship was of the highest order, and 
he was a celebrated teacher while in town and previous to his coming here. 
Among those whom he fitted for college were Joseph McKeen, first president 
of Bowdoin College ; Rev. Samuel Taggart, the distinguished clerg3nnan and 
Congressman, of Coleraine, Mass.; Silas Bolton, M. C, of Salem; and Dr. 
John Park, editor and physician; Rev. John Goffe; John Dinsmoor; Silas 
Dinsmoor, the noted Indian agent ; and the elder Governor Samuel Dinsmoor. 

In the fourth class ( 1773). graduated at Dartmouth College, nearly one- 
half were fitted for college by Mr. Williams. The school often numbered 
forty to fifty scholars. 

Authors, Books, and Pamphlets. — Rev. Simon Williams wrote previous 
to 1793 an introduction to the American edition, and published Thomas 
Blackwell's book on "Genuine Revealed Religion." 

He also published a small book by the presbytery. 

Rev. Samuel Harris printed in 1816 a sermon on the death of Miss Mary 
Colby, of Chester; in i8jo the "Memoir of Miss Mary Campbell," of Wind- 
ham; in 1827-28 two editions of "Questions on Christian Experience and 
Character;" also his farewell sermon about 1826. 

Rev. Loren Thayer wrote a sketch of the \\'indham Church for the 
"New Hampshire Church." 

Deacon Robert Dinsmoor (the "Rustic Bard") printed a volume of his 
poems, 264 pages, 1828. 

Leonard A. Morrison compiled in 1881, and placed in the Nesmith 
Library, the Thanksgiving Sermon of Rev. Calvin Cutter, 1835; Sermon by 
Rev. Loren Thayer on the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, May, 1865; 
Centennial Sermon of Rev. Charles Packard, 1876; and a complete set of 
printed reports of Windham. In 1880 he published 1,100 copies, 470 pages, 
of his "History of the Morison, or Morrison, Family." In 1882 he re-wrote 
and condensed this work for "The Highlander," a magazine printed at Inver- 
ness, Scotland. He published ( 1882) his complete "History of Windham," 
1719-1882. 

Early Settlers and Later Residents. — David Gregg was one of the earliest 
settlers. He was born in Londonderry, Ireland, being the son of John Gregg, 
born 1655, in that place, and the grandson of Capt. David Gregg, who was in 
Argylshire, Scotland, and was a captain in amiy of Cromwell in 1655, and 
assisted in the conquest of the rebellious subjects in Ireland, was a tanner, 
and received a deed of land in Ireland from Cromwell. 

David Gregg, of Windham, came to Watertown, Mass., in 1712, staying 
nine years, then came to Windham in 1721, settling in the west part of the 
town. There were then few if any white inhabitants within ten miles of him, 
and the woods abounded with game of all sorts. He hewed his farm from 



734 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

the wilderness, and after the activities of hfe were over lie found a quiet 
spot in which to sleep in the old cemetery on the jilain. He was the ancestor 
of the Greggs of Windham. 

John Cochran came to Londonderry in the autumn of i/JO, and perma- 
nently located in East Windham in 1730, and is the ancestor of the family 
of that name. He was of unadulterated Scotch blood, the son of John and 
Elizabeth (Arwin) Cochran, of Londonderry, Ireland, born there, 1704, and 
his father shared in the defense of that memorable city against the Catholics 
in 1688-89. When young Cochran came to Windham (then Londonderry) 
the country was almost unbroken wilderness, and he displayed great endurance 
and fortitude amid the hardships and privations of his life. He married his 
cousin Jenny, daughter of Justice James McKeen, of Londonderry, and died 
at eighty-four. Their life was long and pleasant together, and side by side 
they rest in the cemetery on the hill. 

Alexander Simpson, ancestor of one branch of the Windham family, came 
to W'indham about 1747, and located in the southeast part of the town. He 
was a weaver, and could do exceedingly fine and nice work, could weave 
anything "where the warp was strong enough to bear the weight of his beaver 
hat."' He married Janet Templeton, and died December 12. 178(8, at sixty- 
nine years. 

James Belton was not one of the earliest settlers, but came about 1753. 
He was born in Scotland in 1727 or 1728. and died March 18, 1803. 
He settled in the north part of the town. He became a very active, popular, 
and influential citizen, was well educated, and became an auctioneer, sur- 
veyor, and justice of the peace. He filled all the prominent positions in town, 
and was in 1777 an agent from the State of New Hampshire to the seat of 
the national Government at Baltimore, and brought to the New England 
states a large amount of money with which to prosecute the Revolutionary 
war. He was the father of Hon. Silas Belton, at one time member of Con- 
gress from New Hampshire. 

Lieut. Samuel Morison w-as born in Ireland, at or near Londonderry, was 
the son of James Morison and Mary Wallace, of that place, emigrants to 
Londonderry, N. H., in 1719. His grandfather was John Morison, a native 
of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, who died in Londonderry. N. H.. 1736, at the 
reputed age of one hundred and eight years. Lieut. Samuel Morison came 
to Londonderry when a lad of fifteen years, and settled in what is now. Wind- 
ham about 1730. He was well educated in Ireland, and became prominent 
in the little settlement where his lot was cast, often held public positions, was 
a lieutenant in Massachusetts regiment at Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia, 
in 1760, during the French and Indian war. He married Martha Allisf)n. 
tlie first female child born in Londonderry, and daughter of Samuel Allison, 
one of the first sixteen settlers. She was born March 31. 1720. and died 
Dccemlier 3. 1761. He died February ir, 1776. He is the ancestor of the 
Morrisons of the town. 

Henry Campbell came to \\'in(lham in 1733. He was born in London- 
derry. Ireland, 1697, and married Martha Black in 1717. He was the son of 
Daniel Campbell, a descendant of Sir John Campbell, of Scotland. Duke of 
Argyle. Henry Campbell located in the west part of the town, and his 
descendants still reside upon the ancestral acres. 

John Dinsmoor, of Scotch blood, came from Londonderry, Ireland. He 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 735 

came to Londonderry. X. H., in 1723, and is ancestor of the Dinsmoors here. 
His house was in Londonderry, the front door stone being on the Hne between 
the towns. His grandson, Wilham Dinsmoor, was a man of parts, and 
possessed quite a poetical gift. He was the father of Samuel Dinsmoor, 
of Keene, governor of New Hampshire, 1831-33. 

Robert Dinsmoor, the "rustic bard," was born in Windham. October 
/• I75/- He wrote much, and generally, when for the press, in verse. He 
wrote in the Scotch dialect, which was spoken by many in the Scotch settle- 
ment, and understood by all, and the Scotch brogue has not been so long 
e.xtinct among the descendants of the Scotch settlers but that some of the 
younger members of the community have listened to it with pleasure. 

.Vmong the most eccentric persons who ever resided here was F. L. Bis- 
sell. The most romantic place was his camp, so famous when standing in 
its glory, and so well remembered since its decay. 




UCu^ Q . lin-iu^ 



Representative Citizens 

REV. HENRY EMERSON HOVEY, who at the time of his de- 
cease, on August 6th, 1909, was rector of St. John's Church, at Ports- 
mouth, N. H., was born in Lowell, Mass., November 23, 1844, a son 
of Charles and Catherine Smith Hovey. He prepared for college in 
the Lowell public schools, and entered Trinity College at Hartford, 
Conn., in 1862, graduating near the head of his class in 1866. There- 
upon he at once entered the General Theological Seminary in New 
York City and was graduated from that institution in 1869, being or- 
dained deacon in the same year by Bishop Williams of Connecticut. 
Shortly after his graduation he went abroad, spending much of his 
time at Oxford, England. The period of his diaconate was passed as 
rector of St. John's Church, Fort Hamilton, in New York Harbor. 
Ordained priest by Bishop Littlejohn of Long Island in 1870, he was 
shortly after elected rector of the Church of the Ascension, at Fall 
River, Mass., and had charge of this large parish until 1872, when he 
accepted the rectorship of the new and then struggling parish of St. 
Barnabas, Brooklyn, New York. Here he remained ten years, declin- 
ing all other offers. In 1883 he left St. Barnabas parish firmly estab- 
lished and a center of power and influence in the Eighteenth Ward 
of that great city. 

In 1880 Mr. Hovey took a vacation on the continent of Europe. In 
1882 he was simultaneously offered the rectorship of the American 
Episcopal Church in Geneva, Switzerland, and that of St. John's Church 
in Portsmouth, N. H. He chose the latter and came here in February, 
1883. His work here is well known. During his rectorship St. John's 
Church was largely restored and beautified ; St. John's Guild, now so 
fruitful in good works, was organized. Fie was also the organizer of 
Christ's Church, and its first rector, serving as such until 1894, when 
it was placed in a position to maintain itself, Mr. Hovey retiring from 
connection with it, except that he was retained in the honorary capacity 
of rector emeritus. Among his other labors, the Cottage Hospital 
(now by an act of legislature called The Portsmouth Hospital), of which 
also he was the organizer, was founded and partially endowed, Mr. 
Hovey being president of the board of trustees of this corporation for 
several years, as well as of that of the Chase Home for Children, pre- 
siding as president of both until his death. 

In 1884 Mr. Hovey delivered the address of welcome on behalf of 
the citizens of Portsmouth to the Greeley party coming from the Arctic 
regions, and in 1885 the civic oration at the local commemoration of 
the death of General Grant. He was elected a trustee of the Faith 
Home for Indigent Women in this city in the last mentioned year, a 
trustee of St. Mary's Diocesan School at Concord in 1886, in 1887 a 

737 



738 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUXTY 

meml^er of the Board of Instruction here, and in 1893 president of the 
New Hampshire Society of the Sons of the Revolution. 

With the multifarious duties connected with these various offices, 
with the care of a large parish and the management of two Sunday 
schools, with the calls made upon his time by the Hospital and the 
Children's Home — which institutions, though wholly unsectarian, nat- 
urally looked to him for many of their services — and with a large 
amount of other work quite outside of his parochial relations Rev. Mr. 
Hovey probably was as busy a man for seven days of the week as there 
W'as in the community. 

A man of wide reading, of strong convictions, and of generous sympa- 
thies, an accurate scholar, an admirable organizer, a stanch churchman 
and an affectionate rector, the people of St. John's had reason to be proud 
of his leadership. As a preacher Mr. Hovey was unusually simple, direct 
and logical. His sermons, graphic, tender, earnest, were entirely free 
from sensationalism, yet he held the hearer's attention from the first 
word to the last. Xo doubt the hope expressed by many was the wish 
of the townspeople generally — that ^Ir. Hovey might remain the incum- 
bent of the venerable parish of St. John's as long as he lived — which wish 
was fulfilled. 

In 1871 Mr. Hovey was married to a remote cousin. Miss Sarah 
Louise Folsom, daughter of the late Charles J. Folsom, of Xew York 
City. They had five children, as follows: Sarah Whittier Hovey; Kath- 
arine Emerson, who is the wife of Hon. William S. Seabury of Xew 
Y^ork City and Phoenix, Arizona; Louise Folsom, wife of Lieutenant- 
Commander Austin Kautz, U. S. X'., of W^ashington, D. C. ; Ethelreda 
Downing, wife of Lieutenant Scudder Klyce, U. S. X'., and Ensign Charles 
Emerson Hovey, U. S. X".. who was killed in action on the Island of 
Basilan, Philippine Islands. September 24. 191 1. In memory of Rev. 
Henr)^ Emerson Hovey, a very fine window was given to St. John's 
Church by his parishioners and friends. His remains were laid to rest 
in St. John's Churchyard. 

EXSIGX CHARLES EMERSOX HOVEY, U.S.X., was born in 
Portsmouth, N. H., January 10. 1885, and was killed in action in the 
Philippine Islands. September 24, 191 1. He was a son of the late Rev. 
Henry Emerson Hovey and Sarah Louise (Folsom) Hovey. 

Charles Emerson Hovey attended the Portsmouth, N. H., public 
schools and the Portsmouth. X'. H., High School, graduating from the 
latter in the class of 1902. He attended Holderness School at Plymouth, 
N. H., one j-ear and then, for one year, was a student at the Boston 
(Mass.) School of Technology. In 1904 he was appointed to the United 
States Naval Academy, from w-hich he graduated w-ith his class in 1907. 
While in attendance at the Naval Academy he became president of the 
Naval Academy Y^. j\I. C. A., which was brought, through his efforts, 
up to a very fine standard. He was on the Battleship "Ohio" on its 
trip around the world. 

He published (1911) the "Watch Officer's Manual, United States 
Navy." The Manual covers in a brief and accessible way all the duties 
of the officer of the Deck of the Navy and of the Naval Militia, as re- 
quired by regulations and custom. This was a work of great impor- 
tance and was admirablv conceived and executed and received the heartv 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 739 

recommendations of naval officers and authorities on naval atTairs. This 
work was revised in accordance with the 1913 Navy Regulations Ijy 
Lieutenant-Commander Austin Kautz, U.S.N. 

Ensign Charles Emerson Hovey, U.S.N., was ordered to tlie Phil- 
ippines in 1910. He was commanding a detachment of men from the 
U.S.S. Pampanga, September 24, 191 1, in pursuit of outlaw Moros in 
the Island of Basilan when his party was ambushed and he himself mor- 
tally wounded. He was a member of the Delta Psi, a literary college 
fraternity, and he was also a member of the New York Yacht Club 
and of the Lambs Club of New York. 

His memory is preserved in Portsmouth by a very handsome and 
artistic drinking fountain erected near the post office. It was made in 
Italy. The basin and pedestal are of Carrara marble, surmounted by a 
bronze figure of young Neptune (renaissance), originally in a palace 
garden in Sienna. A marble memorial tablet has been placed in St. John's 
Church in Ensign Hovey's memory by his young friends. His remains 
are interred in St. John's Church Yard. 

HARLAN PAGE AAIEX, A.M., Litt.D., for eighteen years principal 
of Phillips E.xeter Academy, whose sudden death on Sunday, November 
9, 1913, deprived Exeter of one of its foremost citizens, was born at 
Sinking Spring, Ohio, April 14, 1853, the son of Daniel and Sarah J. 
(Barber) Amen. The Amen family is of Huguenot origin. Branches 
use the form Ammen and the late Rear Admiral Daniel Ammen was a 
kinsman of Dr. Amen. 

After attending the common schools in his birthplace, Mr. Amen was 
for two years a pupil at the High school in Portsmouth, Ohio, when he 
was obliged to seek employment. This he found in a congenial post, a 
clerkship in a Portsmouth bookstore. Meanwhile, encouraged by his 
former teacher and friends, he devoted all available time to reading 
and study. In the fall of 1872 he came East and was by the late Dr. 
Nathaniel B. Shurtleff, of Boston, to whom he brought letters of intro- 
duction, induced to enter Phillips Exeter Academy, from which he was 
graduated in 1875. Despite the fact that he was compelled to support 
himself, Mr. Amen maintained a high rank in scholarship throughout 
his course. He also found time heartily to enter into other phases of 
school life, religious, social and athletic. In strength and agility few 
were his equals and he was a member of a school crew. From the Acad- 
emy he went to Har\ard, where he was graduated in 1879, likewise with 
high rank. Throughout his course at the Academy and at Harvard 
his roommate was \\'illiam DeW. Hyde, now president of Bowdoin Col- 
lege and a trustee of the Academy. 

Choosing teaching as his profession — in which at least two class- 
mates. Dr. Hyde at Bowdoin and Prof. William B. Hill at Vassar, have 
achieved distinction, Dr. Amen was in 1879-82 instructor in classics, 
mathematics and English at Riverview Academy, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 
In 1882-93 he was its instructor in Latin and Greek and also joint prin- 
cipal. In the latter post he revealed an administrative ability that brought 
steadily increasing prosperity to Riverview and led to his election in 
June, 1895. as the seventh principal of Phillips Exeter Academy. For 
two years he was also professor of Latin. He had since gix'cn sole atten- 
tion to administrative work. 



740 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Under his wise and far-seeing administration the ancient school has 
wonderfully prospered. The number of students has increased from 191 
to 570, of teachers from 10 to 2,2. The curriculum has been enriched. 
The helpful system of advisers has been instituted, as has preceptorial 
instruction for boys in need of this help, and other salutary changes have 
been quietly effected. Finely appointed dormitories, Alumni hall, the 
Merrill buildings, the Davis library, the Plimpton fields and other valu- 
able additions have been made to the physical equipment of the school. 
A crowning achievement was the raising of the urgently needed teach- 
ers' endowment fund of $350,000. In tlie discharge of this difficult task 
Dr. Amen visited every section of the land, devoting practically an en- 
tire school year to the work. He literally gave himself to the school, 
never sparing himself in discharge of the manifold duties and responsi- 
bilities of his principalship. Phillips Exeter has been signally fortunate 
m the succession of great teachers who have devotedly'served her, but 
to none does she owe more than to Harlan Page Amen. The great 
scliool of to-day is his best memorial. 

The numerous messages of regret, sympathy and condolence re- 
ceived after death feelingly testified to the esteem' in which he was held 
by leaders in educational work and to the strength of his hold on the 
afifection of former pupils and the alumni in general. In his premature 
death the Academy sustained a loss, the magnitude of which can hardly 
be realized. 

Williams College in 1886 conferred upon Mr. Amen its honorary 
A.M.; Dartmouth, its Litt.D. in 191 1. At the last commencement pre- 
vious to his death he was elected an overseer of Harvard College. He 
was a member of many scholarly societies, among them the Archc-eologi- 
cal Institute of America, the American Philological and the .American 
Historical associations and the New HampshireHistorical society. He 
was an honorary member of the American Whig society of Princeton 
University. He was a member of the New England association of Col- 
leges and Preparatory Schools, of which he was president in 1909-11; 
the Head Masters' association, which he served as preident in 1910; the 
Harvard Teachers' association, of which he was president in 1900; the 
New Hampshire association of Academy Teachers, its president in 
1900. and the Massachusetts School Masters' club, of which he was vice- 
president in 1910-11. He had been president of the Harvard club of 
New Plampshire. He was a member of the New Hampshire committee 
on the selection of Rhodes scholars at Oxford from this state. He also 
held membership in the Twentieth Centurv club of Boston and the 
University club of New York. 

As a citizen of Exeter Dr. Amen was thoroughly loyal to the old 
town and intereted in all pertaining to its welfare." His life touched the 
community at many points. The Cottage hospital was dear to him. He 
contributed $1,000 to its building fund, had given other proofs of interest 
and had long served the hospital as a trustee. He was a zealous mem- 
ber of Phillips church and one of its deacons. He had served the New 
parish as assessor and otherwise. He was chairman of the trustees of 
the Merrill Institute and of judges at the High School and Seminary 
Merrill prize contests. He was a director of the Exeter Banking Com- 
pany and of the Exeter and Hampton Electric company and a former di- 
rector of the Exeter, Hampton and Amesbury Street Railway company. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 741 

He was a trustee of the Joseph C. Milliard estate, from which the Acad- 
emy will e\entually receive $200,000 or more. So far as other cares per- 
mitted Dr. Amen was zealous in the discharge of duties pertaining to 
these varied posts. He was an associate of Cincinnati Memorial halFand 
a member of the Renaissance and the Musical clubs. He was a Mason 
of Knight Templar rank, a member of Star in the East lodge and his 
other affiliations in Poughkeepsie. 

In political faith Dr. Amen was a staunch Repuldican. He attended 
the last Republican naticjnal convention as an alternate delegate-at-large 
from New Hampshire. 

As previously stated. Dr. Amen had traveled widely in this country. 
He had also visited Me.xico and had made several trips to Europe. W hen 
circumstances permitted, he was wont to spend the summer vacation at 
Mt. Desert, Me., wdiere at Hancock Point he owned a tract on which 
he planned to build, at Lake Sunapee or among the White Mountains. 
Their charms were fully known to him and had a strong hold upon him. 
He was naturally a member of the Appalachian club. Appreciative of 
the best in literature. Dr. Amen was a lover of books and collected a large 
library, which comprises many rare and valuable works. Shortly before 
his death he announced his intention to give to the Academy 5000 vol- 
umes as a memorial of his late wife. Music and art powerfully appealed 
to Dr. Amen, as did all the finer things of life. Generous, broadminded 
and sympathetic, he was quickly responsive to every appeal, whether 
from a student in distress or any in special need. Courtesy and kindness 
ever characterized him. To his intimates he was the most g-enial and 
delightful of men. He was at his best in his home, as those can testify 
who have been privileged to enjoy his hospitality. Its inner shrines are 
private and sacred. It may be said in closing that in Dr. Amen Exeter 
lost a citizen of the tinest t|ualities. who had endeared himself to the 
entire community. 

On April 5, 1882, Dr. Amen was married to Mary Bro\vne Rawson, 
of Whitinsville, Mass., whose death on August 18, 1901, at Lake Sunapee, 
was a sore bereavement. Dr. Amen has left three daughters, the Misses 
Margaret R., Elizabeth W. and R. Perne Amen, and a son, John H. 
Amen, a member of the Upper Middle class at the Academ}'. 

GEN. STEPHEN H. GALE. One of the most perplexing prob- 
lems in modern political economy is that presented l)y the tendency of 
the times towards concentration of industrial enterprises in the cities 
and the consecjuent depletion of industrial opportunities throughout 
the towns and villages, especially those of New England, where agricul- 
tural possibilities are not so favorable as in many other sccticms of our 
country. 

Pie whose life's work results not only in arresting the city's draft 
upon his own communitv but also wins for it an influ.x of self-support- 
ing people, performs a public service not to lie reckoned lightly, nor dis- 
missed from thoughtful appreciation liecause of personal benefits he may 
have deri\'ed therefrom. 

In Exeter, this state, a town of approximately five thousand inhabit- 
ants, there is a manufacturing establishment giving direct employment 
to from six to seven hundred persons, and indirectly contributing towards 
the employment of many others: to the general lousiness prosperity of 



742 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

the town and to the material welfare of the surrounding agricultural 
population. Its pay roll disbursements are approximately three hundred 
thousand dollars a year, all from revenue drawn into Exeter by sales of 
product in outside markets, principally in the West and Southwest. The 
average wages paid are better than those earned in other occupations 
near by and the personnel of the employes compares favorably with 
that of persons otherwise engaged in that vicinity. The policy of the 
management of this establishment towards the employes is free from 
many of the restrictive features found in city factories which, while 
perhaps necessary there, tends towards sapping away that consciousness 
of personal independence so requisite to good citizenship. The esprit 
de corps among the employes calls for self-respecting manhood and 
womanhood and is sustained as well as is the general tone of the com- 
munity at large. 

This, then, is the principal accomplishment of Gen. Stephen H. 
Gale, and it is one of which he is justly proud : toward which he has 
devoted the best years of his life- and in which he has found that rare 
enjoyment which one experiences in the realization that while building 
well for himself he has also built well for others, and all this near the 
scenes of his early childhood, within six miles of where he was born. 

Stephen Henry Gale was born in East Kingston, N. H., March 23, 
1846, and is of the fifth generation from Jacob Gale, the first of the name 
to settle in that town nearly two hundred years ago, and whose descend- 
ants have been prominently identified with local history from that time 
to this. Jacob was the fourth in line of direct descent from Edmond Gale 
of Cambridge, Mass., the pioneer of the family to America. He came 
here early in 1600 from England, where the name is found recorded 
as among the "landed gentry" from before the time of William the 
Conqueror. It is supposed to be of Scotch-Irish origin. 

A son of Jacob, also named Jacob, who was General Gale's great- 
grandfather, acquired considerable property in and around East Kings- 
ton. He was one of those strong, rugged men, thoroughly imbued with 
the "spirit of '76," to whose patriotic services both before and during 
the war, the independence of America is due. He was a delegate to the 
First Provincial Congress of New Hampshire, which met in Exeter, July 
21, 1774, to take steps toward declaring New Hampshire free from 
British sovereignity and to provide for a constitutional form of gov- 
ernment. Afterwards he was lieutenant-colonel of a regiment of state 
troops under the command of the famous Josiah Bartlett, and later suc- 
ceeded him as colonel. 

Colonel Jacob's son. Henry, married Mary Atkinson of Newbury- 
port, Mass., and their son, Elbridge Gerry Gale, was the father of 
Stephen H., the subject of this sketch. His mother was Ann Maria 
Barnes of Boscawen, N. H.. to whom his father was married in 1837. 
She was the daughter of Josiah Barnes, a popular hotel keeper of New 
Hampshire, whose son, Amos, following in his father's footsteps, became 
the well-known proprietor of the Hotel Brunswick of Boston, which he 
managed for many years, until his death a short time ago. 

General Gale's father was a farmer of moderate circumstances, mainly 
dependent upon his own exertions for the support of his family. He 
died in 1847, when Stephen was but 16 months old. Besides Stephen, he 
left a widow and two other children: Mary Ann, not then nine years 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 743 

of a2e and John Elbridge, a boy between six and seven. The problem 
confronting- the mother was a difficult one ; but she met it bravely by 
sellin.^ the farm, retaining only the house with a little land around it, 
and devoting herself to the rearing of her children upon a very small in- 
come supplemented by her own efforts. She so managed that^each of 
them had such educational advantages as the schools of Eas^t Js.mgston 
provided and some instruction beyond; but hard as it was for her and 
for them stern necessity compelled them to forego many of the pleas- 
urable experiences incidental to their years and devote such time as could 
be spared from their studies to work that would contribute towards the 
family support. . , , , 

Money was scarce in rural New England m those days and oppor- 
tunities for acquiring it were few and far between; but the introduc- 
tion of shoemaking into farming communities offered a chance to the 
more energetic, which several of the East Kingston farms acepted dur- 
incr the winter months and at such other times as they could devote to 
it" This work was brought to them from Haverhill, Mass., by freight- 
ers •■ who <xathered it up from shops about that city, where all parts of 
the shoe were cut and fitted ready to be sewn up and pegged by persons 
in the country districts, to whom they were distributed. The work was 
exacting and not especially remunerative, but it brought money in 
return and was a welcomed source of additional revenue. 

It was at this work that John E. and Stephen began to earn money 
after school and in vacations, as soon as they were old enough to be 
of any assistance to those engaged in it near their home. 1 hey became 
interested in the work, and there learned the rudimentary principles of 
a business which since then, under entirely different conditions, has 
grown to be one of New England's greatest industries and m which 
they have both become singularly successful. 

John E left home when he was 14 years old and went to 1 orts- 
mouth N H.. where he attended the grammar school and had three 
years' instruction in the high school. He was clerk in a store there for 
a short time and then went to Haverhill. Mass.. where after working 
a while in a grocery store, he found employment m a shoe factory and 
in 1862. started in the shoe manufacturing business for himself 

Stephen remained at home until nearly seventeen years old. at- 
tending the village schools and Kingston Academy. He also took a 
course^in the Boston Commercial College, traveling to Boston and back 
daily All this time he was working diligently at shoemaking, before 
and' after school hours and in vacation periods. In i^[33 jie went to 
Haverhill Mass., and secured employment in William M. Chase s shoe 
factory as an assistant bookkeeper. What time could be spared from 
his regular duties was devoted to other work around the factory and m 
acquinno- further knowledge of the different processes employed m 
the manufacture of shoes. About a year later he went to w;ork in his 
brother's factory, who before long assisted him to start m business upon 
his own account, which he did by working early in the mornings and until 
late in the evenings before and after his regular day s work for his 
brother He commenced in the basement of the building occupied by 
his brother, on a cash capital of $200, which he had managed to sav-e. 
With that he bought small lots of leather at a time, cut them into the 
various parts of shoes himself, sent them into the country to be put 



744 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

together and sold the shoes when linished. Before long he was able 
to rent a small room upstairs and devote his entire time to a growing 
business, which soon was greater than he could attend to alone. He 
then began to employ others, working with them as assiduously as 
before. 

Requiring more capital as his business expanded he formed a part- 
nership with Capt. Samuel L. Blaisdell, a former resident of East Kings- 
ton and a close friend of his father and mother. The captain gave no 
personal attention to the business, so in about a year's time the lirm 
was dissolved, and Mr. Gale continued on alone. He allowed n(jthing to 
interfere with a steadfast determination to mount the ladder of industrial 
success, and, therefore, concentrated his whole attention upon his lousi- 
ness, without allowing himself to be diverted from it by the many forms 
of recreation or amusement so attractive to young men of his age. 

As a reward for such continued application he became sufficiently 
well established in the industrial world to warrant a partnership with 
his brother, John E., when their interests were consolidated in 1869, 
under the firm name of Gale Brothers. Their business continued grow- 
ing until in 1884 there was not room enough in their Haverhill factory 
to meet its increasing requirements and they decided to start a branch 
factory in Exeter. By November of that year a four-story l)rick build- 
ing, 150x40 feet, had been erected in that town, in which a modern 
plant was installed and Stephen went there to take charge of and 
develop that part of the business, while John E., and John H. Sanborn, 
a cousin, who had been admitted to the firm, remained in Haverhill in 
charge of the business there. At that time the sales of Gale Brothers 
amounted to about one nfillion dollars annually, principally of medium- 
grade women's shoes. 

Upon opening their branch factory in Exeter, part of the wtnnen's 
and all of the men's shoes were made there, the men's work being 
carried on under the name of the Exeter Boot and Shoe Company, for 
which all of the capital was supplied by Gale Brothers. Six years later 
the Exeter factory was enlarged by the extension of the buildings at the 
same height and width for 260 feet. When completed, the Haverhill 
business was transferred to Exeter, and John E. Gale practically retired 
from active participation in it in f)r(ler to devote himself to banking- 
matters in which he had l>ecome largely interested, and incidentally to 
the founding of a new shoe manufacturing enterprise, the Gale Sbcie 
Manufacturing Company, for his son, Herbert E. John E. Gale is now 
president of the Haverhill National Bank and the Gale Shoe Manu- 
facturing Company has two factories in operation, one in Haverhill, 
Mass., and another at Portsmouth. N. H. General Gale has no financial 
interest in this company, and is not concerned in it except as one brother 
may be in the fortunes of another. 

In 1902 the Exeter business was converted into a stock company 
under the name of Gale Brothers, Incorporated, and so it stands today. 
The stockholders and officers in 1902, were: Stephen H. Gale, president 
and treasurer: John E. Gale, vice-president: John H. Sanborn, general 
manager: Charles A. McGreggor, secretary: and John A. Towle. sell- 
ing agent. Messrs. McGreggor and Towle — the latter another cousin 
of the Messrs. Gale — were young men who had been with the firm for 
some time and had jiractically "grown up to the Inisincss." With 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 745 

the exception of Mr. Sanborn, who retired in May, 1901, the personnel 
of the company is the same today, for upon his retn-ement his stock 
was taken over by General Gale, Mr. McGreggor and Mr. Towie, and 
his duties divided between them. 

The annual product of this factory amounts to approximately two 
million pairs of women's shoes; the manufacture of men's shoes having 
been discontinued several years ago. There has not been a time since 
its establishment in Exeter when it has been idle for lack of sul'ticient 
business to keep it in operation. It has an enviable reputation in shoe 
manufacturing circles for furnishing steady work to its employes and 
keeping them for years. Upon the company's books are the names of 
active customers who have been dealing with Gale Brothers ever since 
they started in business in Haverhill, nearly forty years ago. The com- 
pany's credit, resting on the reputation uf its founders, and its own 
record, is unimpeachable in the financial world, for ever since John 
E. and Stephen began id do business they have discounted all "their 
bills and, even in periods of financial and industrial depression, have 
never sought or received financial assistance to enable them to carry 
out this policy. This is to them one of the most cherished recollections 
of an active business life of nearly half a century's duration. 

In 1866 Stephen H. Gale married Anna M. Brown uf ria\erhill, 
Mass., a daughter of Addison Brown, a prosperous shoe manufacturer 
of that place. She is a woman of charming personality and admirable 
poise, well fitted by education and cultivation to preside over their 
handsome home, or to grace any social gathering, wherever it may 
be. General Gale owes much to her and fully appreciates it. They 
have had three children, two sons and one daughter. The sons both 
died in infancy. The daughter, Alice C., is married to Arthur L. Hob- 
son and they have a delightful home in Boston, near the Brookline 
line, and a summer place at Little Boar's Head, Rye Beach. Mr. Holjson 
is a son of John L. Hobson of Haverhill, Mass., who was a large owner 
in the Glenn ^Manufacturing Company of Berlin, N. H., Isefore it was 
merged into the International Paper Company. Mr. Arthur L. Hobson 
is treasurer of the St. Croix Paper Company, which is building a very 
large paper plant at Woodlands, near Calais, Ale. Mr. and Mrs. Ho])- 
son have had five children, two of wliom were liorn in Berlin, where 
thev lived for several years; one at Little Boar's Head and two in 
Boston. One died in infancy and of tho>>e remaining, two are boys 
and two are girls, all bright and lovable and exceedingly fond of "Grand- 
pa Gale," who in turn finds in their companionsliip and happy lives much 
to recompense him for the privations of his younger days. 

General Gale's first introduction to political life was in 1S74. when 
he was elected a member of the Haverhill city council, and was upon 
the Republican citv committee ; but not enjoying political position he only 
served one term in the council and declined to entertain suggestions for 
further political advancement at that time. 

After going to Exeter, in 18S4, he became interested in local and 
state politics of New Hampshire, but for several years sought no place 
of political preferment, as the development of his business required so 
much of his attention that he could give no time to ofificial duties and 
responsibilities. In 1892, however, the business being then well estab- 
lished, he entered heartilv into campaign work and assisted considerably 



746 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAIM COUNTY 

ill the redemption of Rockingham County from Democratic control. 
The following year he was elected by the Legislature commissary-gen- 
eral of New Hampshire, and as such served upon the staff of Gov. John 
B. Smith. 

In 1894 he was elected to the state Senate from District No. 21, 
receiving a larger plurality than had been given to a candidate for the 
Senate in that district for a number of years. In the Senate he was 
chairman of the committee on finance and a member of the judiciary 
committee. He was one of the most active members of that bod}^ in 
favor of the law then enacted establishing a state board of charities 
and providing for the support of dependent orphans under its direction. 
Another measure which had his hearty support passed the Senate, but 
failed of passage in the House of Representatives. It was to confer 
upon justices discretionarj- power to dismiss or suspend action under 
trustee process whenever satisfied that the defendant had been remiss 
because of illness or unfortunate circumstances, and that to enforce 
payment would prove undue hardship upon those dependent upon him 
for support. 

In 1896 General Gale was elected an alternate delegate to the 
Republican National Convention held in St. Louis, at which McKinley 
was nominated for president. In i8g8 he was elected from District No. 
2, a member of Governor Rollins" council, receiving the largest plurality 
given any councilor at that election and running ahead of the state and 
congressional ticket at home and in the City of Manchester, which com- 
prises more than half the district. In the council he was a member of 
the finance committee and as such left a good record for economy and 
business sagacity in several important matters of state expenditure which 
were entrusted to his charge. 

In 1902 he made a short but spirited campaign for the Republican 
gubernatorial nomination; but declined to allow his name to go before 
the convention, because the resolution of that body upon the liquor ques- 
tion was not consistent with his position during the campaign, in which 
he had advocated a straight-out declaration in favor of the stringent 
enforcement of the prohibitory law or. as an alternative, pledging the 
enactment of a local option license law of such character as would re- 
strict the liquor traffic, so far as public sentiment would permit, and thus 
end the disgraceful evasions and defiance of the prohibitory law, then 
prevalent all over the state. 

He was elected a representative to the Legislature in 1905. having 
been unanimously nominated by the Republican caucus and afterwards 
endorsed by the Democrats. At the polls he received the largest vote 
ever given a candidate for that ofifice in the history of the town of Exeter, 
and what pleased him especially was the loyalty of the employes in his 
factory who were entitled to vote at that election. Practically all of 
them Voted for him without solicitation or suggestion on his part, and 
with the knowledge from past experience that he would not attempt 
to influence their political action. 

The line of public activity in which General Gale has become best 
known relates to the solution of the liquor problem in New Hampshire. 
Until a few years ago he believed in statutory prohibition, but became 
convinced that to cling to hopes of that ever proving efificacious in 
restraint of the liquor traffic, while public sentiment in the state con- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 747 

tinues as it has been for many years, was to sacrifice best results to an 
illusory phantom of pure sentimentality. He, therefore, became a con- 
vert to local option, or at least believed it was time to turn to it as a 
possible remedy for many of the evils that had been engendered during 
50 years' non-enforcement of the prohibitory laws. The present license 
law, enacted in 1903, docs not meet his views because, while it recog- 
nizes local option sufficiently to masquerade under the name, it does 
not carry the principle to consistent completion. It permits cities and 
towns to vote for or against license, but empowers a board of state 
commissioners to grant licenses in towns where the vote has been 
against them, or to refuse licenses in places where the vote has been for 
them. It confers extraordinary discretionary powers upon a state board 
and denies to local authorities any voice in the naming of licensees or 
in the regulation of traffic carried on by them. The local communities 
are helpless under this law, and prohibition is impossible anywhere, even 
if public sentiment strongly favors it, unless the state commissioners so 
ordain. 

When this law was being considered General Gale was one of its most 
active opponents, because under it no fair test can be made of the rela- 
tive merits of statutory prohibition and local option, and also because 
he did not believe the whole power over all the liquor traffic in the 
state should be entrusted to any three men who might, if so disposed, 
inaugurate a system of corruption or political domination as menacing 
to public morality and political integrity as were the evils existing under 
the prohibitory laws. 

In the Legislature of 1905 he introduced a bill for the repeal of the 
law of 1903 and the substitution of one which would, in his opinion, be 
more appropriate to the New Hampshire situation. It placed the re- 
sponsibility for. and the control of, the liquor traffic directly upon the 
voters in each city or town. They could elect to have absolute prohibi- 
tion, or to permit' liquor to be sold in such manner as they deemed best 
for the community and public sentiment would approve. In voting for 
or against license' a ballot similar in form to the Australian ballot was 
to be used, on which the names of each kind of license would be desig- 
nated, as are the names of candidates for office on the regular ticket, 
so that each person could vote for or against any particular form of 
license and thus have a voice in determining not only whether or not 
licenses should be issued, but also in what manner liquor should be 
sold, if sold at all. Local license commissioners were to be elected by 
secret ballot, who were to issue licenses and direct in writing upon each 
the terms under which it could be exercised. The votes on license and 
for commissioners were to be in special meetings held for that purpose 
only, to prevent entanglement with local affairs. If the commissioners 
pro'v'ed recreant to the trust imposed upon them, they could be dis- 
missed and their successors elected at a special meeting which could 
be called for that purpose. State supervision was to be entirely elimi- 
nated except for police purposes. Inspectors were to be appointed by 
the oovernor and council and travel about the state to see that licensees 
obeved the conditions of their licenses, and that no illegal sales of liquor 
were made. Where violations of law were discovered they were to 
act as complainants, press the cases to trial, and report to the attorney- 
general any failure to act or unreasonable delay on the part of any pub- 
lic prosecuting officer. 



748 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

As may be inferred from the preceding sketch, General Gale is a 
man of strong personal characteristics. He is forceful, energetic and 
persistent to an unusual degree; always mentally alert, analytical and 
resourceful. Independence of thought and action are especially pre- 
dominating traits, and yet he is ever ready to receive advice and act 
upon it if convinced that it is sound. It would be practically useless 
to attempt to swerve him from a course of action after he is satisfied 
that it is the proper one to pursue, but he will often yield his own 
opinions in deference to others whose title to consideration may not 
be equal to his own. 

He is a member of the Congregational Church, a Knight Templar, 
vice-president of the Republican Town Club of Exeter, director in the 
Haverhill National Bank, member of the Derryfield Club of Manches- 
ter, and of the New Hampshire Club of Boston. — Thos. J. Walker. 

ELMER J. F. LITTLEFIELD, one of Portsmouth's most progres- 
sive business men, is sole owner and proprietor of the Littletield Lum- 
ber Co., an enterprise with an established reputation throughout this 
region. Mr. Littlefield was born August 4, 1865, at Wells, Maine, 
where many of his relatives have long lived, there having been five gen- 
erations of the family there before him. 

Oren H. Littlefield, father of Elmer, is a native of \\ ells, Maine, as 
is his wife, and farming has been his life work. He married Annie E. 
Thompson by whom he has four children : Elmer J. F. ; Horton T. : 
Bertha E. ; and Helen, wife of Albert J. Talpey. 

Elmer I. F. Littlefield received educational training in the district 
schools of Wells, and early learned the trade of a carpenter. This was to 
be his work during the succeeding twenty-seven years, the last eleven 
years of which time were employed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 
With Mr. N. A. McKenney. he embarked in the luml>er business in 
Portsmouth, their business being incorporated under the name of the 
McKenney-Littlefield Lumber Co. The enterprise flourished and the 
business has been carried on since without interruption, although after 
an association of eleven years Mr. }>IcKenney retired, leaxing Mr. Lit- 
tlefield sole owner and proprietor. 

.August 2, 1892, the subject of this record married Helen Rowe, who 
w-as born in Berwick, Maine, and is a daughter of George W. and Jane 
(Robinson) Rowe. Her father was in his younger days a shoemaker by 
trade, but later took to farming which thereafter was his principal occu- 
pation. Mr. Rowe was a member of Company F, 4th Reg.. N. H. Vol. 
Inf., and served throughout the entire Civil War. :\Irs. Littlefield has 
the following brothers and sisters: George A.; Wallace J.; John A.: 
Mabel F., wife of Harry Perkins: Frank: Jennie, wife of E. H. Corey; 
Delia : and William. Helen was the fourth in order of birth. Mr. and 
Mrs. Littlefield have three children: Harold A., who in 1914 was grad- 
uated from Portsmouth High School: E. Kenneth: and Edith H. Relig- 
iously the family attends the First Congregational Church. 

I\ir. Littlefield is a Republican in politics, and is afliliated with the 
Order of Odd Fellows. 

HON. CALXIX PAGE, of Portsmouth, has been for a long time a 
leader in the law. the business, the politics and the public affairs of New 




OiJly(n^^ 




AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 751 

Hampshire. His name and influence have been and are potent in i^ankinsf. 
insurance, railroad and other circles; and his home city has shown its apprecia- 
tion of his wisdom, experience and pubhc spirit by conferring upon him all 
the more important honors and re&i)onsibilities within its gift. A lifelong 
resident of Xew Hampshire and one of her most valuable citizens, his activ- 
ities ha\e been by no means confined to her limits, his professional and per- 
sonal reputation, on the contrary, being as high in other states as in his own. 

Judge I 'age was born in North Hampton. Rockingham County, N. H., 
August 22, 1845. in the tenth generation from Robert Page of Ormsby, 
County of Norfolk. England, whose son Robert, came from England and 
settled in Hampton. New Hampshire, in 1639. Judge Page's ancestors in 
succeeding generations were farmers and good citizens of Hampton and 
North Hampton. His father. Captain Simon Dow Page of the state militia, 
married Judith Rollins of Loudon and to them one son and three daughters 
were born. 

The son, Calvin, spent his Ixjyhood on his father's farm, attended the 
district schools in North Hampton and later was a student at the famous 
Phillips Academy in Exeter, where he fitted for Harvard College. Entering 
that institution in 1864 as a member of its sophomore class, he was soon com- 
pelled by lack of funds to withdraw and returned to his father's house for a 
winter and spring of farm work and \\oo(l chupping. 

In the following summer, however, the way of his future career opened 
before him and on July 19, 1865, he entered as a student the law office of the 
late Hon. Albert R. Hatch in Portsmouth. 

Here Judge Page worked for his board as well as for his instruction in 
legal lore by keeping his perceptor's books and making himself generally 
useful about the office. He found time, however, for such application to his 
studies as enabled him to pass the state Imr examinations and to be admitted 
to the bar of New Hampshire in 1868. Immediately he entered upon the 
practice of his profession in Portsmouth and so has continued ever since. 
He w-as president of the State Bar Association in 1904-5, and the annual 
address to the members of the bar by him dwelt principally upon the illegiti- 
mate use of the lobby in the legislature and the evil results of the then common 
free pass system. 

As a lawyer Judge Page was and is one of the most successful in the 
state, his large and lucrative practice covering a wide range of territory, 
clientage and character of cases. In 19 10 the demands upon his time and 
strength became so heavy and exhausting that he practically retired from 
general practice, retaining, however, his more important connections, such as 
the care and management of the great h>ank Jones estate, of which he is an 
executor and trustee. Those who remember how keen a judge of men 
Mr. Jones was will appreciate the compliment to Judge Page implied in his 
choice for these responsible and onerous positions. 

To give the reader an adequate idea as to how varied and important fudge 
Page's relations to the world of business have been and are, it will be necessary 
only to list some of his chief official positions, past and present, in this con- 
nection, as follows : President of the New Hampshire National Bank of 
Portsmouth: Portsmouth Trust and Guarantee Company: Granite State Fire 
Insurance Company: Portsmouth Fire Association: Portsmouth Shoe Com- 
pany: Suncook Waterworks Company; Eastman Freight Car Heater Com- 
pany: Eastman Produce Company: Piscataqua Fire Insurance Company; 
IManchester and Lawrence Railroad, and Laconia Car Company Works; 



752 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Member of the American Committee of ^Management of the Frank Jones 
Brewing Company; director in tlie Upper Coos Railroad and in the Concord 
antl Portsmouth Railroad, etc. 

It is the solid success, the careful conservatism, the helpful upbuilding 
characteristic of Calvin Page as a business man upon which his friends lay 
e(|ual stress with his brilliance as a lawyer, and his knowledge, experience and 
aliililv in public affairs, in urging his choice to the office to which he now 
aspires. Truly remarkable, in fact, is the ability with which throughout his 
career Judge Page has driven the difiicult tri])le hitch of law. business and 
public service. 

Always a Democrat, Judge Page, as a stanch and uncompromising member 
and leader of the minority party in the state, has been, up to this time, out 
of the line of approach to the highest elective offices: but in his home tow'n 
his fellow citizens have been choosing him to office after office for two score 
years, and President Cleveland in each of his two temis as chief executive of 
the nation was prompt to recognize Judge Page by appointing him to the 
important place of collector of internal revenue for the District of New 
Hampshire, embracing the states of ]\Iaine, New Hamjjshire and X'erniont. a 
position which he has thus filled for eight years. 

Twice, in 1884-1885 and again in 1899-1900, he has been Mayor Page 
of Portsmouth. I'or more than thirty years a member of the board of educa- 
tion and chairman of the high school committee, he has had great part in 
making the schools of the city one of the chief sources of its just pride. He 
has been city solicitor, judge of the municipal court, and memlter of the board 
of water commissioners. 

In 1888 Judge Page was elected a delegate to the convention which 
assembled in Concord, January 2, i88g, to propose amendments to the consti- 
tution of the state. It was a notable gathering, with Charles H. Bell of 
Exeter as its president and among its members such men as Isaac W. Smith, 
James I'". Briggs, Henry E. Burnham, Charles H. Bartlett and David Cross 
of Manchester, Benjamin A. Kimball and Joseph B. Walker of Concord, 
John W. Sanborn of Wakefield, Frank N. Parsons, Isaac N. Blcdgett and 
Alvah \V. Sulloway of Franklin, William S. Ladd of Lancaster, Robert M. 
U'allace of Milford, Ellery A. Hibbard of Laconia, Ira Colby of Claremont 
and Dexter Richards of Newport. Judge Page had a prominent part in the 
work of convention, the principal results of wdiich were the change in time 
of legislative sessions from June to January and the compensation of mem- 
bers by a fixed salary instead of a per diem. 

He was himself one of the first to test the practical workings of these 
changes, for in November, 1892, he was elected to the New Hampshire State 
Senate of 1893 from the Twenty-fourth District and was the Democratic 
candidate for president of the senate. At this important session Senator 
Page served on the committees on judiciary, railroads, banks and finance, 
being chairman of the last-named, and the worth of his work was remembered 
through a decade, so that in 1902 he was elected from the same district to 
take the same seat in the State Senate of 1903. 

At this session he introduced and advocated for the first time in our legis- 
lature a bill for the election of United States senators by the people. Though 
the measure was opposed by the Republican majority of the Senate and failed 
to become a law then, Judge Page has lived to see it become the law not only 
of this state, but of a large number of the states of the Union by the votes 
of all parties. He also opposed the lobby and publicly called attention to its 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 753 

acts. Naturally he now asserts that he was the first progressive legislator in 
the state, being the first to publicly advocate and work for the things which 
every political party has recently hastened to favor; and he declares that the 
very men who then opposed him and his progressive measures are now the 
loudest shouters for them, and are using his ideas and his proposed laws of 
1903 as their own later inventions. 

Judge Page is a member of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. M., and of DeWitt 
Clinton Commandery, K. T., of Portsmouth, being the oldest living past com- 
mander of the latter body. He belongs to the War-wick Club, Portsmouth, 
and to various other clubs, societies and associations in his own city and else- 
where. He is a Unitarian in religious belief. 

His spacious and hospitable residence is one of the finest in Portsmouth, 
famous as a city of beautiful and historic homes, and its magnificent flower 
garden is one of the show places of the region. Judge Page married, January 
7, 1870, Arabella T- Moran. Their daughter, Agnes, married Colonel John H. 
Bartletl of Portsmouth and they have a son, Calvin Page Bartlett. born 
October 8. 1901. 

This sketch would not be complete did it not refer to Judge Page's part in 
the famous Peace Conference of the delegates from Russia and Japan, brought 
about in August. 1905. by the mediations of President Roosevelt — the most 
famous gathering the world had e\'er known. For this mid-summer meeting 
the President naturally sought a spot in our state where the cool lareezes at 
the mountains or the ocean would tend to calmness and comfort. The great 
Hotel Went worth at Newcastle was then a part of the estate of Frank Jones, 
of which Judge Page was trustee. Under a clause in Mr. Jones's will giving 
his trustees power to do anything with his estate that they thought he, him- 
self, would do if living at the time. Judge Page, through the president and 
Governor McLane, invited the peace delegates to the number of nearly one 
hundred, including all their attaches, to live at the big hotel free of charge 
so long as the conference should last; and the delegates and all their attend- 
ants from both nations lived there for more than thirty days at a cost to the 
Jones estate of over twenty-five thousand dollars. And as is well known, in 
recognition of the hospitality of the Jones estate and its trustees, Japan and 
Russia each gave to the state of New Hampshire ten thousand dollars, the 
income of which is annually distributed among the charitable institutions of 
the state. 

Judge Page's long and useful career, so filled with private enterprise and 
public service, is now, as may be learned even from this brief outline, at the 
height of its achievement. The solid success, personal, professional, political, 
won by this son of New Hampshire, is the more notable because it has come 
through his own unaided efforts in the face of many obstacles and difficulties. 
And appreciation by his fellows of what his efforts have meant to the com- 
munity as well as to himself have taken other forms than the many already 
mentioned, including, notably, the conferring upon him of the honorary degree 
of Master of Arts by Dartmouth College in 1902. 

Of brisk and vigorous, yet pleasing personality, widely experienced and 
keenly observant. Judge Page is as delightful companion in social and pri\ate 
life as he is a strong and influential figure in his public relations. 

STEWART EVERETT ROWE, lawyer, of Exeter, N. H., is a man 
who, although young, has taken a large and useful part in public aft'airs. 
He was born in Kensington, N. H., January 22, 1881, a son of Benjamin 



754 ■ HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

F. and Hattie A. (Trewett) Rrnve. The father, l)orn in Kensington, 
N. H., October 22, 1845, died June u, 1910. He was a farmer by oc- 
cupation, and a veteran of the Civil war, being a member of Moses N. 
Collins Post, G. A. R., at Exeter, of which he was also senior vice 
commander. His wife, born in Franklin, Vt., November 10, 1855, died 
Deceml)er 31, 1912. They were the parents of two sons: Stewart E., 
subject of this sketch, and Oilman S., born March 22, 1895, who grad- 
uated from Exeter high school in class of 19 14, being class orator. 

Stewart Everett Rowe began his education in the district schools 
of Kensington, N. H. He graduated from Exeter High School as class 
orator in 1899, and from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1904 as class poet. 
Beginning the study of law tmder Gen. E. G. Eastman, under whom 
he continued to study for three years, he subsequently attended for 
two years the Boston University Law School, and was admitted to the 
bar Jul}- I, 1911. after which he opened his present office in Exeter. 
Altliough his career as a law3'er has been comparatively short, he has 
already shown marked ability and his future success seems assured. 

A member of the Republican party Mr. Rowe has taken a very active 
part in public life. He has served in various local offices, such as modera- 
tor, town clerk, member of the school board for the district of Ken- 
sington, as library trustee, tax collector, justice of the peace and notary 
public, and was also for seven years sealer of weights and measiu"es 
for Rockingham County. He has been a delegate to several Republican 
conventions, and was secretary to the last Republican State Con\en- 
tion. He was also among the active and yoimger members of the 
Constitutional Convention of New Hampshire in 1912, being a delegate 
from Kensington, N. H., and served as a member of the Committee on 
Future Mode of Amending the Constitution. In the campaign of 
191 2 Mr. Rowe spent two weeks on the stump, covering the lower part 
of New Hampshire in the interests of the Repviblican party. He was 
most of the time in company with Ex-governor Ouimby and Ex-con- 
gressman Sulloway. 

A man of marked literary ability, he has been a frecpient contribu- 
tor in verse and prose to various publications and has received personal 
letters of thanks from Ex-president William H. Taft and Ex-president 
Theodore Roosevelt for campaign poems written in their behalf. Many 
of his literary productions have appeared in the Granite Monthly. Mr. 
Rowe's society affiliations include membership in the Sons of Veterans, 
in which he is a past officer; the Junior Order of American Mechanics; 
Patrons of Husbandry; the Gamma Eta Gamma Fraternity, the G. L. 
Soule Society, the Rockingham County Republican Clul). and the Swam- 
scott Club of Exeter. 

Mr. Rowe was married March 26, 1913, to Miss Lillian A. Whitman, 
who was born May 23, 1876, at West Barnstable, on Cape Cod, Mass., 
where their wedding was celebrated. Mrs. Rowe's parents were Josiah 
B. and Lydia A. (\Vhitman) Whitman, both natives of Massachusetts, 
the father being a music dealer at West Barnstable. In the Whitman 
family were but two children, a son who was drowned at the age of 
eight years, and Lillian, who is now Mrs. Rowe. Mrs. Rowe is a grad- 
uate of Dean Academy, Franklin, Mass., in both the English and musi- 
cal courses and was for three years a student at the New England Con- 
servatory of Music, Boston, Mass., where she pursued her elocutionary 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS ' 755 

studies under the late Prof. S. R. Kelley She has also had the advantage 
of two years' travel in Europe and South America, and during a year 
spent in Brazil she was admitted to membership and received a diploma 
from the Centro Musical de Rio de Janeiro. She has taught music to 
some extent and as an elocutionist has appeared in public in many parts 
of the United States, going out on tours. Her work in this line has 
been very favoralily received everywhere. 

ALBERT C. BUSWELL, M. D., a well known practitioner of medi- 
cine at Epping, N. H., ranks high in his profession in Rockingham 
County. He was born in Wilmot, N. H., October 3. 1853, and is a son 
of Hiram and Mary Jane ( Frazier) Buswell. Hiram Buswell, the 
father, was born in New Chester, N. H., and during his early career was 
a railroad man. Later he followed agricultural jaursuits. ' He died in 
1893. Mrs. Mary Jane Buswell was born in Bethlehem, X. Y., l)ut 
two miles from the state capital. Her death occurred in 1878. 

Albert C. Buswell was but three years old when he l)egan receiving 
instruction in the primary department of the schools in Nashua. He 
continued in that department until he was seven, and then entered the 
grammar department. At the remarkably early age of ten years he 
entered high school, which he attended three years and then two years 
in the academy at North Weare. From 1869 to 1871 he attended Colby 
Academy at New London, graduating at eighteen years of age. He 
taught country school during 1871 and 1872, and while thus engaged 
determined upon the field of medicine as his sphere of action. In further- 
ance of this decision he secured a position in the drug store, and began 
reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Alfred Dearborn at 
East Ware. He later studied under guidance of Dr. G. \\'. Currier at 
Nashua three years. Entering medical college at Brunswick, Me., in 
1876. he continued his studies until the degree of M. D. was conferred 
upon him in June, 1878. He began general practice at Amherst, N. H., 
but after two years established an office in New York Citv, where he 
practiced one year. In 1881 he came to Epping. where during a con- 
tinuous practice of thirty-three years he became firmly entrenched in 
the goodwill and affection of the people. 

January 7, 1879, Dr. Buswell was married to Miss Lillian H. Wilcox, 
a daughter of William R. Wilcox, who was formerly a hardware man 
and later was connected with the City Guaranty Savings Bank of Nashua. 
Nine children were born of this union: George, deceased, who was born 
in 1879: Sula May, educated in the schools of Nashua, and now residing 
with her father; William W., deceased, born in 1883: Wilcox F.. who 
was born July i, 1884, is married and resides at Nashua : Charles D., 
born August 5. 1885, who is married and lives in Oklahoma ; Samuel G., 
born May 27, 1888. married and residing in Epping: Holt W.. born Tuly 
24. 1894. who is a graduate of Dartmouth University, now in business 
in Baltimore, Md. : Lillian, born June 13, 1894. but now is deceased; 
and Albert C, Jr., who is a freshman at Dartmouth College. Novem- 
ber 6. 1902. this family was called upon to mourn, by death, the loss 
of the beloved wife and mother, and she was laid to rest in A\''oodIawn 
Cemetery at Nashua. Religiously the family was reared in the Baptist 
faith. 

Dr. Buswell is a member of the American Medical Association, the 



756 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

New Hampshire State Medical Society and the Rockingham County 
Medical Society. He served the county body as secretary and treas- 
urer for seven years, and now serves as its representative. He has been 
an active member of the school board and chairman of the board of 
health for a period of twenty years. He represents numerous insurance 
companies as medical examiner, among them the New York Mutual 
Life, the Pennsylvania Mutual Life and the National Mutual Life. 
The Doctor is a Democrat in politics. Fraternally he is a Mason, is 
Past Grand Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, and belongs to the 
Patrons of Husbandry. 

HON. HENRY AUGUSTUS YEATON, who has been pruminently 
identified with the civil, political and business history of the city of Ports- 
mouth and the county of Rockingham for more than forty years, was 
born in Portsmouth, N. H., August 6, 1840, and has spent almost his 
entire life in this city. He was educated in its public schools, and after 
lea\'ing school engaged as a clerk in the hardware store of Hon. John 
H. Bailey. He subsequently left the store for a few years of sea-faring 
life, returning home to learn the trade of a carpenter under his father's 
instruction. In 1864, while working at this trade in the United States 
Navy Yard at Portsmouth, he met with an accident which made it im- 
possible for him to follow his chosen vocation any longer, and he became 
local agent for the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, meeting 
with marked success. In 1865 he entered the office of Joshua Brooks, 
flour and grain merchant, and became a partner in this business in the 
following year, it being conducted under the firm name of Joshua Brooks 
& Co. This was the real beginning of his career as a business man, and 
he has continued with this concern to the present time, although dur- 
ing the inter\al of fort}- years changes have taken place in the person- 
nel of the old firm as originally established. Mr. Yeaton eventually 
succeeded to the interest of his former partner, and when his own son 
came to his majoritv he liecame junior partner in the present firm, which 
for many years has been known to all trade circles as H. A. Yeaton 
& Son. 

Mr. Yeaton is a successful and substantial business man, and while 
his time has been pretty well occupied with private affairs, he has also 
taken an earnest interest in local and state politics. A pronounced Re- 
publican, he has never been regarded as being in any sense a politician. 
He has served as selectman and member of the board of aldermen of 
Portsmouth, as representative to the General Court, and in 1899-1900 
was a member of the New Hampshire state senate. He belongs to the 
Sons of the Revolution and to Piscataqua Lodge, I. O. O. F. In re- 
ligion he is a Baptist, a member of Middle Street Baptist Church, and 
chairman of its board of wardens, a member of the board of trustees of 
the New Hampshire Baptist State Convention, and chairman of its 
finance committee. For many years he has been a director in the First 
National Bank and a trustee of the Piscataqua Savings Bank, both of 
Portsmouth ; a director in the Young Men's Christian Association, and 
a trustee of the Portsmouth Hospital and of the Howard Benevolent 
Society. Since its organization in 1891 he has been managing director 
and treasurer of the Piscataqua Navigation Company and is credited 
by his fellow directors as being largely instrumental in the uniform suc- 
cess that has attended that company. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 757 

In January, 1861, Mr. Yeaton married Ara Abby Brooks. She was 
born November 23, 1840, a daughter of Joshua Brooks, with whom Mr. 
Yeaton became associated in business. Of this marriage two children 
were born, Winifred and Harry B. Winifred became the wife of Albert 
E. Rand, a grocer of Portsmouth, and of this union four children were 
born: Margaret. Norman E., Wallis S. and Elinor. Harry B. Yeaton, 
who is the present mayor of Portsmouth, married Mary E. Ferguson, 
and to them have been born si.x children, Ruth A., Philip O., Dorothy, 
Donald F., Carolyn F. and Frederick T. 

IMAJOR DAVID URCH, secretary and treasurer of the Xew Castle 
Bridge Company of Portsmouth, N. H., was born in Newport, Wales, 
April 14, 1S44. He is a son of Ephraim and Maria (Sherman) Urch, 
respectively natives of Glastonbury, England, and Bridgewater, Eng- 
land. Six generations of the family on the maternal side lived in Bridge- 
water, Somersetshire, England. Ephraim Urch was a willow worker, 
making baskets and willow furniture. After his marriage he removed 
to Newport, Wales, where he lived until 1849. I" the spring of that 
year he sailed for America, taking passage on the vessel that brought 
iron for the construction of the Concord Railroad. Locating in Ports- 
mouth, he engaged in the work of his trade. Also, for a number of 
years he was toll collector for the New Castle bridges. In 1863 he went 
to Chicago, and, opening a store for the sale of willow goods, resided 
during the rest of his life in the vicinity of the "Windy City," gaining 
a comfortable livelihood. His wife, who lived for several years with her 
daughter, Mrs. Hammond Spinney, in Eliot, Me., was a member of one 
of the oldest families of Bridgwater, Somersetshire. England, and was 
a typical English lady. She reared ten children — Mary Ann. Rosanna, 
Lizzie. Ephraim, Ellen, David, .^bram, Henry E.. John C. and George W. 

David Urch was four and a half years old when he came to this 
country, accompanying his mother. The father had left Wales the 
preceding spring to make a home for his family in the new country. 
The child had a rough passage in the sailing vessel "Abalina." and it 
was thirty days before the passengers were safely landed in Boston. 
David was reared and received his early education in Portsmouth, and 
finished his course of study at a college in Chicago. He became an ex- 
pert willow and rattan worker and assisted in the factory, and in his 
father's store as clerk. He had been an.xious to go to the war in 1861, 
in Captain Side's company, with the Second New Hampshire Regiment, 
but his father had prevented him. The family was living in Effingham. 
111., in 1864. One day there, while returning home to dinner, Mr. Urch 
fell a little behind when near a railroad track that crossed the street, 
and a freight train separated him from the rest of the family. Jumping 
on one of the cars, he was taken to Mattoon, 111., and enlisted in Com- 
pany C, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. This 
was in March, 1864, and he was one of the hundred day men. The regi- 
ment was sent directly to St. Louis, thence to Jefiferson City. Here it 
was assigned garrison duty for some time, and was engaged in sup- 
pressing the bands of guerrillas that infested the country. Mr. Urch 
was honorably discharged in November, 1864. Soon after he returned 
to Portsmouth, where he was employed for a few months on the gov- 
ernment works at Fort Constitution, New Castle, N. H. He then went 



758 ' HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

to .Maiicliester, X. H., and opened a store for tlie sale of willow and 
rattan furniture, and conducted it for five years. The two years follow- 
ing he was in the same business in New Lenox, and then for a short 
time he was a resident of Portland, Me. His next venture was the open- 
ing of a similar store in Portsmouth, N. H., which he managed until 
1876. In that year he became connected with the New Castle Bridge 
Company, and has since collected the tolls for them. Mr. Urch still 
takes an interest in his old trade of willow and rattan working, at which 
he is an expert. His work is all done by hand from his own designs 
and is of a high degree of artistic merit, commanding admiration from 
all who see it. 

Mr. L'rch married Miss Ida A. Rogers, of Eliot, Me., daughter of 
Charles W. and Mai-y A. Rogers. He cast his first Presidential vote 
for Gen. U. S. Grant, and afterward Ijecame affiliated with the Demo- 
cratic party. However, he has always kept in mind the idea that the 
highest good of the people should ever be the governing motive of all 
suffrage. In Portsmouth he served as alderman for three terms, was 
chairman of the City Democratic Committee ten years and chairman of 
the Democratic Committee of the ward in which he resides thirteen 
years. He was elected representative to the State Legislature in 1882, 
and during his term of service was a member of the committees on 
Fisheries and Game and secretary of the committee on Ranking. In 
1884 he was again sent to the legislature and once more served as sec- 
retary of the committee on Banking. He took an active part in the pro- 
ceedings of the house and generally made his influence felt. He takes 
a warm interest in educational matters and served on the Portsmouth 
Board of Education eight years. He is a charter member of Storer Post, 
No. I, G. A. R. ; has passed all the chairs in New Hampshire Lodge, 
No. 17, I. O. O. F., and Strawberry Bank Encampment, No. 5 ; is a mem- 
l)er of Canton Centre, No. 12, of which he was the first commander; 
and he is a member and has served as president of the New Hampshire 
Mechanics' Association. In the Patriarchs Militant he has served as 
inspector-general, with the rank of major on the staff of General Far- 
rington, since the organization of the New Hampshire branch of the 
order. For twelve years he was an oflicer in the New Hampshire Na- 
tional Guard, and, as a member of the Head Guards of Manchester !ie 
was successively lieutenant and captain of Company C. He was after- 
ward made lieutenant of the Heavy Artillery of Portsmouth, and served 
seven or eight vears as inspector-general, with rank of major, on the 
staff' of Brigadier-General Clough. Major Urch was elected to the New- 
Hampshire State Senate in 1900. He was Chairman of the Committee 
of Incorporations and was a member of some five other important com- 
mittees. He is at present in apparent full control of the bridge coni- 
panv known as The Proprietors of New Castle Bridges, and he has 
brought it from an aliandoned corporation to what it now is, maintain- 
ing what is said to be the finest mile of toll roadway and bridge in New 
England. 

CHARLES H. BRACKETT. owner and proprietor of Co'd Spring 
Farm, in Greenland village, has in all 125 acres of good land, fifty acres 
comprising the homestead on which he lives, and seventy-five acres in 
another tract. He was born in this town November i. 1865, a son of 



AND REPRKSENTATIVE CITIZENS 75» 

William H. L. Brackett, by his wife, Henrietta, whose maiden name 
was Henrietta A. de Rochemont. The father of our subject was a native 
of Greenland, N. H., and a farmer and mill-wright by occupation. He 
is now deceased. His wife, who was born in Newington, this county, 
is still living and resides with her son, Charles, in Greenland. They 
had live children, as follows: Mary E., wife of Frank M. Hoyt, of Mel- 
rose, Mass. ; Charles H., of Greenland ; George W., also of Greenland, 
a painter and steam-fitter: Abbie B., widow of the late Arthur J. Durell; 
and Henrietta T., wife of Howard Rundlett. 

Charles H. Brackett was educated in the common schools and at 
Brackett Academy, where he graduated in 1892. He then took up farm- 
ing, which occupation he has since followed in his native town. He 
does general farming and dairying, keeping Jersey and Guernsey cattle, 
running two wagons, and finding a ready market for his milk — of which 
he produces about 500 quarts daily — at Portsmouth. He takes an active 
part in public affairs, having served as a moderator of the town of 
Greenland for the last twenty years, and is now serving as one of the 
assessors. He is a Republican. 

Mr. Brackett was married in 1886 to Miss Fannie M. Lamprey, of 
North Hampton, a daughter of Edwin M. and Mary E. (Brown) Lam- 
prey, who were farming people of that town, their other children being- 
Mary H., and Jennie R., wife of the late William R. Haines. Mr. and 
Mrs. Brackett have been the parents of six children, namely: Edwin L., 
who married Louise X. Horton, and resides in Greenland, but carries 
on farming and dairying at New Castle; Charles H., Jr., who is assisting 
his father on, the home farm ; William H. L., who is a recent graduate 
from the New Hampshire State College : Ralph de Rochemont, a student 
at the above mentioned college: Esther M., a student at Mt. Holyoke, 
and Constance, who is attending the Portsmouth high school. The fam- 
ily attend the Methodist church in Greenland. ^Ir, Brackett's society 
affiliations include membership in St. John's Lodge, A. F. & A. M. : Win- 
nicut Lodge at Greenland, of which he is past master; and Greenland 
Grange, Patrons of Husbandry. He is master of the local Grange and 
has served as deputy in the New Hampshire State Grange for three 
years. A progressive, enterprising and prosperous citizen, he and bis 
family are among the representative people of the town and have a wide 
circle of friends. 

HENRY A. SHL'TE was born in Exeter, Xoveml)er 17. 1856. He 
is a son of Geo. S. Shute, a native of Exeter, and Joanna Simplins of 
England. His grandfather was Henr\- Sliute and his grandnioilier Eliza 
Rowe Smith. 

Henry A. Shute completed the course of instruction in Phillips Ex- 
eter Academy in 1875, Harvard University in 1879. and oji his return 
to Exeter entered the office of Judge William W. Stickney as a student. 
Fie was admitted to the bar in August. 1882, and began the practice 
of law in Exeter; was appointed Judge of Exeter Police Court in March, 
1883, and remained in that office until .\ugust, 19 13. He was married 
in October, 1885, to Amelia F. Weeks of Exeter, v.-ho died in January, 
1895, leaving two children, Richard Everett, born October 17, 1887, and 
Nathalie, born April 18, 1894. Mr. Shute was married on the 12th day 
of August. 1897, to Ella Kent of Davenport, Iowa. 



760 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Richard E. Shute entered his father's oflice in September, 1907. was 
admitted to the bar in December, 1910, and in January, 1913, formed 
with his father a co-partnership for the general practice of law under 
the firm name of "Shute and Shute," and having offices in the Kelley & 
Gardner Building in Exeter. 

Henry A. Shute has been a contributor to various magazines and has 
written and published the following books : "The Real Diary of a Real 
Boy," 1902; "Sequil or Things Whitch Aint Finished in the Ferst," 
1903; "Real Boys," 1904; "Letters to Beany and Love Letters of Plupy," 
1905: "A Few Neighbors," 1906: "The Country Band," 1907; "The 
Profane and Unreliable History of Exeter." 1908: "Plupy," 1909: "Farm- 
ing It," 191 1 ; "A Country Lawyer," 1912; "The Misadventures of Three 
Good, But Not Very Good Boys," 1914. 

He has always been a Republican in politics, is a member of no clubs 
or societies and has never held office, except as above. 

REV. JESSE GIBSON M.\CMURPHY, clergyman and banker, and one 
of the most highly esteemed citizens of Derry, N. H., was born in this town 
April 8, 1845. Beginning his education in the district school, he then attended 
Pinkerton Academy, after which he fitted to enter the second year class of the 
Chandler Department of Dartmouth College, which he did in the fall of 1865, 
being graduated B. S. in 1868. In 1875 he received the degree of M. S. from 
the same college. 

In 1870 he entered the Episcopal Theological School at Nashotah, Wis., 
and was graduated B. D. in 1873. The same year he was ordained deacon 
in Milwaukee, Wis., by Bishop Armitage, and advanced to the priesthood in 
1874 by Bishop Whitehouse. He began his pastoral service in 1873, being 
placed in charge of St. Peter's ^Mission at Sheboygan Falls, Wis., where he 
remained one year. In 1874 he went to Racine, Wis., as rector of Immanuel 
Church, remaining until 1877, w hen he went to Baltimore, Md., and was chap- 
lain of St. Paul's School for Boys. In 1878 he returned to Racine, Wis., as 
rector of Holy Innocents Church and priest in charge of St. Stephen's Church, 
which offices he filled until 1881. He then went to San Francisco, where he 
was associate rector of St. John's Church for three years. 

Returning to Racine, he again took charge of missions there and was 
chaplain of a girls' school until 1893. when he came to Derry, N. H. Here he 
has been officially connected with the Church of the Transfiguration since it 
was organized in 1899. 

While his ministerial labors have been almost continuous for more than 
forty years, he has engaged at times in various other activities. Before going 
to college he had taught a winter school, and during his three years in col- 
lege he taught each winter. While at Nashotah, Wis., he tutored some of the 
preparatory classes. At Racine College he was master of the grammar school 
for three years. He was teacher in St. Paul's School for Boys, in Baltimore, 
one year.' From 1881 to 1884 he was teacher in Trinity School. San Fran- 
cisco. 

Rev. Mr. ]\IacMur])hy has jjublished numerous original translations in 
metrical verse from the German, French, Italian, Spanish and Latin. He has 
spent much time in genealogical research and furnished many articles for 
standard works. In local historical compilation he has assisted various 
authors and publishers, making maps from town ranges, homesteads and settle- 
ments, his articles api>earing in newspapers, magazines and Ixooks in a form 




MA(;Mri;i'HV 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 763 

suitable for future reference. Formerly he was a member of the Wisconsin 
Academy of Arts, Sciences and Letters, and delivered a lecture before that 
body in 1875. Until recently he was a member of the New England Historic 
Genealogical Society, and is now a member of the New Hampshire Historical 
Society. For over forty years he has been a member of the Confraternity of 
the Blessed Sacrament. He is now affiliated with -the following societies : 
Society for the Promotion of Christianity, American Peace Society, Pomona 
Grange, P. of H., and the IVIasonic order, with which he is connected as fol- 
lows : Past Worshipful master of St. Mark's Lodge, No. 44, A. F. & A. M., 
Derrv, N. H. ; Past High Priest of Bell Chapter, R. A. AI., No. 25, Derry, 
N. H. ; Past T. I. U. of Mt. Nebo Council, R. & S. M., Derry, N.'H.; also 
member of Trinity Commandery, K. T., of Alanchester, N. H. ; member of 
Ransford Chapter, O. E. S., and Bethany White Shrine of Jerusalem lately 
instituted in Derry; Lodge of Perfection at Nashua; Princes of Jerusalem; 
Rose Croix; New Hampshire Consistory (32d degree), of Nashua. X. H. ; 
and Becktash Temple, Concord, N. H. 

In business relations Mr. AlacMurphy is chiefly interested in caring for 
ancestral estates, some of which have come down in the same family for five 
or more generations. He is a director and vice president of the First National 
Bank of Derry; also treasurer of the Nutfield Savings Bank of Derry. 

Mr. MacMurphy was married, April 2^, 1870, to Miss Mary Lucy James, 
of Deerfield, N. H. Mrs. MacMurphy is a graduate of the Normal School of 
Salem, Mass. Previous to her marriage she was a teacher in Albany, N. Y., 
and also in Exeter, N. H. Subsequent to her marriage she was for twenty 
years teacher of a girl's school in Racine, Wis. For fifteen years she taught 
in the Rol^ert A. Waller High School at Chicago, 111. Some years ago she 
retired from educational work and is now leading a domestic life in her 
pleasant home in Derry. Mr. and Mrs. MacMurphy are the parents of three 
children, namely: Sarah Russell, born in Fond du Lac, Wis., was teacher of 
music in several colleges, and is now the wife of Charles B. Chase of Derry; 
Alexander James, born in Racine, Wis., who is now deceased; and Jerome 
Chase, a graduate of the University of West Virginia, married Miss INIabel 
L. Pullin of Newton, Mass., and is now a resident of River Forest, 111. They 
have two children, Miriam S. and Lawrence G. 

HON. HARRY K. TORREY, judge of the police court for the Dis- 
trict of Portsmouth, was born in Newburyport, Mass., August 16, 1880, 
a son of John and Addie M. (Anderson) Torrey. He is a descendant of 
Revolutionary ancestors, his great-great-grandfather having sailed on 
November 26, 1776. on the privateer "Dalton" from this port, and later 
served under John Paul Jones. When he was three months old his par- 
ents moved to New-fields, this county, where he later attended the pub- 
lic schools. He then became a student at Phillips Exeter Academy, 
where he was honor man in studies, and was also prominent in athletic 
sports, being a member of two winning track teams over Andover. After 
graduating from the x\cademy he attended Harvard College one year 
and later entered Dartmouth. Then, after one year at Hanover, he 
went to Porto Rico to teach school, but became an inspector and inter- 
preter for the San Juan Light and Transit Company. He was in Porto 
Rico during the election riots which took place after the war with Spain. 

Coming to Portsmouth, Mr. Torrey entered the law office of Page 
and Bartlett, and being admitted to the bar in 1907, has since practiced 



764 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

his profession in this city. He was elected to the legislature in 1909 and 
served on the committee on Judiciary during that term, in company 
with Hon. Samuel D. Felker, the present governor. In 1910 he had 
charge of the local census, and during 191 1 was secretary to Governor 
Robert P. Bass, with whom he had formed an intimate acquaintance 
while working for the -direct primary, equal taxation and other platform 
measures. In 1912 he was secretary of the Portsmouth Roosevelt Club. 
The new district court, over which he now presides, has jurisdiction 
over Portsmouth, Newington, Greenfield, Rye and New Castle. .Mr. 
Torrey had the endorsement of many leading men of each party in the 
state for the position. 

Judge Torrey is a member of St. Andrews Lodge. No. 56, A. F. 
& A. M.; Washington Chapter, No. 3; Davenport Council, No. 5; Damon 
Lodge, No. 9, K. of P. ; Strawberry Bank Grange, Portsmouth Country- 
Club, Warwick Club, Portsmouth Board of Trade, the New Flampshire 
Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the American In- 
stitute of Criminal Law and Criminology. 

He was married October 9, 1912, to Edith E. Badger, daughter of 
Mayor Daniel W. Badger. 

DANIEL J. BAKIE, senior member of the firm of Bakie Bros., mer- 
chants of Kingston, N. H., was born in South Boston, ISIass.. June 15, 
1851, a son of James and Elizabeth (Alexander) Bakie. ■Mr. Bakie can 
trace his ancestry back for 800 years to ?klagnus Baikie, who was a 
native of Denmark. At a later date members of the family in the direct 
line of descent migrated to Scotland, where later generations dropped 
the first "i" in the family name, spelling it "Bakie," which form it has 
since retained. 

James Bakie, the father of Daniel J., was born at Wick. Scotland, 
as was also his wife, Elizabeth. They came to America about 1S40, 
settling first in South Boston, whence they later removed to Kingston, 
N. H. Here James Bakie became a prominent citizen, ser\ing as a 
selectman, and at one time being elected representative to the legis- 
lature. Both he and his wife are now deceased. They had a family of 
five sons and one daughter. 

Daniel J. Bakie began attending school in South Boston at the age 
of five years. He was six years old when his parents and the rest of the 
family moved to Kingston, and he resumed his schooling, attending first 
the public schools, and later Penacook and Phillips Academies, the lat- 
ter at Andover. He was graduated from the Bridgewater Normal school 
in 1873, after which he began teaching school in Kingston and later at 
East Kingston. He was principal successively of schools in South 
Hamjjton. N. H., and Amesbury, Mass., and then became principal 
of Kingston Academy, which position he held for two years. In 1874 
he gave up teaching to become a merchant, buying the store conducted 
by C. F. Cressv in Kingston, and five years later bought his present 
store from L. D. Peaslee and has operated it successfully since that time, 
dealing in general merchandising. About 1880 he was appointed post- 
inaster of Kingston, and, with the exception of four years during the 
Cleveland administration, held that office continuously until recently, 
when he was succeeded by the Democratic appointee. As may be sur- 
mised, he is a member of the Republican party. He has held the fol- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 765 

lowing offices: Library trustee, member of the Board of Education. 
and member of the legislature for 1901. 

Mr Bakie was married March 4. 1884, to Nella J. Sanborn, a daugh- 
ter of Capt. William F. Sanborn of Kingston. He and his vyife have 
been the parents of one child, Howard, who died in infancy. 1 hey are 
affiliated religiously with the Congregational Church, and are prom- 
inent nieml)ers of the best society in Kingston. 

ERNEST L. GUPTILL, attorney of Portsmouth and solicitor for 
Rockingham County, N. H.. who took his present office April r, 191 1, 
is one of the most popular and able members of the county bar, as well 
as a citizen held in high esteem. He was born in Berwick, Me., March 
9 1867 a son of Albert J. and Adelaide J. (Roberts) G.uptiU. His early 
education was gained in Berwick Academy, and when only eighteen 
years old he began the study of law in the office of \\ lUiam B. Pierce m 
Somersworth. In October. '1888. he was admitted to the practice ot law 
in Maine and in the following year became a member of the New Hamp- 
shire bar. In the fall of 1888 he came to this city and began practice. 
He early took a deep interest in politics, as a member of the Republican 
party, and was for years one of Frank Jones' most trusted lieutenants^ 
In 1890 he was elected city solicitor, and again in 1891, 92, '93, 94 and 
in 190^-04 In 1893 he represented Ward 2 m the legislature, being a 
member of the committee of Revision of statutes, and also serving on 
the committee that arranged for New Hampshire's representation at 
the World's Fair held at Chicago. A notable feature of the last named 
commission was that every member voted not to attend the Fair at the 
State's expense. In 1912 Mr. Guptill was a member of the Congres- 
sional committee. Mr'. Guptill belongs to Damon Lodge, No. 9, K. of 
P ■ Alpha Council. R. A.: the Mechanics' Fire Society, and Portsmouth 
Lodge, No. 96, B. P. O. Elks, of which he is past exalted ruler. 

HON LOUIS G. HOVT, who has been judge of the Probate Court 
of Rockingham Countv. N. H.. since 1902. when he succeeded Judge 
Thomas Leavitt in thi^ ..ffice. was horn in Exeter. N. H., February 23 
1856 His parents, Gilman R. and Mary Anna (Jewell) Hoyt, were both 
natives of this state, the father being a tailor l)y occupation. He was 
also Re-ister of Deeds of Rockingham County several years and was 
postmas'ter of Exeter under President Cleveland's second term. 

Louis G Hoyt was the only child of his parents. Beginmng his edu- 
cation in the common schools, he subsequently attended Phillips Exeter 
\cademy and later became a student at Dartmouth College, where he 
was graduated in 1877. He then entered the field of journalism, start- 
incr the New Hampshire Democrat, at Exeter. X. H.. which he con- 
diKted for about two years. He then began the study of law in the 
office of the late William W. Stickney at Exeter, and in 1878 was ad- 
mitted to the bar. He began the practice of his profession at Kingston, 
N H where he still resides. In 1889 he opened a law office in Boston 
for Ex-Governor Rollins & Son. and had charge of it there for tw^o 
years until they removed to Boston from Concord to assume charge 
of it themselves". He then returned to Kingston and resumed the prac- 
tice of law there. In 1892 he was elected county solicitor and served in 
that of!^ce until 1900. In 1902. as already stated, he was appointed to 



766 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

his present position as jndge of probate, in which he is serving with 
marked efficiency. In politics he is a Repul>lican. He is a trustee of 
Sanljorn Seminary, also of Brown's Seminary at East Kingston. Al- 
ways an earnest student of his profession, Judge Hoyt has gained a 
high reputation as a lawyer. As a result of his experience, he published 
in 1901 a valuable work, "Hoyt's Probate Practice," which has been 
received with much favor by his legal brethren. A Republican in poli- 
tics and a public-spirited citizen, he takes a keen interest in local affairs 
and his aid and inlluence can always be counted upon in behalf of any 
worthy cause. He is a Free Mason, belonging to Gideon Lodge at 
Kingston. 

Judge Hoyt married Mary S. Towle, a native of Kingston, N. H.. 
and daughter of Alfred and Susan (Gale) Towle. He and his wife 
attend the Universalist Church. Widely known and highly esteemed, 
they stand high among the representative people of Rockingham County. 

WILLIAM S. GOODRICH is proprietor of a brick plant at Epping, 

New Hampshire, which takes rank second to none in the New Eng- 
land States. Equipped with all that is latest and most approved in ma- 
chinery, with every natural facility and the most capable management, 
it has been highly successful and maintains an output of nine millions 
of brick annually. Mr. Goodrich has had wide experience in this field 
of endeavor; in fact, from early lioyhood it has been practically his only 
business. He was born in Hudson, Mass., Deceml:ier 9, 1862, and is 
a son of Albert and Susan D. (Sanborn) Goodrich. The Goodrich fam- 
ilv (the name originally was spelled Goodridge) came to this country 
from England in. colonial days and became established at Sterling and 
Fitchburg, Mass. 

Alliert Goodrich, father of William S.. was born at Fitchburg, ^lass., 
and was a prominent manufacturer of liricks. He had the distinction of 
making the brick that went into the first waterworks at Boston. His 
death occurred in his seventy-fourth year. His wife, Susan D. Good- 
rich, was a daughter of Moses Sanborn, who was prominent in New 
England. She lived to the age of eighty-three years. They were par- 
ents of eleven children, of whom but seven survived. 

William S. Goodrich was the youngest of his family, and when live 
years old began attending the public schools, continuing until he was 
sixteen. He then attended private school one year and at the age of 
seventeen began learning the brick-making industry in his father's plant 
at Lancaster. Mass. For his first two years' service he received his 
board only, and the third year was given a dollar and a half per day. 
When twenty years old, he took the contract to make brick for his 
father, the contract calling for one million brick per year. He con- 
tinued for three years and then in 1887 came to New Hampshire. He 
operated a brick plant at Brentwood for five years, with an output of 
one and a half million brick per year. He then came to Epping, where 
for five years he operated a plant with an output of from one to one 
and a half million per year. He next took over the Bannigan plant, 
the first steam plant in this vicinity, with a capacity of from five to six 
million bricks. After three years he sold out to the New- England Brick 
Company, in the year igoi. and was then made superintendent of the 
plant. He continued in that capacity for five and one-half years, having 







JOHN ANDREW PICKERING 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 769 

charge of seven different plants, with aljout 250 men and sixty horses 
under his management. The annual output was twenty-six millions, 
and thirteen thousand cords of wood were yearly consumed in burning 
the brick. In April, 1907, he started his present brick yard, and in just 
. five weeks and four days had his plant in operation. The first year the 
capacity was three million brick, and this was gradually increased to its 
present output of nine millions. He has thoroughly modern machinery, 
including steam shovels and cable, hoists. It requires but one minute 
and ten seconds from the time the clay leaves the bank to Ije made into 
bricks, and in ten minutes the brick are in the racks. The machine 
turns out one hundred and eight bricks per minute. The entire property 
includes seventy acres, on which are located the factory itself, the clay- 
banks, spurs of track and the yards. He had two sons in association with 
him, Rue! E., who has charge of the accounting, financing and shipping, 
and Ral-ph S., who is master mechanic. 

May 20, 1884, William S. Goodrich was unitetl in marriage with 
Edith JM. Benson, a daughter of Edward Benson, who was a \-eteran 
of the Civil A\ ar and a resident of Clinton, Alass. She also comes of an 
English family which early was transplanted to this country, being 
established at Sterling and Rutland, Mass. On her mother's side there 
were ten great-great uncles, who fought in. the Revolutionary AVar, two 
of whom lost their lives in battle. Mrs. Goodrich is a prominent mem- 
ber of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Good- 
rich became the parents of the following children : Ralph S. and Ruel 
E., twins, born January 30, 1885: Maude E., born February 20. 1891: 
Chester A., born January 27, 1893: Hazel F., born December 18, 1894: 
William S.. Jr., who was born. February 3, 1897, and died December 21. 
1900: Marion Irene, born December 15, 1898; and Edith Gertrude, born 
April 16, 1903. Ruel E. Goodrich married Miss Mary L. Sleeper. Maude 
E. Goodrich became the wife of Clyde B. Morgan, and they have a daugh- 
ter. Norma Benson Morgan. Mr. Goodrich is a firm believer in the 
merits of education, and has seen that his children have had good mental 
training. His daughter. Miss Hazel, is now in attendance at the Boston 
College of Music. Religiously, the family is Universalist. Mr. Good- 
rich is a Republican in politics and although his business duties have 
been most exacting, he consented to serve on the board of selectmen, 
and is now filling his third consecuti\e term. Fraternally, he is a Mason, 
being treasurer of the lodge; is a member and Past Worthy Patron of 
the Eastern Star; also a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, in which he is a past grand officer. For four years Mrs. Good- 
rich was Regent of the D. A. R. and Worthv ^Matron of the Eastern 
Star. 

JOHN ANDREW PICKERIXG. in former days a well known and' 
respected citizen of the town of Newington. Rockingham County, X. H., was 
born in this town February 7, 1819, and died February 5. 1891, at the age 
of seventy-two years lacking two days. He was a son of Joseph and Mary 
(Fabyan) Pickering. After acquiring his education in the schools of his 
native town he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed nearlv all his 
life, for a number of years being engaged in real estate business and in build- 
ing at CambridgeiKirt, Mass. Being a very hard worker, his health finally 
failed and on the advice of his doctor he gave up l)uilding ojierations and re- 



770 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

turned to the old family liomestead in Newington. or, ratlier to a farm which 
was a part of the same. To this property he added until at the time of liis 
death he owned ahoiit sixty acres in Newington and fifty in the town of 
I ortsniouth. He was a Democrat in politics, but in no sense a politician. He 
was. however, always interested in town affairs and served efficiently in local 
offices, including that of representative to the general assemlily one term. 

He was married at Cambridge, Mass., May 29. 1844. by Rev. Dr. Stearns, 
to Sarah Elizabeth Mathes. who was born in Durham, N. H., November i, 
1818, a daughter of Benjamin and Comfort Mathes. She died May 2^, 1895. 
Their children were: Eldora A., Alfaretta A., Elizabeth E., Sarah F... John 
.\. K., .\manda. Alma .\. ( wife of George H. Henderson of Dover. N. H.), 
and John lulw ard. Of this large family there are but four now living, three 
daughters and a son. The sisters were all teachers, as was also their mother 
before her marriage. The brother also has been master of schools in dift'erent 
places. Of the daughters of John .Vndrew Pickering, .Vmanda was for fifteen 
years a teacher in the Lewis school at Roxburj', Mass. She is the wife of 
James Burnett- Pickering, who is no relation of hers, but assumed the Pick- 
ering name on their marriage, which took place January 14, 191 1. He is a 
native of Boston, Mass., but lost his parents when a child. He was educated 
in the Boston public schools and for the greater part of his life has been 
engaged in farming. For the last ten years he has been a resident of Newing- 
ton. While Mr. and ]\Irs. Pickering reside on the farm, it is to them chiefly 
a place of residence, as they are engaged in the real estate business in Ports- 
mouth and Dover, owning a considerable amount of property there. 

Another daughter of the subject of this sketch, Eldora, was assistant prin- 
cipal of the Dillaway school at Roxbury, Mass., for about twenty years. The 
family attend the Congregational church. The son, John Edward Pickering, 
of Portsmouth, was married on November 20, 1905, to Agnes R. Holbrook 
of that city. His three children, Roberta H., John R., and Eleanor, are the 
only grandchildren of John Andrew Pickering. 

JOSEPH OLIVER HOBBS, who is engaged in the real estate 
business in Portsmouth, N. H., and also in farming", being the owner 
of a fine farm at North Hampton, was born in Boston, Mass., June 4, 
1855, a son of Joseph Stacy and Mary Dearborn (Andrews) Hobbs. 
Mr. Hobbs acquired his literary education in the public schools of 
Boston, and afterwards attended the Massachusetts Agricultural Col- 
lege. About 1879 he became a resident of New Hampshire, settling 
in North Hampton, this county, where he engaged in farming and was 
thus occupied for several years. He then entered into the real estate 
business in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, in which he has been 
very successful. He is a director and vice president of the Ciranite State 
Fire Insurance Company of Portsmouth and holds the same offices in 
the Portsmouth Fire Association. He is also a director ui the First 
National Bank and trustee of the Piscata(|ua .Savings P>ank, of Ports- 
mouth: a director of Hampton Beach Impro\ement Company: secretary 
and trustee of the Centennial Hall Association: and a trustee of Hamp- 
ton Academy. He is a member of Derryfield Club, of Manchester. 
N. H. ; of the Portsmouth Athletic Club: of the .Vbenaque Golf Club 
of Rye, N. H. : of the Country Club of Portsmouth : and of Rocking- 
ham Lodge. Odd Fellows of Hampton. N. H.. and the Canton Lodge 
of Odd Fellows, of Portsmouth. In politics he is a Republican and 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 771 

served formerly as a member of Governor Ramsdell's council. On his 
finely cultivated farm at North Hampton he carries on agriculture and 
dairying and also raises a large amount of fine stock. 

On December 19, 1883, Mr. Hobbs married Miss Annie Dora French, 
a daughter of John F. and Lemira F. French. She died after some years 
of happy married life, and Mr. Hobbs married for his second wife, Feb- 
ruary 28, 1908, Annie Winifred Hoyt, a daughter of Wesley and Agnes 
Hoyt of North Hampton, N. H. She is also now deceased. Mr. Hobbs" 
children are Joseph Harold Hobbs, John F. W. Hobbs, Leon Pickering 
Hobbs, Paul Wesley Hobbs and Lemira May Hobbs. Mr. Hobbs has 
one sister living, Miss Carrie W. Flobbs of North Hampton, N. H. 

FRANK E. LEAVITT, one of the most active and able of the 
younger generation of business men of Portsmouth, N. H., is manager 
of the Portsmouth branch of the wholesale grocery house of Silas 
Peirce and Company, Boston, Mass., the oldest wholesale grocery house 
in the United States and one of the largest in New England. He was 
born in Hampton, N. H., January 22, 1873, and is a son of Moses and 
Rebecca (Godfrey) Leavitt. 

iSIoses Leavitt, whose death occurred in 1901, was engaged in farm- 
ing and conducted a summer hotel. He was born in Hampton, as was 
also his wife, who still resides there. The children of this family in- 
cluded: Irvin E. ; Carrie, deceased wife of Myron Wesley Cole, also 
deceased ; Amos T. ; Frank E. ; Charles W. ; and William E. 

Frank E. Leavitt, after completing a common school course, and 
graduating from Hampton Academy, in 1887, entered the New Hamp- 
shire State College, where he acquitted himself with credit during his 
three years of study. Leaving college he clerked for one year in a 
retail grocery in Boston. The succeeding ten years were spent in Cali- 
fornia, five years of the time he being manager of a retail grocery: the 
remainder of the time was spent in fruit growing. Upon returning 
East he became identified with Silas Peirce & Co., his experience in 
the business world well qualifying him for the important position he 
fills. Mr. Leavitt has always found time to devote to matters of public 
interest and welfare and at the present he is serving as one of the police 
commissioners. 

In 1891 the subject of this record was joined in marriage with Miss 
Sarah L. Gillelan, who was born in Newark, N. J., one of the four chil- 
dren of Samuel M. and Carrie W. (Westbrook) Gillelan, the others 
being Frank S. Gillelan. Edith A. and Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Leavitt 
have four children: Russell H., Leslie W., Louise, and Lawrence G. 
The family attend the North Congregational Church. Mr. Leavitt is a 
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks: is a Knight 
Templar Mason: and is past grand regent of the New Hampshire 
Grand Council of the Royal Arcanum, also supreme representative in 
1914 and 1915 to the supreme council of the order. 

GEORGE W. AND CHARLES A. LANE, of the G. W. & C. A. 
Lane Company, manufacturers of machines for grain elevators, also 
grinding machines, are sons of William and Sally (Mason) Lane, who 
were both natives of Rockingham County, N. H. Their paternal grand- 
father was John Lane, whose wife, before marriage, was a Miss Cram. 



772 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

William Lane, the father, was a carpenter and farmer and in politics 
a Democrat. He and his wife were members of the Baptist Church and 
were people highly regarded by their neighbors. They had a daugh- 
ter, Annie, who is the wife of J. H. Bartlett. She, with her brothers, 
George and Charles, constituted their family of children. 

George VV. Lane was educated in the common schools, at Pembroke 
Academy, and at a private school. Completing his studies at the age of 
sixteen years, he for several years thereafter followed various lines of 
work of a mechanical kind, until 1871, at which time he became associated 
with his brother in their present business. At first they started in a 
small way and so kept on for several years, but about 1874 the business 
began to increase and has since steadily continued to improve until 
now they are the proprietors of a very prosperous concern. They have 
a fully equipped machine shop and employ about fifteen men. They 
have also done a considerable amount of carpenter work in tliis vicinity, 
being for years associated with their father in this line. 

George \V. Lane married Annie L. Adams, wdro was born in Exeter, 
N. H., a daughter of Aaron and Martha (W igginj Adams. She died in 
1899 ^"*J '^ l)uried in Exeter. Mr. Lane formerly served the town as 
police commissioner. In politics he is a Democrat and he attends the 
Baptist church. 

Charles A. Lane attended the same educational institutions as his 
brother George. Afterwards he worked on the farm with his father and 
continued with him until 1871, when he formed his present business con- 
nection with his brother. He married Abbie Myria Brown, a native of 
Loudon, N. H., and daughter of Deacon John S. R. and .\.cher (Mills) 
Brown. He, like his brother, is a Democrat and a Baptist in religion. 
He has three children: Carl, who is a stenographer residing in Boston; 
Bessie, the wife of Ralph S. Perkins of Exeter, and Harold M., who is 
residing at home with his parents. The Lane family exhibits a high type 
of citizenship, its members possessing in large measure those qualities 
of honesty, industry and perseverance which have made New England 
men and women famous the world over. 

HON. WOODBURY LANGDON, eldest child of Woodbury and 
l'>ances (Cutler) Langdon, was born in Portsmouth, N. H., October J2, 
1836. He comes from an old and noted New England family, being a 
descendant in the sixth generation of Woodbury Langdon, who was a 
brother of Gov. John Langdon, fuller mention of whom may be found 
elsewhere in this volume. Many members of the family since its early 
settlement in this country have been men of mark and substance, and 
it may be said in general that all have- reflected credit on its name. Espe- 
cially is thus true with respect to mercantile affairs, in which the sub- 
ject of this sketch follows ancestral traditions. 

After receiving a good education he entered the employ of Froth- 
ingham & Company of Boston, a well known dry goods commission 
house, and so rapidly made his way in the confidence of his employers 
that in 1863 he went to New York City to take charge of the branch 
house of the firm. He continued to reside in New York until 191 1 : when 
he returned to Portsmouth. N. H. In 1868 he became a partner in the 
firm of Frothinghani & Ci>miKin\, and upon the death of the senior 
partner in 1870 the style of Jow i.angdon I't Company, which still con- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 773 

tinues, was adopted. As the head of this New York house, Mr. Lang- 
don represents one of the largest dry goods commission businesses in the 
United States. He is also an officer of notable financial institutions. He 
is a director of two of the great banks of New York — the Central Na- 
tional Bank and the National Bank of Commerce ; president and director 
of the Cannelton Coal Company; director of the New York Life Insur- 
ance Company, the German American Lire Insurance Company and the 
German Alliance Insurance Company; trustee of the Greenwich Savings 
Bank, the New Y'ork Security and Trust Company and the Title Guaran- 
tee and Trust Company. Lor many years a prominent member of the 
New York Chamber of Commerce, since 1888 he has been a member of 
its executive committee, and was for three years its vice president. 

In association with the late C. B. Potter, the late William Steinway, 
John H. Starin and August Belmont, Mr. Langdon was appointed by 
the mayor in 1890 a member of the board of rapid transit commission- 
ers of the city and county of New York, and on November 19, 1896, was 
appointed by Mayor Strong to succeed Seth Low on the new board of 
rapid transit commissioners, organized under the laws of 1894. Munici- 
pal construction of a rapid transit system for the metropolis having been 
decided on by popular vote at the election of November 6, 1894, the 
new board thus created was charged with the responsibility of selecting 
the route, arranging the conditions and details, and awarding the con- 
tract. The great underground railway system now in operation, with 
further ramifications in progress, is the outcome of the board's delib- 
erations. 

In addition to his service to the city of New York as a rapid transit 
commissioner, Mr. Langdon has been one of the most conspicuous and 
effective advocates of non-partisan municipal government. Following 
the exposure of corruption in city affairs through the investigation of 
the Lexow committee, he was one of the signers of the original call 
for the meeting at Madison Square Garden, September 6, 1894. This 
call was to consider "the wisdom and practicability of taking advantage 
of the present state of public feeling to organize a citizens' movement for 
the government of the city of New York entirely outside of party and 
solely in the interests of efficiency, etonomy, and the public health, com- 
fort and safety." Mr. Langdon was one of the historic committee of 
sc\enty appointed by the meeting, which nominated Col. William L. 
Strong for mayor and directed the famous and successful reform cam- 
paign of 1894. In national politics he is an advocate of the principles of 
the Republican party. He is a leading member of the Union League 
Club of New York, has served upon its most important committees, and 
has been its vice president by annual re-election since 1889. One of the 
principal founders of the Merchants' Club of New York City, he was 
its president in 1888-89, two years in this office being the constitutional 
limit. He is now a member of its board of directors. Of the New Eng- 
land Society of New York, of which he is also a director, he has been 
a member since 1865. He is likewise a member of the Lawyers'. City 
Riding and New York Athletic Clubs, the American Geographical So- 
ciety, and the Metropolitan Museum of ,^rt. 

Mr. Langdon was first married March i. 1894, to Edith Eustis Pugh. 
She died in January, 1895, and he married for his second wife, in Septem- 
ber, 1896, Elizabeth Langdon F.lwyn, a descendant nf Go\-. John Lang- 



774 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

don of New Hampshire. Her line of descent is as follows : I. Tobias 
Langdon. II. Captain Tobias Langdon. III. John Langdon. IV. Hon. 
John Langdon, United States senator, president pro tempore of the 
United States Senate, governor of New Hampshire, etc. V. Elizabeth 
Langdon, only child of Hon. John Langdon, married Thomas Elwyn, 
of Centerbury, England. VI. Alfred William Elwyn, married Mary 
Middleton Mease. VII. Alfred Langdon Elwyn, married Helen Maria, 
daughter of Rev. Heman Dyer. VIII. Elizabeth Langdon Elwyn, mar- 
ried Vk'oodbury Langdon. 

Mr. Langdon is now spending his declining years in the old Governor 
Langdon house, Portsmouth. This fine old residence, dating back to 
the beginning of the Revolutionary period, is kept in excellent condition 
by him, and possesses a rare historical interest that is national in its 
scope. In it the citizens of Portsmouth take no little pride, and few 
visiting strangers go away without taking the time to gaze upon this 
stately and venerable structure, whose age exceeds that of the Nation 
itself. 

COL. RUFUS N. ELWELL, a well known business man uf Exeter, 
•engaged in general insurance as agent for various companies, and also in 
the lumber business, was born in Detroit, Me., August 24, 1862, a son of 
George H. and Hannah (Prentiss) Elwell. His parents were natives of 
Troy, Me., where the father was a farmer and lumberman. He was a son 
of Jacob Elwell, also a native of Maine. The father died in January, 
1899. His widow resides in Newton, N. H. A Republican in politics, he 
performed the duties of a good citizen and was a man who stood high 
in the good opinion of his neighbors. 

After attending the common schools the subject of this sketch com- 
pleted his literary education in the Maine Central Institute at Pitts- 
field, earning the money for expenses by school teaching. He began 
his industrial life in connection with the lumber business, later taking 
up insurance, in both of which lines he has since continued. For some 
time also he was engaged in business as a box manufacturer in Exeter 
and also in Newton. He is a member of the Wadleigh & Elwell Lumber 
Company, operating in Maine, where they own several good tracts of 
timber land. As an insurance man he is state agent for the New England 
Casualty Company, also for the New York Plate Glass Company, be- 
sides three fire insurance companies. He is a director in the Exeter 
Co-operative Bank, being also chairman of the security committee of ^^j- fCitf^ 

the same. In politics a Republican, h e served for eight years as a mem - /"'v "* .ciq^ 
ber of the legislature, for two years being speaker of the House. Since SjuaA^. 
coming to Exeter in 1890 he has served two terms as collector of customs 
at Portsmouth — from 1898 to 1905 — and was on the stafif of Governor 
Tuttle, whence he derives his title of colonel. His society affiliations 
are with the Odd Fellows, Red Men, Royal Arcanum. Sons of Veterans, 
the New Hampshire Veteran Association and the New England His- 
torical Society. 

Col. Elwell was first married in May, 1885, to Etta Ordway, of West 
Newbury, Mass., a daughter of Charles W. and Caroline (Adams) Ord- 
way. She died in July, 1886, leaving a son, George W. The latter, who 
was graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy and later from Dart- 
mouth College and the Harvard Law School, is now an attorney in Bos- 




(^ ciuAci^^ /(/. // / 



M^ 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 777 

ton. Col. Elwell married secondly Mary E. Boswell, who was born in 
Salem, Mass., daughter of William W. and Lucy A. (Peabody) Boswell. 
Her father was the son of Rev. James Boswell, and was born in Con- 
necticut ; her mother was a native of Massachusetts. Of this second 
marriage there has been one son, Clinton W. He was graduated from 
Phillips Exeter Academy, attended Dartmouth College two years, and 
was later graduated from the Harvard School of Business Administration. 
He is now associated with his father in the insurance business. Col. 
Elwell and family attend the Baptist church. They are progressive up 
to date people, possessing in large measure the best qualities of their 
New England ancestors and occupying a high place in the estimation of 
their neighbors and fellow citizens. 

HON. WILLIAM EDWARD MARVIN, a member of the law firm 
of Frink, Marvin & Batchelder, of Portsmouth, N. H., was born in this 
city July i, 1872, the second child of William and Eliza Salter (Anderson) 
Marvin. He received his early education in the schools of Portsmouth, 
from which he went to Harvard University, where he graduated with 
the class of 1893, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Returning 
to his native city, he read law in the office of J. S. H. Frink, Esquire, 
and was admitted to the bar in March, 1894. Early in 1894 Mr. Frink, 
Charles E. Barchelder and William E. Marvin became partners in busi- 
ness under the firm name of Frink, Batchelder & Marvin, attorneys. 
Mr. Batchelder died in September, 1894, and the firm of Frink & Marvin 
was then formed. Subsequently Charles H. Batchelder was accepted 
as partner and the firm of Frink, Marvin & Batchelder was thus formed, 
which has continued until the present time. This is one of the strong 
firms of Rockingham County and handles a large amount of legal busi- 
ness. Mr. Marvin has made his mark as a lawyer, as a business man and 
as a public officer. Between 1885 and 1900 he lived in New Castle, N. H., 
where he was elected a member of the board of selectmen four consecu- 
tive years. He was also a member of the school board. In 1900 he 
moved to Portsmouth, and in March, 1905, was elected mayor, and re- 
elected in December of the same year. He is a member of the Powwow 
Club of Harvard College, and of Wentworth Lodge, No. 22. Knights 
of Pythias of New Castle. He attends the Unitarian church. 

He is a trustee of the Portsmouth Sa\'ings Bank and a member of 
the investment committee, a director of the National Mechanics & Trad- 
ers Bank, and president of the Portsmouth Harbor, Land & Hotel Com- 
pany. He is a member of the Portsmouth Athletic Club, Portsmouth 
Country Club, Piscataqua Yacht Club, Warwick Club, the Federal Fire 
Society, and the Portsmouth Board of Trade and Merchants Exchange, 
of the last of which he was president for two years. 

Mr. Marvin married, June 24, 1896, Susan Roby Bent, who was 
born in Wayland, Mass., Jnly 27, 1872, daughter of Ralph and Isabelle 
Damon (Bond) Bent. They have seven children — William B., Sarah, 
Elizabeth, Robert, Isabelle, Edward and ^lary. 

HON. EDWARD D. MAYER, police judge of Exeter, N. H., in which 
office he has served for the past eighteen months, was born in Kingston, N. Y., 
September 30, 1878, a son of John M. and Fredericka (Messinger) Mayer. 
His parents were natives of Germany who came to America when children. 



778 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

They were married at Kingston, where both now reside, the father being a 
w'agon manufacturer by occupation. The latter when only ten years old began 
industrial life in a brick yard, working five years without pay, the first recom- 
pense he received being a lot and lumber enough to build a blacksmith shop. 
This he received when he was eighteen years old, and it was his first start in 
life. He subsequently built up a good business and has since enjoyed unin- 
terrupted prosperity. He and his wife were the parents of a large family of 
ten children, all of whom they reared and educated. They were as follows : 
Theodore; John; Mary, wdfe of John Hildedrand, a ship builder at Kingston; 
Jennie, wife of John Metzler, a contractor and builder in New York City; 
Matilda, wife of Prof. Adolph Schablin, a professor of the German language; 
Theresa, tlie widow of Robert Griffith, a grain dealer; Amelia, wife of Doug- 
las Halstead, a hardware merchant in New York; Edidi and Alice, residing 
at home with their parents, and Edward D., the subject of this sketch. The 
two oldest sons, Theodore and John, are manufacturers of New York City. 

Edward D. Mayer attended grammar and high school at Kingston and 
subsequently became a student at Muhlenberg College, at Allentown, Pa., 
being graduated therefrom in the class of 1900. He studied law under Judge 
G. D. B. Hasbroack, then judge of the Court of Claims and now judge of the 
Supreme Court of Third Judicial Department of New York State. Having 
subsequentl}- attended a New York law school, he was admitted to the bar in 
1904, and began the practice of his profession in New York City, where 
he remained two years, after which he came to Exeter. Here he has made_an 
excellent record and is recognized as a man of more than ordinary ability, 
either at the bar or on the bench. He is a member of Star in the East Lodge, 
No. 59, A. F. & A. M., which he is serving as junior deacon, and belongs 
also to the Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum, and the American Foresters. 

Judge Mayer was married in 1904 to Miss Amelia Van Vliet, a native 
of Matteawan, N. Y., and daughter of Theodore and Caroline (Allen) Van 
Vliet, both deceased. Mrs. Mayer's parents were born in Dutchess County, 
N. Y. ; her father was treasurer of the Matteawan Manufacturing Company 
at the time of his death in November, 1913, an office he had held for forty 
years. They have two children — Ameha, who is now Mrs. Mayer, and 
Charles T. Mr. and Mrs. Mayer are the parents of a son, Loyd Van Vliet 
Mayer. They attend the Congregational church and are popular members of 
Exeter society. A man of broad mind and sound business sense. Judge Mayer 
stands high as a citizen and his opinion is often sought when any project is 
afoot for the improvement of local conditions, whether material or moral. 

REV. ALFRED GOODING, pastor of the South Parish Unitarian 
Church at Portsmouth, N. H., was born in Bruokline, Mass., May 10, 
1856, a son of Josiah and Anna W. Gooding. Mr. Gooding was grad- 
uated A. B. from Harvard College in 1877, and S. T. B. from the Harv- 
ard Divinity School in 1881. He has resided in Portsmouth since Octo- 
ber, 1884, at which time he came here to assume the duties of his pres- 
ent charge. He has identified himself usefully with some important 
public interests, having served as a member of the Board of Instruction, 
trustee of the Public Library, and president of the Portsmouth Athe- 
naeum. He was married, June i, 1887, to Miss Mabel Sise, a daughter 
of John and Lucy M. Sise, of Portsmouth. Their children are Frederic, 
who resides in Boston. Mass., and Eleanor, who lives at home with her 
parents. 




■lOHX \V. KKLI.KV 



AND l^EFRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 779 

JOHN E. KENT, proprietor of a livery at New Market, and also 
engaged in the grain and feed business, is a prosperous business man 
and has a wide acquaintance throughout this vicinity. He was born 
in Durham, N. H., May 8, 1861, and is a son of Eben and Anna N. (Nute) 
Kent. His mother is deceased but Eljen Kent still resides on the old 
home farm at Durham. 

John E. Kent was reared in Durham, where he continued to reside 
until 1895, which year marked the beginning of his residence in New- 
Market. Here he started a livery business in a small way and as his 
success became assured added largely to his equipment. About 1905 
he branched out in the grain and feed business, which has also proved 
a success from every standpoint. 

In 1883 John E. Kent was married to Lizzie Simpson, who died in 
1907. Four children were the issue of their union : George \V. ; Blanch 
I., now deceased; Marion: and Ralph, who li\es with his grandfather 
on the farm at Durham. In July, 1909, Mr. Kent formed a second mar- 
riage with Martha E. Dow, and they reside in a commodious home on 
Main Street in New Market. 

JOHN W. KELLEY, one of Portsmouth's leading attorneys and 
citizens, who died at the Corey Hill Hospital, Brookline, Mass., on Sep- 
tember 20th, 1913. was born in this city, December 3, 1865. the son of 
John and Ellen (Nagle) Kelley. He was graduated from the Ports- 
mouth High School in 1883 with high honors and entered Dartmouth 
College in 1884, graduating with the Class of 1888. While there he 
was prominent in athletic and social life. He was president of his 
class, a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity, a member of the 
'Varsity football team for three \ears and its manager for two years, 
manager of the Northern Intercollegiate Athletic .Association team for 
two years, and in his senior year was elected to the Sphinx and made 
business editor of The Dartmouth, the college l)i-\\eekl\- publication. 
In 1887, in company with two classmates he organized the Dartmouth 
Glee and Banjo Clubs. In all these various enterprises connected with 
college life. "Jack Kellev " was looked upon as a ruling spirit. He was 
regarded as a wizard of accomplishment, and his college career has often 
been admiringh- referred to h_\- Dartmouth alumni as a brilliant demon- 
stration of "one man pow'er." This pre-eminence followed him into 
the serious business of his life. 

.After his graduation from Dartniouth he returned to Portsmouth and 
entered the law office of Frink and Bachelder. While studying with 
them he was elected principal of the Whipple School and held that posi- 
tion from 1890 to 1894, in March of the latter year being admitted to the 
bar. As a teacher he was active and successful and was a delegate to 
various educational conventions throughout the state. In 1894 he opened 
a law office for himself, and in this, as in everything else he took hold of, 
he "made good," soon becoming known as one of the leading attorneys 
of the state of New Hampshire. In 1896 he became city solicitor, a posi- 
tion he held for two years. In the following year he was a candidate 
for county solicitor but was defeated by five votes in the convention. 
Two years later he was practically given a unanimous vote in the con- 
vention and was elected. After serving three years he declined another 
nomination, his pri\ate business requiring his full attention. 



780 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

As a member of the Water Commission, a position he held for sev- 
eral years, he was engaged in a controversy with the Board of Aldermen 
in 1890 over the question of the city paying hydrant rental, and after 
a hard fight he beat them out by raising water rates until the Board 
finally allowed $3,000 a year for hydrant rental. He was active in start- 
ing the sinking fund for the water bonds and while in the office greatly 
improved the entire system. 

Mr. Kelley was long associated with the Boston & Maine Raih-oad, 
first as counsel in this city and later as chief counsel in New Hampshire, 
a position he held at the time of his death. He was very active in the 
famous rate case, which he conducted with the General Counsel Edgar 
Rich, and the two attorneys made a great reputation for themselves in 
this case. It was his work on this case that first undermined his health. 
as he overran his reserve strength. 

For many years he was counsel for the Frank Jones Brewing Com- 
pany, and was one of the leading attorneys in the famous Eddy will case, 
representing Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy's son, George Glover, in his fight 
for a division of her estate. His law practice was very large and rep- 
resentative. He always maintained an interest in the schools and served 
two years on the Board of Instruction. A Republican in politics, he 
was for some years the recognized leader of his party in Rockingham 
County and one of its leading members in the state. After giving up his 
position as county solicitor he never accepted any political office, although 
often urged to do so. 

Mr. Kelley was active in everything that pertained to the interests 
of Portsmouth and was ever ready to contribute of his time and money 
to a worthy cause. For years he was an active member of the Board 
of Trade and was its president when the old board became active. He 
was a member of the Country Club and Warwick Club and an active 
member of the Portsmouth Athletic and Yacht Club. He aided largely 
in building up the Y. M. C. A. and was very active in its service, freely 
giving of his time and money. He was also a member of Alpha Council. 
Royal Arcanum, and served as its trustee for several years. As well 
stated by a local journal, "His death marks the passing of one of Ports- 
mouth's most brilliant minds, and he is a distinct loss, not only to the 
legal fraternity of the city, but of the state. To his friends — and they 
are numbered by the thousands — his death is a great blow, for he was 
a good fellow and a good friend." A kind father and loving husband, 
his loss was still more severely felt by his bereaved family. 

Mr. Kelley was married January 12, 1898, to Romaine G. Sherwood, 
daughter of William H. Sherwood of Ohio. He left, besides his wife, 
two children, John S. and Barbara R., and two sisters. Mrs. Mary A. 
McCarty and Margaret V.. wife of Major Robt. E. Callan, U. S. A., of 
Fort Andrews, Boston Harbor. The family is one of the most prominent 
in Portsmouth. Mrs. Kelley's residence is at No. 266 Middle Street. 

NICHOLAS EMORY SOULE, who has the distinction of being the 
oldest man now living in the town of Exeter, was born in this town June 
13, 1825, during the administration of our sixth President, John Ouincy 
Adams. His parents were Gideon L. and Elizabeth (Emory) Soule, 
the father being a native of Freeport, Me., and son of Moses and Martha 
(Lane) Soule. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS T81 

Gideon L. Soule was a noted educator, following that vocation for 
fifty-two years. He was educated at Phillips Exeter Academy and at 
Bowdoin College, and he subsequently became connected with the Acad- 
emy as a member of the faculty. In 1838 he succeeded Dr. Abbot as its 
principal and held that ofiice continuously until 1873, a period of thirty- 
five years. He was of a progressive but retiring disposition, and a mem- 
ber, with his wife, of the Congregational church. The latter, a daughter 
of Noah and Jane (Hale) Emory, bore her husband three children: 
Charles, who is now an attorney in New York ; Nicholas Emory, whose 
name appears at the head of this sketch, and Augustus L., now de- 
ceased, who was for some time justice of the Supreme Court of Massa- 
chusetts. 

Nicholas E. Soule. after beginning hi.s education in the commcm 
schools, in 1835. at the early age of ten years, became a student in 
Phillips Exeter Academy. From there he went to Harvard College, 
where he was graduated in 1845. He then entered the educational field, 
but after teaching a few years, gave up that occupation temporarily and 
studied medicine. He was graduated M. D. and for a short time prac- 
ticed as a physician. He then went to Cincinnati. Ohio, where for 
twenty-five years he taught a private school. After continuing as a 
teacher until 1875. he gave up that profession and has since been prac- 
tically retired. For three years, however, he served as a member of 
the Sanitary Commission of the United States during the Civil war. 

Mr: Soule was married in 1866 to Lucy Weaver, a native of Prov- 
idence. R. I., and daughter of Lucius and Francis Ormond (Rhodes) 
Weaver. Mr. and Mrs. Soule have been the parents of one child, a son. 
William Emory, W'ho was born in Worcester. Mass.. August 8. 1890. 
He is now a student in the Episcopal Theological School at Cambridge. 
Mass.. and will graduate in the class of 1916. Mr. Soule and family attend 
the Episcopal church in Exeter, which the former has served for a num- 
ber of years as vestryman. Their friends are found among the most 
cultured residents of the city and their interests lie wherever there is 
work to be done for the service of God or humanity. 

JOHN H. NEAL. M. D.. of Portsmouth. N. H.. is one of the best 
known medical men, not only in this city but throughout the state of 
New Hampshire. He was born in Parsonsfield, Me., March 20, 1862. a 
son of John and Sarah J. (Lord) Neal. His father was a farmer, and the 
activities of country life, supplementing the fine constitution and vigor- 
ous bodily powers which he inherited, along with strong mental endow- 
ment, contributed to the development of the fully rounded manhood now 
illustrated in his personality. He was educated in the public schools and 
at the North Parsonsfield Seminary. He began his medical studies under 
the mentorship of Dr. J. M. Leavitt of Efifingham. N. H.. and attended 
lectures for one year at the Bowdoin Medical School, at Brunswick. 
Me., and subsequently at the Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, 
graduating with the degree of M. D. from the latter institution in 1886. 
While securing his education he taught school a portion of the time 
each year in dififerent towns in Maine and New Hampshire, this occupa- 
tion, in addition to the needed pecuniary reward, proving useful as a 
means of mental discipline. Beginning the practice of medicine imme- 
diately after his graduation, at Sanford. Me., he remained there until 



782 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

January, 1895, at which time he removed to Rochester, N. H., where he 
practiced for many years. In November, 1907, he removed to Ports- 
mouth, in which city and its environs he has since established a large 
practice. 

While yet a young practitioner in Maine, it was written of him: 
"He is energetic, candid, well informed and very successfid in his voca- 
tion." He has not changed much since then, except to improve. He is 
an intelligent and successful physician, a good citizen, and a cultured 
gentleman. He was a member of the board of health and of the school 
board of Rochester for a number of years, medical referee for Strafford 
County and United States examining surgeon. He has been president 
of the York County (Me.) Medical Association, and of the Strafford 
County (N. H.) Medical Association; vice president and president of the 
New Hampshire Medical Society in the years 1906 and 1907 respectively: 
a member of the Maine Medical Association and of the American Medical 
Association. He is the inventor of an arch sup])orter. which has been 
received with favor in the profession. 

A Republican in politics, he has taken an active part in local political 
affairs, was a member of the Republican State Committee, and in 1902 
was elected to the New Hampshire legislature, serving during the fol- 
lowing term with credit to himself and benefit to his constituents. A 
forceful speaker, he is often heard to good effect whenever occasion 
demands. He is at present chairman of the Board of Conciliation and 
Arbitration for the State of New Hampshire, appointed by the' Gover- 
nor. A Free Mason, he belongs to Preble Lodge and White Rose Chap- 
ter, of Sandford, Me., of the latter of which he is a charter member; to 
Palestine Commandery, K. T.. of Rochester, and to the .Ancient Arabic 
Order of the Mystic Shrine. 

Dr. Neal was married. November j8, 1888, to Lulu E. Clark, who 
was born March 30. 1866, a daughter of Daniel G. and Frances (Chase) 
Clark. They have one child. Cecil Morris, born October 26, 1890. 

HON. EDWARD PAYSON KIMBALL (deceased) was the eldest son 
and third child of Rev. Reuben and Judith (Colby) Kimball, and v as bom 
in Warner, N. H., Julv 4, 1834. He was educated in the common schools of 
Kittery, Me., and Hampton and .\ndover academies. From 1855 to 18-7 he 
was engaged in mercantile business in Kittery. In the latter year he removed 
to Portsmouth and was engaged in banking up to the time of his death, March 
31. 19TO. He was first a clerk in the Piscataqua Exchange and Portsmouth 
Savings Bank. He became cashier of the First National Bank in 187 1, and 
in 1882 was made president of that bank and also of the Piscataqua Savings 
Bank. In addition to the activities alx)\-e mentioned and others in Ports- 
mouth, Mr. Kimball had business interests in the West. From his youth up 
he adhered to the Republican party in all political contests and was a stancli 
supporter of the measures advocated in its ])lat forms. He was a member of 
the city government, and in 1885-86 served in the New Hampshire legislature. 
I->om 1 87 1 he was a deacon of the North Congregational Church and held 
office as clerk and treasurer of the church from 1867 until his death. His 
liberality to the church is well known, also his deep concern for the welfare 
of the public educational institutions of the state, and the benevolent and 
charitable organizations of a private nature. He was a member of the Ports- 
nionlli school board, a trustee of the Portsmouth Hospital, the Chase Home 



^G^a^a^^^O (j//(j4^CyC-C<L£jU 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS ' 785 

for Children, the Portsmouth Seamen's Friend Society, and president of the 
Howard Benevolent Society and the Young Men's Christian Association. 
IMr. Kimball was largely instrumental in building the beautiful Young Men's 
Christian Association building in Portsmouth, contributing liberally to its 
cost and support and always taking a keen personal interest in its work. He 
was a member of Piscataqua Lodge. I. O. O. F., and one of its board of 
trustees. 

Mr. Kimball was emphatically a man of business, and though he held 
political offices it was more with the view of promoting and assisting in proper 
legislation in regard to business and social interests of his town and state, 
than from any desire for official honors. He was in no sense a nominal mem- 
ber of the various organizations in which he held official rank but a worker 
for the end for which each institution was organized. 

Mr. Kimball married in Wilniot, X. H., September 13, 1864, Martha Jane 
Thompson, who was born in W'ilmot, a daughter of Colonel Samuel and Anna 
True (Smith) Thompson, of Wilmot. They had three children: Elizabeth 
Colby Kimball, born January 29, 1866, who died March 7, 1880: Martha 
Smith Kimball, born February 28. 1870, who graduated from Smith College 
in the class of 1892. and Edward Thompson Kimball, born September 29, 
1873. who is a graduate of Amherst College, of the class of 1896. 

ELMER D. MOULTON, owner and proprietor of a 200-acre farm 
on Maple Avenue, in the town of Greenland, where he is engaged in 
farming and dairying, was born in York, Me., July 22, 1862, a son of 
Joseph and Eliza B. (Blaisdell) Moulton. His parents were both natives 
of Maine, where the father was a farmer. They attended the Christian 
church. Their family consisted of the following children : Charles. Kath- 
erine, Joseph, Olive, George, Mary, wife of Melvin Talpey : Fullmer D.. and 
Effie. The mother of our subject, by a previous marriage to Augustus 
Grover, had another son, Augustus Grover. 

Elmer D. Moulton acquired his education in the common schools. He 
then turned his attention to farm work, assisting his father until 1888. 
at which time he came to his present farm. Here he is engaged success- 
fully in general farming and dairying, shipping his milk to Beverly, Mass. 
This place is known as the Berry Farm, Mrs. Moulton being a descendant 
of the well known Berry family of this section. Mr. Moulton is a Re- 
publican in politics and has taken a more or less active part in public 
affairs. He has served as selectman, as a member of the l)oard of educa- 
tion, tax collector, and was representative in the legislature from the town 
of Greenland in 1905-06, showing efficiency as a guardian of the peoples' 
interests. 

He was married, March 30, 1886, to Susan Seavey Berry, a native 
of Greenland. N. H. — born in the same house in which she now lives — 
and daughter of Thomas Jefiferson and Sarah Drake (Seavey) Berry. 
Her mother was a native of Rye. N. H. Her father, Thomas J. Berry, 
who was also born in this house, was a farmer. He was twice married, 
his first wife, Lettis Stilson Seavey, being a sister of the second. The 
children of the first marriage were Sarah Amanda. John William and 
Mary Caroline, wife of John W. Rand. Of the second marriage were 
born two children — Emma Lettis, wife of John E. Seavey, and Susan 
Seavev. now Mrs. Elmer D. Moulton. Mr. and Mrs. Mou'ton liavc one 
dauo-h'ter. Gladvs Ellsworth. The family attend tlic Metliodist clnircli 



786 ■ HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and take an active part in its good work, Air. jN-loulton being a trustee 
and steward of the church. He belongs also to the Knights of Pythias 
and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. A substantial, 
useful and public spirited citizen, he is highly esteemed throughout this 
part of the county. 

CLARENCE M. COLLINS, a prosperous citizen of Exeter, N. H., 
who has been proprietor of a drug store here since October, 1900, was 
born in Brentwood, N. H., in 1859, a son of Nathaniel B. and Alyria 
E. (Thyng) Collins. His parents were both natives of that town. They 
removed to Exeter, where Nathaniel B. Collins conducted a grocery 
store for a number of years. He was a Republican in politics and for 
some time served the town as tax collector. He was a veteran of the 
Civil war, and a man widely respected, being a reliable, straightforward 
business man and one who conscientiously fulfilled his duties as a 
good citizen. His death took place in 1898. He and his wife were the 
parents of five children, namely: Everett; Clarence M., subject of this 
sketch; Anna, who is the wife of Herbert E. Dunn, a groceryman of 
Exeter; Charles H.. and Harold N. The mother resides with her daugh- 
ter Anna. 

Clarence M. Collins was educated in the public schools, graduating 
from the high school in the class of 1876. He then entered the drug 
store of C. A. Merrill, with whom he remained for about three vears, 
learning the business. He was afterwards engaged in the wholesale 
drug business at Boston for four years. For ten years he was a member 
of the Harvard Glee Club. After returning to Exeter he went into the 
drug business for himself, passing the state board examination as 
pharmacist. He is conducting a successful business and is widely known 
and respected as a progressive and up to date citizen. In politics he is 
a Republican. A Free Mason, he has advanced in the order as far as 
the Commandery, belonging also to the Uniformed Rank, Knights of 
Pythias, the American Order of Foresters, the Royal Arcanum and the 
New England Order of Protection. 

Mr. Collins was married in 1889 to Miss Arabella Osborne, who was 
born in Dover, N. H., a daughter of Charles and Lucy (Quimby) Os- 
borne, who were prosperous farming people of that locality. Mr. and 
Mrs. Collins are the parents of a daughter, Eleanor Osborne, who is 
the wife of John W. Durgin, and the mother of two daughters — Margaret 
and Janet. Mr. Durgin is a civil engineer in the employ of the Boston 
& Maine Railroad Company. Mr. and Mrs. Collins attend the Con- 
gregational church. Mr. Collins, who is a man of musical taste and 
ability, has had charge of the church choir for a number of years, and 
is also leader of musical societies in Exeter. He and his family are 
popular members of Exeter society. 

CHARLES W. GR.A.Y, superintendent of the Consolidation Coal 
Company, Portsmouth, N. H.. was born in this city June 20. 1867, one 
of the five children of Walter S. and Mary O. (Prime) Gray. The father, 
who died January 10. 1898, was assistant city marshal of Portsmouth at 
the time of his death. The subject of this sketch was educated in the 
public schools and on completing his studies became clerk for E. F. .Sise 
& Co., coal dealers, with whom he remained from 1880 until iSqfy Tic 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 787 

then formed a partnership with Mr. Herbert O. Prime, under the firm 
name of Gray and Prime, as dealers in coal. They carried on the busi- 
ness successfull}- until April i, 191 1, at which time they sold out to 
the present firm, Mr. Gray being then made superintendent of the con- 
cern. This company — The Consolidation Coal Company, incorporated, 
is doing a large business, dealing in Georges Creek, Big Vein Cumber- 
land, Fairmont Gas, By-Product and Domestic Somerset Smokeless 
Steam Coals, and anthracite coals, of which they are wholesale ship- 
pers. 

Mr. Gray is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging also to the 
Odd Fellows, Royal Arcanum and B. P. O. Elks. He is also a member 
of the Warwick Club of the Portsmouth Atheneum and Portsmouth 
Athletic Club. In politics he is a Republican. He married Miss Sarah 
R. Roberts, a daughter of Edward E. Roberts of Connecticut, and their 
family included four children. In their residence is the oldest piano- 
forte in the United States, having been made in 1765. This venerable 
instrument is still in a good state of preservation and is an object of 
great interest and curiosity to all the musical friends of the family. 

FREDERICK D. PARSONS, owner of a farm of eighty acres in the 
town of Rye, was born in this town. April 13, 1858, a son of Warren 
and Julia A. (Gove) Parsons. His father was also born in Rye. in the 
house now owned by our subject. He was a physician and practiced his 
profession in this town for over fifty years. His wife was from North- 
wood, N. H. They attended the Congregational church. Both are now 
deceased and are buried in Rye. Their children were: Ella M., wife 
of John F. Frasier; Anna D.. and Frederick D. By a previous marriage 
to Sarah A. Dow, of Rye, Dr. Warren Parsons had two sons, Irving 
and Warren J. 

Frederick D. Parsons began his education in the common schools and 
subsequently attended the Newburyport high school and Eastman's Busi- 
ness College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He was in the employ of C. D. 
Cobb & Co., of Boston, for about two years, and then, returning home, 
took up his residence on the farm, operating it for his father until the 
latter's death. This farm, which has been in the family for over 200 
years, is a good piece of agricultural property. He does general farm- 
ing, and keeps about six head of cattle, disposing of his milk to the Rock- 
ingham Milk Company. 

Air. Parsons was married December 4, 1889, to Miss Abbie P. Brown, 
who was born in Rye, a daughter of Charles J. and Mary (Drake) 
Brown, her father being a farmer. There were four children in the 
Brown family — J. Arthur. Agnes M.. .\bl)ie P., now Mrs. Parsons, and 
Emily, wife of Charles M. Remick. 

Mr. and Mrs. Parsons are the parents of three children : Charles 
W.. born June 5, 1897: George F., born Jtme 16, 1900, and Arthur C. 
born Sept. 25, 1902. 

Mr. Parsons is a Republican in politics. He has served on the school 
board for seven years and is now town and school treasurer. He took 
an active part in the organization and building of the library, serving as 
chairman of the board of trustees. He is a member of the Grange, and 
the Junior Order of American Mechanics. The family attend the Con- 
gregational church, Mr. Parsons being clerk of the society. 



788 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

COL. HENRY W. ANDERSON, proprietor of an umbrella factory, 
also of an asl)estos factory, at Exeter, N. H., who has also for two years 
been a member of Governor McLane"s staff, was born at Bath, Me.. 
Nov. 28, 1864, a son of Samuel and Almina M. (Norton) Anderson. 
Both his parents were natives of Maine, the father l)eing a druggist by 
occupation. 

Henry W. Anderson in his youth acquired a good practical educa- 
tion. He learned the drug business under his father and followed it for 
awhile, afterwards entering into the coal and wood business, at Exeter. 
N. H. He established his present manufacturing business at Exeter in 
igi2, and is successfully carrying on both factories. 

Mr. Anderson is a Republican in politics and for a number of years 
has been quite active in public affairs, having served two different times 
in the legislature. He was one of the first police commissioners of the 
town I if I^xeter, alstj a member of the board of trustees of the New 
Pfampshire State Hos]iital. He married Helen Louise Dutch, a native 
of Epping, X. H., and daughter of John C. and Harriet (Goodman) 
Dutch. He and his wife have four children: Merrill. Martha. Helen and 
Janet. 

HON. JOHN SCAMMOX. a member of the well known law f^rm of 
Eastman, Scammon & Gardner, at Exeter, was born at Stratham. \. H., 
September 30, 1865. His parents, John J. and Rachel J. (Jewell) Scammon. 
were both natives of Stratham, where the father followed the occupation of 
fanner. He is now deceased, but his widow survives him and resides in 
Stratham. They had only two children: Frank H.. a commercial traveler, 
who died in 1906, and John, the subject of this review, who is the third John 
Scammon in direct line, the grandfather having also home that name. 

John Scammon. our direct subject, liegan his education in the schools of 
E.xeter, N. H.. and later attended Boston L'niversity. He was admitted to 
the bar in 1898. having studied law with Mr. E. G. Eastman, of Exeter, with 
whom he has since been associated and where he has since practiced his pro- 
fession very successfully. A Republican in politics, he served as representative 
to the legislature from Exeter in 1903 and again in 1905. In 1907 Mr. Scam- 
mon was president of the New Hampshire State Senate, being representative 
of the Twenty-first District in the State Senate that term. In 191 1 he was 
the member from Exeter of the Constitutional Convention. In 1913 he 
was again a member of the State Senate, and at the fall election of 1914 he was 
elected on the Republican ticket as a memljer of Governor-elect Rolland H. 
Spaulding's council, representing the First New Hampshire District. He is 
a member of the Masonic order, in which he has attained the 32d degree, 
belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter at Exeter. 

Mr. Scammon was married in 1891 to Mary J. Dixey, a native of IMarble- 
head, Mass., and daughter of Richard H. and Sarah J. (Chase) Dixey. her 
father being a well known provision dealer in Marblehead. Mr. and Mrs. 
Scammon are the parents of five children — Oscar J., John J., Mariana Hoyt, 
Henry G. and George Richard. The family attend the Congregational church. 
They are among the best known and most popular residents of the town. 

WILLIAM R. WEEKS, a general farmer and stock-raiser, residing 
in the town of Greenland, Rockingham County, N. H., was born 
on his present farm. May i, 1880, a son of George William and Sarah 





jL.^ 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 791 

L. (Robinson) Weeks. The father of our subject was also born on 
this farm, and after acquiring his education in the common schools and 
at an academy in this vicinity, took up the occupations of farmer and 
trader. He was one of Greenland's prominent and useful citizens, taking 
an active interest in local aiifairs and favoring everything calculated to 
aid in the development of the town along both moral and material lines. 
His death took place January 7, 1893. Both he and his wife were active 
in church affairs. The latter, who was born on the Littlefield farm in 
the town of Stratham, this county, is still living and resides with her mju 
William. 

William R. W eeks, who was the only child of his parents, was edu- 
cated first in the district schools of Greenland, afterward attending the 
grammar school at Exeter for three years. He was subsequently a 
pupil at the State College at Durham. N. H., which he attended for two 
years. Then, at the age of eighteen, he took up work on his present 
farm of 85 acres, where he has since remained. He also rents other land, 
doing general farming and making a specialty of raising tlioroughbred 
cattle, Holstein Frisians, in which occupations he has been very success- 
ful. A Republican in politics, he has served the town as selectman and is 
now road agent. He is a master of the Grange, now serving his second 
term in that office. 

Mr. \\'eeks was married March 25, 1907, to Bessie F. Carr, who was 
born in Pittsfield, N. H., a daughter of Isaac Newton and Sarah F. 
(Batchelder) Carr, the former of Pittsfield and the latter of Chichester, 
N. H. Her father was a farmer and stock-raiser and she was the only 
child of her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Weeks have two children, George 
Newton and William Richard. The family attend the Methodist Church, 
of which Mr. Weeks is treasurer. 

FREDERICK EUGENE POTTER, M. D., who died in Portsmouth, 
N. H., November 18, 1902, for years one of Portsmouth's best known 
physicians, and a highly esteemed citizen, was born in Rumney, N. H.. 
July 3, 1839, the third son and child of Frederick F. and Calista (Lucas) 
Potter." He grew up at Suncook, N. H., attending the public schools 
and remaining there until he was eighteen years of age. He then en- 
tered the medical school of the University of Vermont, wdiere he grad- 
uated in 1859 at the age of twenty years. Immediately after his gradua- 
tion he went to New York and entered the King's County Hospital, 
where he was at the beginning of the Civil W^ar. He w'as among the 
first to offer his services in behalf of the Union, entering the United 
States' navy in the medical department. He was aboard the ship "Mon- 
ticello" when the attack was made upon Forts Hatteras and Clark, 
and participated in their capture. He was soon afterward transferred 
to the naval forces operating on the Mississippi river, and was a par- 
ticipator in the famous campaign against Vicksburg. He also saw active 
service on the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers and took part in the 
unfortunate Red River Expedition. The arduous labors and exposure 
incident to these campaigns greatly impaired his health, and to relieve 
him from service in the field he was appointed as president of the board 
of examiners for admission to the naval medical corps, which was at 
that time stationed in Cincinnati, Ohio. Flis nature, however, did not 
permit him to avoid labor whenever anything was to be done, and it 



792 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

was t'ound necessary to give him a year's leave of absence in order that 
lie might regain his health. This year was passed in his native town, 
and having been restored to health and strength he again returned to 
active service and was sent into Mexican waters at the time when France 
was attempting to establish Maxmillian on a throne in that country. 
Dr. Potter served seven years on naval squadrons that visited Mexico 
and South American ports. He applied for an assignment nearer home 
and was ordered to Portsmouth navy yard, where he served four years. 
In 1876 he resigned his commission and began the practice of his pro- 
fession in Portsmouth, where he remained thus engaged for more than 
a quarter of a century with great success. He enjoyed the esteem and 
confidence of his contemporaries, both in and out of his profession. He 
had a coniniantling presence and a most pleasing personality, and his 
cheerful presence in the sick room was often of greater avail in efifecting 
a cure than the remedies he administered. He was known as a man 
loyal to every duu and he jjossessed the power to discharge his duties 
efficiently. He was a member of the Masonic order and of the Massa- 
chusetts Commandery, Loyal Legion. He was a regular attendant of 
the Unitarian church and in politics was an ardent Democrat. In 1900, 
without any solicitation on his part, he was placed in nomination by his 
partv for the high office of go\ernor of the state. He died November 
18. 1Q02. Dr. Potter was married October 2, 1873 to Harriet, daughter 
wf Jeremiah H. and Mary (Thompson) \\ilkins. of Pembroke. 

VICTOR G. GARLAND, Pharm. D., Ph. C, proprietor of the only 
drug store in the village of Hampton, was born in Gloucester, Mass.. 
March 14, 1891, a son of George L. and Claribel C. (Sanborn) Garland. 
The father was born in Gloucester, the mother in Hampton Falls, N. H. 
They now reside in Gloucester, Mass., where the father is a retired fish 
merchant. Their children were Victor G. and a daughter, E. Mabel. 

Victor G. Garland. Pharm. D. ; Ph. C, was educated in the grammar 
and high schools of Gloucester, graduating from the latter in the class of 
1909. He then entered the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy at Bos- 
ton, where he was graduated in 191 1 as Doctor of Pharmacy, and "in 1912 
as Pharmaceutical Chemist, being instructor there during the year last 
mentioned. In November, 1913, he came to Hampton and bought out 
the drug store of E. P. Sanborn, located in the I. O. O. F. building, on 
Lafayette street. Here he employs two clerks and is doing a good busi- 
ness. Before starting in for himself he had much experience clerking 
in drug stores in Boston and Gloucester. He is a Republican in politics. 
He is a member of the Massachusetts Pharmaceutical Association, the 
New Hampshire Pharmaceutical Association, the National Association 
of Retail Druggists and Phi Delta Chi Fraternity. Young and ambi- 
tious, with a thorough knowledge of his trade, there can be little doubt 
that he has a bright future ahead of him. 

C. CHARLES HAYES, road agent for the town of Exeter, to which 
office he was elected March 10, 1914, also a director of the Co-operative 
Bank, of Exeter, was born in this town. September 3, 1864. a son of 
John S. and Elizabeth H. (Grant) Hayes. On the paternal side he is a 
grandson of Joseph and Clarisa Hayes. The father, John S. Hayes, who 
was a nati^•e of Nottingham, N. H.. was a carpenter by trade. Elected 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 793 

as a Republican, he served in some of the minor offices of the county 
He and his wife, who was a daughter of Daniel and Mary Grant, are both 
now deceased, and are buried in Exeter. Their family was large num- 
bering nine children, namely: Daniel, Hamilton C. Charles, George Ida 
Mary, wife of William Sawyard, Clarisa Josepha, John, who is now de- 
ceased, and one child, the second born, who died in 'infancy. 

C. Charles Hayes in his youth attended the district school and after- 
wards the high school, from which he was graduated in the class of i88? 
He then became associated with his father, working on the farm and on 
the highways. Later he engaged in teaming, which occupation and farm- 
ing have occupied his chief attention since beginning industrial life As 
road agent he is doing good service for the town, being thoroughly 
qual.hed to perform the duties of the office. A far-sighed and reliable 
business man. his opinion is often consulted by his fellow citizens in mat- 
ters attectmg the commercial and public interests of the town He be- 
longs to the local lodge, Knights of Pythias, also to the auxiliary branch 
of that order; to Gilman Grange, No. i; and to the Ancient Order of 
United VVorkmen. In politics he is a Republican. 

Mr. Hayes was married in the year 1900 to Matilda E. Irvine who 
was born in Canada, a daughter of Henry and Jane (Thompson) Irvine 
her father being a carriage maker by occupation. They had but two 
children. Matilda and Andrew. Mrs. Matilda Hayes died in 1012 havine 
been the mother of four children, namely: Mabel Elizabeth, Ruth V 
who died when seven years old, Charles Gilman, and Helen May Mr' 
Hayes and the surviving members of his family attend the Baptist 
church in Exeter. Mrs. Hayes was a woman of amiable character a -ood 
wite and mother, whose death was widely regretted. ' 

JOHN TRUE DAVIS, one of Portsmouth-s progressive men pro- 
prietor of a wholesale fruit, produce and grocery establishment at' Nos 
1/3 and 175 Market Street, was born in Bethel. Me.. February ^i 1867 
His parents were Richmond and Sarah M. (True) Davis, the f'ormer a 
farmer; he also dealt extensively in lumber. The subject of this sketch 
was one of six children. He attended Gould's Academy and later in 
1880 graduated from the Portland. Me.. Business College" In the same 
year he located in Portsmouth, first finding employment as clerk with 
ir ; " i!." "' ' present line of Inisiness. In 1897 he succeeded Mr. 
Huston, adding a grocery stock to the business, which had previously 
been confined to fruit and produce. He has been very successful and is 
now numbered among the prosperous and substantial merchants of the 

In politics a Republican, he represented Ward 4 for two years in the 
City Council, heginmng with the year 1907. and also served Port;mouth 
as acting mayor in March and April. 1907. He is fraternally a member 
of St. Andrews Lodge, No. 56, A. F. & A. M.. being past master of the 
same: and is past district deputy grand master of the First Masonic 
District of New Hampshire. He is an honorary member of the Lod-e 
Edinburoji Defensive Band. No. 151. of Edinburgh. Scotland, and is'a 
Scottish Rite Mason of the 32^ degree. He served three years-rqu to 
of 'porTsmoutV^' president of the Young Men's Christian Association 

Mn Davis married Miss Alice M. Bassett. a daughter of James M. 



794 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Bassett of New Market, N. H., and this union has been blessed with 
three children, namely, Merle Evelyn, Philip Bassett and Raymond 
Caldwell. 

WILLIAM F. WOODS, a prominent merchant of Portsmouth, 
N. H., dealing in harness, bicycles and auto supplies, and who is also 
chief of the Portsmouth Fire Department, was born in England, October 
20, 1877, a son of John and Eliza (Lowden) Woods. The father of our 
subject, John Woods, was an English farmer who later went into mer- 
cantile business in his native land. He died in 191 1. William F. was 
one of a family of eight full brothers and sisters, besides seven half 
brothers and sisters. When but three years old he accompanied his 
parents to America, they landing at Boston, Mass., whence they came 
to Portsmouth. He was educated in the public schools of this city. 
In 1893 he began to learn the trade of harness maker, at which he worked 
as a journeyman for a number of years, establishing his present busi- 
ness in igog. In 1912 he was appointed chief of the Portsmouth Fire 
Department, in which office he has since served with credit. His store 
is located at No. 22 Congress street, and in addition to the lines of busi- 
ness above mentioned, he deals also in sporting goods and does repairing 
of various kinds. His stock is taxed at $5,000 and he gives employment 
to six people. He is a member of the order of Elks and of the Royal 
Arcanum. In politics he is independent. 

Mr. Woods married Carrie A. Ridge, a daughter of Charles A. Ridge. 
He and his wife are members of the Advent church. The family resi- 
dence is located at No. 112 New Castle Avenue, Portsmouth. 

LEWIS EVERETT SMITH, formerly principal of Smith's Academy 
and Commercial College, Portsmouth, X. H., of which he was the founder, 
was born in Lincoln, Mass., January 2. 1831. He was a son of Cyrus and 
Tr3'phena (Brooks) Smith, wh.o were farming people of Lincoln, Mass. 
Their children were Maria Laurens, now deceased, who was the wife of Leon- 
ard Thompson, Jr.. of \\'oburn, Mass. ; Emily Frances, also deceased, who 
was the wife of James Loren Chapin, of Lincoln, Mass. ; Lewis Everett, the 
subject of this review, and Martha Pierce Smith, a younger sister, now 
deceased. 

Lewis Everett Smith fitted for college at Groton, Mass., where he was 
graduated in 1849. In 1853 he was graduated from Brown University, at 
Providence, R. I., and immediately after entered the educational field, be- 
coming a teacher. .After following his vocation in the high schools of Bed- 
ford and Lincoln, Mass., he came to Portsmouth in 1859 as assistant in the 
boys' high school there, and after holding that position for four years became 
principal, which position he held for ten years. He then established 
Smith's .\cademy and Commercial College, which he conducted successfully 
for about twenty-five years, or until his retirement. He died in Portsmouth, 
May 30, 1904, after a long and useful career, the news of his headth causing 
sorrow, not only to his immediate family and numerous close friends, but to 
hundreds — perhaps we might almost say thousands — of his former pupils, 
who held him in high esteem. 

Mr. Smith was married June 17, 1856, to Miss Eliza Abbott, who was 
bom in Bedford, Mass., a daughter of Oliver R. and Mary A. (Buttrick) 
Abl)ott, who were married in Bedford, Mass.. June 28. 1827. Her father. 




Y^-^ZJ 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 797 

who was a farmer, was a native of Bedford; her mother was from Gorham. 
Me. Their children were Ohver Davis; Mary AHce, wife of Dr. C. T. Lang, 
of Woburn, Mass.; Harriet Ann; and Eliza, who became the wife of the 
subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had two children : Lewis Abbott, 
who is now deceased, and Howard Revere, who resides with his mother at 
No. 647 Aliddle Street, Portsmoutli. The latter graduated from Brown 
University in the class of 1896. Mrs. Smith and her son are members of 
the Baptist church, of which her husband was deacon for many years. 

LOUIS CHARLES LOISELLE, a prosperous citizen of New 
Market, N. H., where he is engaged extensively in the ice business, was 
born in St. Helena, Province of Quebec, Canada, April 17, 1879. He 
resided in his native place until he was 24 years of age, at which time 
he came to the United States, setthng in New Market, N. H. Here he 
engaged in the bakery business for four years, disposing of his bakery 
in 1910. He then engaged in the ice business, in which he has since been 
very successful, now having a monopoly of that industry in this town, 
cutting all the ice used here and being the owner of a good plant. He 
is also engaged in the coal business. 

Mr. Loiselle vvas married, .\ugust 22, 1910, to Chantal Rose Bris- 
son, a daughter of Victor and Emma (Mailhot) Brisson. He and his 
wife are the parents of three children, namely: Rene Louis, born June 
10, 1911; Irene Marie Louise, born September i. 1912; and Romeo 
Joseph, born August 7, 1913. Mr. Loiselle belongs to the Canadian 
Artisans' Lodge, to the Catholic Foresters, and also to the Foresters of 
America. He and his family belong to the Catholic Church. 

FRANK P. MUCHEMORE is president of The Muchemore and 
Rider Company of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, dealers in hardware, 
paints, oils, iron and steel, also ship chandlers. Frederick J. Rider is 
secretary of the company, which employs an average of five men, and 
has quite an extensive patronage. 

Mr. Muchemore was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in 1859, 
and is a son of Joseph C. and Anna N. f.Stavers) Muchemore, both also 
natives of Portsmouth. The father was a master rigger, and is now 
deceased, as is his wife. They were Baptists in their religious faith. 
Of five children born to them but two are living: Frank P. and Edwin 
S., the latter being in charge of a ship yard at Bridgeport. There were 
two other sons, Warren J. and Joseph S. 

Frank P. Muchemore attended the common schools and then began 
work in the only store with which he has ever been identified, that of 
Rider and Cotton. He continued as clerk until 1907, when he acquired 
the interest of Mr. Cotton in the business. He is a man of ability and is 
held in high esteem both as a business man and in personal association 
with his fellow men. 

Mr. Muchemore was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Randall, 
who was born in Portsmouth, N. H., and is a daughter of John Randall. 
This union has resulted in the following issue: Harry L., who is a civil 
engineer by profession, being located at San Francisco, Cal. ; and Arthur 
W., who is with his father in the store. Religiously the family attends 
the Congregational Church. Mr. Muchemore is a member of the War- 
wick Club. 



798 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

FRED A. GRAY, JR., head of the firm of F. A. Gray & Co., painters 
and decorators, Portsmouth, N. H., was born in Portsmouth, New Hamp- 
shire, July 30, 1879, one of the two children of George W. and Anna 
(Cox) Gray. He was educated in the public schools and at business col- 
lege. He then learned the trade of painter and decorator, at which he 
worked for some time as journeyman. In October, 1905, he established 
his present business in which he has been very successful. In addition to 
the ordinary lines of painting and decorating, he does sign painting, and 
deals in wall papers, room mouldings and curtains, painters" supplies, 
etc., carrying an ample stock of the finest lines of goods in the business. 
As a workman he is acknowledged to be one of the most expert in his 
business. Mr. Gray is the Democratic candidate for member of the 
New Hampshire State Legislature, the election to take place in November. 
19 1 4. He is a member of the Masonic order and Odd Fellows, and belongs 
to the Elks, lodge No. 97, also to the Warwick Club, the Portsmouth Athletic 
Club. He is a member of the Portsmouth Board of Trade and the Massa- 
chusetts Painters' Association. 

Mr. Gray married Lillian M. Ward, a daughter of Asa Ward, of Kit- 
tery. Me. His children are : Marion Ida Gray and Katharine Anna 
Gray. Mr. Gray and family are members of the Universalist church. 
They reside on Sagamore Avenue. 

CHARLES E. TASKER, one of New Market's foremost citizens, 
is engaged in the undertaking business, which he has followed with 
great success for many years. He has always been a leader in public 
movements and frequently has been called upon to serve the community 
in official capacity. He was born in New Market, N. H., November 
29, 1833, and is a son of Jewett and Louisa (Haskell) Tasker. His 
father was a carpenter and builder and died in 1872. 

Charles E. Tasker attended the public schools of New Market and 
also of Beverly. Mass. At an early age he assisted his father, who was 
a carpenter and builder, and continued until 1858 when he went west 
to the gold fields of California. He reached San Francisco in August 
but went on to Placerville. where for a short time he was engaged in 
mining. He secured employment as a pattern maker in a foundry, which 
he subsequent!}^ purchased and successfully operated for three years. 
Selling that plant to his financial advantage, he mo\xd to Silver City, 
Nevada, where he started a similar business, producing castings and 
machiner}^ for quartz mills. This he continued until 1864 when he again 
sold out and returned to New Market, N. H. with the fruits of his labor. 
He purchased an established undertaking business and gradually in- 
creased the volvmie of business until he became rated as the leading 
undertaker of Rockingham County. 

Mr. Tasker has been prominently identified with activity of the 
Democratic party and frequently has filled offices of trust. He has been 
treasurer of New Market, chairman of the board of selectmen, chairman 
of the school board three years, and twice represented his district in the 
state Legislature. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and for many 
years has been afifiliated with Rising Star Lodge. A. F. & A. M., having 
been master of the lodge for five years. .He is a member of Orphan 
Council, Belknap Chapter and St. Paul Commandery, all of Dover, N. H.. 
and has received the Scottish Rite degrees. He is also a member of 
Pioneer Lodge, No. i, K. P. 




OTIS S. HHO\V.\ 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 801 

Mr. Tasker was first married to Miss Georgiana J. Tasker, a daugh- 
ter of Rev. L. B. Tasker, and they reared three children, as follows: 
Louise J., wife of W. T. Folsoni, of Columbus, Miss.; Edward M.; and 
Harry B. His second marital union was with Mrs. Helen (Payne) 
Mathes. They reside in a comfortable home in Exeter Street. Relig- 
iously they are members of the Congregational Church, of which he is 
one of the pillars. 

DANIEL McINTIRE, a well known and esteemed citizen of Ports- 
mouth, now living retired at 284 Richards Avenue, was born in York, 
Me., January 28, 1829, a son of Ebenezer and Abigail (Junkins) Mcln- 
tire. Both his parents were natives of Maine, the father being a farmer 
by occupation. They were affiliated with the Methodist church. They 
had five children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the only one now 
living. The maternal grandfather was Joseph Junkins. 

Daniel Mclntire was educated in the common schools, which he 
attended during the winter months only until seventeen years old. Dur- 
ing the summer he worked at farming. On reaching the age of twenty- 
one years he engaged in bridge building and repairing and was thus 
occupied for twelve years. Subsequently he was toll gatherer for the 
Portsmouth toll bridge between Portsmouth and Kittery, Me., for thirty- 
two and a half years, working from early morning until eleven at night. 
Afterwards he was in the grain business for seven years and since then 
has been dealing in real estate, though lately practically retired. He is 
a Republican in politics, but casts his vote according to his judgment, in 
local afifair*. 

Mr. Mclntire was first married in 1856 to Elizabeth Thompson of 
York, Me. She died in 1863, leaving three children: Clarence; Carrie, 
now deceased, who was the wife cif .\ll)ert Frost; and Martin, who is engaged 
in the drug business in Boston, and married Annie Joll. Mr. Mclntire was 
married secondly in 1866 to Ellen M. Thompson, a sister of his first wife. 
who also was born in York. Me. They were daughters of Joseph and Mary 
(Mclntire) Thompson, their father being a bridge builder and farmer. There 
were five children in the Thompson fanfily. of whom but two are now living. 
Mr. and Mrs. Mclntire have a son, Daniel .\.. residing with his jjarents, who 
married Inez La Gro anrl has two children, Clarence L. and Daniel Porter. 
Mr. Mclntire and family attend the Methodist church. 

OTIS S. BROWN, a well known citizen of Little Boars Head, New 
Hampshire, is engaged in the real estate and insurance business. He is a 
man of executive ability and public spirit, and almost continuously since he 
reached his majority, he has served the people in some ofiilcial capacity or 
another. He was selectman for the town of North Hampton for twenty-five 
years, was postmaster of Little Boars Head under President Cleveland for 
eight years, and in iqck) was elected to represent his district in the State 
Legislature. 

Mr. Brown was born in North Hampton. Rockingham County, February 
24, 1847, and is a son of Simon and Harriet (Leavitt) Brown, and a grand- 
son of David and Ruth (Lamprey) Brown. His maternal grandfather was 
Amos Leavitt. Simon Brown was of North Hampton and followed fann- 
ing. He was a Democrat in politics. His wife Harriet Leavitt was of the 
town of Hampton. Their union resulted in the following offspring: Edwin; 
Freeman; Otis S. ; and Ella, wife of Daniel F. Herron. 



802 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COLXTV 

Otis S Brown received a good educaiiona! training in the public schooU 
and Hampton Academy. He remained on the home fami with his father until 
he took up his residence in Little Boars Head. He is a man of high stand- 
ing and has hosts oi friends throughout this section. He married Emma F. 
Johnson of Hampton, a daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Towle) Johnson. 
Her father was a farmer of Hampton. The children of the Johnson family 
included: L3-dia. wife of Warren I. Emory: Emma F. (Mrs. Brown): 
and J. Austin Johnson. ^Ir. and Mrs. Brown have a daughter. Bertha E.. 
widow of Benjamin F. Appleton. Otis S. Brown is a Democrat in politics. 
He and his wife attend the Baptist Church. 

JAMES L. PARKER, county treasurer of Rockingham County, and 
one of Portsmouth's best known and most popular citizens, was horn 
in the state of Massachusetts. May lo, 1845. His parents were Jonas 
L. and Mary (Huntress) Parker, the father being also a native of 
Massachusetts. Both parents are now deceased. 

The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of this 
city, to which he came in 1847. ^vhen only two years old. After graduat- 
ing from the high school he obtained a clerical position in the hardware 
store of John H. Bailey, subsequently becoming a partner in the tirni. 
being connected with the concern in that capacity from 1S70 to 1876. 
He later became identified with the Xavj- Yard at Portsmouth. From 
1878 to 1884 he served as city messenger. He was then bookkeeper 
for six years for Charles E. Laighton & Son. From 1S96 to 1903 inclu- 
sive he was city tax collector, and he was elected count}- treasurer for 
his first term in 191 1, being re-elected in 1913. He is still serving in 
his second term. As a public official he has given general sati.s fact ion 
and is no less esteemed as a' citizen. He is identified with the Odd 
Feilows. Osgood Lodge, Xo. 48: St. Andrew's Lodge. No. 56. .A. F. 
& A. M.: Washingion Royal Arch Chapter. Xo. 3: Davenport Council. 
X'o. 5 : R. & S. M. : and DeWitt Clinton Commandery. K. T. He has 
been secretary- of the \Vashington Chapter since 1889 and stiil holds 
that position, and has been recorder of DeWitt Clinton Connnander\' 
since 1879. 

Mr. Parker was married April 2";, 1871. to Ella A. Xorris. a daughter 
of Joseph and Marj- E. (Chapm.an) Xorris. He and his wife are the 
parents of four children, namely : Man,- L., bom in 1872. who is the wife 
of Joseph F. Stoker, of Boston. Mass.: Joseph X.. born August 26. 1S73. 
who resides in Portsmouth. X. H. : Harold, born December 27, 1884, who 
married Eva O. Greenwood, of Xew Haven. Conn., and Florence, a 
twin sister of Harold, w'hose nativity' is given above. Harold was grad- 
uated from Portsmouth High School, from Dartmouth College and from 
Thayer School of Civil Engineering. He is now connected with the 
United Fruit Co. Joseph X*. married Mrs. Xellie X'ewick. the widow 
of George Xewick. her maiden name having been Nellie Trefethen. 
Mr. Parker and his familv are members of the Congregational church. 
Their home residence is at Xo. 564 Middle Street. Portsmouth. 

JOHX' G. SWEETSER. who is carn,'ing on a prosperous business ai 
Xo. 126-128 Market street, Portsmouth. X. H.. as plumber, dealer in 
heating apparatus, ranges and kitchen furnishings, w^as born in Ports- 
mouth. X'. H.. Februan,- T2. 1875. His father. John P. Sweetser. a na- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 803 

tive of this city, carried on the same line of business iiere for thirty- 
five years. He was a son of Washington and Matilda (Lane) Sweetser 
of New Hampshire. Washington Sweetser being a harness maker and 
trunk dealer. John P. Sw^eetser married first Myra Hayes, of Ports- 
mouth, Mass.. and by her had four children — Ralph H.. Katharine. Myra 
(now deceased), and John G., the subject of this sketch. She died in 
1882 and he married for his second wife Ida C. Caswell, a daughter of 
John W. Caswell. Born of this second union were two children — Geral- 
dine, now deceased, and Harold C. 

John G. Sweetser was educated in the public schools of Portsmouth, 
graduating from the high school in 1892. He began industrial life as an 
employe of the Maryland Iron and Steel Company, remaining with them 
one year. Then returning to Portsmouth, he attended Tilton Seminary 
for awhile, after which he worked for two years in his father's store. 
He then began an apprenticeship to the plumber's trade, which, having 
learned, he followed until 1908, during that time spending one year in 
Tennessee on contract. He then worked for his father two vears at 
plumbing and heating, subsequent to which he went to Ste. Marie, 
Ontario, Canada, where he remained one year, having charge of the 
plumbing and heating department of the More & Brown hardware firm. 
Coming back to Portsmouth in the fall of 1907, he worked for his father 
until the spring of 1908. at which time he purchased the .business, which 
was one of the oldest in Portsmouth, having been founded as far back 
as 1824. He established himself in his present location April i, 191 1, 
and is doing an excellent business, giving emplo3'ment to about ten 
men. He has served the city two terms as inspector of plumbing. He 
belongs to the Portsmouth Athletic Club, the Portsmouth Coimtry 
Club, St. John's Lodge. A. F. & .\. M.. and to the Benevolent Protective 
Order of" Elks. 

Mr. Sweetser married Mabel Jones, a native of Portsmouth and 
daughter of George N. and Clara (Clifford) Jones, whose father has 
been engineer on the Portsmouth fire department for a number of 
years. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jones are: Fred N., Reginald, 
Mrs. Anna L. Fay, Emma, Ethel, Coleman, and Mabel (Mrs. Sweet- 
ser). Born to Mr. and T^Irs. Sweetser have been two children — Robert 
Coolidge and John Clifford. The familv attends the North Congrega- 
tional church. Their residence is at No. 99 Broad street. 

WARREN M. THYNG, one of the representative men of the town 
of Brentwood, the owner of a good farm, who has also taken a prominent 
part in local affairs, was born in this town, March 5, 1863, a son of 
Samuel and Julia M. fRobinson) Thyng. His immigrant ancestors came 
to this country from England at an early day, settling first in Exeter. 
N. H.. from which place they came to Brentwood. The father of our 
subject, Samuel Thyng, was born November i. 182T, and died Novem- 
ber 30, 1887, at the age of sixty-six years. The mother was also born 
in Brentwood, January 14, 1823 and died April 28, 1896, at the age of 
seventy-three. They had six children, of whom ^■\'arren M. was the 
fifth in order of birth, 

Warren M. Thyng at the age of seven years began attending the 
district school, walking there and back, a distance of a mile and a half 
each way. He continued his attendance until he was seventeen, at which 



804 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

time he was placed under the care of a private tutor, a Mr. Taylor. 
He remained at home and worked on his father's farm until he was 
nineteen years old, when he secured a position in a steam mill at $1.50 
per day, and was thus occupied for two years. He then became turnkey 
at the county jail at Exeter and was there four years. Being then 
needed at home, on account of his father's death, he returned and took 
charge of the farm, on which he has since resided. The house in which 
he lives, and in which his father and grandfather lived before him, was 
built over 200 years ago, and is still in a good state of preservation. 
The old well, 30 feet deep, has been known locally for the last 200 
years as "The Old Oaken Bucket." From the house, which stands 
on a considerable elevation, a fine view of the surrounding country and 
the distant mountains can be seen. 

A Republican in politics, Mr. Thyng has served as road agent for 
ten years; he has also been selectman three years, chairman one; a mem- 
ber of the school board, 3 years, chairman one, and delegate to county 
conventions. In 1913 he was nominated on the Republican ticket as 
representative, but was defeated by the Democrats and Progressives 
uniting. 

On May 30, 1887, Mr. Thyng was married to Euleta M. Page, 
daughter of Simon and Elizabeth Page, of Raymond, N. H., her father 
being a prominent farmer of that place, of which he and his wife were 
natives. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Thyng have three 
children: Ralph S., now twenty-two years old, who is single and resides 
in Brentwood; Chester W., twenty years old, and Paul H., sixteen. The 
family attend the Baptist church, Mrs. Thyng being a member of the 
Ladies' Baptist Union and secretary and treasurer for six years. 

GOODWIN E. PHILBRICK, one of Portsmouth's leading busi- 
ness men, is owner and proprietor of the drug store at No. 67 Congress 
Street. He has been prominently identified with the affairs of the 
city and is a man of wide acquaintance. He was born in Portsmouth, 
New Hampshire, May 16, 1861, and is a son of Silas and Maria L. 
(Goodwin) Philbrick. 

Silas Philbrick was a marble cutter by trade and for years was en- 
gaged in the marble and granite business in Portsmouth, where both 
he and his wife died. They had the following, children : Julia, wife of 
John E. Roberts; George P.; Frank J.; Newell S. ; Otis F. ; Goodwin 
E. : and Alfida, wife of Charles L. Simpson. 

After attending the public schools some years, Goodwin E. Philbrick 
in 1875 entered the drug establishment of David Kimball & Co., at 36 
Market Street, Portsmouth. There he mastered the business, and after 
passing the state board examination, continued with the firm as a reg- 
istered pharmacist. This business was established in 1816 and has con- 
tinued uninterruptedly to the present time. In 1894 F. J. Philbrick 
became owner of the store. In 1896 Goodwin E. Philbrick succeeded 
his brother and moved the store to the present location, at 67 Congress 
Street. The store is a model in neatness, arrangement and stock car- 
ried, and well merits the extensive patronage it receives. 

Mr. Philbrick was united in marriage to Miss Georgie L. Avers, a 
daughter of Samuel H. and Louise (Mendum) Avers, her father being 
a well known dry goods merchant. She was l)orn in Portsmouth, and 




o^~K|■H C'lLLKY BTKLKV 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 807 

died in the same city, August 2, 1910, being survived by a daughter, 
Mildred Ayers Philbrick. The family attend the Universalist Church. 
The subject of this record served one term in the common council of 
Portsmouth. He was for a time president of the Portsmouth Athletic 
Club, was for two years president of the New Hampshire Pharmaceuti- 
cal Association and in 1913 represented the latter body as delegate to 
the national convention held in Cincinnati, Ohio. He also is affiliated 
with the Royal Arcanum and the New England Order of Protection. 

ZELIG LONDON, a well known business man of Exeter, proprietor 
of a dry goods store here, and also of a cloak store in Portsmouth, was 
born in Russia in March, 1859, his parents, Jacob B. and Sarah Lon- 
don, being natives of that country, where the father died after a long 
business career as a tailor. The children of the family were M. H., 
Zelig, Abraham, Israel and Ida. 

Zelig London learned the trade of tailor in his native land and fol- 
lowed it for some years there in association with his father. After the 
latter's death he came to America, being then about twenty years of 
age. his mother coming here later. They located first in Boston, com- 
ing to Exeter in 1881. Here Mr. London has built up a good business 
in the dry goods line, owning in addition a cloak store in Portsmouth, 
as above noted. He was married in this countr\' to Miss Fannie Alillion- 
thaler, a daughter of Lewis and Bessie Millionthaler, whose other chil- 
dren were Lewis, Moses and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. London are the par- 
ents of four children : Bessie, wife of A. Salden, manager of the "White 
Store" in Portsmouth, owned by the subject of this sketch; Jacob B., 
a student in the Exeter high school; David, who is associated" with his 
father in the Exeter store, and Esther Ruth, who is also attending 
school. In politics Mr. London is an independent voter. He belongs 
to the Blue Lodge of the ]\Iasonic order at Exeter, and also to the lodge 
of Odd Fellows here. 

JOSEPH CILLEY BURLEY, in former years one of the most distin- 
guished citizens of Rockingham County, was born in Epping. N. H., January 
13. 1830, coming of an old family that has been settled in Rockingham 
County for a number of generations. The fine old homestead at North 
Epping. on which he resided, and which comprises 300 acres, has been owned 
in the family for 150 years, and has been occupied by each generation since 
the time of the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. 

Joseph C. Burley accpiired a good education and became prominent in 
both business and public life. Devoting special attention to finance, he became 
a director and president of the National Bank at New Market, a director in 
the Savings Bank at Epping. and a director of the Nashua & Rochester 
branch of the Boston & ^Maine Railroad, of which he was one of the pro- 
moters, assisting also in its construction. In 1871 he entered into partnership 
with the Hon. Samuel Plumer Dow in the lumber business and continued 
in it until the death of Mr. Dow, after which he was associated in the same 
business with Col. \\'. N. Dow of Exeter. He cast his last vote with the 
Democratic party in 1856, and then joined the Republicans, thereafter being 
one of the most ardent supporters of the Republican party in this section. 
As a member of the legislature he worked hard for the interests of his con- 
stituents, and his name was associated with the passage of a number of im- 



808 HlSrOKY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

portant bills calculated {>> bciu-fit the people of the state, throughout which 
he was recognized generally as a far-seeing, broad-minded politician, of un- 
inipeachable integrity and strong patriotism. In addition to his service in 
the legislature, he was county commissioner ten years, and also served as 
selectman, showing marked efficiency and public spirit. His death, which 
occurred October 4, 1890, removed from Rockingham County one of her 
most useful and higiily esteemed citizens. 

Mr. Bnrlev w;is married. December 17, 1853, to Sarah E. Haley, who 
was born in b'pping. June 25. 1833, and who survived her husband many 
years, dying February 11. IQ12. They were the parents of five children, 
whose record in jjart is as follows: Nannie V>. married II. W. llurleigh 
of Franklin. N. II.. and has had four children, namely: Nathaniel (i.. now 
_'6 years old: .\rthur C.. .24: Thomas G., who died at the age of i^ : and 
Josejjh. now 14 years old. Harr)' Benjamin Hurley, the secontl child, now 
47 years of age. m;uTied Louise Wells of Buffalo. N. V.. and they have 
three sons: Joseph ('.. Robert M. an.d Harry B.. Jr.: they reside in Brook- 
line. Mass.. where he is president of the Boston Insulating Wire Company. 
Alice Burley married. Novemlier 16, >.^q~. Dr. W. G. Curtis of ]\liIton. 
Mass.. and has a daughter. Elizabeth B.. now 13 years of age. Jennie C. 
who is unmarried, resides on the old Burley homestead at North Epping. 
Thomas ISenjamin Burley graduated from Haryard University and also 
fron.i Harvard ]\Iedical College, and now resides in \\'orcester, ]\Iass., where 
he is engaged in practice as a ner^'e and brain specialist : he is unmarried. 
The daughters were educated in the schools of Epping. finishing their literary 
studies at Dean and at Boston. All belong to the Daughters of the American 
Revolution. Mrs. Curtis being also a member of the Musical Art Club of 
Boston. Their more than amjjle means enable** them to freely indulge their 
tastes for music, literature and art. and w hatever tends to refine the character 
and improye the nu'nd. 

GEORGE B. CHAD\MCK, a member of the firm of Chadwick and 
Trefethen, machinists, steamfitters and electrical contractors, Ports- 
mouth, N. H., was born at Boxford. Mass., October i, 1858. His par- 
ents were George W. and Sophonia (Day) Chadwick, the former of 
whom was a farmer. He was educated in the public and district schools 
of his native town, and in 1880 began industrial life as an apprentice 
to the trade of machinist and steamfitter with Davis & Furber. In 
1885 be became an employe of the Portsmouth Machine Companv'. in 
1888 becoming master mechanic, and he continued with that firm for 
five years. He next eng-aged in his present Inisiness. in 1890, having 
succeeded J- F. Shillaber. The present firm of Chadwick tSc Trefethen 
was formed in 1906 and has met with marked success ever since. In 
addition to their work as contractors along the lines above mentioned, 
they deal in steam and water pipe fittings, engineers', plumbers' and 
electrical supplies and sporting goods. The business is the oldest and 
most extensive of its kind in Portsmouth, the plant located at 32 Bow 
Street having been established more than forty years ago. The con- 
cern gives employment to about twenty persons. Mr. Chadwick is 
affiliated with the Odd Fellows, also St. Andrew's Lodge of I\Tasons. 

Lie married Miss Abbie W. Hickey. a daughter of John Hickey. of 
Newburvport. IMass. Lie and his family are members of the 'Methodist 
Episcopal Church, and they reside at No. 53 Rogers Street. In politics 
lie is independent. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 809 

FRED A. DAY, wiao is engaged in general farnnng and danynig 
on a farm of 140 acres, situated in the town of Portsmouth, Rocknig- 
ham County, N. H., was born in Kennebunk, Me., August 18, 1867. His 
father, Hobbs Perkins Day, and his mother, Mrs. Georgia (Fiskej Day, 
were both natives of Kennebunk, the father being a ship carpenter by 
occupation. Both are now deceased. The^- were progressive, indus- 
trious people, well liked by their neighbors, and were members of the 
Unitarian Church. The subject of this sketch was their only child. 

Fred A. Day attended school in Kennebunk until hfteen years of 
age. He then began industrial life as a worker in shoe factories, and 
remained thus employed for twenty-five years. He was twenty years 
old when he came to Rockingham County and for twenty-two years 
he worked in a shoe shop in Portsmouth. He then rented a farm ad- 
joining his present one and operated it for five years, after which he 
bought his present farm from Hanson Seavey. He keeps about twenty- 
five head of cattle and employs two hands all of the time. His milk 
and other products find a ready market and he is doing a prosperous 
business. He is a Republican in politics and takes a good citizen's in- 
terest in the growth and development of his adopted town. 

Mr. Day was married November 7, 1887, to Miss Mary Cousens. a 
native of Kennebunk, and daughter of William and Ruth (Clough) 
Cousens. her parents being Maine people, and her father a ship car- 
penter by trade. They attended the Baptist Church. Their family 
consisted of two children — Charles and Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Day are 
the parents of seven children, Georgie, -Marion. Ralph. Florence, Helen, 
Ruth and Edith. The family attend the Baptist Church and Mr. IXny 
belongs to the Odd Fellows' Lodge at Portsmouth. 

DONALD C. McLACHLAX. M. D., who has been successfully en- 
gaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in the town of Green- 
larTd, Rockingham County, N. H., for the past nine years, was born 
in Lochabar, province of Quebec, Canada, on May 5, 1878. His parents. 
Malcolm and Sarah (Campbell) AfcLachlan, both died in Canada, where 
the father was engaged in fanning. Their children were Robert X.. Chris- 
tiana, John P., Donald C, i\Iary. and Jemima. 

Donald C. McLachlan began his education in the common schools 
of Lochabar and was subsequently graduated from the high school at 
Van Klekhill, Ontario, as a member of the class of 1898. He then en- 
tered McGill University at Montreal, where he was graduated in med- 
icine in 1904. After nine months' experience in the Montreal Maternity 
Hospital, he came to Greenland, N. H., in April, 1905, where he has shice 
built up a good practice. His genial manners and professional ability 
have made him a popular member of the medical fraternity in this county 
and he enjoys the public confidence in a high degree. He belongs to 
the Portsmouth Medical Society, as well as to the County and State 
Medical Associations, and is a man who keeps abreast of his profession 
in all its branches. 

Dr. ^FcLachlan was married in 1909 to Caroline D. Hatch, who was 
born in Greenland. N. H., a daughter of Hon. John and Alice C. (Ben- 
ton) Hatch. He and his wife are the parents of one child, a son. 
Malcolm. The family attend the Episcopal Church, and the Doctor is 
a member of the Masonic order, in which he has taken three degrees. 



810 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

ELBRIDGE A. GOODWIN, senior member of the firm of Good- 
win Bros., composed of Elbridge A. and George M. Goodwin, 
dealers in groceries, grain, etc., at Exeter, N. H., was born 
in Acton, Me., December 20, 1858, a son of Ivory and Laura (Young) 
Goodwin. The father, who was a son of Aaron Goodwin, was in early 
life a farmer, but later was engaged in the real estate and lumber busi- 
ness. Both parents are now deceased and are buried in Exeter. They 
were members of the Baptist Church. They had a family of hve chil- 
dren: Ivory S.; Laura Belle; Emily, who is the wife of Fred T. Merrell; 
Elbridge A., and George M. 

Elbridge A. Goodwin acquired his education in the common schools 
and at the academy at Lebanon, Me. He began industrial life as clerk 
in the grocery business. The present business w-as established by his 
father, who later sold it to his son-in-law, Mr. Merrell. In 1884 it was 
purchased by the Goodwin brothers, who have since conducted it with 
prosperous results. 

Elbridge A. Goodwin was married in 1881 to Evangeline K. Moore, 
a native of ^Michigan and daughter of Thomas and Gertrude Moore, 
who had two other children, Fred \V. and Albert E. Mr. and Mrs. 
Goodwin have a daughter, Laura, who is a teacher in the Exeter public 
schools. Mr. Goodwin's society atiiliations are with the Odd Fellows, 
the Red Alen, Royal Arcanum and Ancient Order of United Workmen. 
He is a Democrat in politics and he and his wife attend the Baptist 
Church. They are among the thriving and substantial people of the 
town. 

CHARLES A. HAZLETT. The ancestors of the family of Hazlett 
of this article came from England. 

(I) Matthew Hazlett was born in Boston, Mass., March 22. 1743. 
He removed to Portsmouth, N. H., before the Revolution, and was a 
signer of the "Association Test" in 1776, and prominent in the affairs 
of the town. His unique advertisement w'as the first one in New Hamp- 
shire illustrated with a special newspaper cut, and appeared in the 
New Hampshire Gazette, July 17. 1767. He married in Portsmouth. 
December 10, 1774, Ann Frost. Among their ten children was William. 

(II) William, fourth child of Matthew and Ann (Frost) Hazlett. 
was born in Portsmouth, September 16, 1780. He married Elizabeth 
Ham, and they were the parents of eleven children ; among them 
W'illiam. 

(III) William (2), fourth child of William (i) and Elizabeth (Ham) 
Hazlett, was born in Ossipee, N. H., November 18. 1808, and died in 
Portsmouth. February 15. 1864. He was a cabin joiner in the employ 
of George Raynes, shipbuilder, and worked on many famous clipper- 
ships, aiid also on the "Kearsarge" and "Ossipee." the famous war ves- 
sels built in the Portsmouth navy yard during the Civil War. His 
fourth son, William C, served on the U. S. Steamer "Ossipee" and 
died in 1864 from the effects of exposure w'hile in the blockade service 
ofT Mobile, Alabama. W'illiam Hazlett married, January 8, 1834, Han- 
nah S. Davis, of Effingham, N.H., w-ho was born March 9, 1812, and 
died Tune 10, 1897, seventh child of William and Sarah (Bryant) Davis. 
They" had eight children, among them Charles Albert. 

('l\') Ciiarles Albert, seventh child of \\'illiam (2) and Hannah 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 811 

S. (Davis) Hazlett, was born in Portsmoutli, July 21, 1847. ^'^ edu- 
cation was obtained in the city schools, and he has the first Haven medal 
awarded at the High School, which he won in 1863. This large octagon 
medal was the nucleus of what is now the largest collection of medals 
and coins in the state, and its possession led to large collections of stamps, 
autographs and rare books of Portsmouth imprint. Mr. Hazlett entered 
the counting-room of ex-Governor Ichabod Goodwin in 1863, and 
served as a confidential clerk for nine years, while his employer was 
extensively engaged in foreign shipping and domestic railroad manage- 
ment. In 1872 he was employed as bookkeeper and teller in the First 
National Bank of Portsmouth, and in January, 1884, was elected cashier, 
succeeding E. P. Kimball, who had" served thirteen years following 
Samuel Lord, whose term of service was forty-seven years, the bank 
having then had but two cashiers and three presidents since its organiza- 
tion as a state bank in 1824. He is president of the Piscataqua Sav- 
ings Bank, and executor and trustee of several large estates. He was 
a promoter of the Portsmouth Improvement Association, and at its 
organization, in 1903, was chosen president. He has served in several 
cit}^ offices, and was one of the park commissioners the year the land 
was secured for the playgrounds. For forty-one years he has been agent 
of the New Hampshire Fire Insurance Company, of Manchester. New 
Hampshire. 

He has been trustee of the public bbrarv since 1884, when the books 
of the Mercantile Library Association, of which he was president, were 
presented to the public library ; and for twenty-five years he has been 
treasurer of the trustees of that institution and had charge of the in- 
vested funds and the purchase of books. His connection with \arious 
libraries led him to suggest to Mrs. Caroline A. Weeks the erection 
of the Weeks Memorial Library building at Greenland, N. H., which 
he designed and on its aceptance by the town he was made a life trus- 
tee. For many years he was warden of the North Congregational 
Parish, and has the care of its valuable records which cover the period 
from the founding of the church in 1640 to the present time. He has 
been a trustee of the Society for the Care of South Cemetery and sec- 
retary of the T. B. Aldrich Memorial from the date of their incorpora- 
tions. He is president of the Piscataqua Pioneers, a member of the 
New Hampshire Historical Society and the New Hampshire Genealogical So- 
ciety, a frequent contributor of articles on historic subjects to magazines, 
and was the principal editor of "Portsmouth. Historical and Picturesque." 
published in 1902, and of the Portsmouth Calendar in 1907. He has been a 
constant contributor to a-thletic publications under the nom de plume of 
"Telzah." He was the pioneer wheelman of New Hampshire, riding an im- 
ported bicycle in 1878. .\t the organization of the League of American 
\\'heelmen at Newport in 1880, he was elected a director, and afterward served 
several years as chief consul of the New Hampshire division. He is 
a member of St. Andrews Lodge, No. 56. Free and Accepted Masons, of 
Portsmouth; of Osgood Lodge, No. 48, Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows; and of the Warwick, the Country, the Portsmouth .\utomobile 
and other social clubs. 

He was married in Manchester, December 10, 1884, to Josephine 
H. Richardson, who was born in Manchester, September 3, 185=5, dauo-h- 
ter of Edwin P. and Myra H. Richardson, of Manchester, whose an- 
cestors settled in Massachusetts in 16^0. 



S12 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

CEYLON SPINNEY, sheriff of Rockingham County, N. H.. and 
one of the county's most prominent citizens, was born in Portsmouth, 
N. H., June 6, 1867, being one of the three children of Daniel H. and 
Ruth Hall Spinney. The father, a native of Portsmouth also, followed 
the vocation of a wood dealer until he retired from active business life. 
His death occurred August 13, 1884. The mother of our subject is 
spending her declining years with her son in comfort and ease. 

Ceylon Spinney obtained his elementary education in the public 
schools of his native town and graduated from the high school in the 
class of 1884. Immediately thereafter, being ambitious, he gave his 
services, in the capacity of clerk, to the Boston & Maine Railroad, re- 
maining thus occupied for two years. He next located on the farm, 
where he continued until 1901, having been elected in 1900 as county 
commissioner and qualifying for the same in 1901. He remained in 
that office for four terms and until he was elected sheriff' of Rockingham 
County in 1908, qualifying for the office in 1909. He was re-elected 
sheriff of Rockingham County in 191 1 and again in 1913. 

Sheriff' Spinney belongs to the Red Alen, Lodge No. 16; also to the 
B. P. O. Elks, the St. John's Lodge of Masons, the Royal Arch Chap- 
ter, De Witt Clinton Commandery, and Davenport Council No. 5. Po- 
litically he is a staunch Republican and takes an active part in the 
politics of Rockingham County. He has under his supervision thirteen 
deputies, they being scattered over the county. He is also interested 
extensively with his partner, W. L. Conlon, in the insurance business. 

BALDWIN A. REICH, owner and proprietor of a flourishing bakery 
in Portsmouth, N. H., was born in Germany, December 6, 1863, a son 
of Emil and Wilhelmina (Hoffman) Reich. When he was a child of 
abot:t four years old his parents came to this country, settling in Balti- 
more, Md., where they spent the rest of their lives. The voyage was 
made on the first steamship that ever crossed the Atlantic Ocean and 
lasted eighteen days. The father, Emil Reich, was a basket maker in 
his native land, but in Baltimore became a shipping clerk, which occu- 
pation he subsequently followed. He and his family were members of 
the Lutheran Church. Their children were : Albert, Baldwin A., Bertha, 
Otto, August, Edward, Minnie, Elise, Marie and Alfred. 

Baldwin A. Reich attended the common schools of Baltimore until 
reaching the age of sixteen years. He then learned the baker's trade 
in that city, which he has since follow-ed. In 1888 he came to Ports- 
mouth to work as baker for Mrs. Frank Roebeck. He continued in 
her emplo)^ until 1894, at which time he purchased the business from 
her and has since been sole proprietor. He is doing an excellent busi- 
ness, which gives employment to six hands and keeps one wagon busily 
engaged in delivering goods. In addition to a large general trade he 
caters for the beaches and Masonic lodges. In Masonry he has advanced 
to the 32d degree and he Ijelongs also to the Knights of Pythias and 
the Royal Arcanum. In politics he is independent. 

Mr. Reich married Annie Wingate, a daughter of James W. and 
Carrie (Center) Wingate. She was the only child of her parents; her 
father was a sail-maker, in the employ of the L'nited States Navy. Mr. 
and Mrs. Reich have two daughters. Evelyn and Eleanor. The family 
attend tlic Baptist Church and are numliered among the prosperous and 
substantial people of the city. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 815 

'jOHX KlAlllAl.l. I5ATES, president of the First Xatitinal Bank of 
Portsmouth. N. H., was horn at Wilmot, Merrimack County, N. H., June 
9, 1867, a son of John Robinson and Ann (Kimball) Bates. His literary 
education, acquired in the common and high schools, was supplemented by 
a business college course, after which he entered business life, l)ecoming con- 
nected with the First National Bank of Portsmouth in 1887. He has since 
remained with this institution, which is one of the strongest banks in New 
Hampshire, and has risen by degrees to his present [wsition as its president, 
which office he has held since 1910. He is also a trustee of the Piscataqua 
Savings Bank. Mr. Bates is one of the five members of the executive com- 
mittee of the New Hampshire State Bankers' Association. He is also one 
of the five members of the executive committee if the National Currency 
Association of New Hampshire. A Republican in politics, he served two 
tenns in the city council and was for four years treasurer of Rockingham 
County. He is a Mason of high rank, belonging to and being past com- 
mander of DeWitt Clinton Commandery, Knights Templar, a member of 
the Grand Commandery of New Hampshire, K. T., and has attained the 
thirty-second degree Scottish Rite. 

Mr. Bates was married, June 7, 1893, to Catherine Atwood Hardy, a 
daughter of Manly and Emma Hardy, of Brewer, Me. He has one daugh- 
ter, hVances Hardy Bates. He and his family are members of the Congre- 
gational church. Mr. Bates has four sisters living: Mrs. C. H Watson, 
of Warner, N. H. ; Mrs. J. C. Runnells, of Alpena, Mich.; Miss Abbie E. 
Bates, of Saginaw, Mich., and Miss Eva M. Bates, of Fitchburg, Mass. As 
one of the leading business men of Portsmouth, Mr. Bates takes a deep in- 
terest in the development and prosperity of both the city and county, and his 
aid and influence can usually be counted on in behalf of any worthy cause. 

GEORGE H. BERRY, who is engaged in general farming in the 
town of Greenland, was born in Nova Scotia, November i, 1849, a son 
of James H. and Rebecca (Rawding) Berry. His parents, who were 
agricultural people, spent their lives in their native land. They had ten 
children, only two of whom are living in the United States. Three of 
the sons were sea captains. The paternal grandfather was Thomas 
Berry. 

The subject of this sketch attended the common schools until he 
was fifteen years of age, after which he followed the sea for four years. 
He then came to Rockingham County, N. H., and worked for awhile 
on a farm in the town of Portsmouth, subsequently coming to Green- 
land, where he has since remained. He resides on a tract of three acres, 
of which he is the owner, and also owns four acres in North Hampton 
and three in Rye. In addition to this, he leases a tract of sixty acres, 
which lies across the road from where he lives, it lieing the property of 
Annie M. Perry, of Portsmouth. This tract he has leased for the last 
twenty-four years. He does general farming, keeping nine head of 
cattle and three horses. 

Mr. Berry was married, in April, 1880, to Miss Leah Merrill, who 
was born in Stratham. Rockingham County. N. H.. a daughter of Jesse 
and Irene (Stockbridge) Merrill, of that town, her father being a farmer. 
There were three children in the Merrill family — Mary. Anna, and 
Leah, now Mrs. Berry. Mr. and Mrs. Berry have two children : Flor- 
ence, the wife of Harry Johnston, residing in Littleton, N. H.. and 



816 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Edward i\I.,of Greenland, who is assisting his father on the farm. Mr. 
Berry is a Democrat in poHtics, but uses judgment in casting his vote, 
reserving his right to vote outside of party lines whenever such action 
seems advisable. He and his family attend the Congregational Church. 
They are prosperous members of the community and have many friends 
in this locality. 

PAY DIRECTOR EDWIN PUTNAM, retired as rear admiral, 
who served with distinction for many years in the United States Navy, 
and now resides in Portsmouth, N. H., where he is widely known and 
as highly esteemed, was born at Bath, Me., September 28, 1840, a son 
of Israel and Sarah Emory (Frost) Putnam. He comes of an old and 
very prominent New England family, members of which ha\-e at various 
times distinguisiied themselves in public service. 

In September, 1862, the subject of this sketch entered the United 
States Navy as assistant paymaster. He served with credit during the 
Civil war, was on the Monitor "Nahant" in naval attacks on Charleston, 
S. C, took part in the capture of the Confederate ironclad "Atlanta" 
in Wassaw Sound, Georgia, and during the latter part of the war was 
on the U. S. S. "Portsmouth," as a part of the Western Gulf Squadron. 
Continuing in the service after the close of the great struggle between 
the States, he had charge of the United States naval depot at St. Paul 
de Loanda, Africa, 1868-9, was on duty on various ships and at various 
stations as pay officer and general storekeeper, 1870 to 1902; he was 
made paymaster of the United States Navy, was subsequently advanced 
to the rank of rear admiral, and retired for age limit, September 28, 1902. 

Pay Director Putnam married, December 8, 1870, Annie M. Salter, 
a daughter of Henry P. and Mary C. Salter of Portsmouth, N. H. Mrs. 
Putnam is also, like her husband, of a very prominent family. They 
occupy a tasteful and comfortable residence at No. 402 State Street, 
Portsmouth, where they often extend a generous hospitality to their 
numerous friends. Pay Director Putnam takes a keen interest in his 
home town — both in its bygone history and its present advanced condi- 
tion of civilization and prosperity, and his aid and influence can always 
be counted on in behalf of any worthy cause. 

DANA W. BAKER, a highly esteemed citizen of E.xeter, N. H., 
engaged in the insurance and real estate business, who has alsf) taken 
a prominent part in local politics, was l)orn in Portsmouth, N. H., Au- 
gust I. 1861, a son of Samuel and Caroline (Wingate) Baker. The 
father, who came from Haverhill, Mass., was by profession a dentist. 
His wife, the mother of our subject, was from Stratham. Both are now 
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Baker's two children now living are 
Dana W. and Elizabeth H., the latter a teacher in Robinson Female 
Seminary. 

Dana W. Baker was educated in the town schools and at Phillips 
Exeter Academy, being a member of the class of 1881. He then became 
connected with the drug business, as clerk for the late Charles A. Mer- 
rill, remaining in Mr. Merrill's employ for eight years. Subsequently 
for eleven years he was engaged in the retail shoe business in Exeter 
- — from 1886 to 1897 — since which time he has followed his present oc- 
cupation, that of insurance and real estate. As above mentioned, he 
has taken an active part in local politics and is now president of the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 817 

Rockingham County Republican Club. He was representative to the 
General Court from Exeter for the sessions of 1911-1913 and was the 
first treasurer of the school board under the new law. He is the Re- 
publican nominee for moderator for the town of Exeter, fall election, 
1914, and is a member of the executive committee of the town Repub- 
lican Club. He is a trustee of the Robinson Female Seminary. His 
society affiliations are with the Odd Fellows, Red Men, the Grange, and 
the Renaissance Club of Exeter. 

Mr. Baker was married in 1886 to Miss Fannie F. French, a native 
of North Danville, N. H., and daughter of James M. and Hannah (Col- 
hns) French, she being- their only child. Her father was a prosperous 
farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are the parents of two daughters, Florence 
and Beatrice, both of whom are graduates of Robinson Female Sem- 
inary, Exeter, and of Bradford Academy, Massachusetts. T!ie family 
are members of Phillip Congregational Church, of which Mr. Baker is 
treasurer. They have a wide circle of friends in Exeter and are popular 
members of the best societv of the town. 

CLIFFORD A. LOWD, dealer in motorcycles and cyclecars, being 
distributor of the Trumbull cyclecar for Rockingham County, N. H., 
and York County, Maine, is proprietor of a store in Portsmouth and 
does repairs of all kinds, but makes a specialty of vulcanizing. He was 
born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, May 30, 1872, and was the only 
child born to John H. and Mary (Gay) Lowd. Both were natives of 
this state and lived in Portsmouth when they died. The father was for 
years bank messenger in Portsmouth. He was a Republican in politics 
and was deeply interested in the affairs of the city. 

Clififord A. Lowd, after completing a course in the grammar schools, 
attended commercial college in Portsmouth. He engaged variously in 
farming, painting and meat cutting before entering the position of bank 
messenger. This position he filled satisfactorily and efficiently for a 
period of thirteen years, representing all banks of the city in that capac- 
ity. He continued until 1912, when he gave it up to devote his entire 
time to his store. He started his present establishment in 1901, and 
has built up a well paying business, employing from four to six as- 
sistants. 

Mr. Lowd was in 1892 joined in marriage with Mrs. Etta L. Clough. 
widow of Edward B. Clough, by whom she had a son, Arthur B. Arthur 
B. Clough married Rose O'Neil and they have three children: Rosetta 
Mae: and Arthur Clifford and Daisy Lillian Clough, twins. Mrs. Lowd 
is a native of New Hampshire, and in maiden life was Etta L. Buzzell. 
a daughter of Jonathan Buzzell. Mr. Lowd is a Republican. He has 
taken high degrees in Masonry, being a member of Blue Lodge Com- 
mandery. Chapter and Council, and is a member of the Mystic Shrine. 
He also is a member of the Order of Elks and the Royal Arcanum. 
He is a member of the Portsmouth Athletic Club, the Portsmouth 
Yacht Club, and is a member and treasurer of the Portsmouth Motor- 
cycle Club. Religiously he and his wife are members of the Unitarian 
Church. 

JOHN W. WEEKS, a well known farmer and dairyman of the town 
of Greenland, Rockingham County, N. H., resides on the old Weeks 



818 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

farm, and in the old Weeks brick house, vvhicli, in point of age, is the 
oldest house but one in New England. This property has always been 
in the Weeks name, the subject of this sketch being of the eighth gen- 
eration to live in it. 

John W. Weeks was born in the town of Greenland, this county, 
in 1848, a son of William H. and Mehitable B. (Broadhead) Weeks. 
His maternal grandfather was John Broadhead, in former days a widely 
known Methodist preacher of this section, who also at one time served 
as member of Congress. To Mr. and Mrs. William H. Weeks were 
born three children, namely: Julia A., wife of George A. Francis; Jose- 
phine B., wife of Charles E. Hall, and John W. The Weeks farm is 
now being carried on under the name of John W. \\^eeks & Son. It is 
a good property, well taken care of, and its careful management brings 
satisfactory financial results. 

Mr. John \\'. Weeks was married April 21, 1874, to Sarah E. Lord, 
a daughter of John O. and Martha J. (Harman) Lord, of Gt. Falls, 
now Somersworth, N. H. He and his wife have had three children: 
Charles E., Thornton N. and Martha B. The first and last mentioned 
are now deceased. Thornton N. Weeks married Florence Lucy, and 
they have a son, John W. Weeks, 2d. Mr. Weeks is a Republican in 
politics and belongs to the Masonic Lodge at Portsmouth. He and his 
familv attend the Methodist Church. 

HON. H.VRRY B. YEATON, the present mayor of Portsmouth, N. H., 
was born in this city in 1863, a son of Henry Augustus and Ara .-\bby 
( Brooks ) Yeaton. The father, Henry .\. Yeaton, also a native of Ports- 
mouth, has been for many years one of its most prominent citizens, having 
achieved business success as a member of the fimi of H. A. Yeaton & Son, 
dealers in flour, grain and provisions. A Republican in politics, he has fre- 
quently held public of^ce, having served on the board of aldermen, as repre- 
sentative to the general court, and as a member of the state senate. He is 
also closely connected with several important business interests, aside from 
the firm of which he is a member, and is identified with various benevolent 
associations, besides being an active and prominent member of the Baptist 
church. 

Harry B. Yeaton ac(|uire(I his education in the public schools and at 
Smith Academy, and while a resident of Detroit, Michigan, from 1879 to 
1882, he attended the Detroit high school. Returning to Portsmouth in 1882, 
he entered the employ of Joshua Brooks & Co.. in which concern his father 
was a partner, and of which the present fimi of H. A. Yeaton & Son is the 
successor. In 1887 he himself became a partner in the concern and so re- 
mains to the present time. This is one of the old and reliable business 
houses of Portsmouth, and one of the most successful. As a Republican, 
Mr. Yeaton early began to take an interest in public affairs, aiding the cause 
of good government whenever he found opportunity. He served as alder- 
man in 1898, and was representative to the general court in 1897. and 
again in 1903, fulfilling his duties at all times in a manner to inspire confi- 
dence in his fellow-citizens. His election as mayor of the city took place 
December 8, 1913, and he assumed the duties of ofifiice January i, 1914, 
since which time he has served in this office with credit to himself and witli 
afh'antage to the community. .\s a business man he is able and far-sighted, 
thorough and systematic in his habits. In his personal character he is 
modest, letting his public and private acts sjieak for themselves, while his 





CUyU/ /J^t^^ 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 821 

genial manners and whole-souled disposition have won for him hosts of 
warm friends aiul admirers. His fraternal affiliations are with the Royal 
Arcanum, the Grange, and the Knights of the Golden Eagle. 

Mr. Yeaton was married, December 25, 1S90, to Elizabeth Ferguson, a 
native of Salem, j\Iass. They have five children, namely : Ruth A. ; Philip 
O.; Dorothy B. ; Donald P., and Caroline F. 

EDWARD H. DREW, manager of the New England Telephone and 
Telegraph Company, at Portsmouth, N. H., is a well known resident of 
that city. He was born in Barrington, N. H., August 24, 1870, and is 
a son of Greenleaf S. and Mary Elizabeth (Chesley) Drew. 

Greenleaf S. Drew and his wife both were natives of New Hamp- 
shire, and lived in Barrington all their lives. He always followed the 
trade of a shoemaker, and in a small way also engaged in farming, being 
the owner of a farm property. In religious faith they were Baptists. 
Their family consisted of the following children : Frank E. ; Lucy M., 
widow of Elmer E. Hall; G. Sharpleigh; Horace E. ; Edward H. ; and 
Samuel C. 

Edward H. Drew attended the public schools at Barrington, later 
was graduated from Milton grammar school, and pursued one year of 
study in Milton high school. He received private instruction for one 
year and then worked on the home farm one year. When seventeen 
years old he began work as a messenger at Dover, N. H., and thus has 
learned the business with which he has since been identified from the 
ground up. In 1889 he went to Clinton, Mass., as manager, but after 
one month was transferred to Portsmouth, N. H., where he has since 
continued. He has a wide circle of friends and is held in highest esteem 
by all who are brought in contact with him. Ijoth in a business and social 
way. 

In 191 1 Mr. Drew was married to Miss Eva M. H. Sanborn, who 
was born in Portsmouth, and is the only child of her parents, Zebulon 
and Emma J. (Hilton) Sanborn. Her father came from Epping. and 
Mrs. Sanborn is from New Market. Fraternally, Mr. Drew is affiliated 
with the Masonic Lodge ; the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, in 
which he has filled all chairs: and the Royal Arcanum. He also is a 
member of the Warwick Club. He and his wife attend the Baptist 
Church. 

MICHAEL HURLEY, city marshal of the city of Portsmouth, 
N. H., is one of a family of five children, of whom three survive, born 
to his parents, Michael and Julia (Carey) Hurley. The father. Michael, 
was born in Ireland and located in Portsmouth in 1855. He spent the 
rest of his life in this city, where his death occurred in 1877. 

Michael Hurley, the direct subject of this sketch, was horn in Ports- 
mouth, N. H., February 25, 1866. He was educated in the common 
schools, and when he grew to manhood he embarked in the mercantile 
business as clerk, in which capacity he remained until 1889. He then 
became identified with the city police as patrolman and made such a 
good record that he was subsequently promoted to be assistant marshal. 
On January i. 1913, he was appointed marshal, in wdiich position he 
is now serving with credit to himself and benefit to the force, and to the 
citizens of Portsmouth generally. He is independent in politics, wliile 
his society affiliations include the Elks and the Royal Arcanum. 



822 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Air. Hurley married Anna T. Coakley, a daughter of James Coakley, 
and their union has been blessed with three children — Joseph M., Wil- 
liam J. and Charles. Mrs. Hurley died July 25, 1912. She was a devout 
member of the Catholic Church, to which all the members of the family 
belong. Mr. Hurley resides at No. 20 Union Street. 

CHARLES TREDICK, in former years a well known insurance 
man of Portsmouth, N. H., was born in this city April 3, 1846, and 
died in Philadelphia, Pa., July 11, 1895. His parents were Thomas and 
Martha (Stavers) Tredick, both natives of New Hampshire. 

Charles Tredick was engaged in the insurance business during his 
entire active career, following it in New York and Philadelphia, spend- 
ing the last twenty-eight years of his life in the latter city. He was 
married in 1870 to Abbie E. N. Rowell, who was born in Amesbury, 
Mass., a daughter of Samuel and Lydia Jones (Neal) Rowell, her father 
being a native of Amesbury and her mother of North Berwick. They 
were Quakers in religion, the father being a painter by occupation. 
Their children were Oliver D., Samuel, Edward H., John, and Abbie. 
Mrs. Tredick's paternal grandfather was Jacob Rowell; her mother was 
a daughter of Hiram Neal. To Mr. and Mrs. Tredick were born two 
children — Abbie Elizabeth and Martha Elizabeth, the former of whom 
is the wife of Herbert Campion of Philadelphia and has four children — • 
Gail, Betty, Herbert and Horace. Martha E. Tredick married Charles 
W. Brewster, a banker of Concord, N. H., and has a son, Charles T. 

Mr. Tredick was essentially a home-loving man. With his family 
he belonged to the Presbyterian Church and during all his life, from 
early manhood, took an active part in its good work. He was inter- 
ested in every worthy cause, especially in everything calculated to im- 
pro\'e the moral, religious or material condition of the community, and 
to such he ga\e the benefit of his aid and influence, so far as it lay in 
his power. His sterling character was widel)' appreciated and he left 
many friends to mourn his loss. His widow resides in a comfortable 
home at No. 388 State Street, Portsmouth, it being the old Tredick 
homestead, of colonial type, in which Charles Tredick was born. 

JOHN GOODWIN TOBEY. attorney at law, having an ofifice at 
No. 48 Congress Street, Portsmouth, N. H., was born at Worcester, 
]\Iass., November 10, T873, a son of John G. and Emily .\. ( Laighton) 
Tobey. The father, a native of Eliot, Maine, was for a number of years 
connected with the Boston stock exchange: he died in 1907. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was educated in the public schools. He then studied 
law and was admitted to the bar June 20, 1902. Opening an office in 
Portsmouth, he practiced law here until 1908, at which time he went 
south and located in Atlanta, Ga.. where he practiced his profession 
until igii. He then returned to Portsmouth and has since been engaged 
in the practice of law in this city. He has made a good reputation in 
his profession and handles a considerable amount of law business every 
vear, his able and conscientious work having gained the confidence of 
his clients. Mr. Tobey is a progressive and up-to-date citizen, taking 
an interest in everything calculated to promote the welfare of the city 
and county. In former years — about 1895 — he served in the city coun- 
cil, and for a time was president of that body, but his attention is now 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 823 

chiefly given to his professional duties. He belongs to the ]\]asonic 
order' the Knights of Pythias, the Odd Fellows and the Grange. 

Mr. Tobey married Miss Emma J. Morrison, a daughter of Josiah 
H. Morrison of Portsmouth. They became parents of one child. Emily 
Laighton Tobey, born March 20, 1909. Mrs. Tobey died July 3, 191 1. 
Mr. Tobev is a member of the Unitarian Church, his wife having be- 
longed to the Christian Science Church. He resides at the Rocking- 
ham hotel. He is a member of the Portsmouth Athletic Club. 

WTLLIAM ALLEN ODELL, a well known and respected citizen 
of the town. of Greenland, owner of a good farm of 100 acres, was born 
in this town, April 20. 1859, a son of George W. and Elizabeth (Libby) 
Odell. The father of our subject was a native of Hampton, N. H., and 
son of Dr. George Odell, in his day a well known physician. Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Odell was a daughter of Storer Libby, and was born in Scarboro, 
Me. The father, George \V. Odell, was in early life a speculator, and in 
later years a farmer. He and his wife are both now deceased and are 
buried in Greenland. They had three children: George E., of Green- 
land ; Samuel T., who is employed in the navy yard at Portsmouth ; 
and William Allen, whose name appears at the head of this sketch. 

William Allen Odell acquired his education in the common schools, 
after which he took up farm work, in which he has since been engaged. 
He has resided in the town of Greenland all his life up to the present 
time, and in addition to owning the farm of 100 acres above mentioned, 
he leases other land for his operations, employing usually about eight 
hands. He is a Republican in politics and is now serving as selectman 
and as fire warden of the town. 

Mr. Odell was married in 1893 to Catherine Pickering, a native of 
Greenland, N. H., and daughter of William J. and Josephine (Holt) 
Pickering. Her father, a native of this town, was a farmer, while her 
mother was from Georgia. Their children were: Mary E. ; Lucy, who 
died when seventeen years of age: Josephine, widow of the late Frank 
J. Scammon ; Catherine, wife of the subject of this sketch, and Edwin. 
Mr. and Mrs. Odell have two children, Dorothy Lancaster, who is a 
student at Mt. Holyoke College, and Elizabeth P. The family attend 
the Congregational' Church. They are thrifty and prosperous people 
and have a wide circle of friends in this town and the vicinity. 

ERVIN T. TREFETHEN, who has always been engaged as a prac- 
tical machinist, is junior member of the well' known firm of Chadwick 
and Trefethen. He has been a resident of Portsmouth. New Hamp- 
shire, for seven years, and in that time has made many friends and 
acquaintances. 

Mr. Trefethen was born in Eliot, Maine, October 30, 1852, and is 
a son of Ephraim and Parmelia (Laugley) Trefethen,, and a grandson 
of Archelaus Trefethen. The last named and his brother. Daniel, were 
proprietors of an old packet line between Boston and Dover, New 
Hampshire. Ephraim Trefethen was a native of Dover, New Hamp- 
shire, and his wife was born in Lee, New Hampshire. He was a sea- 
faring man and lived at Merrimac, Massachusetts, at the time of his 
death as did his wife, both being buried at that place. Religiously they 
were members of the Baptist Church. Their children, four in number, 
were: Frank: George: Florence, wife of Mark \\'inkley : and F.rvin T. 



824 HIS'lORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Er\in T. Trefethen pursued a course of study in the grade and high 
schools, after which he took up the trade of machinist, which he always 
has followed. He was superintendent of a machine shop in Boston for 
several years prior to coming to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Here 
he has been associated with Mr. Chadwick for seven years. 

Mr. Trefethen was married in i88S to Miss Nellie E. Raad of Ports- 
mouth, a daughter of Leondas F. and Elizabeth (Head) Raad. Her 
father was also a machinist by trade. She is one of a family of six 
children, the others being: Estella, Mary. Frances, Arthur, Elizabeth 
and Katherine. In religious attachment Mr. and Mrs. Trefethen are 
devout members of the Methodist Church, and he is president of the 
church board of trustees in Boston. 

DR. ZACHARIAH WILLIS KEMP, principal of Sanborn Academy at 
Kingston, N. H., was born April u, 1833. at Otislield, Me. His parents 
were Charles E. and Sybil J. ( W'ardwell ) Kemp. The father, born at 
Gorham, Me., August 15, 1H30, was a successful farmer; he died in Decem- 
ber, 1907. The mother, l)orn in Otisfield, Me., December 24, 1835, is now 
a resident of that place. They were the parents of six children, of whom 
four are now living. The origin (_)f the Kemp family is found in England, 
having been traced back to 1380, \\hen flourished John Kemp, an ecclesiastic 
of the English church, who later, during the reign of Henry V, held the sees 
of Rochester, London and York, became archbishop of Canterbury' and Lord 
High Chancellor, and was created Cardinal by the title of St. Rufina. The 
first of the family to come to America, as far as there is any record, landed 
here about the year 1700, and settled at Groton, Mass. Ebenezer Kemp, 
Dr. Kemp's paternal grandfather, fought for American independence and 
was wounded at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Another ancestor. Col. Brad- 
street, was in the British expedition to Prince Edward's Island. 

At the age of three years, Z. Willis Kemp began attending country 
school, walking the distance to and from his home, about a mile each way. 
He continued to do so until he was eighteen years old, at which time he 
began teaching, in order to earn enough money to pay his way through 
college. He studied one tenn at Hebron Academy, and then entered Bridge- 
ton Academy, from which he was graduated in 1879. Entering Bowdoin 
College in 1880, he completed the prescribed course and was graduated from 
that institution in 1884, with the degree of A. B. He then taught for one 
year at Norway, Me., being principal of the high school there. Being elected 
principal of the high school at Fairhaven, at an increase of $400 a year in 
his salary, he accepted the position and was there four years. He then left 
to accept the position of vice-principal of the Tabor Academy at Marion, 
Mass., where he taught Latin for four years. After this he went to the 
French-American College at Springfield, Mass., as professor of Latin, and 
after being there two years was elected dean of the college. In 1901 he 
came to Kingston, N. H., to become principal of the Sanborn Academy, 
which position he has retained for the last thirteen years. Since he took 
charge of this institution the number of students has been increased from 
75 to 140, and there are now eight teachers. In 1912 Dr. Kemp conferred 
honor upon the .\cademy by having his team win the state championship 
in debate. He received the degree of A. M. from Bowdoin College in 1887, 
and that of Ph. D. from Illinois \\'esleyan University in 1895. He belongs 
to the college fraternity known as Tlieta Delta Chi. 




Z. WILLIS KEMP 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 827 

Dr. Kemp was married, December 24, 1885, to ^liss IVIary L. Boynton. 
a daughter of Gardner B. and Sarah G. Boynton, of Norway, Me. Her 
father, now deceased, was a prosperous tanner of that town, and a Civil war 
veteran. Her mother is still living. 

Dr. and Mrs. Kemp are the parents of eight children, as follows: Ida 
B., wife of Arthur B. Grant, of South Poland, Me.; Charles \V'., married, 
who is principal of Colebrook Academy, at Colebrook, N. H. ; Marion T.. 
unmarried, a graduate of Bates College, class of 191 1; Sybil M., unmarried. 
a graduate of Brown University, 1914; Alice B., unmarried, a graduate of 
Sanborn Academy, 1914, who won first prize from the New Hampshire 
Peace Society for an article on "Peace;" Ralph B., now a freshman at 
Sanborn Academy; and Ruth H.. and Robert D., who are attentling public 
school. 

Dr. Kemp is a Republican in politics. He belongs to the Masonic Order, 
in which he is a past master, and to the Odd Fellows, in which he is a past 
grand; he is also a member of the New Hampshire bVace Society. Mrs. 
Kemp belongs to the Eastern Star, and to the Rebekahs, being past matron 
m the former lodge and past grand in the latter. She and her husband 
attend the Congregational church. They are people of culture and refine- 
ment, who take a warm interest in the moral and material development of 
tile community in which they reside, and whose aid and influence may 
usuall}' be enlisted on behalf of any worthy cause. 

WALTER COSTELLO, proprietor of a glazing shop at No. 35 
Daniel Street, is a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Ports- 
mouth, New Hampshire, where he has resided for a period of fifty-three 
years. 

Mr. Costello was born in Ireland, November 25, 1840, and is a son 
of Patrick and Julia (Tangney) Costello, both natives of Ireland. The 
other children of this family were named ; Jeremiah, John. Morris. Pat- 
rick, Margaret and Ellen. 

Walter Costello was a small child when brought to this country, 
and for a time he was enrolled in the public schools of Boston. When 
about fifteen years of age, he began working in a sash and blind shop 
in that city, and this has continued to be his business ever since, in 
connection with the glazing business. He has an established reputation 
for reliability of service, and has an extensive patronage. 

Mr. Costello was married July 28, 1861, to Miss Ellen Griltin. who 
was born in Ireland and is a daughter of John and Margaret Griffin. 
Their children were as follows: John, Raphael L., and Charles L. The 
two last named are the only survivors, Ijoth residing in Portsmouth. 
In religious belief the family is Catholic. Walter Costello is independent 
in politics, but takes an earnest interest in all movements for the better- 
ment of the city. 

RAPHAEL L. COSTELLO, son of Walter and Ellen (Griffin) 
Costello, is a prosperous merchant of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 
being owner and proprietor of the R. L. Costello Seed Store at No. 115 
Market Street. He carries a comprehensive stock of goods, including 
garden, lawn, dairy and poultry supplies, blankets, whips, incubators 
and brooders, paints and nursery stock. The store occupies six floors, 
with about 6,000 square feet of space, and also a store room in the rear. 



828 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

This store liad its inception December 6, 1913, and has ah^eady estab- 
hshed itself in the good will of the people, giving every evidence of 
great future development. A force of five men is employed, and two 
auto trucks are in daily use. 

Raphael L. Costello was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Octo- 
ber 3, 1879, and here he attended the common schools. This was sup- 
plemented by two years in high school, after which he became identified 
with the seed business, which has claimed his attention throughout his 
business career. Possessed of energy, ambition and good judgment, his 
success is assured. 

IRVING ROLSTON, postmaster at Greenland, N. H., and the 
owner of some fine property in this town, was born in Nova Scotia, 
August 9, 1877, a son of Andrew and Evangeline (Densmore) Rolston. 
His parents still reside in their native land, where the father, formerly 
a blacksmith, is now retired. Their children were Emerson, Lillian, 
Lome, Harvey and Irving. 

Irving Rolston left Nova Scotia at the age of eighteen A-ears, first 
going to Medway, Mass., where he found work at the blacksmith's 
trade, in which he had had some previous experience. His education 
had been acquired in the common schools of his native land. In 1899 
he came to Greenland and started a blacksmith's shop here, which he 
conducted until his appointment to his present position as postmaster, 
under civil service rules, on April i, 1914, to succeed George A. Norton. 
In addition to performing the duties of this office, he does some farm- 
ing and fruit growing, and, as already stated, is the owner of a fine 
property. In politics he is a Democrat, but uses judgment in casting 
his vote. He has served as tax collector and is now treasurer of the 
school board. 

Mr. Rolston was married in 1899 to Miss Florence J. Duntley, who 
was born in Greenland, N. H., and is a daughter of Lorenzo D. and 
Susan E. (Dearborn) Duntley. Her father was a well known merchant 
of Greenland, carrying on business here for fort3'-five years. He and 
his wife have four children — George W., Frank, Curtis W. and Flor- 
ence J. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ralston are the parents of two children, Frank G. and 
Russell A. The family attend the Congregational Church, while Mr. 
Ralston belongs to the Odd Fellows (including the Encampment) and 
to the Grange. 

FRED SLATES TOWLE, M. D., the third son and child of Charles 
Augustus and Maria (Seates) Towle, was born at Boston, Mass., De- 
cember 28, 1863. He was educated in the Boston public schools and 
was graduated from the medical college of Columbian University in 
the class of 1893. After a post-graduate course in the hospitals of New 
York City, and a years' practice in his native city, he took up his abode 
in Portsmouth, N. H., where he has since remained. 

Dr. Towle's father was born in Canaan and his mother in Ossipee, 
and he is a descendant of a long line of New Hampshire ancestors. He 
has been city physician and chairman of the board of health of Ports- 
mouth : surgeon-general on the staff of Governor George A. Ramsdell 
in 1897-99, ^nd ^^''^s chosen by the electorate of the First Counciller 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 829 

District as a member of the Governor's Council during the administra- 
tion of Governor Jolm McLean. 

Dr. Towle is suro-eon of the statT of the Portsmoutli Hospital; a 
member of the New^Hampshire Surgical Club, the American Medical 
Association, the Portsmouth Medical Society, the Strafford County Med- 
ical Society, the Rockingham County Medical Society and the New 
Hampshire^ Medical Society. He belongs to the Masonic order in all 
of its branches and has attained the thirty-second degree. He is a mem- 
ber of the various bodies of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and 
of the Knights of Pythias. Dr. Towle is also a member of the Sons of 
the American Revolution and is an ex-president of the Warwick Club 
of Portsmouth. Dr. Towle married Martha Perry of Boston. They 
have one son, Charles Augustus Towle. 

CHARLES FRED DUNCAN, a prominent shoe merchant of Ports- 
mouth, New Hampshire, has conducted astore at No. 9 Market Street 
for a period of seventeen years. He has an extended acquaintance 
throughout this vicinity and his enterprise is a thriving one, four clerks 
being employed to wait upon the trade. 

Mr Duncan was born in the navy yard at Kittery, Maine, February 
28, 1861, and is a son of Charles L. and Mary J. (Higgins) Duncan. 
The father is now living a retired life at Kittery. Maine, and his wife, 
now deceased, was buried at that place. Charles L. Duncan spent his 
active business life in the employ of the United States Government. He 
was for a time a gunner in the navy, and was a machinist in the navy 
yard at Portsmouth at the time of birth of our subject. He has always 
been a Republican in politics, and he antl wife attended St. John's 
Episcopal Church. They reared the following children: Nellie F., wife 
of W. J. Rogers; Charles Fred; William B. ; and Frank C. Duncan. 

Charles Fred Duncan attended the public schools at Kittery, and 
there received all the school training he ever obtained. Early he learned 
the trade of machinist in Boston, and followed it until he was nineteen, 
when he went on a steamboat as engineer. After one year as such, he 
went into the pilot house, and for a period of thirty years was captain 
of a passenger steamboat, or of a tow boat. During nine years of that 
period he was superintendent of the Bay State Dredging Company, but 
held license as captain and engineer. In 1897 he purchased the shoe 
store of T- K. Manning in Portsmouth, N. H., his present establishment, 
and has "since continued without interrupted success at No. 9 Market 
Street. In connection with this store, he, for a period of tive years 
owned and maintained a shoe store at Lynn, Mass. He has always 
taken a public-spirited interest in the affairs of his home community, 
and at the present is serving in the council of Portsmouth, having 
been elected on the Republican ticket for the term of 1913-1914. 

Mr. Duncan was united in marriage with Miss Delia E. Crosley, a 
native of Boston, Mass. Her father, Thomas H. Crosley, was president 
of the Bay State Dredging Company. He is now deceased, as is his 
wife, and 'two children survive them: Delia E. (Duncan); and Fannie, 
wife' of David Nicholson. Mr. Duncan has always been a Republican in 
politics. Fraternally he is a member of Blue Lodge. F. & A. M. at Ports- 
mouth, and of the Knights of Pythias at the same place. He and Mrs. 
Duncan attend St. John's Episcopal Church. 



830 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

JOHN LINCOLN WEBSTER, who for the past thirty years has 
been the leader of the Kingston band, was born at East Kingston, Sep- 
tember 7, i860. His parents were John T. and Abbie P. (Buswell) 
Webster. The father was a native of Kingston and the mother of East 
Kingston. They had seven children, all of whom are now residents 
of Rockingham County. The parents are both deceased. The early 
ancestors of the family were from England and settled in this locality 
man_\- years ago. 

John Lincoln Weljster was educated in the public schools of King- 
ston, but at the early age of six years had to make himself useful on 
the home farm. W'hen he was seventeen he began work in a sawmill, 
his wages being six dollars per month. Later he worked for Henry 
Webster, receiving thirteen dollars per month, and was with liim for 
a year and a half. He then left Mr. Webster in order to learn the trade 
of carriage painting, receiving at the start $1.25 per day. He followed 
his trade for over 35 years,' during which time he finished over 600 
carriages while in Manchester for the Ivimball Company. He has a fine 
farm in Ivingston and his residence is one of the best in the town. 

Mr. Webster began playing in the local band at the age of fifteen 
years, and, as above stated, has lieen the leader of the Kingston band 
for the past thirty years. This l)and is recognized as one of the best 
in the state, and has filled many important engagements, visiting Man- 
chester. Boston, Haverhill, New York City and other places. In New 
York he played with the Manchester band at the unveiling of the Grant 
Monument. 

Mr. XA'ebster was first married November 17, 1881, to Mary A. 
Prescott, of Kingston. Of this union there were four children, namely: 
Bertha L., a graduate of Sanborn Seminary, who is unmarried ; Walter 
E., now a leading merchant in Ivingston ; Harold P., educated in the 
public schools and at Sanborn Academy: and Helen L., single, a gradu- 
ate of Sanborn Seminary. Mrs. Mary A. Webster died in December, 
1907, and on April 21, iQog, Mr. Webster married for his second wife 
Clara Nichols, of Kingston. Of this union there are no children. Mr. 
W^ebster is a Republican in politics, and on various occasions has been 
urged to accept public ofiice, but has declined. He has been a Free 
Mason since he was twenty-one years old, and also belongs to the Odd 
Fellows and to the Grange, in which he has held all the chairs. Mrs. 
Webster belongs to the Reliekah Lodge and to the Eastern Star. 

STEPHEN G. SLEEPER, who for many years has been engaged in 
agriculture in the town of Fremont, was born on the old Sleekier home- 
stead, aliout a mile and a half southwest of Epping, N. H.. October 15, 
1842. His father, Gardner Sleeper, born in Fremont, this county, was one 
of the i^rominent men of this locality in his day, holding many town offices 
and serving as representative in the legislature in 1859. He married Sarah 
M. McQuillan of Brentwood, and they had six children, of whom but three 
are now living, namely: Stephen G., the subject of this sketch; Lizzie, 
widow of D. Frank Fellows: and Charles E., manager of the Castle Square 
Hotel at Boston, Mass. Mr. Sleeper's early ancestors were English on 
both sides, and his paternal grandfather. Stephen Sleeper, fought against 
the British in the War of 181 2. 

Stephen G. Sleejier was the second child born of his parents. He began 




STEPHEX G. SLEEPf^R 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 833 

attending the district school in his home neighborliood when he was about 
four years old, and continued to do so until he was fifteen, at which time he 
had to give up his studies in order to make himself useful on his father's 
farm, which was a large one of 500 acres. Not long after, on the breaking 
out of the Civil war, he was anxious to enlist and took some preliminary 
steps towards organizing a company at Exeter, of which he was to be first 
lieutenant. About this time, however, his father took him to Washington 
and there persuaded him to give up the idea of entering the army, procur- 
ing him instead a position under an imcle in the Clarendon Hotel at Wash- 
ington, where he remained for a year, receiving $14 per month to start 
with. His salary was later increased and by the end of the year he had 
received nearly $1,000, of which he saved nine hundred. He then returned 
to his father's farm, of which he became proprietor on the father's death in 
1865, and here he has since resided. In 1873 ^^ purchased 65 acres ad- 
joining the homestead, and still later another tract of 80 acres. His resi- 
dence, wdiich stands on the 65-acre tract, was built about 200 years ago, 
and is in the old colonial style of architecture. It has been improved and 
kept in excellent condition, and is in every respect a convenient and comfort- 
able dwelling. Mr. Sleeper is a Democrat in politics and at various times 
has taken a useful and active part in pul3lic affairs. He served as selectman 
for fourteen years, was also a member of the school board, and in 1868 
and 1869 was representative to the legislature, being elected the second time 
by a large majority. While a member of the House he served on the claims 
committee and also on the committee on military accounts. 

Mr. Sleeper was married, June 2, 1877, to Emma G. Currier, a daughter 
of True \\'. and Abbie Stephens (Whittier) Currier of Deerfield, N. H. 
Of this union were born seven children, as follows: Emma G., wife of 
Charles L. Philbrick (no children) ; Stephen Gardner, Jr., who married 
Miss Jessie Campbell, of Dorchester, and has two sons, Stephen G., and 
Donald: Mary L., wife of Rue! Goodrick, of Epping; Ethel A., wife of 
Charles R. Bean, of Boston; Ruth F., single, a teacher, who resides at home; 
Charles E., who died at the age of four weeks, and Howard, who died when 
six months old. All of these children, except the two who died, were edu- 
cated in the schools of Epping, and at Sanborn Seminary. Ethel also grad- 
uated at Haverhill and Kingston Academies, wdiile Ruth is a graduate of 
I^oi)inson Seminary at h'xeler. .\11 the children have taught in the same 
school which they attended when young. Mrs. Sleeper also taught school 
for thirty terms. On the maternal side she is a descendant of the noted 
pott Whittier. Her knowledge of educational matters is extensive and 
widely recognized, and she has served as a member of the town scliool board 
for nine years. She is an active worker in the \\'oman's Christian Tem- 
perance Union, of which she was vice president in IQ13. Her father. True 
W. Currier, was prominent in political affairs and held numerous offices, 
while her grandfather, also named True Currier, was a soldier in the War of 
1812, and her great-grandfather Whittier in the Revolutionary War. She 
and her husband are affiliated with the Baptist Church. Mr. Sleeper's great- 
grandfather. Stephen Slee()er, was the first deacon when the Baptist church 
was established in Brentwood. Mr. Sleeper belongs to the Masonic Order, 
and in politics is a democrat. He is widely known as one of the older resi- 
dents of the town and as a substantial and public-spirited citizen. 

ALBERT E. DANIELS, proprietor of a flour mill, dealer in flour, 
grain and feed, and treasurer and stockholder of the Epping Handle 



8.34 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

Company, has been a resident of Epping, New Hampshire, little more 
than three years, but in that time has become firmly estabHshed in its 
citizenship. A man of keen business acumen and stirring activity, in 
common parlance "a hustler," he has made an impress upon the affairs 
of the community and gained the good will of his fellow men. 

Mr. Daniels was born at Barrington, New Hampshire, July 26, 1878, 
and is a son of John C. and Cora A. (Allen) Daniels, both natives of 
New Hampshire. They became parents of three children. John C. 
Daniels is well known over Stafford county, where he always resided 
and was honored by election as state representative. He also served 
the county as treasurer. 

Albert E. Daniels was the second child born to his parents, and 
when six years old began his attendance at school, walking a mile and 
a half from his home. He continued in the local school during the 
winter terms, at the same time helping in the work on the farm, until 
he was sixteen, at which time he was forced to give up school and de- 
vote his energies entirely to farm work. When he was nineteen, his 
father determined the time was ripe to start his son in business, and 
as a result they established a flour, grain and feed business in Rochester, 
N. H., as partners. This partnership continued successfully until 1910. 
In ]\larch. 191 1, Albert E. Daniels moved to Epping and purchased the 
mill, flour and feed business of John Liddy & Company, which he has 
since conducted on a more extensive scale than before. He is inter- 
ested in the Epping Handle Factory, which manufactures handles of 
every description and picker sticks, the products being sold in every 
part of the United States. Mr. Daniels is active in its affairs and ser\-es 
the company as treasurer. 

May 16, 1903, Mr. Daniels was united in marriage with Miss INIabel 
Hislop, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hislop, of Rochester, N. H.. 
and they have had four children : Lucile E.. born June 1 1. 1904; Martelle, 
who died in infancy; Marjorie. born Octolier 7, 1907: and Syl)il, born 
September 8, 1912. Air. Daniels has been too busy to seek political 
preferment himself, but has always been active in securing the election 
of good men, regardless of their political affiliation. Fraternally he is 
a Mason and an Odd Fellow. 

JACOB A. CARLISLE, general agent for Ford automobiles, for 
the town of Exeter, and a business man of varied activities, was born 
in Exeter, N. H., October 29, 1867. a son of Jacob and Mary O. (Col- 
cord) Carlisle. The father, a native of Parsonsfield, Me., was a con- 
tractor engaged in the lumber business and for a while the proprietor 
of a foundry in Exeter. He was a prominent citizen of the town, serv- 
ing for a time as selectman, as representative to the legislature, tax col- 
lector, and engineer of the fire department, in all these various positions 
showing honesty and ability. In politics he was a Republican, and he 
and his wife attended the Baptist Church. Their children were as 
follows: James W. ; Josephine A., the widow of Woodberry Berry; 
George A. ; Cora A., wife of R. Dudley Burpee ; Emma, who died at the 
age of twenty years: Walter S. ; Eveline: Etta M., now deceased, who 
was the wife'of Charles E. Smith ; and Jacob A., subject of this sketch. 

Jacob A. Carlisle in his youth attended the common schools and 
the high school of Exeter, being graduated from the latter in 1S84. He 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 835 

then attended the Institute of Technology at Boston for two years. 
Subsequently he entered into the hardware business, under the style of 
Carlisle Brothers, his brother, George A., being the senior partner. 
After being thus associated, their father died and the partnership was 
dissolved, Jacob A. entering into his present line of industry. In addi- 
tion to his automobile agency, he is manager of a fruit plantation in 
Jamaica for Mrs. Lalia Bent of New York and Boston, and also owns 
and manages real estate. He was formerly associated in business with 
George Wentworth of Brookline, Mass. In politics he is a Republican, 
while his fraternal affiliations include the Knights of Pythias, the Odd 
Fellows and the Red Men. 

Mr. Carlisle was married in September, 1890, to Miss Ida M. Hayes 
of Farmington, N. H., whose mother was Augusta Hayes. Mrs. Car- 
lisle had one brother, Ira, now deceased. She and her husband are the 
parents of a daughter, Beatrice E. The family attend the First Con- 
gregational Church. They are among the substantial people of the 
town and have a wide acquaintance. 

DR. FRED K. TAYLOR, veterinary surgeon and farmer, of Brent- 
wood, N. H., was born in this town May 22, 1864, a son of John H. 
and Sarah F. (Chase) Taylor. His ancestors came to this country 
from England, his great-great-grandfather being a son of the Duke 
of Hamilton. Some among them served in the Revolutionary war. 
John H. Taylor, our subject's father, was born in Brentwood, N. H., 
Alarch 5, 1826. He was a prominent soap manufacturer, in which busi- 
ness he continued up to the time of his death. His wife. Sarah, born 
at Kingston, N. H., July 16, 1831, is now deceased. 

Fred K. Taylor was the fifth born of his parents's si.x children. He 
began his education in the district schools and later had the advantage 
of a private tutor. He remained on his father's farm until he was twenty- 
one. The first money he earned w^as used by his father to buy a barrel 
of flour. He then went to Exeter and secured a position there in a shoe 
factory, but his father gave him $200 to give it up and return home to 
work the farm, they sharing the profits together, and he has remained 
on the farm continually ever since. He spent seven years in the study 
of veterinary surgery, receiving his diploma November 2, 191 1, since 
which time he has practiced this profession, in addition to farming. The 
house in which he resides, and where both he and his father were born, 
was built by his grandfather when the father of our subject was but 
seventeen years old, in 1843. A Republican in politics. Dr. Taylor has 
served the town of Brentwood as road agent for several terms. His farm 
is well stocked with fine horses and cattle, and in addition to his other 
employments, he carries on a large wdiolesale meat business. 

Dr. Taylor was married January 8, 1889, to Cora I., daughter of 
George D. Bartlett, who for twenty-tive years was postmaster of Brent- 
wood. They have five children : Harry E., wdio resides in Methuen. 
Mass., and is unmarried; George H., who married Lena Lewis of Dover, 
N. H.. and has two children. Everett and Cecil ; Sidney A., single, a 
jeweler, residing in Exeter; Fred H., now fifteen years old, and Bertha 
M., thirteen. Dr. Taylor is affiliated fraternally with the Odd Fellows. 
His religious connections are with the Baptist church. 



836 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

RALPH TREFETHEX, a contractingr carpenter and builder, whose 
place of business is located at No. 151 South Street, Portsmouth. X. H., 
was born in this city. October 2. 1870, a son of Albert B. and Mary A. 
(Rand) Trefethen. The parents were both natives of Rye, N. H. Albert 
B. Trefethen was engaged in business in Portsmouth as a contractor and 
builder, and died here in 1900. He was a reliable and enterprising citizen, 
taking an interest in public improvements, and in politics was a Demo- 
crat. His wife, a woman of fine character, still resides in Portsmouth. 
They had four children, all sons: Everett \\'.. Ralph, Frank and Wallis. 

Ralph Trefethen was educated in the common and high schools of 
Portsmouth. He then learned the carpenter's trade with William A. 
Hodgdon. remaining with him six years. At the end of that time he 
started in business for himself and has since conducted it successfully 
— a period of about eighteen years. He usually employs about six men. 
He l^elongs to the Masonic order, in which he has advanced to the third 
degree. His religious affiliations are with the Middle Street Congrega- 
tional Church. His business office and residence are at the same location, 
his mother residing with him. 

ALBERT E. BARTLETT. who is carrying on a prosperous busi- 
ness as horticulturist in the town of Brentwood. Rockingham County, 
N. H., was born in Kingston, X. H.. May 12, 1869. His parents were 
Francis C. and Mary A. (Rowe) Bartlett, the father being a native of 
Kingston and the mother of Raymond, X^. H. Both are now deceased. 
They had five children, of whom Alliert was the eldest. The first Bart- 
lett ancestors in America were from England and settled at an early 
day in Exeter. 

Albert E. Bartlett was educated in the puldic schools and in the 
Academy at Exeter. He began industrial life at the age of fourteen 
years, hauling boxes from the factory to Haverhill, Mass., and other 
places, and was thus occupied until reaching the age of twenty. Hav- 
ing resolved to become a horticulturist, he spent a season on a seed farm, 
and for sixteen years subsequently was with Joseph T. Smith, proprie- 
tor of the largest greenhouse in this part of the state, with whom he 
thoroughly learned the business. In June, 1908, he started in the busi- 
ness for himself in Brentwood, and has since achieved a gratifying suc- 
cess, his trade extending to all the surrounding towns. 

On December 23d, 1896, he was married to Grace ^L Smith, a daugh- 
ter of Leroy S. Smith of Brentwood, and of this union have been born 
two daughters and a son, namely: Mary E.. born July 9, 1900, who is 
now in her junior year at Kingston Seminary: Dorothy F.. born Febru- 
ary I, 1904: and William S. born Xovember 9, 1907, the two latter 
being students in the public school at Brentwood. Mrs. Smith's an- 
cestors, like her husband's, came from England and settled first in Exe- 
ter, X. H. The old Smith homestead, known as ''Old Pine Croft." was 
built in 1781. and is still owned in the family. Mr. Bartlett is a Demo- 
crat in politics, and is connected fraternally with the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows. He and his wife and family attend the Universalist 
church. 

FREDERIC E. DREW, city clerk of Portsmouth. X. H.. was born 
in Manchester, X". H.. October 13. 1877. one of the five children of 




GEOKGE E. OOWEX 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 839 

Samuel T. and Emma (Chamberlain) Drew. He was educated in the 
pubhc schools of Portsmouth, and subsequently learned the printing 
business with the Portsmouth Times Publishing Company. In 1898 
he went to New York City, wdiere he was employed with the Imperial 
Shoe Company for three years. He afterward traveled all over the 
country, visiting nearly every state in the Union for the ^litchell Gas 
Generator & Burner Company of Boston. In 1903 he returned to Ports- 
mouth and engaged as city editor of the Portsmouth Times, serving 
as such until 1913. when he was elected as city clerk, being re-elected 
to the same office in 1914. In 1908 he was a member of the board of 
assessors of taxes. In politics he is a Republican. Fraternally he is a 
thirty-second degree jNIason, a member of DeW'itt Clinton Commandery, 
K. T., of St. John's Lodge, No. i, A. F. & A. M.. Portsmouth Lodge, 
No. 97, B. P. "O. E. : Damon Lodge, No. i. K. of P.. and Alpha Council, 
R. A. Mr. Drew married Myrtle M. Cook, daughter of Charles A. and 
Amy Grant Cook. They have three children. 

GEORGE E. GOWEN, owner of 170 acres of land in the town of 
Stratham, on which he is engaged in truck gardening and fruit growing, 
was born at ^^'est Newbury, JNIass., July i, 1846, a son of Ezekiel and 
Hannah (Colby) Gowen. The father, a native of Emorj-'s INIills, Me., was 
a farmer: his wife was born in Massachusetts. They had ten children, all 
of whom, but two, reached maturity, namely : Caroline, Sarah, Benjamin, 
Charles, George, Frank, Oscar, and Carrie. 

George E. Gowen. after attending the common schools, took a course at 
Comers Business College at Boston. He then worked eight years at making 
shoes, after which he took up his residence on his present fami, which he 
has since carried on successfully, shipping his produce to Portsmouth and 
Boston. A republican in politics, he has served as selectman, a member 
of the school committee and representative to the general court. He was 
also a delegate to the last constitutional convention. At present he is serving 
on the library board. 

Mr. Gowen married Miss Mary Smith, of West New'bury. Mass.. daugh- 
ter of Lewis and Rhoda (Parker) Smith. He and his wife are the parents 
of children as follows: ]\Iay: Helen: Grace, wife of Frank Pearson, who 
has four children — Oscar. Dorothy. ^Margaret and Georgiana; Clarence, who 
married Lottie Smart, and has two children. Elizabeth and Joseph: Ralph: 
Bertha, wife of Marshall S. Chase: George Arthur: Benjamin: Howard, who 
married Mary Nixon: Phillip and Shirley. Mr. Gowen and familv attend the 
Congregational church. 

MATTHEW HARVEY, proprietor of a good farm in the town of 
Epping, Rockingham County. N. H.. was born in this town. March 26, 
1870, a son of Matthew J. and Susan F. (Thompson) Harvey. His early 
ancestors in this country came here from England, Sir Thomas Harvey 
settling at an early day in Exeter. N. H. A great great uncle of our 
suljject. Jonathan Harvey, gained fame as a soldier in the Revolutionary 
war. On the maternal side he is related to the well known Ladd familv. 
His father, Matthew J. Harvey, was born in Epping. October 14. 1821 
and died IMarch 7, 1902. Mrs. Susan F. Harvev was born January 17, 
1823 and died February 18, 1900. 

Matthew Harvey was the youngest of his parents' children. He 



840 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

began his education in the district schools, which he attended until thir- 
teen years of age, after which he was a student for four years in the 
academy at Epping, later spending a year at Tilton. At the age of 
nineteen he began teaching school at Salem, receiving $9.00 per week, 
out of which he paid his board. Returning home, he remained there a 
year and then secured an office position, but soon tired of it and ac- 
cepted a position as teacher at Candia village. At the end of the term, 
however, he returned home again and took charge of his father's farm, 
where he has since remained, being now the owner of the property. This 
farm is located about a mile and a half from the village of Epping and 
is well kept and in excellent condition. Mr. Harvey is a Democrat in 
politics, and although not ambitious for public office, has at times yielderl 
to the persuasions of his friends and served on the school board, as tax 
collector, moderator and supervisor. He is not affiliated with anv 
secret societies. 

Mr. Harvey was married April 17, igoi to Abbie J., a daughter of Mr. 
and Mrs. Henry Smith. He and his wife attend the INIethodist church. Mr. 
Har\ey belongs to the old reliable type of New England citizen, noted for 
its industry, perseverance, regard for law and order, and sturdy Ameri- 
canism, all of which qualities have been exemplified in a high degree in the 
Harvey family, to which also belonged former governor Matthew Harvey. 
He keeps well in touch with current events and his counsel is often sought 
by his fellow citizens in regard to matters of local importance. 

JOHN H. CARR, one of the leading citizens of the town of Brent- 
wood, was born in Fremont, N. H., October 22, 1845, a son of John 
H. and Mary (Quimby) Carr. His immigrant ancestors on the pater- 
nal side were from England and settled in Exeter. N. H. Among his 
'ancestors was the famous Hannah Dustin, whose brave deliverance of 
herself and companions from Indian captivity is a familiar story to 
every reader of American history. Both parents of Mr. Carr are now 
deceased, the father dying in September, 1863, at Washington, D. C. 
where he was engaged in military service as a member of Company B, 
Burdan Sharpshooters. The mother. ]Mrs. Mary Carr, died in i8q2. 
Their family numbered five children, John H., James M., \A'illiam E., 
Albinus H. and Mary Estelle. 

John H. Carr liegan attending the district school near his home at 
the early age of three years. When he was five his parents moved to 
Fremont, wdiere he continued his studies until he was ten, after which 
he attended school at Fremont Rocks until he was se\enteen. He also 
attended a private school three terms. On September 9. 1863, he 
enlisted for service in the Civil War, in Company B. 13th New Hamp- 
shire Regiment, and subsequently took part in the battles of Peters- 
burg, Cold Harbor. Ft. Harrison and others. Although w^ounded at 
Cold Harbor, he refused to go to the hospital. He received an honor- 
able discharge in December. 1865. returned home and has since de\'Oted 
his attention to farming. 

ilr. Carr was first married. November 20, 1870, to Miss Mary Alvira 
Tuck, of Fremont, N. H. She died November 20, 1890, leaving no 
children. On December 25. 1892, he married for his second wife Mrs. 
Sarah M. Sanborn, a daughter of William F. and Sarah D. CFelch) 
Bean, of Sutton. Merrimack Countv. N. H. Mrs. Carr's first husband. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 841 

Mr. Sanborn, was also a Civil war veteran, serving in Company A, nth 
New Hampshire Regiment, for three years. He died March 4, 1891. 
By her marriage to Mr. Sanborn Mrs. Carr has three children, all of 
whom are now grown up and two married. They are as follows : Neva 
E., wife of Fred G. Sykes, of Crawford, N. J., who has two children — 
Lawrence A. and Virginia S. ; Ernest F., married, who resides in Brent- 
wood, and has had three children — Mabel (now deceased), George C). 
and Irwin; and Mary L., single, who is a teacher in Rhode Island, but 
who lives during her vacations on the farm with her mother and father, 
Mr. and Mrs. Carr. 

Mr. Carr is a Republican in politics and for a number of years has 
taken a more or less active part in town affairs. In 1909 he served as 
representative and was a member of the Committee on the Soldiers' 
tfome. He has also been supervisor, selectman, member of the school 
board and library trustee. He and his wife are both charter members of 
the Grange. The house in which they live is 150 years old, but is up- 
to-date in equipment, having both hot and cold water up stairs and down. 
Mr. Carr has in his possession a tool chest and tools formerly owned by 
his great grandfather, who used them in helping to build the First Church 
in Exeter. He and his wife attend the Baptist church. They are among 
the best known people in Brentwood and ha^■e many friends in this part 
of the county. 

WALTER B. HILL, deceased, was proprietor of the Hill Livery, 
Feed and Sale Stable and a widely known horseman, took rank among 
the prosperous business men of Epping. He was born April 2. 1859, 
at Raymond, New Hampshire, a son of Robert and Sarah M. (Bart- 
lett) Hill. 

The Hill ancestors were of English birth and at an early date were 
transplanted on American soil, becoming established first in Massa- 
chusetts, and later in Rockingham County, New Hampshire. Robert 
Hill, father of the subject of this record, was born at Deerfield, in 1814, 
and was a prominent farmer throughout his active career, his death oc- 
curring in 1900. He was a veteran of the Union Army, serving three 
years during the Civil War as a member of the loth Regiment, New 
Hampshire Volunteers. He was married to Sarah iNI. Bartlett. who 
was born at Nottingham, New Hampshire, in 1823, and died in 1889. 
They were parents of seven children, of whom Walter B. was sixth 
in order of birth. 

W'alter B. Hill was five years old when his schooling began, at- 
tending the public school one mile from his home. At the early age 
of fourteen years he left home and became self supporting. He worked 
in a portable steam mill for two years, first at a wage of thirteen dollars 
a month and later at one dollar and a half per day. He next received 
about two dollars per day in the shoe factory at Raymond, where he 
remained one year, after which he came to Epping in January. 1877. 
Here he accepted a position in a shoe factory and continued at that work 
for about ten years. He was always possessed of energy and thrift 
and bided the time when he could branch out into business for himself. 
He started a livery on a small scale, having a small barn and but two 
teams. His humble venture developed into a good paying business 
under careful management. He built a large modern barn, had twelve 



842 HISTORY OF KOCIvINGHAM COUNTY 

head of fine horses, and a full complement of carriages and conveyances 
of all kinds. In addition he was a fancier of high class race horses. He 
is in every sense of the word a self made man and was the owner of 
considerable fine property in Epping. 

On April 3, 1880, Mr. Hill was united in marriage with Miss Jennie 
E. Miles of Brentwood, who died March 5, 1896, without issue. He 
formed a second marital union, April 24, igoo, with Eva J. Dolluer of 
South Kingston, and they had one child who died in infancy. Mr. 
Hill was a Republican in politics, but always too busy with private 
affairs to think of public ofSce for himself. The extent of his acti\'ity 
along this line was to lend his support to the man calculated to serve 
the people best, and he worked hard for his friends. The Hill residence 
in Epping is a fine home where Mr. and Mrs. Hill lived in the social 
enjoyment of the friendship of neighbors of long standing. 

HENRY L. SWEENY, M. D., the leading physician and surgeon of 
Kingston, N. H., and one of the most prominent citizens of the town, 
was born at Bridgewater, Mass., April 3. 1838. He is a son of Edward 
M. and Lucy M. (Thaxter) Sweeney. The father, born September 11, 
1834, at Plattsburg, N. Y., was a prominent tack manufacturer; he died 
in April, 1913. His wife Lucy was born at Boston, Mass., October 28, 
1839 and now resides in Hanover, Mass. They had five children, of 
whom Henry L. was the eldest. But three are now living. The early 
progenitors of the Sweeny family were from Ireland, and settled at 
Plattsburg, N. Y. On the maternal side the Doctor can boast of Revo- 
lutionary ancestry, one of his progenitors, Francis DeLuce, serving with 
distinction in the War for independence. There is good stock on both 
sides of the family, both the Sweenys and Thaxters. together with many 
representatives in the kindred lines, being people of enterprise and sub- 
stance, industrious, law abiding and patriotic. The Doctor's grand- 
mother, in 1829, at the age of eighteen, with needle and thread made 
a copy of a large picture of her great grandfather and his wife, which 
is very true to the original and life-like in appearance, and is today 
highly valued. 

Henry L. Sweeny began his education in the district schools, subse- 
quently attending the Academy at Hanover and the Adams Academy 
at Quincy. In September, 1879, he entered Harvard Medical College, 
and was graduated M. D. in 1882. He began the practice of his pro- 
fession at Kingston, but ten months later decided to go to Boston, where 
he remained one year. He then removed to Hanover, where he practiced 
medicine until 1890, returning in that year to Kingston, where he has 
since remained, having built up a fine practice. He belongs to the 
county. State and National medical societies, and has served as president 
of the county society. He has been member of the Board of Health 
for o\er twenty years and county physician six years, and is now serving 
the town in the office of moderator. In 1913 he was a delegate to the 
Republican State Convention, and has also been delegate to other con- 
ventions. His fraternal affiliations are with the ^lasons and Odd 
Fellows. 

Dr. Sweeny was married December 25, 1884, to Ellen J- Towle, of 
Kingston. Mrs. Sweeny was educated in the schools of Kingston, 
at RoI)inson Seminary. Exeter, and at Mt. Holvoke College. She died in 
1900. 




JOHN K. SANBORN 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 845 

EDWIN ALONZO RAND, who owns and operates a good farm 
of forty acres on the Lafayette road, Portsmouth, N. H., was born on his 
present farm October i, 1872, son of Alonzo and Mary (Peabody) 
Rand. The father of our subject was also born on this farm and fol- 
lowed agriculture all his life. His wife was from Antrim, N. H. Both 
are now deceased and are buried in the family lot on this farm. They 
were members of the Christian church. 

Edwin Alonzo Rand, who was his parents' onh- child. ac(|uired his 
education in the common schools, which he attended until about four- 
teen years old. He then began work on the farm with his father, and 
has since remained her, inheriting the farm at his father's death. He 
carried on general farming, raising enough stock for his own use. 
He is a Republican in politics and an up-to-date, energetic citizen. 

On June 4, 1903, Mr. Rand married Mrs. Ida M. Smith, the widow 
of John M. Smith. She is a daughter of Edward and Ellen (Smith) 
Trewhela, whose only other child was Ellen, wife of \\'illiam Davey. 
Her father died when she was six years old and her mother subsequently 
married for her second husband. Schuela Grant, of which latter union 
there were no children. By her first marriage to Mr. Smith, Mrs. 
Rand had one child, Chauncy M. Smith. The family attend the Chris- 
tian church. 

JOHN N. S.\NP)ORN. one of the leading men in the town of Hampton 
Falls, was born in this town. February 4, 1843, a son of Le\'i and Alary 
(Berry) Sanborn. He is a grandson of James Sanborn and a great grand- 
son of Benjamin Sanborn, a Revolutionary soldier who died in 1825. and 
whose wife in maidenhood was Betty Blake. Levi Sanborn, who was also a 
native of Hampton Falls, served in the War of 1812-15. He married ]\Iary, 
daughter of Ebenezer Berr}' of Pittsfield, and their children were as follows: 
Albert J., who married Sarah Johnson of Seabrook, N. H. : Levi T., who 
married Sarah Perkins of Rye, N. H. ; George B., who represented this town 
in the legislature in 1874-5, and who died in 1893; and John N.. the subject 
of this sketch, who resides on the old homestead. 

John N. Sanborn acquired a practical education in the public schools and 
since his youth has been engaged in farming and cattle dealing. He has a 
well kept and productive farm and is one of the substantial and reliable cit- 
izens of the town, in every respect a prosperous and representative New Eng- 
land farmer, who has maintained the honor and credit of the old and respected 
family to which he belongs. He served the town as representative in 1885 
and as state senator in 19 10, showing a comprehensi\-e knowledge of public 
afYairs and faithfully guarding the interests of his constituents. He is known 
throughout this section as a remarkably shrewd and successful business man, 
of the strictest honor and integrity. In politics he is a Republican. 

Mr. Sanborn married Miss Lucy E. Marston. daughter of Tames and 
Lucy (Dennett) Marston of North Hampton, N. H. Their children are: 
Laura, lx)rn October 11, 1881 ; Levi N.. born September 2. 1883; Grant E., 
born October 8, 1885. and Alice J. D.. born February 12, 1887. 

ORLANDO S. LANGLEY. a prominent citizen of Epping, New 
Hampshire has been engaged chiefly in agricultural pursuits throughout 
his active business career and at the present time is owner of a valuable 
tract of 175 acres two miles from Exeter, on the Newmarket road. He 



846 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

was born in Newmarket, New Hampsliire, October i6, 1840, and is a 
son of Orlando and Harriet (Walker) Langley. 

Orlando Langley, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Lee, New Hampshire, in 1797, and died in 1855. His wife, Harriet 
Walker Langley was born ]\Iay 2, 1802, and lived to be more than ninety 
years old, dying on Septeml)er 17, 1892. They became parents of twelve 
children. 

Of the children born to his parents, Orlando S. Langley was eleventh 
in order of birth. When old enough he entered the schools of his home 
community, attending about three months each winter, the remainder 
of the time being devoted to work on the home farm. Thus he con- 
tinued until he was fifteen, when he attended school at Newmarket 
for two years. He then worked out for different ones until he had 
sufficient means with which to buy a yoke of oxen. With this start 
Mr. Langley freighted between Lee and Newmarket for eight years. 
Industrious and saving he accumulated sufficient means to buy a 67 
acre farm near Hedding, which he operated for three years. Then dis- 
posing of it, he acted as manager of a farm for his grandfather one 
year. He next came to Epping and bought a farm of seventy acres, 
which he managed and lived upon for two years. He purchased another 
farm two miles from Epping, which he tilled for fifteen years. Dispos- 
ing of this property to advantage he then purchased his present farm 
of 175 acres located two miles from Exeter on the Newmarket road, 
which his son now farms. Mr. Langley has always been a man of 
public spirit, but never consented to mingle in politics or accept office, 
other than that of selectman, in which capacity he ser\'ed three years. 
He was drafted for service in the Union Army during the Cix'il War, but 
owing to the fact that his mother was a widow and he was the only 
child left at home to care for her, he could not see his way clear to 
follow his inclination and go to the front, paying $300 for a substitute. 

January 10, 1866, Mr. Langley was united in marriage with Miss 
Hannah Burnham of Epping, a daughter of Uriah and Susanna Burn- 
ham, and they became parents of four children: Harriet B., deceased 
was the wdfe of Fred Cobb of Auburn, Maine; Albert S. married Alice 
Norris and they have two sons, Norris and Richard: Nellie G. is the 
wife of Charles W. Woods and has four children : Gertrude L., Ben- 
jamin M.. Harold R., and Hollis L. ; and Samuel W. Langley of Exe- 
ter, New Hampshire, married Ella Armstrong and thev ha^•e a daugh- 
ter. Helen M. 

Mr. Langley is an active member of the Patrons of Husbandry and 
has filled all the offices in the local grange. He is a democrat in politics. 
Mrs. Langley is prominent in club and social work, and has many friends 
throughout this vicinity, which slie has always called home. She is 
active in the Ladies' Relief Corps, of which she has been chairman and 
filled all other offices except that of secretary. Religiously they are 
memljers of the Universalist Church. 

TOHN ELVIN TUCK, owner of a farm in the town of Brentwood, 
three miles south of the village of Epping. was born in Brentwood. N. H.. 
September 8, 1886, a son of John S. and Flora M. fPeasley) Tuck. The 
father was born on the same farm. November 20. 1847, and passed away 
from this life Mav 16. 1905. The mother of our subject is still living. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 847 

being now a resident of Brentwood. The Tuck family is of English 
origin, its earliest progenitors in this country settling first in Exeter. 
The farm of 130 acres now owned by the subject of this sketch has been 
in the family since the time of the great great grandfather, John Tuck. 
There is no record of Revolutionary service, but the great grandfather 
in direct line, also named John, had a brilliant record in the War of 
1812-15. 

John Elvin Tuck was the youngest of his parents' three children, 
all of whom are now living. He was educated in the public schools and 
graduated from the Sanborn Academy at Kingston at the age of twenty 
years. During the summer time and in the vacation he worked on his 
father's farm, first earning wages in 1902, when for two months' work 
he received'$25 and his board. Beginning at the age of twenty-one, he 
worked two years and a half in the James store at Crawdey Falls. Brent- 
wood. On the death of his father he returned home to take charge of the 
home farm, which three years ago was deeded to him. 

He was married February 4, 1909 to Harriet E., daughter of I-'red- 
erick E. and Mary (Swain) Osgood of Brentwood. Mrs. Tuck and her 
husband were classmates in school and graduated at the same time. 
They attend the Baptist church. Mr. Tuck is a Republican, and although 
he has never had political ambitions, he has on several occasions served 
his town in public office. He was supervisor two years and selectman 
■for three years. He is a member of the Grange, which he has served 
both as overseer and steward. He and his wife are popular members 
of the community in which they reside. 

JOHN H. \\'RIGHT, manager of the Rev. Alfred Elwyn farm of 
750 acres in the town of Portsmouth, and also the owner of a farm of 
nine acres in the same town, was born in Clementsport, Nova Scotia, 
June 15, 1856, a son of John A. and Eleanor (Fitzgerald) A\'right. His 
parents, both natives of Nova Scotia, came to the United States many 
years ago, settling in Portsmouth, where the father followed his trade 
of wheelwright. Both are now deceased. They were members of the 
Baptist church. John A. \\'right being deacon of a church of that de- 
nomination in his native land. Their children were David, Fannie, 
Dora, who married William Eldridge, Jennie, who married Enoch Berry, 
Edward, Joshua. Israel., Walker, and John H. 

John H. Wright attended the common schools until about fourteen 
years of age at which time he went to work at farming, an occupation 
which he has always since followed. He was seventeen years of age 
when he came to Portsmouth. In 1889 he became manager of the Mark 
H. AVentworth farm, holding that position for eleven years. Fie was 
then offered and accepted his present position as manager of the Rev. 
Alfred Elwyn farm, including 750 acres, 200 acres of w^hich are under 
cultivation. He has now been fourteen years on this place and has 
made a good record for efficiency. The estate is in first class condition. 

Mr. Wright was married on January 5. 1883, to Belle C. Saunders, 
who was born in Digby, Nova Scotia, and came here when eighteen 
years old. Her parents were Capt. Charles and Eveline .Saunders, 
both natives of Nova Scotia, the father being a sea captain. Both died 
in their native land, neither coming to this country. Their children 
were: Belle C. who married John H. XA'right; Bessie, wife of John A. 



848 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Williams and Ulina, wife of Benjamin VVoodfin, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wright have had three children, Eftie B., Charles Shannon, and John 
Brandon. Effie B. is a stenographer in the office of Kelly & Hatch, 
attorneys of Portsmouth. Charles Shannon Wright took the degree 
of B. A. at New Hampshire College, and subsequently graduated from 
Cornell with the degree of M. A. He now holds a position as assistant 
to the manager of the Campbell Soup Factory, supervising the raising 
of tomatoes on the Campbell farm. He married Annie Taylor, and they 
have a daughter, Barbara Saunders Wright. Mr. Wright is a Democrat 
in politics. He lielongs to the New Hampshire Grange, also to the 
Red Men and the Mutual Relief Association of New Hampshire, He 
and his family attend Middle Street Baptist Church. Mr. Wright 
has his own farm of nine acres rented out, he being too busy with his 
duties on the Elwyn estate to give it his personal attention. He is 
a thoroughly practical agriculturist and general farmer and as a citizen 
is up-to-date and public spirited, taking an interest in everything cal- 
culated to promote the moral or material welfare of the community. 

GEORGE ROWE, a prosperous farmer and lumberman of the town 
of Epping, residing about two miles north of Eppings village, was born 
at Nottingham, N. H., October 23, 1837. His parents were Ichabod 
and Abbie (Foss) Rowe, and their family consisted of three children, 
John P., George and Horace E. The immigrant ancestor of the Rowe' 
family came to this country from England. Among Mr. Rowe's an- 
cestors was Governor Bradstreet, first secretary of the Massachusetts 
Bay Colony, who was also assistant governor of the colony for seven- 
teen years. On the maternal side Thomas Wiggin, who settled in 
Massachusetts at an early date, subsequently removed to Exeter. Gov- 
ernor Thomas Wiggin married a daughter of Governor Barefoot. Mem- 
bers of the Wiggin family also took a prominent part in the Revolu- 
tionary War. 

George Rowe attended the country schools near his home until he 
was nineteen years of age, during the latter part of this time, however, 
at intervals only, as when fifteen, he began to learn the trade of shoe- 
maker, at which he worked for some time, receiving six dollars a week. 
Later he started to learn the carpenter's trade, but soon gave it up. He 
then accepted a position selling tinware for Charles Hubbard of Man- 
chester, N. H.. and was thus occupied for several years. Still later he 
went into the hay business, also dealing in potatoes and lumber, and he 
has since built up a large and growing business along these lines, his two 
sons now attending to the active part of the work. He owns three fine 
farms, aggregating 276 acres. 

Mr. Rowe was married January 26, 1865 to Sarah A. Smith, a 
daughter of George S. and Sarah A. D. (Emerson) Smith of Deerfield, 
N. H. Mrs. Rowe's early ancestors in this country were from Ireland. 
Her father died December 7, 1862, aged forty-five years and ten months. 
The mother survived her husband many years, passing away November 
9, 1804, at the age of seventy-six years and ten months. The maternal 
grandfather of Mrs. Rowe was a son of Jonathan Emerson, who served 
as a soldier in the War of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe have three children, 
as follows: Sadie A., who married John O. Pike, who is teller in a bank 
at Dover. N. H. (They have a daughter, Eliza. T., who married Wil- 




I 'APT. .lOSIAll N. .Il)\l'; 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 851 

Ham Goss, assistant cashier of the bank) ; John E., single, who resides 
with his parents and assists in the management of the home farm ; 
and Harry L., who married Mary F. Heath, of Hamptead, and has 
a daughter, Elizabeth R. All three children were educated in the 
public schools and academy at Epping, and Mrs. Pike, before her mar- 
riage was a teacher. The family attend the Congregational church. Mr. 
Rowe is a Democrat in politics, and, although not caring for public 
ofifice, has served efficiently on the town school board. 

FRANK W. SWALLOW, of Exeter, N. H., owner and proprietor 
of a flourishing post card business, was born in Exeter in 1864, the son 
of Mr. and Mrs. Franklin G. Swallow. His father was a map publisher, 
and did an extensive business in Boston, Mass. 

Frank W. Swallow was educated in the grammar schools of Exeter, 
N. H., and the High School of Melrose, Mass. He began his industrial 
life as a salesman in the china and crockery business, traveling for one 
Boston house for a period of fifteen years. He then engaged in the 
real estate business. When in association with H. F. Dunn he opened 
four streets in the west end of Exeter — Washington, Cottage, McKinley 
and Hobart streets — and was joint owner of this property with Mr. 
Dunn for about ten years. He then became interested in the post card 
business, and throughout many New England towns was the first to in- 
troduce local view post cards. Meeting with success, he later began 
the manufacture of post cards and with a business steadily growing, 
makes large numbers of local views from hundreds of New England 
towns besides filling mail orders from several other states. He belongs 
to the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic order at Exeter, and in 
politics is a Republican. 

Mr. Swallow was married in 1891 to Jennie E. Johnson, a nati\e 
of northern Vermont, and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Dexter Johnson. 

CAPT. JOSIAH N. JONES, a veteran of the Civil War, for years a well 
known and respected citizen of Portsmouth. N. H., but now residing at 
Lawrence, Mass., was born in Wakefield, N. H., April 6, 1835. His parents 
were John and Rhoda ( Witham) Jones. The father, a native of Lebanon, 
Me., was a farmer and a soldier of the War of 1812; the mother was from 
Milton. N. H. They had eight children — Reuben, Mary and Martha (twins), 
Hiram, John R., Josiah N., Mahala and Matilda — only three of whom are 
now living. 

Josiah N. Jones was educated in the district schools of Carroll county, 
which he attended only during the winter months, as he had to work on the 
farm during the summer, his father having died when Josiah was but eight 
years old. Leaving school at the age of sixteen, he went to Boston, where he 
learned the trade of machinist and blacksmith — learned it very thoroughly, 
as his subsequent record proved. He then went west and worked at his 
trade for some time in Chicago. Having a strong desire to see the country, 
he continued his pilgrimage to the Mississippi river and beyond, finally reach- 
ing the Far W^est, where he spent some years, hunting buffalo in Ivansas as 
early as 1858, and traveling from the Rocky ^Mountains to the Rio Grande. 

He returned home at a time of great political excitement, owing to the 
approaching struggle between the Northern and Southern States. A vear 
before the breaking out of the war he joined the Massachusetts Volunteer 



852 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Militia, and was therefore in readiness to go out on the first call for 75,000 
troops. On April 15, 1861, he enlisted in the Sixth Regiment of Massa- 
chusetts Volunteer Infantry and went out with his regiment. After serving 
out a term of three months and seventeen days, he re-enlisted in the Sixth 
Xew Hampshire Regiment, becoming first lieutenant of Company D. On 
.\ugust 4, 1862, he was promoted to the captaincy of Company F and served 
until the close of the war, enduring much hardship. He was mustered out 
in December, 1864, having made an honorable record for valiant and faith- 
ful service. He \\'as commander of his regiment for four months during his 
service, and was also in command of the Thirty-second Maine Regiment for 
about a month. After the war Captain Jones returned to the West, where 
he again spent a number of years, residing seven years in Rockford, 111. 

He was married, August 7, i860, to Miss Mary E. Rhoads, who was born 
in York county. Me., a daughter of Aaron and Ruth (Roberts) Rhoads, 
residents of that county, where her father followed farming. There were 
four children in the Rhoads family — Lydia A., Asa S., Sarah J. and Mary E. 

Captain Jones's principal work throughout his life has been the making 
of machinists' tools, and as an expert in that line he is known far and wide. 
In i8qo he received a bronze medal for tools made by him, from the Massa- 
chusetts Charitable Mechanics' Association at Boston, Mass. He has taken 
out several patents on tool work, and has designed new tools and improved 
old ones, such as thread-cutting tools, diamond-nosed tools, otTset thread and 
cutoff tools, etc., they being used by machinists in working on lathes, planers, 
shapers, etc. Captain Jones spent over fifty years at this work, and for fifteen 
years made practically all the special machinist's tools used in the machine shop 
of the Portsmouth Navy Yanl. He is very expert on hardening and temper- 
ing steel, and, although now retired, still keeps up his old interest and enthu- 
siasm in this line of work. 

Captain Jones is a Republican in politics but occasionally disregards party 
lines in casting his vote, as he sees fitting reason. While a resident of Water- 
boro. Me., he served as selectman, and also as postmaster at W'aterboro Center. 
In 1909 he was a member of tlie legislature for this district. He belongs to 
the Odd Fellows and to Post No. i, G. A. R. He is a man devoid of sec- 
tional feeling, however, being an American in the broad sense of the term, a 
champion of ecpml rights to all men. He has delivered speeches on political 
or other topics all over New England, usually to large and appreciative au- 
diences. He and his wife are affiliated with the Unitarian church. 

In the fall of 1914 Captain Jones sold his property in Portsmouth and 
moved to Lawrence, Mass.. and in so doing deprived Portsmouth of one of 
her most valued citizens. At a farewell reception given to him by the mem- 
bers of his Grand Army Post and Woman's Relief Corps in Portsmouth, he 
was presented with a beautiful gold ring as a token of tlie regard and esteem 
in which he was held, and his wife with a brooch. He and his estimable 
wife left many friends in Portsmouth, as few people were better known or 
more highly esteemed here. 

FRANK S. GLIDDEN, a well known and popular citizen of Epping, 
where he is conducting a prosperous livery business, was born at North- 
wood, N, H., July 4, 1865, a son of Jeremiah Davis, a Civil \A'ar veteran. 
His parents died when he was about three years old and he was adopted 
by William H. and Mary E. (Hall) Glidden, taking the name of his 
foster father, who was a prominent farmer of P.rentwoo(l. He was 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 853 

educated in the district schools, which he attended until aliout fourteen 
years of asje. and was then obliged to give up his studies and go to 
work on the farm, receiving his board and clothes. At the age of ht- 
teen he secured a position driving a team in Brentwood, for which he 
received fifteen dollars a month and his board. After being thus occu- 
pied for one year, he went to Haverhill, Mass., where for a year and a 
half he was engaged in driving an express wagon. He then returned 
to farming and was thus occupied until he was twenty-one, working for 
others, after which he leased a farm for one year. He then went to 
Manchester and was in the milk business there for five years, at the 
end of which time he returned to Brentwood, where he purchased a farm, 
operating it for five years. Subsequent to this he was overseer at 
the county farm for two years, and later for awhile had charge of a 
summer stable at Hedding Camp Ground. About this time he began 
to see brighter prospects for himself in the livery business, and on De- 
cember 27th, 1908, he came to Epping and started his present business 
on Depot Square. His career since that time has been one of pros- 
perity and he is now one of the substantial citizens of the town. His 
stable is well equipped with fine horses and carriages, as well as an 
automobile for the traveling public. 

Mr Glidden married Miss Anna G. :\Iiles of Brentwood, and they 
have four children. Edna R., Mildred E., Addie E. and Bessie I. Edna 
R., now twenty-four years old, was educated in the schools of Brent- 
wood and Dover. She married Leon Sylvester, and they have a son, 
Wesley AI. Mildred E. was educated in Brentwood and at the Sanborn 
Seminary at Kingston. Addie and Bessie are now attending the high 
school at Epping. 

Mr. Glidden has served the town as highway agent for several years. 
He is a past grand in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which 
he has held all the chairs. In politics he is a Republican and he is af^- 
liated with the Baptist church. He is the owner of a fine residence in 
Epping. 

WILLIAM B. DRYDEN, proprietor with Alec Archibald of the old 
March farm of 250 acres, near Portsmouth, N. H., was l)orn in Dundee. 
Scotland, in 1890, a son of James and Mary (Birse) Dryden. In his 
youth he assisted his father, who was a farmer and dairyman, but at the 
age of eighteen years he came to America, settling first in Newington, 
R^ockingham County, N. H., where he worked at farming. From there 
he removed to the" town of Greenland, and in May. 1913, associated 
himself with Mr. Archibald in the purchase of the March farm from 
\\'ilham A. Bragdon, the latter having bought it from the March heirs. 
Here he successfully engaged in general farming and dairying, espe- 
cially dairying. Mn Dryden is the only member of his parents' family 
to come to America, except his brother David. He is a man of great 
activity and athletic build and it is claimed by the people that he is the 
middle weight champion wrestler of New England. He is a member of 
the Grange and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
including the Rebeccas. 

Mr. Dryden married Miss Mary Henderson, of Scotland, a daughter 
of William and Elizabeth (Peggie) Henderson, her parents still resid- 
ing in Scotland, where her father is engaged in the lumber busine>s. Mr. 



854 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and Mrs. Dryden are people of sterling- character and have made many 
friends since settling in this locality. 

HERBERT R. HAINES, a prominent business man of New Mar- 
ket, New Hampshire, is engaged in the grain and feed business. He 
was born in New Market, July 26, 1866, and is a son of Charles P. and 
Cornelia (Eastman) Haines. Charles P. Haines was born in Massa- 
chusetts, March 7, 1834, and died March 24, 1907. His wife Cornelia 
E. Haines was born Oct. 7, 1839, and died January 6, 1899. 

Plerbert R. Haines attended the public schools of New Market. 
When twenty years old he engaged in the grain business with his 
father and that has continued to be his vocation ever since. Some three 
years before his father's death, he bought the latter's interest and has 
since carried on the business alone. 

Mr. Haines was married December 30, 1890, to Miss Teresa Ingra- 
ham, and in April, 1898, was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife 
by death. September 14, 1900, he formed a second marital union with 
Cecelia Buckley of Haverhill. Mass., and they have two bright and 
interesting sons: Wilbur N., born February 26, 1902; and Ralph Herbert, 
born Fel)ruary 21, 1904. The family home is on the main road to 
Epping, one and a half miles from New Market. 

VALENTINE M. COLEMAN, for many years one of the foremost 
citizens of Newington, Rockingham County, N. H.. was born in this 
town, November 12, 1837, and died at his home there, December i, 191 1, 
after a well spent life of seventy-four years. He was reared in his 
native town and in his younger days taught school for awhile, but later 
engaged in farming, which occupation he followed thereafter to the end 
of his life. He was a man of high character, faithful to all the duties 
of life, a good husband and father, and greatly esteemed by a wide circle 
of friends and acquaintances, being one of the best known and best 
liked men in this part of the county. A Democrat in politics, he repre- 
sented Newington in the New Hampshire legislature, serving efficiently 
in that position. For some time he was a member of the Piscataqua 
Grange. 

Mr. Coleman married Miss Corinne Hoyt, who was born in Ports- 
mouth, N. H., June 28, 1839, a daughter of James and Lydia (Smith) 
Hoyt. Her father, a native of Newnngton. was in early years a well 
known and successful school teacher. He was a son of William Hoyt, 
in his day a well known and respected citizen of Newington. the Hoyt 
family being one of the old and prominent families of this town. Mrs. 
Coleman was reared in Newington and attended Portsmouth High 
School, subsequently finishing her literary education in an academy at 
New London, N. H. Afterwards, before her marriage, she taught school 
for a time. She and her husband were the parents of five children, of 
whom three are now li\ing, namely: James H., a resident of Newing- 
ton; Lydia S., wife of Calvin Lear, residing in Portsmouth, and Florence 
H., of Newington, who is a graduate of Smith College. The two de- 
ceased are Dorothy and Nathaniel. Mrs. Coleman is the owner of a good 
farm in Newington and is a lady widely known throughout this locality 
and as highly esteemed. Of cultivated and literarv tastes, she takes 
an interest in everything calculated to enlarge the mind and refine the 




EDW AllI) S. LU\\].KS. M. D. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 857 

character and is a warmly niterested member of the Shakespeare Chib 
of Newington. 

TAMES \\' COLEMAN, a well known and prosperous farmer and 
stock raiser of 'the town of Newington, of which he ^^^^'^^^ f '^^ ^^^ 
resident was born here October 22, 1839, a son of Nathaniel P. and 
Dorothy (Mathes) Coleman. The Colemans are one of the p.one. r 
families^ this town, of which the grandfather of our subject, James 
Coleman, was also a resident. Nathaniel P. the father of James \\_ 
was born in Newington and here passed his life, dying m 1876. He v.s 
a well known and popular citizen and served three years m the state 
leo-islature. His wife Dorothy died in 1886. 

Tames \\' Coleman acquired his literary education in the pubhc 
schools of this town. When a young man he worked for a time ^.t 
ship building in Newburyport, Mass., and Portsmouth, N. H. ; but farm- 
ino- of which he early acquired a practical knowledge, has been his real 
lif^'work and in it he has prospered. He owns a good farm of 150 
acres which he devotes to general farming. Since reaching manhood 
he has taken an active interest in local affairs. For a number of years 
he served as tax collector of the town, was selectman several years, and 
in 188:1 represented Newington in the New Hampshire legislature, serv- 
ino- efficiently in all these positions. An honest and capable business 
man. a good-neighbor and a public spirited citizen, he is widely known 
and universally popular. 

Mr Coleman was married January 14. 1866, to Mary E. Nutter, who 
was born in Newington, N. H.. a daughter of Charles W . and Antoinette 
E F \ (DeWitt) Nutter. Mrs. Coleman's father was born m Ports- 
mouth N H her mother being a native of South America. Her pa- 
ternal 'c^randfather. James Nutter, died in Newington. in which town he 
had resided during the latter years of his life. Mr. and Mrs^ Coleman 
have been the parents of three children, namely: Martha M. : Mary, 
who is the widow of Charles A. Dame, late of Newington : and Charles 
W., who is a resident of Newington. The family are prominent mem- 
ber's of the best society of this town. 

ED\\' \RD S COWLES, M. D., proprietor of Dr. Cowles' Psycho- 
therapeutic Sanitarium, Portsmouth. N. H., was born in the state of Virginia, 
Sept^^ 1889, a son of John and Harriet (Spencer) Cowles. The tather. 
John Cowles, was a large land owner in Virginia, He and his wife Harriet 
were the parents of nine children. ... 

Edward S Cowles received his education m the public schools ot Virginia; 
the Plampton (Va.) High Schools; the College of William and Mary, Wil- 
liamsburg Va. ; the University College of Medicine, Va. : and the Harvard 
Medical School, where he made a specialty of ner\'ous and mental diseases. 
Dr Cowles is a member of the Phi Kappa Al^ha literary fraternity, and of 
the Phi Beta Pi medical fraternity with a Harvard Chapter. In 1914 
Dr Cowles organized the Portsmouth Peace Society in Portsmouth, N. H.. 
with such speakers as Dr. Edwin D. Mead and Lucia Ames Mead of the 
World Peace :\Iovement, William Thayer of Concord, N. H., and the Hon. 
Frank B. Sanborn, of Concord, I\Iass. 

Dr. Cowles' Psychotherapeutic Sanitarium was established in Portsmouth 
in 1912 for the treatment of nervous and mental disorders. (Psychotherapy 



858 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

conies from f^syclio — the mind, and tlicrapy — treatment, meaning scientific 
mental treatment.) The institution consists of several buildings, delightfully 
situated. One building is devoted to the treatment of neurasthenia, psychas- 
thenia, hysteria, nervous prostration, insomnia, chronic fatigue, faulty sex 
habits, worry, headache, fear, self-consciousness, stammering, certain kinds 
of eye and ear troubles, etc. Also to those cases of heart, stomach, and bowel 
disorder which are due to a disturbance of the nervous system. Another 
building is devoted to the treatment of mental diseases, and there is a third 
building devoted to the treatment of alcoholic and drug cases. The craving 
for the drug, whether morphine or alcohol, can be eliminated in a three 
days' treatment, but Dr. Cowles advises that the patient have mental treat- 
ment to strengthen his will-power and give character and strength to his 
emotions, personality and nervous system. 

Dr. Cowles, though conversant with all the psychotherapeutic methods in 
\ogue, has evolved a method of his own which has given him the most grati- 
fying results. A careful examination of each patient is made and the treat- 
ment adapted to his individual peculiarities, every side of his nature — physical, 
mental, social and spiritual — being closely studied in order that the largest 
measure of help may be given. 

In each case, whatever the form of the disease, the patient is assured of 
receiving the best possible medical care, w ith the advantage of baths, proper 
foods, medicines, and graduated exercises ; work or rest, as the individual 
case may require. Trained nurses are employed, and the atmosphere of the 
Sanitarium is distinctly that of a home, its life and activities being natural, 
alive, and wholesome, establishing in the mind of the patient the idea of his 
own normality, and making impossible the formation of artificial habits of liv- 
ing. In addition to nurses there are expert medical assistants, with eminent 
Boston specialists as consultants. 

HON. JOHN HATCH, whose death on March 15, 1904, deprived the 
cit}' of Portsmouth of one of its most honored and beloved citizens, 
was born in Portsmouth, N. H., January i, 1849, came of a prominent 
family in this section whose ancestry extends back for a number of gen- 
erations in this country. He was educated in the public schools of his 
native city and at St. Paul's School, Concord, and was for some time 
connected with the latter institution in an administrative capacity. He 
afterward studied law with his father, Albert R. Hatch, and established 
himself in practice at Portsmouth, taking up a residence at the old family 
homestead in Greenland, where he lived for thirty-one years. From this 
town he was sent, in 1879, to the legislature, and again, also, m 1881. 
During both these sessions Mr. Hatch was a prominent member of the 
house. He served upon its most important committees, and though a 
member of the minority party, was a forceful factor in legislation. In 
1885 he sat in the State senate as a member from the New Market dis- 
trict, and added to his credit the record of faithful service in that body. 
He was a member of the constitutional convention in 1889, and served 
his town as a member of the school board and town treasurer for a 
number of years. In August, 1893. he was appointed a member of the 
bank commission, succeeding William A. Heard, and entered upon his 
new duties with earnestness and vigor, serving on that commission until 
March 15. 1904. the time of his death. 

Mr. Hatch was one of the most active laymen of the Episcopal 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 859 

church in New Hampshire, and Ijecame a familiar ligure at diocesan and 
other church conventions, numbering also among his other services to 
the church several years of membership on the standing committee of 
the diocese. 

Mr. Hatch married Alice Carolina Benton, who survives him, mak- 
ing her home in Greenland. Their union was blessed with seven chil- 
dren, namely: John K., who is assistant treasurer of the Strafiford Sav- 
ings Bank of Dover; Margaret H., who married Charles H. Batcheler, 
an attorney of Portsmouth; Caroline B., who became the wife of Dr. 
D. C. McLachlan, of Greenland, N. H. ; Mary A., now Mrs. John E. 
Gardner, of Chicago; Samuel F., a resident of Boston, Mass.; Alice, 
wife of Theodore Parker, of Brookfield, Mass., and Albert R., an attor- 
ney, of Portsmouth. 

ALBERT R. HATCH, a member of the law firm of Kelley & Hatch, 
Portsmouth, N. H.. was born in Greenland, N. H., August lo, 1882, 
a son of John and Alice C. (Benton) Hatch. He was graduated from 
Dartmouth College with the class of 1904 and from Harvard Law School 
with the class of 1907, being admitted to the bar in the same year. Since 
then ;\[r. Hatch has gained a high reputation as an able attorney and 
is now among the leaders of his profession in Portsmouth. The firm 
of Kellev & Hatch was organized July i, 1908 and handles a 
large amount of important law business. Mr. Hatch takes pride in the 
fact that it occupies the same quarters in the Exchange Building. Ports- 
mouth, w'here his father and grandfather carried on a successful law 
business for many years. Mr. Hatch is a Republican in politics and is 
fraternally connected w^ith the order of Elks. He was married. January 
10, igo6, to Rosaline F. Littlefield, a daughter of Abner Littlefield, of 
Greenland. They have two children: Harris, born February i_'. 1907; 
and Francis ]\I., born March 3. 1909. The family are members of St. 
John's Episcopal church aufl have a pleasant residence at Greenland, 
N. H. 

CHARLES F. F0LS0:M, who is now living retired at No. 81 High 
Street, Exeter, N. H., was born in Exeter, N. H.. December 3, 1832, a 
son of James and Judith (Morrow) Folsom. He was born in a house 
which formerly stood on the spot where his fine residence now stands. 
The parents of our subject were natives respectively of Exeter and 
Pittsfield, N. H., the father being a carpenter by trade. They were 
members of the Congregational church. Both are now deceased and are 
buried in Exeter. They had a large family numbering twelve chil- 
dren, all of whom are now deceased l)ut two — Mrs. Martha A. Head 
and Charles F. The father. James Folsom, was a veteran of the War 
of 1812. 

Charles F. Folsom was educated in the common schools of Exeter 
and at Phillips Exeter Academy. He then went to Boston, where he 
was clerk in a grocery store for five years. Returning at the end of 
that period to Exeter, he found employment' here as a carriage painter 
and also for a time worked in a brass foundry. He then w-ent to what 
was then South Newmarket, now Newfields, where for a while he was 
engaged in different lines of industry. Subsequently returning to Exeter he 
went into the oyster business here and continued in it from i860 to 1913, 



860 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

a period of fifty-tliree years, keeping tlie well-known oyster house known to 
the students from all over the United States who attended Phillips Exeter 
Academy. Few men could show a record for more steady work, as in the 
last fourteen years he never lost even half a day from his place of business. 
He was married in 1855 to Miss Mary Ellen McNancy, who was born 
in Ireland, a daughter of James and Ann (McBride) McNancy. Her 
fatlier dying when she was a young woman, she soon after accompanied 
her mother to America. There were seven children in the McNancy 
family, all of whom are now supposed to be dead. Mr. and Mrs. Fol- 
som became parents of a daughter, Emma Frances. Mrs. Folsom passed 
from this life in 1898. The family attend the First Congregational 
church. Mr. Folsom is a Republican in politics. 

JOHN J. TILTON, one of the representative business men of Rock- 
ingham County, is the leading clothing merchant of Epping, and has a 
wide acquaintance throughout this section. He has been a man of un- 
tiring energy and public spirit, and has very frequently been called 
into public service, always giving the same conscientious attention to 
public business that he did to his own affairs. 

Mr. Tilton was born in Epping, New Hampshire, February 15. 1867, 
and is a son of William H. and Alfarata A. ( Boody) Tilton, both of whom 
were natives of Epping. The family is an old one in this country. 

John J. Tilton, the only child born to his parents, hrst attended the 
public schools of Epping. this training being supplemented by a course 
in Phillips Academy at Exeter, from which he was graduated with the 
Class of 1886. Returning to Epping, he was variously employed as 
teacher, clerking and working in the shoe factory. In 1897 he accepted 
a position in the ticket oiifice of the Boston and Maine Railroad at Epping 
and continued without interruption until 1907. In February of the latter 
year he purchased the store of G. H. McCauley, which he has conducted 
since in a highly successful manner. It is the only large clothing store 
in Epping, and he han<lles a complete line of clothing and furnishings, 
hats, boots and shoes. In addition, Mr. Tilton conducts a large insur- 
ance business. 

October 12. 1905, John J. Tilton anfl Stella M. Stokes were joined 
in marriage. She was a daughter of John W. Stokes of Gorham, Elaine. 
They had but one child, a daughter, who died in infancy. On July 31, 
1908, Mr. Tilton was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, her 
death being a distinct shock to him and her many friends who had 
known her so long and well. Mr. Tilton is a Republican in politics and 
has been active in the councils of the party. He frequently has been 
a delegate to Republican state conventions. For nine years he served 
as a member of the school board ; was town clerk a number of years, 
also a selectman; and when the police court was established, was 
appointed the first associate justice of that tribunal. Fraternally he is 
Past Master and for eight years has been treasurer of Sullivan Lodge, 
No. 19, F. and A. M. He also is a meml)er of the Commandery, the 
Shrine, and the Odd Fellows, which he has served as District Deputy. 
He is Past Patron of Queen Esth.er Chapter. Eastern Star, and Past 
Grand Patron of the State Chapter. 

SAMUEL LANGDON, owner and proprietor for many years of a 
good fifty-acre farm on the Lafayette road, Portsmouth, N. H., was 




3ol\n l^ovtcrlBevh^y 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 863 

born in Portsmouth, August 17, 1838. and died October 31, 1913. His 
parents, Samuel and Hannah (Langdon) Langdon, were both natives 
of New Hampshire. Their children were John, Joseph, Harriett Ann 
(wife of Mark L. Jenkins), and Samuel, whose name appears at the 
head of this sketch. 

The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools, at 
a private school in Portsmouth, and at Pembroke Academy. He was 
brought up on his father's farm, which subsequently came to him by 
inheritance and on which he lived continuously from the time of his 
marriage until his death, operating it with good financial results. The 
estate is now the property of his widow and son, Samuel S. Mr, 
Langdon was a man of good business ability and took an active part in 
public aflfairs. At one time he was a member qf the city council, also 
served on the school committee, and was a justice of the peace. 

He was married November 21, 1877, to Florence E. Marston, who 
was born in Portsmouth, N. H., a daughter of Joseph and Thankful 
(Langdon) JNIarston, who were New Hampshire people, the father being 
a stone mason. There were seven children in the Marston family, 
namely: John L., Annie F., wife of Addison Carroll; Sarah A., wife of 
George H. Pickering, Albert S., Marcellus H., Florence E., who became 
the wife of the subject of this sketch, and Charles L. W. Mr. and Mrs. 
Langdon were the parents of three children, namely: Ida, wife of 
Joseph Miner; Samuel S., residing at home with his mother, and Frank 
J., engaged in tlie milk business at Portsmouth. Tlie family attend the 
North church. 

EUGENE B. EASTMAN, M. D., of Portsmouth, N. H., is a native 
of Canada, born August 26, 1877, a son of Ira G. and Caroline (Arm- 
strong) Eastman. Although he was born in Canada, his parents were 
citizens of the United States, his mother being on a visit to Canada at 
the time of his birth. He began his education in the public schools, sub- 
sec|uently attended Tufts College, and was graduated later — in Tune, 
1902 — from McGill University, Montreal, Canada. After taking a post- 
graduate course he went to Europe, where he visited some of the famous 
hospitals. Then, after traveling a short time in the States, he located 
in the same year — 1902 — in Portsmouth, where he has since practiced 
his profession very successfully, having an ofiice at No. 32 Congress 
street. He is a member of the county and state medical associations, 
and, a close student, keeps in touch with the advances made in medical 
and surgical science. Fraternally Dr. Eastman belongs to the Masons, 
having advanced as far as the commandery; also to the Elks and For- 
esters. He married Miss Annie Hill, a daughter of Daniel Hill of the 
state of Maine, and the family are members of the Congregational 
church. They reside at No. 303 Pleasant Street. 

JOHN PORTER WEEKS, an extensive farmer of Greenland, Rocking- 
ham County, N. H., was born on the parental homestead in this town, Jan- 
uary 24, 1844, a son of Deacon William and Louisa (Porter) Weeks. 

Leonard Weeks, the earliest known ancestor of pur subject on the pater- 
nal side, came to New Hampshire from England, ind settled about 1620 in 
what is now Greenland, Rockingham County. His son Joshua was the great- 
great-grandfather of John Porter Weeks, the subject of this sketch. Joshua 



864 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Weeks' son William was the father of Major William Weeks, who served in 
the Continental .\rmy during the Revolution. He is said to have been one 
of Washington's stafi' officers. He was paymaster in 1776 and later. 

Deacon William, son of Major William Weeks, and the father of John 
Porter, was a native of Hopkinton, N. H. On May 26, 1835, he married 
Lxiuisa, daughter of the Rev. Huntington Porter, of Rye. They had five 
children, namely: Ann L., Ellen M., Sarah P., George W., and John Porter. 
Ann L. died on July 8, 1889. Ellen M. lives at the old homestead. Sarah P. 
died on February 10, 1895. George W^ met with a tragic death, being killed 
at the Bay Side Railroad crossing on January 7, 1893. He left a widow, 
Mrs. Sarah L. Robinson Weeks, and one son, William. 

John Porter Weeks was the youngest of the family. He resided with 
his parents until September 16, 1861, when he enlisted in Company K, Fifth 
New Hampshire Volunteers. He was mustered into service at Concord, 
N. H., on October 12, 1861, going thence to Virginia, where he remained 
in camp at Alexandria during the winter of 1861-62. Although the youngest 
member of the company, he was promoted to corporal the same year. While 
in the army he was taken sick, first with measles, and then with lung 
fever, which obliged him to go to the camp hospital and Fortress Monroe, 
where he later rejoined his regiment. Mr. ^\'eeks was then taken ill with 
typhoid fever, which confined him for three weeks in the hospital at David's 
Island, N. Y. .Vfter a furlough he was discharged on account of disability. 
He served as corporal Init was discharged as sergeant. He and his brother, 
George W., then took charge of the home farm, and in 1878 erected a fine 
house and barn, all new buildings on the west side of the road. Mr. Weeks 
owns three hundred acres of land, carrj'ing on general farming and dairj' 
business. In politics he afiiliates with the Republican party, having been 
chairman of the Republican Club for twenty-five years. He is also a member 
of the Grand Army of the Republic and takes a great interest in it. 

Mr. ^Veeks has been twice married: first on April 26, 1870, to Ellen, 
daughter of Hon. Charles Hatch, a member of one of the prominent families 
in this section. She died June 16. 1874. On September 14, 1876, he married 
Laura A., daughter of Nathan R. Foss. She was born in Strafford, N. H., 
December 30, 1851, and died May 30, 19 10. They were the parents of 
three children: Mabel P., born July 11, 1878; Carrie F., born March 28, 
1881, and Alice H., born November 12, 1882. Mr. Weeks attends the Con- 
gregational church, where he has served as deacon since the death of his 
father. Their children are in the seventh generation from Leonard, the 
immigrant ancestor of the family, and they are now living on a part of the 
land owned by him more than three centuries ago. 

FRED P. KNOX, one of the well to do citizens of the town of 
Epping, wdio has been station agent at Epping for the past thirty-four 
years, was born in Epsom, N. H., June 9, 1855, a son of Henr\^ and 
Caroline (Wells) Knox. His ancestors on the paternal side were origi- 
nally from Scotland, the family including among its members General 
Henry Knox, who gained fame in the War of 1812-15. Henry Knox, 
father of Fred P., was a man of local prominence, serving his town as 
moderator, selectman and representative in the legislature. His wife 
Caroline was of English ancestry. They were the parents of three chil- 
dren : Cyrus H., a prominent railroad man located at Fitchburfr, Mass.; 
Eleanor D.. who died in infancy, and Fred P., the subject of this sketch. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 865 

Fred P. Knox began his education in the Epsom public schools, and 
subsequently continued it in the Northwood Academy and in Pembroke 
Academy, one year. He began industrial life in a sawmill when about 
sixteen years of age, receiving $1.35 per day, but after holding this posi- 
tion awhile he gave it up to work under his father, who was station 
agent at Epsom, becoming assistant station agent. He soon learned the 
business and in 1874 was appointed station agent. In December, 1879, 
he became station agent at Raymond, in July. 1880, being transferred 
to Epping, since which time he has been station agent here, having now 
been in the service of the Boston & Maine Railroad over forty consecu- 
tive years. 

Mr. Knox is a Democrat and for many years has been more or less 
active in politics. He served for years formerly as a member of the local 
school board, and also, at times, as town clerk and selectman, and was 
representative in the legislature in' 1890-1891, being a member of the 
Committees on Labor and Agriculture. 

He was married, June 20, 1888, to Carrie B. Chamberlain, of Lowell. 
Vermont, and he and his wife are the parents of six children — Harley W., 
Walter S., Eleanor S., Dorothy E., Marjorie C. and Kathryn O. The 
three last mentioned are single and are living with their parents. Harley 
W., who is a railroad engineer, resides in Epping. He married Lois 
Ellison and has a daughter, Evelyn. Walter S., who is baggage master 
at Epping under his father, married Etta Guinea and has a daughter. 
Doris. Eleanor S., is the wife of Charles E. Hutchins, a machinist of 
Pittsfield, Mass. She has two children, Raymond C. and Katharine. 

Mr. Knox and family belong- to the Congregational church. He is 
a member of Sullivan Lodge, No. 19. A. F. & A. M., in which he has 
held all the chairs, while Mrs. Knox belongs to the Eastern Star and the 
King's Daughters. They have one of the finest homes in the town of 
Epping. A progressive and public spirited citizen, he and his family are 
among the best known residents of Epping and are highly esteemed by 
their fellow townsmen. 

HAROLD M. SMITH, Attorney at Law, of Portsmouth, N. H., was 
born in Harrington, N. H., September i, 1887. the son of Walter H. and 
Flora E. (Hoyt) Smith. The father, a native of New Hampshire, is 
a lumber dealer well known throughout the state. The subject of this 
sketch attended the public schools and was later graduated from a private 
academy at Northwood, N. H., in the class of 1905. In 1909 he was grad- 
uated from Bowdoin College, with the degree of A. B., continuing his 
studies at Harvard Law School and completing his work in 1912." He 
was admitted to the bar in June, 1912, and first practiced his profession 
with L. P. Snow of Rochester, N. H., locating in Portsmouth in the 
present year, 1914. Although one of the more recent additions to the 
bar of this county, he has already given evidence of legal abilitv and 
has bright prospects of a successful future. Mr. Smith belongs to three 
prominent college .societies — the Delta Upsilon, the Theta-Nu-Epsi!on and 
the Phi-Delta-Phi. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternitv and 
attends the Congregational church. 

In August, 191 1, Mr. Smith married Miss Agnes Maxwell Greene, of 
Portland, Maine. They have one daughter, Nathalie C. Their resi- 
dence is at No. 283 Middle street, while Mr. Smith's ofifice is located 
in the Congress Block. 



866 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

FORREST \V. PIKE, M. D., who has been engaged in medical and 
surgical practice in Portsmouth since 1903, having an office and resi- 
dence at No. 16 Pleasant Street, was born in Massachusetts, April 24, 
1864, a son of John B. and Mary J. (Wiley) Pike. He was educated 
in the public schools, including the high school, and later entered the 
medical department of the University of Vermont, from which he was 
graduated M. D. in 1890. After taking a post graduate course in the 
New York Post Graduate School he began the practice of his profes- 
sion in Massachusetts, thence, in 1895 removing to Greenland, X. H.. 
and afterwards to Portsmouth, as above narrated. He belongs to the 
Portsmouth Medical Society and the Massachusetts Medical Associa- 
tion, and fraternally is affiliated with the Masons, Redmen and Odd Fel- 
lows. In politics he is independent, preferring to vote for honest and 
capable men rather than be bound by strict party lines. He has been 
successful in his profession and enjoys a wide personal popularity. 

REV. EDWARD J. WALSH, Permanent Rector, pastor of the 
church of "The Immaculate Conception," Portsmouth, N. H., was born in 
Rhode Island, May 22," 1854, one of the nine children of John and Eliza- 
beth (McGraw) Walsh. He was graduated from the Jesuit College, 
Montreal, Canada, in 1876, and in the following year from Grand Semi- 
nary at Montreal, Canada. Ordained to the priesthood in 1880 by Arch- 
bishop Fabre he was first stationed at St. Dominic's parish, Portland. 
Me., subsequently became assistant priest at Waterville, Me., and was 
then assigned to Lewiston, Me., where he was assistant priest until 
becoming pastor of the Catholic church at Graham. N. H. Then, after 
a period of service at Salmon Falls, N. H., he came to his present charge 
in Portsmouth, in August, 1907. Since coming here he has reduced the 
outstanding indelitedness of the parish some $25,000. He has some five 
hundred families under his care and there are about five hundred pupils 
in the parochial school, where twelve Sisters of Mercy are employed as 
teachers. All the ordinary branches of a good English education are 
taught, as in the graded schools, and in addition instruction is given 
in music. Both parish and school are in a thriving condition. Father 
Walsh is assisted by Rev. Father Frank A. Mulvanity. He is a hard 
worker for the good of his church and people, and is beloved by his 
parishioners, and widely respected by the citizens of Portsmouth gen- 
erally, without regard to religious affiliations. He takes an active inter- 
est in local affairs, as a good citizen ought, and is ever ready to further 
any worthy cause. 

JOHN E. SEAVEY. the owner of 200 acres of good farm land on 
the North Hampton road in the town of Greenland. Rockingham Countv. 
N. H., was born in this town, August 12. 1853. a son of Shadrach and 
Lucinda (Edgerly) Seavey. His father, a farmer by occupation, was 
a native of Alton, Belknap County, N. H., his wife being born in 
Greenland. Both are now deceased and are buried in this town. Thev 
were Methodists in religion, the father being a Democrat in politics. 
They had three children : James F. and George F., who reside in Lynn. 
Mass.. and John E., the subject of this sketch. 

John E. Seavey acquired his education in the common schools, which 
he attended for several terms, and at Hampton .\cademy. He then took 




IKlX. THOMAS KXTWISTLK 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 869 

up farm work, which he has since followed successfully. He does gen- 
eral farming and keeps about twenty-five head of cattle, marketing his 
milk at Beverly, Mass. A Democrat in politics, he has taken an active 
part in local government, serving ten years as selectman, and two years 
in the state legislature. He is now serving in the office of tax collector. 
He belongs to the Knights of Pythias at North Hampton. 

Mr. Seavey was first married to Georgia A. Sheppard, who died, 
leaving three children, namely: Edward, who married Marion Cogs- 
well, and has two children, Ruth and Edward S. Jr. ; Alice G., a book- 
keeper and stenographer employed in a shoe factory at Lynn. Mass. ; 
and Marion I., who is a student in the high school at Lynn, Mass. Mr. 
Seavey married for his second wife Emma L. Berry. They attend the 
Methodist church. Widely known and respected, they are among the 
representative farming people of Rockingham County. 

HON. THOMAS EXTWTSTLE. ex-city marshal of Portsmouth. X. H.. 
is a native of England, born in Hyde. Cheshire. Januar}- 12, 1840. Coming to 
Portsmouth in his boyhood, he obtained employment in the Kearsarge Mills. 
Here he worked until the Civil War broke out, when he was among the first 
who offered their services in defense of the Union, enlisting June 21. 1861, 
in Company D, Third Regiment, New Hampshire Volunteers. At first the 
regiment was assigned to the Tenth Corps, commanded by General Gilmore, 
but when General Grant received the chief command it was under the orders 
of General Butler. Mr. Entwistle served from the beginning to the end of the 
war in the southern campaigns, taking part in the following actions : Port 
Royal Harbor, November 7, 1861 : Elba Island, March 7, 1862; Bluffton. 
March 16, 1862; Jehossee, April 10, 14 and 17. 1862; James Island, June 8. 
1862; Secessionville, June 16, 1862; Pocotaligo, October 22. 1862; May 
River, January' 7, 1863; Stone Inlet, April 7, 1863; Morris Island, Julv 10, 
1863; Fort Wagner, July 18, 1863: Siege of Wagner, July 18 to September 
7, 1863: siege of Simiter, September 7 to March i, 1864; Palatka, April 13, 
1864; and Drewry's Bluff, May 13 to May 16, 1864. He estimates that for 
one year of the time he was constantly under fire. On July 10. 1863, he was 
wounded in the ribs by a minnie ball. He was wounded again at Drewry's 
Blufl:' on Alay 16, 1864, receiving the injury this time in the right leg. this 
wound resulting in his capture by the enemy. On this occasion he was first 
taken to Libby prison, and then, after the lapse of two weeks, to Anderson- 
ville, where he was held nine months. In the early part of Februarv. 1865, 
as he and other prisoners were being transferred to another place, fiftv of the 
number, including Mr. Entwistle. jumped from the train and escaped. After 
a perilous journey of twenty-one days, during which they suffered manv hard- 
ships, he and two companions reached the Union lines on February 21. 1865. 
He received a furlough of thirty days after the assault on Fort \\'agner, in 
recognition of meritorious conduct on the field. Also in the course of service 
he was advanced to the rank of sergeant. At one time he was recommended 
for a lieutenancy and would have received it but for a thoughtless speech of 
his uttered impulsively. He was honorably discharged at Concord. N. H.. 
August 2, 1865. In 1863. he was presented by Gen. Quincy Adams Gilmore. 
then in charge of the Southern Division, with a bronze medal for meritorious 
conduct. 

After receiving his discharge ]\Ir. Entwistle returned to Portsmouth, ob- 
tained employment in the blacksmith's shop of the navv van], and worked 



870 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

there for aljout eigliteen months. He was then appointed night patrol of 
Portsmouth. The duties of this position had been eftkiently discharged by 
him for two years when he was elected assistant marshal. He held that 
office for nine years and was then, in 1877, elected city marshal, in which 
capacity he served eight years, making a continuous record of nineteen years 
spent in the public service. Subsequently he was captain in the navy yard. 
From this position he was removed under the Democratic administration, and 
for sex'eral months in 1885 he worked in the blacksmith shop of the Boston & 
Maine Railroad. He was then reinstated captain of watch in the navy yard, 
after the election of Benjamin Harrison to the presidency, and remained 
this time seven years. His connection with the navy yard was ended by his 
resignation to accept the office of city marshal once more, an office he occu- 
pied until Dec. 31, 191J, when he resigned. 

In politics a zealous Republican, Mr. Entwistle did good service on the 
committee of Ward i for about thirty years. He has served the community 
in the representative capacity of selectman, councilman and Alderman, and 
in the office of deputy United States marshal. In 1907 he was elected to the 
State Senate, serving three terms, 1908-1911, and he was a member of the 
staff of Gov. Robt. P. Bass for one term, in 1911-12. He is a member of 
St. John's Lodge of Masons, No. i ; Osgood Lodge No. 48, I. O. O. F. ; 
and a comrade of Storer Post, No. i, G. A. R. 

On Octol)er 13, 1839, Mr. Entwistle was united in marriage with Elvira 
S. Dver, daughter of Zekin Dyer, of Portsmouth. Of this marriage were 
born two sons and three daughters, all of whom married, except one daugh- 
ter. Of tlie sons, \\'illiam T. was a candy maker in Portsmouth for a number 
of vears and is now agent of the Columbian Life Insurance Company. The 
other. Albert H., who was a machinist at the navy yard, died in 1909. His 
widow now resides at No. 278 Cabot street. The daughters are: Elizabeth, 
wife of Walter L. Tuft; Georgia, wife of Oliver J. Goldsmith; and Maude 
Isabelle. who resides at home and is a well known actress. Mr. and Mrs. 
luitwistle are members of St. John's Episcopal Church of which he is a 
vestryman. 

REV. EDWARD ROBIE, D. D., pastor of the Congregational church 
at Greenland, N. H., was born in Gorham, Me., April 5, 1821, a son of 
Thomas S. and Clarissa (Adams) Robie. The father was a merchant in 
Gorham for many years. The subject of this sketch was the eldest of 
nine children ancl is the only one now living. He acquired his elemen- 
tary education in the public schools of Gorham, and subsequently pre- 
pared for college at Gorham Academy. Entering Bowdoin College 
in 1836, he was graduated therefrom in 1840, and then entered Andover 
Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1843. Going 
to Germany, he studied there for about three years, after which he re- 
turned home and accepted a position as teacher of languages in Gor- 
ham Academy, remaining there for two years. Subsequent to this he 
taught at Andover for three years. He was ordained as minister at 
Greenland in 1852, and has since resided here as pastor of the Con- 
gregational church. 

Mr. Robie was married in December. 1852. to Susan Elizabeth 
Lord Jameson, who was born in Effingham, N. H., a daughter of Thomas 
and Elizabeth (Lord) Jameson. Her father was a minister in the Con- 
gregational church. Dr. Robie and wife were the parents of one son 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 871 

and four daughters, all of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Robie died 
in June, 1878. She was a lady of culture and refinement and her loss 
was greatly felt by her family and a wide circle of friends. 

WILLIAM H. C. FOLLANSBY, president of the Union Five Cents 
Savings Bank, also of the Exeter Banking Company, also trustee and 
treasurer of the Exeter Cottage Hospital, was born in Tilton, N. H., 
May I, 1845, a son of William and Mary (Sweatt) Follansby. The 
father, William Follansby, was for many years engaged in mercantile 
business in Tilton, and was prominent both in business and politics. 
He was twice married, first to a Miss Wells, of which union there were 
four children. Of his second marriage, to Mary Sweatt, the subject of 
this sketch was the only issue. Both of Mr. Follansby's parents were 
natives of this state, and both are now deceased, the father dying when 
his son William H. C was four years old. 

William H. C. Follansby was educated in the public schools of 
Belmont and of Laconia. N. H. He began industrial life as clerk in a 
general store, but on reaching the age of twenty-two years went into 
business for himself in the same line and was thus engaged for thirty- 
three years, or until the year 1900. In 1895 he helped to organize the 
Exeter Banking Company and is now its second president. Fle was 
a member of the legislature in 1893 and 1895 and a member of Gov. 
Charles M. Floyd's council in 1907-1908. He is one of the trustees of 
the George A. Wentworth estate. A man of more than ordinarj^ busi- 
ness ability, and of attractive personal character, he stands high in the 
community, and his opinion is often sought by his fellow citizens upon 
matters of importance affecting its moral or material welfare. In the 
Masonic order he belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council at 
Exeter and to the Commandery at Portsmouth. 

Mr. Follansby was married December 31, 1866. to !Miss Ella L. 
Winslow, a native of Tilton, N. H., and daughter of Darius and Hannah 
(Haines) Winslow. Mrs. Follansby died in 1907, her death leaving 
a sad void, not only in her own family circle init in the hearts of hun- 
dreds of admiring friends. A woman of exceptional ability and of the 
highest personal character, she was greatly beloved by all who knew her. 
She was a member of the State Board of Charities and was for years 
closely associated with various philanthropic enterprises, in particular 
with the Exeter Cottage Hospital. To enable the reader to better appre- 
ciate her unselfish devotion to every good cause, we reproduce in full 
the following tribute to her memory, which was published in the annual 
report of the hospital for the year ending December 31, 1907: 

"The Board of Trustees desires to place on record an expression of 
their appreciation of the character and services of Mrs. Ella L. Fol- 
lansby, for many years one of their more efificient and devoted members. 
Mrs. Follansby was a woman of that rare type whose entire life was given 
most cheerfully and unselfishly to the service of others. She was one 
of the best known and best loved women of the state. She was promi- 
nently identified with many organizations of the town, the countv 
and the state, serving them with all that earnestness, zeal and devo- 
tion which was so essential an element in her well-rounded character. 
Fond of all that is best in social life, she constantly opened her home 
in generous hospitality, not merely to friends whom she loved, but to 



872 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

worthy causes of every kind. To the orphaned, the needy and the 
friendless, her warm heart went out in fullest measure, and it has been 
well said that 'To their welfare she devoted her ample means and the 
best days of a most active life, with no thought of return except that 
the world might have better men and women." She was a helpful 
and uplifting friend to every wayward or unfortunate child whom she 
could privately or officially reach. As a member of the State Board 
of Charities she was untiring in her devotion to its special work and 
to the betterment of conditions for the poor and unfortunate among 
the people of the state. She was a zealous member of the First Church, 
greatly interested in all activities of church and parish. 

"Airs. Follansby was especially devoted to the Exeter Cottage 
Hospital, with which she had been prominently identified since its be- 
ginning. Its interests of every form were very dear to her. She was a 
member of the committee which secured and furnished its first home, 
the Stratton House, on Pine street. She served continuously as trus- 
tee until the time of her death, and for several years had been the hos- 
pital's efificient treasurer. In work and plans for the present building 
she took a prominent part. Her energy and enthusiasm won friends 
for the cause and greatly aided in the successful completion of the work. 
Her life abounded in 'good works.' Few have accomplished so tnuch. 
Mrs. Follansby's many associates in philanthropic, religious and social 
work will bear most willing testimony to the inspiring example of her 
noble life. In the beauty and strength of such a life, in its tireless devo- 
tion to worthy things, in its gentleness and sweetness, she has left us 
a rich legacy. In her death, not merely the Hospital, liut the town, 
the county and the state have suffered irreparable loss." 

HARLAN P. AMEN, 
AMANDA M. CILLEV, 

Committee. 

.As an additional tribute to her memory we may add the remark of 
Secretary of State Edward N. Pierson, that "There never was before 
nor for the next hundred years would 1)e, another woman like Mrs. 
Follansby." 

Mr. and Mrs. Follansby were the parents of a daughter, Daisy L., 
who is now a student in Robinson Seminary. Mr. Follansby is a trus- 
tee of the Congregational church, of which his wife was so devoted 
a member. 

JAMES ELMER STOCKBRIDGE is a representative of one of 
the old and well known families of the town of Stratham, Rockingham 
County, N. H. He has a highly improved farm of one hundred acres, 
and is now making a specialty of Dorset sheep, which he is introducing 
in this neighborhood. He was born in Stratham, January 29, 1867, 
and is a son of Isaac M. and Lydia S. (Scammon) Stockbridge. and a 
grandson of James and Olive (Lang) Stockbridge. 

Isaac M. Stockbridge was born in Stratham, Rockingham County, 
and throughout his active life engaged in farming. He was a Democrat 
in politics. Religiously, he and his wife were members of the Baptist 
Church. Mr. Stockbridge was united in marriage with Miss Lvdia S. 
Scammon. a daughter of Stephen and Myria (Gordon) Scammon. of 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 873 

the town of Stratham. Isaac M. Stockbridge died in December, 1912, 
and is survived by his widow, who resides in Boston. 

James Ehner Stockbridge, the only child born to his parents, at- 
tended the public schools of his home community, and afterwards the 
grammar and high schools in Exeter. He then turned his attention to 
farming and dairying, in association with his father, with whom he con- 
tinued until the latter's death. He has since had the farm which con- 
sists of one hundred acres and is the old Scammon home farm, which 
has been in that family for many years. 

Mr. Stockbridge was united in marriage with Miss Nellie A. Rollins, 
who was born in Stratham, and is a daughter of Albert N. and Ellen 
(Scammon) Rollins, her father being a farmer of that town. She is 
one of two daughters, having a sister. May, who is wife of Frank San- 
born and lives in Exeter. Mr. and Mrs. Stockbridge are parents of two 
sons: Earl R., who is teller in a bank at Exeter, and Carl D. The for- 
mer resides with his parents, and is serving out an unexpired term as 
tax collector. James Elmer Stockbridge is a Democrat in politics and 
was tax collector for seven years; also agent for the New Hampshire 
and Granite State Insurance Companies for several years. He is a 
thirty-second degree Mason, and is a member of St. John's Lodge, A. F. 
and A. M. of Portsmouth: Junior Order United American Mechanics: 
Knights of Pythias at Exeter; and the Patrons of Husbandry. Re- 
ligiously the family belongs to the Federated Church of Stratham. of 
which Mr. Stockbridge is treasurer. 

THOAIAS M. HEALY. formerly a well known and respected citi- 
zen of Raymond, N. H., was born in this town, July 30, 1825, and died 
April 20. 1897. The farm on which he lived was in early days, during 
the Indian wars, the home of Joseph Dudley, and on it was situated the 
famous old tavern that was a landmark in this section of the state. Mr. 
Healy during his best years was one of the active and public-spirited 
citizens of the town. He held at various times most of the local offices, 
including that of town clerk, and always rendered efficient service. 

He was married November 29, i860, to Elizabeth, daughter of John 
and Polly (Nay) Brown, her parental ancestors being people of note 
in Revolutionary times. Joseph Brown won fame in the War for In- 
dependence, and John Brown, ]\Irs. Healy's father, served bravely in 
the War of 1812. 

]\Ir. and Mrs. Healy were the parents of two children : George F. 
and Clarence O. The former, born December 23, 1862, is unmarried, 
and now has charge of the home farm. He belongs to the Odd Fellows, 
but has never cared to hold public office. Clarence O. Healy, born 
March i, 1869, is also unmarried. He is engaged in the grocery and 
bakery business in Raymond. 

Mrs. Healy is one of the oldest living residents in this county. She 
was present at the looth anniversary celebration of the town, and on 
July 4, 1914, was one of the few present who took part in the celebra- 
tion fifty years before. .Although of advanced age, she is well preserved 
for her years, both mentally and physically, and can relate many in- 
teresting stories of earlier days in this locality. 

HON. THOMAS HARDY SIMES, of Portsmouth, N. H.. a prom- 
inent member of the Rockingham County bar, was born in this city 



874 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

September 5, 1876, the youngest son of Nathan Parker and Mary I. 
Simes. The father, Nathan P. Simes, was the second son and third 
child of Stephen Hardy and Ann Elizabeth (Yeaton) Simes, and was 
born in Portsmouth, N. H., August i, 1833. When a youth he sailed 
before the mast in the ship "Gento" in command of Captain William 
Parker. After serving his apprenticeship he advanced in time to be 
master of the ship "Emily Farnum," owned by William Jones & Son, 
of Portsmouth, and he continued in command of that vessel until after 
the Civil war. He was afterwards master of the British ship "Black 
Wall," in the cotton trade, and during his life he circumnavigated the 
entire world. In 1875 he retired from active service. His death took 
place in Portsmouth, N. H., October 23, 1888, when he was 55 years 
old. He married I. Turner, daughter of William D. Turner, of Lon- 
don and Liverpool, England. Their children were: William Parker, 
Frank Turner. Harold Lancaster, Alice Parker and Thomas Hardy. 

Thomas Hardy Simes began his education in a private school in 
Portsmouth. He was educated for the bar at the University of Vir- 
ginia. Returning to Portsmouth in 1897, he was admitted to the bar 
in March, i8g8, since which time he has been actively engaged in the 
practice of law in this city. He was appointed justice of the municipal 
court in 1905, which position he held with distinction until the year 
1913. He is a member of the Federal Fire Society of Portsmouth. 

Judge Simes married June 5, 1905, Catherine Murat Tayloe, daugh- 
ter of General George E. Tayloe, of the Confederate States Armv. He 
has one son, Stephen Hardy Simes, born IMay 11, 1907, and one daugh- 
ter. Margaret Tayloe Simes, born January 24. 1909. 

GEORGE EDWARD KEXT, whose death in 1905 deprived E.xeter of 
one of its prominent business men and also one of its most esteemed citizens, 
was born in Somersworth, N. H., December 31, 1857. His parents were 
Hervey and Eliza Jane (Hanson) Kent, the fomier of whom was. at the 
time of his decease, president of the Exeter Manufacturing Company. They 
were members of the Phillips Congregational Church of Exeter. Their chil- 
dren were Emma Jane, Cora Lillie and George Edward. 

George Edward Kent was given a good schooling and graduated from the 
School of Technology at Worcester, Mass. He then entered into the cotton 
manufacturing industry, which he follow-ed for the rest of his life. In 1897 
he was proprietor of the Pittsfield Mills at Pittsfield, N. H. Subsequently 
he became general manager of the Exeter Manufacturing Company, and still 
later was agent and treasurer of this company, which position he held at the 
time of his death. Domestic in his tastes, Mr. Kent took no part in public 
life, taking active interest in politics only to the extent of casting his vote. 
He was a member of the Congregational church, taking a keen interest in its 
good work, and those who knew him best were his warmest friends. 

In 1884, on June loth, Mr. Kent was united in marriage with Miss Addie 
C. Gale, who was born in (Toncord, X. H., a daughter of Henry C. and 
Martha A. (Hayward) Gale. She was the only child of her parents, who 
were both natives of Concord, where her father was in business as a hotel 
proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Kent became the parents of four children, namely : 
Margaret, Robert, who married Betty Read, Hervey and Richard. All the 
members of the family are affiliated religiously with the Phillips Congrega- 
tional Church. Honest, cuhivated and refined, they stand high in the estima- 
tion of their fellow townsmen. 




&ur^t^^^> 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 877 

FRANK HERBERT BARKER, a general farmer and dairyman, 
owning about no acres of land in the town of Stratham, was born on 
his present farm October i6, 1873, a son of Levi and Hannah (Jewell) 
Barker. He was educated in the common schools and then took up 
farming on the homestead, of wdiich he is now the owner, having bought 
out the other heirs. He ships his milk to Salem, Mass., and is now 
starting to keep some Holstein cattle. A Republican in politics, he has 
served the town as supervisor for a number of years. 

Air. Barker married Laura Snell. who was born in Morganville. 
Nova Scotia, daughter of Charles H. and Elizabeth (Harris) Snell. Her 
parents now reside here, the father being a farm hand. Their children 
are: Edith, wife of George Pinkney: Archie; Laura, now Mrs. F. H. 
Barker; Lloyd K., and Susan, who is the wife of John King. Mr. and 
Mrs. Barker have four children; Nelson E., Carmon L., Chester H. 
and Levi H. The family attend the Baptist Church, of which Mr. Barker 
is a deacon, being also assistant superintendent in the Sunday school. 

CLARENCE E. GOW'EN. owner and proprietor of the old Robert 
Norton farm in the town of Greenland, Rockingham County. X. H.. 
wdiere he is engaged in general farming and truck gardening, was born 
in Stratham, N. H., October 8, 1878, a son of George and Mary (Smith) 
Gowen. His parents were both born in West Newbury, Mass., but 
now reside in Stratham, N. H., where George Gowen is engaged in 
business as a maret gardener. Thev have had a large family, num- 
bering eleven children, namely: Mary, Grace, Helen. Clarence E., Ralph. 
Bertha, Arthur, Howard, Benjamin, Phillip and Shirley. 

Clarence E. Gowen acquired his education in the common schools, 
which he attended until reaching the age of fifteen years. He then 
began work on his father's farm, assisting the latter until 1910. at which 
time he purchased his present place and began business life for himself. 
Tliis farm, known as the Robert Norton farm, contains seventy-five 
acres and is a good piece of agricultural property. Air. Gowen employs 
two hands. In politics he is a Republican but uses judgment in cast- 
ing his vote, reserving the right to disregard partv lines should occa- 
sion demand. 

Mr. Gowen was married in January. 1906, to Aliss Lottie Smart, 
who was born in Stratham, N. H.. a daughter of Joseph and Georgiana 
(Ham) Smart. Mrs. Gowen's father was formerly a butcher by occu- 
pation, but is now engaged in farming. He and his wife had two chil- 
dren — Lottie, wdio is now Mrs. Gowen. and Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Gowen 
are the parents of two children — Elizabeth and Joseph. The family 
attend the Congregational Church and Air. Gowen is a member of the 
local Grange. Industrious and thrifty, he is meeting with success and 
is regarded by his neighbors as a substantial and reliable citizen. 

BEXJAAIIN S. HOYT, who is engaged in general farming on a 
tract of seventy acres of land in the town of Newington. was born in 
this town, June 24, 1851, a son of James and Lydia (Smith) Hoyt. The 
father and mother, both now deceased, were natives respectively of 
Newington and York, Me. The former in his younger days was a school 
teacher and later engaged in farming. As an educator he was very 
successful. Their children were Israel; Coriline; Mrs. Valentine Cole- 
man; James A.; Simes, deceased; Florence; and Benjamin S. 



878 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Benjamin S. Hoyt acquired his education in the common schools, 
after which he went to Boston, where he learned the trade of carpen- 
tering, which he followed there for about six years. He then settled 
on his pnesent farm in Newington, which he is operating with profit- 
able results. A Republican in politics, he has served as selectman and 
town clerk. Mr. Hoyt was married in iS88 to Edith Googins, of Hiram, 
Me., a daughter of Elbion K. P. and Ruth (Bensley) Googins. Her 
fatlier was in early life a sea-faring man and later a farmer. There 
were three children in the Googins family, Fred C, Mary, wife of John 
Eaton, and Edith. 

Mr. and JMrs. Hoyt are the parents of one son, Simes Thurston Hoyt, 
who is now in Honolulu, where he went as a school teacher. He was 
educated at the Portsmouth high school, subsequently attendmg the 
agricultural college at Durham, N. H., for four years. He was ap- 
pointed in the normal school at Honolulu and for the last 3'car has been 
its superintendent. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt are members of the Unitarian 
Church and the former belongs to the Grange. He is a progressive 
citizen, keeping well posted on current events, and takes a keen inter- 
est in the development and prosperity of the town and county. 

JOHN H. NOYES, a very prominent citizen of Plaistow, N. H.. 
where he is engaged in the insurance business, also spends much of his 
time in Washington, D. C, in the interests of the Junior Order of United 
American Mechanics, which body he serves in the capacity of Chair- 
man of the National Legislative Committee. He was born in Plaistow. 
N. H., November 11, 1855, and is a son of John and Arinanah (Sleeper) 
Noyes, and a grandson of John Noyes, a native of Old Town, Mass. 

John Noyes, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Pen- 
brook, N. H., and for several years was in the shoe business in Haver- 
hill, prior to taking up farming on wliat has since been known as the 
old home place in Plaistow. He and his wife were parents of fi\e 
children: John H., Mary E., Susan F., Anna L., and Inez J. 

John H. Xoyes was educated primarily in the public schools and 
in Andover Acadeni)-. He then went to Haverhill, Mass., and kept 
books for a numi)er of years, after which he came to Plaistow and pur- 
sued the study of law. In 1880 he was appointed trial justice, and in 
1904 was appointed judge of the police court. He filled the latter office 
until it was abolished under the new law, and proved himself a very 
efficient public official, having the support and approval of his fellow 
citizens in a large measure. During the past four years he has been in 
Washington, D. C, a great portion of the time in the interest of the 
Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Prior to becoming chair- 
man of the National Legislative Committee, with charge of all the leg- 
islation pertaining to that body in the United States, he served the 
order as secretary. He is in the insurance business in Plaistow, and 
has always identified himself with the best interests of the town. He 
served as tax collector for twelve years, and was chairman of the school 
board for four years, during which time the new school building was 
erected largely through his efforts. He was also instrumental in get- 
ting the electric road through Plaistow. In politics he is an ardent 
Republican and for a period of fifteen years was chairman of the town 
Republican committee. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 879 

In 1883 Mr. Noyes was married to Grace Sargent, who died in 
1884, leaving one daughter, Mrs. Clara G. Irish, of Rochester, N. H. 
In 1894 he formed a second union with Miss Helen G. Walker of Bos- 
ton, by whom he had two children: John \V., born Alarch 6, 1896, and 
Gertrude B., born March 18, 1902. Mrs. Noyes passed from this life 
in 1902. Mr. Noyes in 1904 married Miss Sarah H. Mason of Boston, 
Mass. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the 
Patrons of Husbandry, for six years being deputy of the State Grange. 

DANIEL W. BADGER, owner of one hundred acres of good agri- 
cultural land in the town of Portsmouth, which he devotes to general 
farming and dairying, is also a man who has made his mark in public 
Hfe. He was born in the city of Portsmouth, N. H., August 18. 1865, 
a son of David D. and Nancy S. (Campbell) Badger. He was educated 
in the Portsmouth and Newington schools and in earl}' manhood en- 
gaged in dairy farming in the town of Newington. He was successful 
in business and also speedily gained the esteem and confidence of his 
fellow citizens, who honored him with the various offices within their 
gift, those of selectman, member of the school board, town treasurer 
for nine years in succession and that of representative in the legisla- 
ture of 1903. During the session of that year he distinguished himself 
by holding up and opposing a unanimous report of the railroad com- 
mittee — the all-powerful committee at that time — and openly denounc- 
ing the domination of the railroad and corporation power in the leg- 
islative affairs of the state. 

Six years ago Mr. Badger removed from Newington to Portsmouth, 
continuing his agricultural operations in both places. His interest in 
public afifairs was no less active in the larger field and. in December, 
1910. although less than two years an actual resident of the town, he 
was chosen mayor of the city. As mayor, he set his face firmly in the 
direction of honest government and a clean city, sustained by moral 
courage of a high order, which is his distinguishing characteristic. He 
made such a record for executive vigor during his term of service, which 
continued three years, that, his administration became notable through- 
out New England. 

He has been equally successful from a financial and business stand- 
point, having inaugurated on a large scale a system of permanent street 
improvements, and although large sums of money were expended on 
these improvements, yet the city's debt was materially reduced and a 
very substantial treasury balance existed at the end of his administra- 
tions-. Politically opposed by a large majority in the citv council, he 
made his influence felt in many directions, vetoing nian\- measures with 
such substantial basis of reason that his vetoes were invariably sus- 
tained. He was reelected in 191 1 by a great majority and again in 
December, 1912, b}- an overwhelming vote, being the first mavor of 
Portsmouth to be elected for a third term since 1881. 

On January 2. 1913, Mr. Badger became a member of Governor 
Felker's executive council and during that year faithfully discharged 
the multifarious duties of the offices of mayor of Portsmouth and coun- 
cilor from the first district and also for several months that of acting 
commissioner of agriculture, to which he was appointed pending the 
organization of the newly-created Department of Agriculture. He is 



880 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

chairman of two important committees of the council, namely: Finance 
and State House. 

His fraternal affiliations are with the Masons, Elks, Knights of 
Pythias and the Grange. In religion he is a Unitarian. 

Mr. Badger was married in Newington, N. H., January 20, 1886, 
to Miss Edith M. Whidden. He and his wife have been the parents of 
ten children, of whom eight — two sons and six daughters — are now 
living, namely: Dora Stanwood, wife of Edward C. Shaw; Edith E., 
wife of H. K. Torrey; Florence L., wife of Oren M. Shaw; Ralph \\'., 
who is assisting his father on the farm ; Phillips B., a student at the 
State College at Durham, N. H.; Carolyn W., Frances W. and Marjorie 
N. A successful business man and public-spirited citizen, he is in 
every sense one of the representative men of Rockingham County. 

NATHANIEL G. MANSON, owner of the ^lanson farm of 300 
acres, situated on the Bay Side Road, in the town of Greenland, Rock- 
ingham County, N. H., was born in Cambridge, Mass., March 11, 1842. 
His parents were Nathaniel G. and Hannah E. (Hemenway) Manson, 
both natives of Cambridge, in which place the Manson family has been 
settled since 1736. The father of our subject was a dealer in all kinds 
of iron and steel goods. Both parents were members of the Unitarian 
Church. They had four children, of whom two are now deceased. The 
survivors are Mrs. H. E. Hasseltine, of Cambridge, Mass., and Nathaniel 
G., whose name appears at the head of this sketch. 

Nathaniel G. Manson, our direct subject, in his boyhood attended 
the common schools of Cambridge and afterwards was a pupil in a 
private school for several years. In 1862 he entered his father's office 
in which he learned the iron and steel business. He subsequently con- 
ducted business for himself in this line of industry for many years until 
1898, at which time he retired after a successful business career. After 
his retirement he resided in W'eston, Massachusetts, for some ten years, 
and then came to Greenland, of which town he has since been a resident. 
He has occupied his present farm, known as the old George Weeks 
farm, since April, 1909. 

Mr. Manson was married in 1S99 to Miss Olive Lunt, who was Ijorn 
in Biddeford, Me., a daughter of Samuel and Lucy (Sanborn) Lunt. 
Her father was born in Biddeford, Me., when it was a part of Massa- 
chusetts. He survived his first wife, the mother of Mrs. Manson, and 
subsequently married Isabelle Lowell. For a number of years he was 
superintendent for the Amoskeag corporation. Of his five children, all 
are now deceased except Mrs. Manson and another daughter,- ]\Irs. 
A. M. Goldsmith. Mr. and Mrs. Manson attend the Unitarian Church. 
He is a Republican in politics, and is an up-to-date, enterprising citizen, 
taking an interest in everything calculated to advance the moral and 
material welfare of the county. 

JOSEPH CII.LEY, a well to do resident of the town of Nottingham, 
of which he is one of the selectmen, was born in Nottingham, N. H.. Novem- 
ber 21, 1878. His parents were Joseph N. and Mary (Butler) Cilley. His 
ancestry on the paternal side can be traced back 800 years. In the fifteenth 
century, or about 1442, the family name was spelled "Cilli." when Sigismund 
Cilli was emperor of .Austria-Hungary. A few hundred years later we find 




JOSEPH X. (ILLEY 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 883 

the name changed to "Cilley" by Gen. Joseph Cilley, who served with 
credit in the American Revohition. His grandson, Col. Joseph Cilley, won 
fame in the War of 1812-15, and their descendants have since retained the 
present form of the name. 

On the maternal side, the great-great-grandfather of our suljject. Gen. 
Henry Butler, took a prominent part in the Revolutionary War, and his son, 
Sergeant Samuel A. Butler, in the War of 181 2. Gen. Butler is buried in 
the family cemetery at Nottingham and his son Sergt. Samuel Butler in Ver- 
mont. Our subject's grandfather on the maternal side was Judge James H. 
Butler, of the Court of Common Pleas of Rockingham County. 

Joseph N. Cilley, father of the present Joseph, was an attorney and farmer 
and was a very prominent citizen. He was president of the bank at New 
Market, this county, served as representative in the legislature for several 
terms, was for years an efficient member of the school board of his town, and 
at various times held other local offices, in all of which he served with credit 
to himself and benefit to the townspeople. He was born at Nottingham, Feb- 
ruar}' 15, 1835, and died October i, 1900. His wife, Mary Butler Cilley, 
w^as born at Nottingham, N. H., November 21, 1844, and is still living, resid- 
ing in Nottingham on the old Cilley homestead. They were the parents of 
two children — Joseph, the subject of this sketch, and Elizabeth W. The latter, 
who was educated in the schools of Nottingham, at Dean Academy, Franklin. 
Mass., and Abbott's Academy at Andover, Mass., married Dr. Fred Fernald, 
and has six children — Elizabeth C, Josephine, Frederick L., Mary L., Joseph 
Nealy and John Thompson Fernald. 

Joseph Cilley, the direct subject of this review, began his education in the 
local schools at the age of six years. When he was fourteen he entered 
Phillips Exeter Academy, where he was a student for one year. He then 
entered Adams Academy at Ouincy, Mass., where he was graduated after 
a three years' course of study, in 1898. He subsequently spent one year at 
Dartmouth College and two years at the New Hampshire Agricultural Col- 
lege at Durham, X. H. On his fathers' death in 1900 he returned home and 
took charge of the home farm, where he has resided ever since. He is a Re- 
publican in politics and has served efficiently fur the last seven years in the 
office of selectman. 

Mr. Cilley was married. December 22, 1909, to Miss Cassie M. Hall, 
daughter of Frank and Jane ( Dame) Hall, of Nottingham. They are people 
of wealth and culture and move in the best society, having many friends 
among the prominent residents of Nottingham and adjacent towns. Mr. Cil- 
ley's mother, whom we have mentioned as still residing here, is also a lady 
of culture and strong mental faculties. She is now serving as regent of the 
Elsie Cilley Chapter of Nottingham, D. A. R., of which she was also the 
first treasurer, and her daughter, Mrs. Fernald, the first regent. Mrs. Cilley 
and her daughter are members of the Universalist church. 

HON. CHARLES P. BERRY, formerly one of Portsmouth's best 
known and most popular citizens — a man well known not only in the 
political, business and social life of this city, but also of the cities of 
Lynn and Boston, Mass. — was born October 16, 1840, in Lynn, Mass. 

His father, John W. Berry, was an esteemed resident of Lynn. He 
was a man of deep religious convictions, exemplifying in his daily life 
the teachings of the Congregational Church, of which he was a deacon 
for many years. Deacon Berry died in 1852 while vet in the prime 



884 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of manliood, leaving- his widow, whose maiden name was Annie W. 
Gale, with six children, among them the subject of this sketch. 

Charles P. Berry, the fourth child born to his parents, was but ten 
years old when he had the misfortune to be deprived of his father's 
care and guidance. As his older brother was naturally weak and deli- 
cate in health, upon him devolved the duty of helping his widowed 
mother support her little family. On this account he was obliged to 
leave the day school, where he had already made good progress in 
his studies, and complete his educational course in the evening schools. 
Making good use of his time in the latter, he acquired a practical knowl- 
edge of the various branches of learning there taught, and with his 
subsecjuent course of reading became a well informed man, well fitted 
for a business career. When but eleven years old this manly boy en- 
tered the shoe shop of his uncle, Charles P. Gale, and there obtained 
the rudiments of his extensive knowledge of the shoe and leather busi- 
ness. Two years later he began work for S. M. Bubier. who owned 
one of the largest shoe factories in Lynn, and while there Mr. Berry 
became thoroughly conversant w'ith the various branches of shoe manu- 
facturing. While yet in his minority he was offered the position of 
foreman of the cutting room in the large factory of Bancroft & Purin- 
ton, in the same city, and this he filled acceptal)l\- until his promotion 
to the ofifice of superintendent of the factory. 

In 1870 Mr. Berry resigned the place he had so long occupied to 
become vice-president and general manager of the Davis Shoe Com- 
pany, which he managed successfully for some fifteen years. In 1885 
he ijecame associated in business with the Hon. Frank Jones, Charles 
A. Sinclair and Charles H. Mendum, and formed what is so extensively 
known throughout the country as the Portsmouth Shoe Company, of 
which for years he was one of the principal stockholders. Under his 
energetic and sagacious management the affairs of this corporation 
prospered, until it became one of the leading industries of the city, 
turning out more work in women's, misses' and children's footwear 
than any other factory in this country, and it is thought at times, in 
the world. When running at full capacity the factory produced 10.500 
pairs of shoes per diem ; and at no time was the output less than 6.000 
pairs. Twelve hundred hands were employed and they were kept busy 
most of the year. ilr. Berry had the reputation among business men 
of being more thoroughly acquainted with the details of the different 
departments of his business than any other shoe manufacturer in the 
country, and his phenomenal success in this line was attributed solely 
to his natural capacity andhis close attention to business. 

A man of Air. Berry's caliber, push and progressive spirit neces- 
sarily occupied a place of pre-eminence in any community. Being often 
called upon to aid in the guidance of civic affairs, he held many offices 
of trust, serving with distinction in each. .\s one of the leading mem- 
bers of the Democratic party, he was no unimportant factor in for- 
warding its interests, ^^'hile a resident o{ his native city he served 
as alderman tw'O years: and he occupied the same position in the 
municipal government of Portsmouth for two years. For two years 
he was mayor of this city and in 1890 he represented his district in the 
State Legislature, serving with creth't to himself and to the honor and 
advantao-e of his constituents in each office. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 885 

He was also well known and intluential in financial circles, being 
a director of one of the New Hampshire National banks of Portsmouth, 
N. H. He was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, be- 
longing to Golden Fleece Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Lynn; to Royal 
Arch Chapter, R. A. M., of Lynn, and to DeMolay Commandery, K. T., 
of Boston. He was also a member of Bay State Lodge, I. O. O. F., 
of Lynn, in which he held all of the chairs. He likewise belonged to 
the Boston Board of Trade. I\eligiously he was identified with the 
Congregational Church at Lynn, and he attended the church of the 
same denomination when residing in Portsmouth. Mr. Berry died 
June 30, 1907, his loss being mourned by a wide circle of friends and 
acquaintances, among whom were numbered many prominent people, 
both in this county and elsewhere. 

Mr. Berry was twice married : first to Sarah M. Bradley, of Lynn, 
now deceased. Twelve years after her death he married Miss Annie L. 
Church, daughter of Daniel Church, of Portsmouth. Of this happy 
union was born one child, a son, Frank J., who is now a resident of 
Toronto, Canada. 

FRED P. HILL, who is of an old and well known family of Plais- 
tow, is engaged in farming operations at his place, and in addition is 
treasurer of the New Humberland Silver Black P'ox Company of Prince 
Edward Island. He was born in Sandown, N. H., December 16, 1867. 
and is a son of George W. and Lizzie L. (Smith) Hill. His grandfather. 
Samuel S. Hill, was a brick manufacturer in Plaistow and Haverhill, 
and for a time was a representative in the State Legislature. 

George W. Hill, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Bedford, N. H.. and was a l)oy when his family moved with him to 
Plaistow. He was a mason by trade and also learned the shoe business. 
He was married to Lizzie L. Smith, and they had the following chil- 
dren: Mary A., born in February, 1865, who is the wife of Albert 
Clifton; Samuel, who died at the age of two years; and Fred P. 

Fred P. Hill was but a child when his parents moved to Plaistow, 
N. H., from Sandown. He received an educational training in public 
and private schools, and then began work in the shoe business. He 
now is engaged in farming; and also in raising silver black foxes in 
Prince Edward Island. As above mentioned, he is treasurer of the 
North Humberland Silver Black Fox Company, which operates on an 
extensive scale. They sell foxes for from twelve thousand to twenty 
thousand dollars vcv pair, and receive from seven hundred to five 
thousand dollars for pelts. Mr. Hill has been acti\-e in the affairs of 
Plaistow, serving four years as selectman and tax collector, and as repre- 
sentative during the sessions of 1909 and 191 1. In 191J he was delegate 
to the constitutional convention. 

In 1900 Mr. Hill was joined in marriage with Miss Nettie E. Lord, 
who died in 1906. Mr. Hill formed a second union with Mis>- Lucy 
Currier, daughter of George Currier, of Prince Edward Ishiml. They 
have a comfortable home in Plaistow, and are surrcniniled liv manv 
friends. 

ARTHL'R D. WENTWORTH, proprietor of the National Hotel, 
and also of the Prescott Hotel, at Portsmouth. N. H., was l)orn in 



886 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Massachusetts, Januaiy i6, 1865, a son of William A. and Orilla A. 
(Stickney) Wentworth. Both his parents were natives of this state, 
the mother coming from Troy. The father, William A. Wentworth, 
was engaged in the hotel business in Portsmouth. They had three 
children: Anna B., wife of Alman R. Reed; Nora H., wife of George 
W. Armstrong, and Arthur D., subject of this sketch. 

Arthur D. Wentworth acquired his education in the common schools. 
He began industrial life as cutter in a shoe factory, but for the last 
fifteen years has been in the hotel and restaurant business, for the 
last eight years being located in Portsmouth, during all of which time 
he has been proprietor of the Prescott House. He has conducted the 
National Hotel for one year only. He belongs to the Masonic order; 
also to the Elks and the L. O. O. M. Mr. Wentworth married Clara 
Lowell of Farmington, N. H., daughter of Nathan and Malissa J. (Rich- 
ards) Lowell. He and his wife have two daughters: Clara D.. who is 
the wife of Fred H. Martin, and INIildred B. 

FRANKLIN A. BRACKETT. chief of police of the town of New 
Market, N. H., was born in this town December 2Ti, 1849. a son of 
David and Elizabeth E. ( Francis) Brackett. In his boyhood he at- 
tended the public schools for awhile, but at the early age of twelve years 
went to Manchester to work in the mills, remaining there until Septem- 
ber 17, 1864, at which time, although not yet- fifteen years of age, he 
enlisted for service in the Civil war and went to the front. He was dis- 
charged June 15, 1865, and returned to New Market. He then entered 
upon a sea-faring life, being engaged in the fishing industry for three 
years. At the end of that time, in August, 1868, he married Sarah F. 
Plummer, and settled down to work in the mill, in which he remained for 
35 years. He was appointed chief of police five years ago, having also 
served as chief of the fire department for three years. On March 15, 
1881. he was appointed by Governor Head as captain of Company G, 
First Regiment, N. H. N. G. 

Capt. Brackett and wife are the parents of three children: Herbert 
A., born 1870; Carl F., 1874. and .\lice E., 1873. The two sons are 
married and reside in New Market, while the daughter, Alice, lives in 
Lawrence, Mass. Capt. Brackett belongs to Rising Star Lodge, No. 
47, A. F. & A. M.: Swamscott Lodge, No. 8, I, O. O. F. ; George A., 
Gay Post, G. A. R., of which he is commander, and to John J. Hanson 
Camp, No. 30, Sons of Veterans. In politics he is a Republican. He 
and his wife occupy a comfortable home in the northern part of the 
town. Since entering upon the duties of his present position. Capt. 
Brackett has rendered the town efticient service and made a good record 
for himself, while benefiting bis fellow citizens, anning whom he is very 
popular. 

GEORGE G. L. REMICK, who is a resident of Exeter, N. H., being 
connected with the Exeter Brass Works as tool maker, is a native of 
Kittery, Me., and son of Jacob Remick by his wife, Octavia. whose 
family name was Mills. The father was a carpenter by occupation, 
and he and his wife are both now deceased. Their children were Chris- 
topher, George G. L., and Lucy, who is now the wife of Herman Paul, 
of Kitterv, Me. 




HARRY L. BEACHAM 




EiciiABD H. ^il•:A^HA^r 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 889 

After attending the schools of Ivittery and a private school at Ports- 
mouth, N. H., George G. L. Reniick enlisted in the navy, where he 
was employed for some time as third assistant engineer. In 1877 he 
came to Exeter, where he has since followed his present occupation. A 
master craftsman, he holds a good positio.n and has the confidence of 
his employers. He is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to 
the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council at Exeter. Mr. Reniick was 
married in 1876 to Miss Anna Leavitt, who was born in Exeter, a 
daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Robinson) Eeavitt. Mrs. Remick's 
father, who came from North Hampton, was a box manufacturer. He 
died at the early age of thirty-one years ; his widow was a native of 
Stratham, N. H. Mrs. Remick was the only child of this marriage. 
The family were members of the First Congregational Church of Exeter. 
Mr. and Mrs. Remick have a daughter, ^Mildred Elizabeth, who is the 
wife of William Charles Hayes, connected with C. H. Hayes Corpora- 
tion, manufacturers of boxes, of Haverhill, Mass. They have a daugh- 
ter, Elizabeth Wilhelmina. Our subject and wife are members of the 
First Congregational Church of Exeter. 

HARRY L. BEACHAM. born November 9. 18^)1. in Tuftborough. Car- 
roll County, N. H., died in P'ortsniouth, N. H., March 2, 1913. He was one 
of Portsmouth's best known and most successful business men. He was a 
son of Richard H. and Maria (Stoddard) Beacham, and accompanied his 
parents to Portsmouth, N. H., when five years of age. He attended the Ports- 
mouth graded and high schools and Smith's Academy. When in his eight- 
eenth year he west west and for two years conducted a sheep ranch in Colo- 
rado, then returned to Portsmouth and entered into partnership with his 
•father in the livery stable business, forming the firm of R. H. Beacham & 
Son. This firm conducted the finest and one of the most elaborate stables in 
New England until August 15, 19 12. when they sold out. For about seven 
years prior to his death, Harry L. Beacham devoted his energies almost ex- 
clusively to the automobile end of the business, they having leased from the 
Granite State Fire Insurance Company the building on Fleet street, between 
Congress and State streets, Portsmouth, and in that building they conducted 
the only fire-proof garage in the city. This garage was recognized as one 
of the finest and most up to date garages in New England and was conducted 
by Mr. Beacham on as fine a scale as the Beachams had pre\-iouslv conducted 
the livery stables. 

Harry L. Beacham was married March 31, 1902, to Miss Blanche S. 
Lam])rey of Portsmouth, N. H., a daughter of the late Charles C. Lamprey 
and Mrs. Sarah (Brown) Lamprey. Mr. and Mrs. Beacham had one son, 
Harold Richard, now a student in the Portsmouth public schools. Mr. 
Beacham was a Mason, being a Knight Templar and a "Shriner." Mrs. 
Beacham and son reside in their beautiful home on Lincoln avenue, Ports- 
mouth. 

FRANK J. DEARBORN, who cultivates twenty-eight acres of land 
in the town of Greenland, where he is engaged in truck farming, was 
born in this town, October 5, 1877, a son of Charles R. and Rhoda 
(Marden) Dearborn. The father, who was also a truck gardener, died 
December 14. 1892. He was politically a Democrat and served the 
town as supervisor. His wife survives him and resides in Greenland 



890 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

with our subject. They were members of the Congregational Church. 
Of their ten children there are eight survivors, namely: Earl H., Annie 
C, wife of Fred Carr. Lila J., wife of Albert Cotrrell. Alice B., wife of 
William Austin, Bernice A., Susan, wife of Frank Alerritt, Leroy and 
Frank J. 

Frank J. Dearborn acquired his education in the common schools, 
which he attended until about fifteen years of age. At that time his 
father died and he was thus kept on the home farm, which he is now 
cultivating as above described with marked success. A Democrat in 
politics, he has served as road agent and is a member of the Grange. 
He is an enterprising and industrious citizen, taking an active and use- 
ful interest in public affairs. He and the memliers of the family attend 
the Congregational Church. 

ARTHUR D. STOCKELL, proprietor of the Raymond Steam Laun- 
dry, at Raymond, Rockingham County, X. H., was born in Exeter, 
this county. May i, 1887. His parents were George L. and Allierta 
(Carroll) Stocked. The father, a native of Portsmouth, was formerly 
postmaster at Exeter, but is now living retired at Bedford, Mass. Fie 
saw service in the Ci\il war, enlisting at Boston; several of his ances- 
tors fought in the W'ar of the Revolution. His wife was a daughter 
of Dr. Carroll of Exeter. She is now deceased. They had a large fam- 
ily of ten children, of whom Arthur D. was the second in order of birth. 

Arthur D. Stockell was educated chiefly by his mother, who, before 
her marriage had been a teacher. At the age of seventeen years he 
secured work as a carpenter, receiving twelve and a half cents per hour 
for the first year. He later found employment as millwright at Epping, 
where he remained until twenty years old. He then came to Raymond 
and was with the C. W. Prescott Grocery Company for three 3'ears. 
Having saved his earnings and wishing to engage in business for him- 
self, he was advised to start a steam laundry, as there was a good 
demand for one in this section. In November, 191 1, he started the 
Raymond Steam Laundry, and in March, 1913, was burned out. He 
then moved to his present location, which is on the Deerfield Road, and 
occupies a building 60x40 feet ground dimensions. It is furnished with 
the best modern machinery and is now doing a large and prosperous 
business. Mr. Stockell's wagons call for and deliver laundry goods 
not only in Raymond, but also in Deerfield, Nottingham, Epping. Tre- 
mont. Brentwood and Candia. The machinery used consists of an ex- 
tractor, collar starcher, mangle, combination shirt and collar ironer and 
Tyler hurricane dry room, and all in all, he has an up-to-date laundry. 

Mr. Stockell was married at the early age of seventeen years to 
Miss Ethel M., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hartford, of Tremont, 
N. H. They had three children, all of whom, however, died in infancy. 
The mother, too, passed away in 191 1. Mr. Stockell is a Democrat in 
politics, Init has been too busy to take any active part in public afYairs. 
He is not, at this writing, a member of any clubs or secret societies, but 
is expecting soon to join the Odd Fellows. A busy and prosperous citi- 
zen, he is widely known and highly esteemed. 

FRED L. SHAW, owner and proprietor of a farm of J2 acres of 
land on the Portsmouth and Exeter road, in the town of Greenland. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 89i 

Rockingham County, N. H., and who also conducts a thriving creamery, 
was born in Strafford, N. H., June 12, 1865. His parents were Gilbert 
and Mary (Foss)'Shaw, the father a farmer and cattle and horse dealer. 
Both are now deceased. Their children were : Fred L. ; Effie. wife of 
Eugene Watson ; Lena B., wife of Allison Morrison : Cecil C. ; Gilbert 
F., and Frank H. 

Fred L. Shaw was educated in the common schools and at Austin 
Academy. He then began helping his father on the farm and was con- 
nected with him in the cattle business, making many trips to New York 
City in buying for his father. He married, in 1888. Aliss Ethel B. 
Parshley, who was born in Strafford County, N. H., a daughter of San- 
born and Rufina (Smith) Parshley, agricultural people of that county, 
whose other children were Mary L., wife of Charles Hall, Henry G., 
Ina H., wife of Lewis D. Hill; Lulu B.. wife of Harr\' Grav ; and 
Walter T. 

Mr. and ]\Irs. Shaw are the parents of three children; Minot R.. who 
is engaged in helping his father on the farm ; Mary A., and Roland P. 
The family belong to the Congregational Church at North Hampton. 
Mr. Shaw is a member of the Grange, the Knights of Pythias, and the 
Knights of the Maccabees. In addition to general farming and dairy- 
ing, he deals in Jersey and Guernsey cattle, and is meeting with good 
success in his business dealings. 

LOL'IS C. BEANE, a farmer and dairyman, owning 180 acres of 
land in the town of Newington, was born in this town, September 18, 
1871, a son of Henry and Margaret (Newhall) Beane. The father of 
our subject, who came from Milton, Mass.. was a farmer, and was a son 
of Ruel Beane. He died in 1900, at the time of his death being super- 
intendent of the Rockingham County farm. His wife, who was a native 
of Washington, Me., is still living and resides in Newington. Their 
children were: Sarah, wife of Charles Hayes, of Portsmouth, a farmer; 
Jessie, residing- at home with her mother; Louis C, the subject of this 
sketch; Abbie, wife of R. C. Margeson, a furniture dealer of Ports- 
mouth ; Norman H. ; Anne L., librarian of the Newington Library, who 
resides at home ; ^largaret, wife of Lewis Harrison of Newington ; and 
Katherine, a teacher in the Portsmouth high school. 

Louis C. Beane was educated in the common schools and began 
working on the farm at an early age. He came to his present farm 
about six years ago and is here engag-ed in general farming and dairy- 
ing. He has about sixty head of Holstein cattle and sends about 450 
quarts of milk daily to the Portsmouth market. He employs from six 
to eight hands, and in addition to operating his own farm of 180 acres, 
also works the homestead on which his mother lives, which consists 
of seventy acres. At times he has also done more or less lumbering. 
Energetic and enterprising, he has prospered and is now regarded as 
one of the most substantial citizens of New'ington. 

yiv. Beane was married August 18, 1897, to Abbie A. Rollins, who 
was born in Newington, a daughter of W'illiam and Emma (Smith) 
Rollins, who w-ere also agricultural people. He and his wife are the 
parents of four children, Doris, Norman, Randolph and Paul. Mr. 
Beane is a Republican in politics and takes an active part in local affairs. 
He has served eflficientlv as selectman, as a member of the school board 



892 . HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and as representative to the general court. He is affiliated fraternally 
with the Masons, having advanced as far as the Commandery, and with 
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He and his family attend the 
Congregational Church. 

HON. L. WALLACE HALL, judge of the District Court at Salem, 
N. H., has attained a high degree of success in the practice of his pro- 
fession and maintains offices, both in Salem, N. H., and Boston, Mass. 
He was born in Boston, September 7, 1874, and is a son of Prescott 
Coburn and Mary Ann (Macurdy) Hall. 

Prescott Coburn Hall, eldest child of Alvah and Nancy (Coburn) 
Hall, was born in Salem, N. H.. March 16, 1834, and died June 9, 1906. 
He was educated in the common schools and at Tilton Seminary. At 
eighteen years of age he took a place as clerk in a store at Haverhill, 
Mass.. where he was employed for five years. Returning to Salem 
Depot, he began manufacturing boots and shoes in limited quantities, 
in 1856, but with the success that attended his efforts he was soon oper- 
ating on a largely extended scale. At the time of his retirement, he 
owned and operated four dififerent factories, located respectively at 
Salem, Natick. Lynn and Topsfield, and employed fifteen hundred hands. 
In business matters Mr. Hall was alert and far-sighted, always giving 
his personal attention to every detail. He was a Jacksonian Democrat 
and represented Salem in the Legislature one term. He did much 
toward building up Salem Depot. No worthy proposition for the benefit 
of church or social interests went unaided if aid was desired of him. 
In 1881 he sold his business to his sons, who conducted it until 1886. 
They also conducted a wholesale store in Boston from 1886 until 1899. 
Mr. Hall married No\-ember 30, 1859, Mary Ann Macurdy, who was 
born in Dunbarton, December 24. 1838, and was a daughter of Daniel 
and Betsy C. CAlexander) Macurdy. Four sons were the issue of this 
union : Clarence Prescott, Arthur Coburn, Clifton Senter and L. Wallace 
Hall. 

Clarence Prescott Hall was born at Salem Depot, December 19, 
1861, was educated in the public schools of Boston, and Bryant and 
Stratton Business College. He traveled in the interest of the business 
establishment by his father and was stock buyer for the firm. 

Arthur Coburn Hall was born February 28, 1863, and received his 
education in Boston public schools and Bryant and Stratton's Business 
College. He had charge of the office and of the financial affairs of the 
factory and store. He was married June 14, 1883, to Lucretia Esther 
Ward, and they have had two children: ]\larion. born .\ugust 20, 1894, 
and Ralph Macurdy who died young. 

Clifton Senter Hall was born April 22, 1870, and also received his 
educational training in Boston public schools and Bryant and Stratton's 
Business College. He now is a salesman for the John Carter Co., whole- 
sale paper jobbers at Boston, and is a stockholder in the company. 
He married in October. 190=;, Miss Elizabeth T. Carter, who was born 
in Portland, Me., October 28, 1883. 

L. ^^'allace Hall, after completing a course in the public schools of 
Boston, attended Boston University, from which institution he received 
the degree of bachelor of laws. In 1898 he entered upon the practice 
of law in Boston, and now has offices in both that city and in Salem. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 895 

He was admitted to tlie bar in Massachusetts and in New Hampshire. 
In 1913 he was appointed judge of the District Court, an office he has 
filled with great efficiency and to the entire satisfaction of the people 
as a whole. 

In 1907 Judge Hall was married to Miss Mabel G. Fisher and they 
have one son, Prescott Wallace Hall, born in Sommerville, February 
13, 191 1. Fraternally he is a member of Spicket Lodge, No. 85, A. F. 
& A. M., and Bell Chapter, R. A. M. In politics he has steadfastly 
adhered to the principles of Democracy, and is now member of the 
Democratic State Committee and chairman of the Town Committee. 
In 1912 Judge Hall was elected a delegate to the constitutional con- 
vention at Concord, N. H., over great odds. 

W. F.L'RT FOLSOM, treasurer and general manager of the Exeter Brass 
Works, Exeter, N. H., was born in this city March 25, 1864, a son of Elien 
and Hannah S. (Bagley) Folsom. Eben Folsom was born in Exeter. N. H., 
in October, 1828. a son of Josiah Folsom. Eben Folsom was married in 
1862 to Hannah S. Bagley, a native of Salisbury Point, Mass., the subject 
of this sketch being their only child. A republican in politics, he represented 
the town of Exeter in the legislature and also served in local offi.,ces, showing 
ability and trustworthiness in ever\' position. 

W. Burt Folsom was educated in the public schools and at I'hillips Exeter 
Academy, being graduated from the latter institution. He learned the trade 
of machinist at South New Market, and subsequently worked as a journey- 
man until 1865. He then went into business for himself, establishing a small 
foundry in Exeter, which was the germ from which has sprung the concern 
known as the Exeter Brass Works. Associated with him in this enterprise 
was Joseph F. Wiggin, and later Josiah J. Folsom, his brother, the firm name 
being Eben Folsom & Co. In 1892 the concern was incorporated under its 
present title. The officers of the company are W. H. Folsom, president; W. 
Burt Folsom, treasurer and general manager. The jiroduct of the factory 
consists of a complete line of brass goods for use in water, steam, gas and 
electrical fittings. They also manufacture high ami low pressure liall cocks, 
tank valves and trimmings. 

W. Burt Folsom was educated in the common and high schools of Exeter, 
graduating from the high school in 1880, subsequent to which he took a com- 
mercial course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Boston. He th.en 
entered the factory with which he has since been continuously connected. A 
practical and conservative business man, but at the same time progressive, he 
has contributed his full share towards the prosperity of the concern. A 
Mason, he belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council at Exeter, the 
Commandery at Portsmouth, and the Eastern Star. He is also a member of- 
the Vesjier Country Club of Lowell, Mass., and the Exeter Gun Club. His 
political affiliations are with the Repul>lican party. 

Mr. Folsom was married, June 6, 1895, to Miss Elizabeth V. Knowles, 
who was born in Augusta, Me., a daughter of \\'illiani M. and Isahelle (Mil- 
ler) Knowles. Mrs. Folsom's parents were natives of Maine, her father 
being a prosperous farmer. Their other children were Merton E. and Mrs. 
Carrie Greenus. Mr. and Mrs. Folsom are members of the Unitarian church. 

CHARLES W. CHANNELL. owner of a tract of forty acres of 
land on tlie Portsmouth and Exeter road, known as the Greenland farm. 



896 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

or the old John Tabor farm, was born in New Market, on New Market 
Neck, this county, June 27th, 1846, a son of Lewis W. and Ehnyra S. 
(Smith) Channel!, his parents both being natives of Rockingham 
County. Lewis VV. Channell spent his boyhood days in Canada, but 
when a young man came here and learned the carpenter's trade, sub- 
sequently following it for most of his life, in connection with farming. 
He and his wife are both deceased and are buried in the old cemetery 
at Greenland, N. H. They belonged to the Methodist Church, and in 
politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican. ' Their children 
were: Belinda, widow of Nathaniel Wiggin, of Greenland, now deceased; 
John H., and Charles \\'.. whose name appears at the head of this 
sketch. 

Charles \V. Channell began his education in the common schools 
and attended the high school for a short time. He began industrial 
life in a general store where they also manufactured sale coats, remain- 
ing thus occupied for about seven years. He then worked for several 
years in a men's furnishing store. Having purchased a farm in Green- 
land he finally quit the store and went to truck gardening, and has 
since then been engaged in farming. For several years he was manager 
of his present farm for his brother-in-law. When he first purchased 
it, it contained fifty acres, but he has since laid out ten acres of it in 
lots, in a subdivision known as Farm Heights, the platting being done 
by Leavitt & Woodworth of Boston. On the remaining part of his 
farm he does some truck gardening and raises apples, in addition to 
general farming. He is a Repul)lican in politics and served as justice 
of the peace for several years. 

Mr. Channell was married in 1872 to Harriet Augusta Marden, a 
native of Portsmouth and daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Curtis) 
Marden, the father being a carpenter. Both her parents died years ago. 
Their other children were Daniel W., Mary Elizabeth and James. Mr. 
and Mrs. Channell are members of the Methodist Church. The paternal 
grandfather of our subject was Abraham Channell. 

ARTHUR H. JEWELL, who resides upon his farm of one hundred 
acres in the town of Stratham, Rockingham County, N. H., comes of 
an old and well known family of this section. He was born in Stratham, 
July 22, 1880, and is a son of Asa E. and Josephine (Wiggin) Jewell. 

Asa E. Jewell was a well known resident of Stratham, where in 
early life he followed carpentering. He later took up farming, which 
he followed until his death in 1906. Mrs. Jewell survives him and 
resides in Stratham. They had the following children: Arthur H., 
suliject of this record; Ralph L. ; Cora R., wife of Bowman Ellis, and 
Charles E. 

Arthur H. Jewell attended the common schools until he was fifteen 
years of age and continued to work on the home farm until his mar- 
riage. His farm consists of one hundred acres and he follows general 
farming and dairying, shipping milk to Boston. He is a successful 
busine.ss man and is deeply interested in the welfare of the community. 
He is a Republican in politics, but is inclined to be independent, putting 
the good of the general public before party success. He has been one 
of the selectmen of the town of Stratham for the past two years, and 
is an efficient officer. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 897 

Mr. Jewell was united in marriage with Miss Dorothy Thompson, 
who was born in Stratham and is a daughter of Lorin and Isabelle 
Thoinpson. She is one of eight daughters being born to her parents, 
namely: Charlotte, Effie, Dorothy, Carrie, Isabelle, Edith, Maude and 
Nellie. Fraternally Mr. Jewell is a member of the Grange and the 
Junior Order United American Mechanics. 

IRVIN FOLSOM, one of the leading farmers of the town of Ray- 
mond, was born in this town, April 14, 1841, a son of Oilman and Betsey 
(Norris) Folsom. He comes of an old New England family, his first 
progenitors in this country coming from England at an early day and 
settling in Chester, N. H. His maternal ancestors were also English, 
and some of them — the Norrises — served with credit in the War of 
1812. 

Irvin Folsom acquired a practical education in his youth, and has 
spent his life up to the present time as a farmer, having a large farm 
which demands his constant attention. He is a Republican in politics, 
but has had little time to devote to public affairs. He has, however, 
served creditably as town clerk and selectman, and also as a member 
of the school board. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and 
of the Odd Fellows, and has held all the chairs in the lodges to which 
he belongs. 

Mr. Folsom married Mary E. Helson, who was born at Chester, 
Rockingham County. N. H., September 4, 1845; she died in November, 
1897, having been the mother of four children, as follows: Maude E., 
who is the wife of George Folsom, a merchant and postmaster of West 
Epping: Nellie A., born in Raymond and educated here, who is pro- 
prietor of the New Raymond House, the leading hotel in the town ; 
Frank, who died in infancy; and h^rank (2d), who married May Malone 
and has a daughter. Ruby Valmar Folsom, born June 9, 1906. Miss 
Nellie A. Folsom is an active member of the Rebekahs. During the 
celebration of the 150th anniversary of the town of Raymond, Julv 4. 
1914, the governor of the state, Hon. Samuel Felker and his staff, and 
about 100 others, were guests of the New Raymond House. 

FRED L. JEWELL, a general farmer and dairyman, owning two 
farms, each of 150 acres, in the town of Stratham, was born on the 
farm on which he now resides. June 4, 1866, son of William and Hannah 
(Ladd) Jewell. The father, who was a farmer and teamster, is now 
deceased. His wife resides with her son, the subject of this sketch. 
Their children were: Mary, now deceased, who married first Frank 
Berry, and secondly Frank Jenness ; Fred L.. Everett and Henrv. 

Fred L. Jewell was educated in the common schools, after which he 
took charge of the homestead farm for his mother and has resided on 
it ever since. As above stated, he owns not only this but another good 
farm of the same size, shipping his milk to Salem, Mass. A Repub- 
lican in politics, he has served as road agent and as a member of the 
school board. He married Mary Roby, who was born in this town, 
daughter of William and Harriett (Hodgdon) Roby, her father being 
a gardener and farmer. Both her parents are now deceased. Their 
children were: Martha; Nellie, deceased, who was the wife of Horace 
Ordway; Hattie, deceased; Mary, who is now Mrs. Jewell; Herbert; 



898 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Alice, deceased, who was the wife of Fred Wiggin; Josephine, wife of 
Henry Jewell; James T. and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Jewell have three 
children: Marion, Roby and Wilbur. The family attend the Christian 
Church. They are well-to-do people and have many friends in this 
section. 

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN WEBSTER, one of the older residents 
of Portsmouth, who has acquired a competence in the building trade, 
was born in Epsom, N. H., September 7, 1824, the third son and sixth 
child of Richard and Mary (or Polly) (Philbrick) Webster. He re- 
ceived his primary education in the schools of that town and was also 
a student at Pembroke and in Rye. At the age of seventeen years he 
came to Portsmouth and was employed by Benjamin Norton as an 
apprentice to the carpenter's trade. He was a ship joiner for several 
years and since then has been engaged in building operations in this 
city. Through industry and perseverance, coupled with ability and up- 
right business methods, he has been prosperous down to the present 
time. His operations have included the erection of some notable build- 
ings, including the Kearsarge House and the Cabot street schoolhouse; 
also the remodeling of three churches and the building of many resi- 
dences. He is a large property owner in Portsmouth and in the year 
1913 alone he paid some $3,500 in taxes. 

Mr. Webster partakes of the characteristics for which his long line 
of ancestry has been noted and is a progressive and useful citizen of 
his home town, taking a great interest in local affairs and public im- 
provements. He has been frequently called upon to serve in official 
positions and has been ward clerk and assessor. In politics he is an 
ardent and enthusiastic Republican. He is a valued member of the 
Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained the thirty-second degree. 
Although now in his ninetieth year he is still hale and hearty and does 
not use eye-glasses. His life has been spent in active work since he 
was a lad and he has continued in the harness down to the present time. 
In addition to his regular business interests he is a director in the Ports- 
mouth Trust & Guarantee Company of Portsmouth. He attends the 
Unitarian Church. 

Mr. Webster was married January 2, 1849. to Sarah A. SeiUer, who 
died April 2Ti, 1913. They had two children — Merrit V. and Stella C. 
Webster. Mr. Webster has four grandchildren and three great-grand- 
children. 

LUTHER DANA PEASLEE, in former years one of the most 
prominent citizens of the town of Kingston, Rockingham County, N. H., 
was born in this town August 12, 1810. and died February 24, 1905. 
His parents were Daniel and Elizabeth (Secomb) Peaslee, and he was 
a grandson of Major Jacob Peaslee, of Highland Scotch ancestry, who 
kept the old tavern, four miles from Kingston Plains, in what is now 
South Kjngston, from 1776 to 1830, dying about the year last men- 
tioned, at the age of eighty-eight. Major Jacob Peaslee was twice mar- 
ried : first to Martha Chellis, by whom he had four sons and three 
daughters, all of whom settled in Kingston. Of these, John married 
Hannah Peaslee of Newton and had two children. Moses died at the 
age of thirty-eight years. Lydia married Samuel Spofford and reared 




HEXEY A. RING 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 901 

a family of four children, of whom Mrs. Dr. Bassett was one. Martha 
married a Mr. Eastman and had a son, Jacob P. Eastman, who was 
prominently identified with railroad construction work in various parts 
of the United States. Hannah married Jonathan Bartlett and now re- 
sides on the old Major Peaslie homestead. Major Peaslee married for 
his second wife a Mrs. Clement, of which union, however, there were 
no children. Major Peaslee was a very wealthy man, owning large 
tracts of land, together with saw and grist mills, and giving employ- 
ment to a large number of men. In personal appearance and general 
traits of character he is said to have strongly resembled President An- 
drew Jackson, and, as was natural to a man of such force of character, 
he stood at the head and front in all matters of public interest in the 
town of Kingston. He also represented Kingston in the state legis- 
lature. 

Luther Dana Peaslee passed his childhood on the home farm. His 
education was acquired chiefly in academies at Atkinson, X. H., and 
Haverhill, Mass. After completing his studies he taught school for 
two terms, and then, not liking farm work, he went, about 1833, with 
Gideon Webster to Holly, N. Y., where he engaged in mercantile busi- 
ness, the firm being known as Webster & Peaslee. Returning to King- 
ston in 1840, he established himself in the same business here, and for 
over forty years subsequently was one of the leading merchants of the 
town. He also had other important business interests, being largely 
interested in farming", lumbering and real estate in New Hampshire, 
Iowa and Wisconsin. For years he was a trustee of Kingston Academy. 
A successful business man, and a public-spirited citizen, taking a per- 
sonal interest in whatever concerned the welfare of the community in 
wliich he lived, he was highly esteemed, and when at last he passed 
away from life's scenes, his loss was felt in a deep, personal sense by 
all who had come within the wide circle of his acquaintance. 

Mr. Peaslee was first married November i, 1846, to Charlotte F. 
Sanborn, a daughter of Jacob H. and Elizabeth (Hoyt) Sanborn of 
Kingston, N. H. Her married life was brief, for she died May 13, 1848, 
having been the mother of one child, who died in infancy. Her mother, 
Mrs. Sanborn, survived her many years, dying in Beloit, Wis., May 11, 
1882, at the age of ninety-six years and six months. Mr. Peaslee mar- 
ried for his second wife, Mary S. Clark, a daughter of Col. Nathaniel 
Haven Clark, of Plaistow, N. H. The children of this union were Grace 
B., Charlotte F., Caroline E. and Mary Clark, the last mentioned of 
whom died at the age of six years. Grace B., born November 19, 1866, 
is the wife of William H. Johnson, of Haverhill, Mass., and has a 
daughter, Katherine. Mr. Johnson is a business man and treasurer of 
the Cushnoc Paper Company, with mills at Augusta, Me. Caroline E.. 
born November 5, 1869, married Frederick E. ^^'ood. She died March 
27, 1904, leaving a daughter, Charlotte. Charlotte F. was born April 
18, 1868. Mr. Wood married the latter June 19. 1906. Their summer 
home is in Kingston, but INIr. Wood is engaged in business in Boston, 
being a member of the firm of A. M. \¥ood & Co., in which his father 
is the senior partner. Mr. \\'ood is a past master in the Masonic order. 
He and his wife are mend)ers of the Congregational Church. 

HENRY A. RING, in former years a well knmvn and respected resident 
of North Hampton, was born in I'ittsfield. N. H.. in 1837. His parents, 



902 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Jolin and Racliel Ring, w ere farming people. Their children were : Eliza- 
beth, now deceased, who was the wife of .\rthur Bachelder, and Henry A., 
subject of this memoir. 

Henry A. Ring was educated in the common schools and the high school 
at Pittsheld, N. H. Owing to failing health when young, he was recom- 
mended by his physician to try the climate of California and, accordingly, set 
out for the Golden State, of which he was a resident subsec^uently f/or 
eighteen years, working mostly in the silver mines. For a while he was busi- 
ness partner with a Air. John Howard, a miner. At the end of the period 
above mentioned he returned east and took up farming in North Hampton, 
in which occupation he continued until his retirement. His death took place 
in 1897. 

In 1875 ]\Ir. Ring married Clara A. Bachelder, who was burn in North 
Hampton, N. H., daughter of Levi and Clarissa (Alarston) Bachelder. Mrs. 
Ring's father settled in this town when it consisted almost entirely of woods. 
He cleared and culti\ated a farm, became a very prominent citizen and at 
the time of his death was well tO' do. He and his wife were affiliated with 
the Congregational church. Both are now deceased and are buried in North 
Hampton. They had three children : George, deceased ; Charles, and Clara A. 
Mr. and Mrs. Ring were the parents of a daughter, Grace B., who resides 
with her mother. Sb.e is a graduate of Hampton Academy and is much inter- 
ested in church work, she and her mother being members of the Congrega- 
tional church. Air. Ring was a Republican in politics and, like his wife and 
daughter, was also an earnest church worker. 

MOSES W. BROWN, a piano manufacturer doing business in the 
town of Hampton, was born in tliis town June 6, 1856, son of Jeremiah 
and Martha (Lane) Brown, both his parents being natives of Hampton, 
where the father was occupied as farmer and fisherman. They had four 
children: Ann Martha, wife of John Durbin ; Thomas A., Ella J., and 
Moses W. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Moses Brown. 
Mrs. Martha Lane Brown was a daughter of Thomas Lane. 

Moses W. Brown was educated in the common schools. After finish- 
ing his studies he learned the trades of brick and stone mason and plast- 
erer, which he followed for several years. He then spent three years 
on the farm of Samuel Meserve. Subsecjuent to this he spent two years 
working for Norman Marston, a piano tuner, after which he went to 
Boston, \yhere he learned the business of piano manufacturing and fol- 
lowed it there as his regular occupation for twenty-five years, then re- 
turned to Hampton and started his factory, which he has conducted suc- 
cessfully up to the present time, although, on account of poor health, 
not now so active as formerly. A thorough master of his trade he can 
handle every process of the manufacture from the tree to the finished 
product. Politically he affiliates with the Democrat party. 

Mr. Brown married Miss Carrie Palmer, a native of Boston and 
daughter of Samuel and Martha ( Nurse) Palmer, her father being a bell 
hanger by occupation. There were but two children in her parents' fam- 
ily, a son who died young and Carrie, now Mrs. Brown. Mr. and Mrs. 
Brown have three children: Mildred W., who is a music teacher and 
bookkeeper for her father; Albert A., residing at home, and Pauline. 
who is telephone operator at Hampton. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 903 

FREDERICK TOSCAN PARROTT, owner of a good farm of i6o 
acres, lying partly in the town of Greenland and partly in that of Ports- 
mouth, on the Portsmouth and Exeter road, and who also holds the posi- 
tion of road agent for the town of Greenland, was born in Arden, Orange 
County, X. Y., May 6, 1880. His parents were Edward and Julia (Foun- 
tain) Parrott, the father a native of Orange County, N. Y., and the 
mother of New York City, where she now resides, her husband being 
deceased. The latter was a civil and mining engineer. They had eight 
children — Edward, Robert, Frederick Toscan, Julia, who died at the 
age of lifteen years, Mary, wife of Henrj' Schroeder, ^ladeline. wife of 
Osborne Fitzrandolph, Bruce and George. 

Frederick T. Parrott, the subject of this sketch, began his literary 
education in the common schools of Orange County, N. Y., subsequently 
took a commercial course in Rochester, N. Y., and then took the short 
course in farming at Cornell University. He then went to New- Y'ork 
City, where he entered the employ of the Joy Langdon Dry Goods Com- 
pany, as clerk, remaining with them one year. He next went with Sib- 
ley, Lindsey & Curr, of Rochester, N. Y., and was a clerk in their employ 
for four years. Subsequent to this he worked as a rod man on the Erie 
Canal for one year. He then spent three years in Japan as assistant 
buyer for the firm of A. A. Valintine & Co.. of New York, importers of 
silks and oriental goods. On his return from the far east he settled in 
New Jersey, where he conducted a farm for three years, or until about 
six years ago, at which time he came to Rockingham County, N. H., 
and took charge of his present farm, which has been known as the Par- 
rott farm for the last one hundred years, it having been that long in the 
Parrott family. A Republican in politics, he takes an interest in good 
government and is in sympathy with every project for improvement in 
local conditions. 

Mr. Parrott was married, in 1908. to Adalaide Annette Dawson, a 
native of England, and daughter of Arthur and Adalaide (Kent) Daw- 
son, her father being an artist. In the Dawson family there were four 
children — IMabel. Adalaide A. (wife of our subject). Henry and John. 
Mr. and ]Mrs. Parrott are the parents of two children — Elizabeth Toscan 
and Robert Parker. The family attend the Episcopal church. 

LEWIS PLUMER LADD, postmaster of Epping, New Hampshire, 
has long been actively identified with the alTairs of this community, where 
he is thoroughly known among the people. Mr. Ladd w-as born in Ep- 
ping. November 10, 1866. and is a son of Samuel P. and Sarah (Dodge) 
Ladd. The father was born at Epping and lived here until his death 
in 1887. Mrs. Ladd, a native of Raymond, New Hampshire, still resides 
in Epping, where she is surrounded by friends of almost a life time. 
There were fifteen children in the family, of whom four sons and six 
daughters are now living. 

Lewis P. Ladd was the tenth child in order of birth, born to his 
parents and was educated in the public schools and at Watson Academy 
in Epping. At the age of eighteen he went into the meat and produce 
business with his brother, Peter, which they conducted for one year. 
He then clerked for three years, after which he again associated with 
his brother Peter, in the lumber business. They operated two saw mills 
and turned out from three to five million feet of lumber annually. Mr. 



904 ^ HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Ladd has always been a stalwart Democrat, and for eighteen years has 
been Democratic town committeeman. In February, 1914, he was hon- 
ored with appointment as postmaster of Epping, the first Democrat to 
fill the olifice in a period of eighteen years. He has always taken an 
interest in the development of Epping, and all that pertains to its welfare. 
He is now one of the trustees of Watson Academy. In 1901, he was 
chosen as state representative from Rockingham County. 

December 14, 1892, Lewis Plumer Ladd was united in marriage with 
Miss Sarah J. Edgerly, a daughter of Caleb Edgerly of Epping. She re- 
received her preliminary educational training in the schools of Epping, 
which was supplemented by a course in Deane Academy at Franklin, 
Mass. She is a member of the daughters of the American Revolution. 
One daughter was born of this union, Molly L. Ladd, April 22, 1897. 
She was graduated from Epping High School with the class of 1914. 
Mr. Ladd is a thirty-second degree Mason, and belongs to the Odd Fel- 
lows and the Patrons of Husbandry. 

WILLIAM P. FRINK, a well known and respected resident of the 
town of Greenland, Rockingham County, N. H., was born in Epping, 
N. H,. March 5. i860, a son of John S. H. and Lucretia (Morse) Frink. 
His father, a sketch of whom may be found in the historical part of this 
volume, in the chapter entitled "Bench and Bar," was an eminent law-yer 
of Rockingham County. The subject of this sketch began his education 
in the common schools, and afterward attended the private school of 
Lewns E. Smith, in order to prepare for the Massachusetts Institute of 
Technology, at Boston, where he took the course in electricity. He then 
returned to Greenland, the home of his parents, where he has since 
resided. He has served as town clerk and town treasurer, and was rep- 
resentative to the legislature in 1901. He is now trustee of the \\'eeks 
Public Library. 

Mr. Frink was married in 1910 to Miss Lillian Jacobs, a native of New 
York and daughter of Luther and Sarah R. Jacobs. He and his wife attend 
Dr. Robie's church. 

ELIAS FRINK. in former years one of the best known and most 
highly esteemed citizens of the town of Newington, was born in this 
town February 8, 1813, and died March 17. 1897, at the age of eight- 
four years. He was a son of Cyrus and Abigail (Nutter) Frink. The 
father, Cyrus Frink, was born in Connecticut. June 3, 1772. He came 
to Rockingham County in 1773 and helped to build the Piscataqua bridge, 
being overseer of the work. Five years later he married and bought a 
farm. His wife, Abigail, was a native of Newington. They had a large 
family of nine children — Cyrus and Abigail (twins), Simes, Isaac. John. 
Darius, Elias, Margaret and Hannah. In addition to the farm he first 
I)ought, Cyrus Frink subsequently purchased others, and was not only 
one of the most prosperous but one of the most useful and prominent 
citizens of the town, which he represented in the state legislature, being 
first elected about 1826. He also served as selectman several terms, 
and was a colonel in the militia during the War of 1812-15. He died at 
Fo.K Point when seventy-six years old, January 14, 1849. His wife sur- 
vived him but a short time, dying in 1850. 

Elias Frink was educated in the Newington schools and at Gilmantnn 




—to ^^^^'^^^^i'^^fc^y^^^^...^^ ^^ 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 907 

Academy. He started in life for himself at the age of twenty-two years, 
taking charge of the Piscataqua bridge, which he and his brothers had 
bought. He was thus occupied until 1855, at which time it was washed 
away. He then became a stockholder in a mowing machine company, 
for which he also traveled, retaining his interest in the concern up to the 
time of his death. He was the owner of considerable land, amounting 
to 280 acres, and also carried on a lumber business successfully. A 
Republican in politics, he served the town of Newington on the school 
board as selectman and in various other capacities. For sixty years he 
was a member of the Masonic order. He was a member and liberal sup- 
porter of the Congregational church, and was one of the leading citizens 
who gave $100 each for the erection of the parsonage. In all things 
he was public spirited, taking a deep interest in everything calculated 
to advance the moral or material welfare of the community, and ever 
ready to lend his aid and influence to a worthy cause. 

Mr. Frink was twice married: first to Elizabeth Pickering, who was 
born April 8, 1808, and died September 30, 1848. His second wife, to 
whom he was united March 13, 185 1, was Mary E. Pickering, a niece 
of his first wife, born January 5, 1833. They had six children — Jane 
E., Adelle H., Darius, Abigail N., Elias and Mary, all now living except 
E1ias. who died August 25, 1875. The record of the others is in brief as 
follows : Jane E. married George E. Rowe, and they have a son, John 
Frink Rowe. Adelle H. married George H. Marston. Darius married 
Laura E. Ransom, and has one child. Harold. Abigail N. and Mary 
reside on the old homestead and are members of the Historical Society 
of Newington. The former was for twenty years a school teacher in New 
Hampshire and Massachusetts. The mother of these children. Mrs. Mary 
E. Frink, passed away February 5. 1903. Of the father's first marriage 
there were no children. 

CHARLES W. HANNAFORD, M. D., a well known practitioner of 
medicine and surgery, having an office at No. 39 Pleasant Street, Portsmouth. 
N. H., is one of a family of five children born to his parents, who were re- 
spectively Samuel G. and Mary A. (Webber) Hannaford. The father fol- 
lowed the vocation of a miller. The subject of this sketch was born in Eng- 
land, Septemlier 15, 1874. and in the following year accompanied his parents 
to the United States, they settling in Portsmouth, where he has ever since 
resided. In his boyhood days he attended the public schools of this city, 
including the high school. He subsequently graduated from Tufts College 
Medical School, taking a post-graduate course at the Harvard Medical School. 
He has since built up a good practice in Portsmouth, being widel}' recog- 
nized as a very cajjable man in his profession. He has served as city physi- 
cian, also as jail physician. He is a member of the stafY of the Portsmouth 
Hospital. He is a member of the Portsmouth Medical Association, of which 
he is now treasurer, also of the Rockingham County Medical Association, the 
New Haiupshire Medical Association, the New Hampshire Surgical Associa- 
tion, the American Medical Association and the American Congress of Sur- 
geons, being also president of the Tufts Medical Alumni Association. Fra- 
ternally he is affiliated with the Masons, the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. 
He is a member of St. John's Church and in politics is a Republican. He 
resides at No. 353 Miller Avenue. In all that concerns the welfare of the 
city. Dr. Hannaford takes a keen interest. An able doctor and a good citi- 
zen, he is among the most popular members of his profession and has a wide 
circle of friends and act|uaintances. 



908 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

MARSHALL S. CHASE, who is engaged in general farming and 
dairying on a farm of io6 acres in the town of Stratham, was born in 
this town, July 23, 1880, son of Emmons and Mary (Brown) Chase. 
His parents are residents of Stratham, tlie father being a farmer. Em- 
mons Chase is a well known and respected citizen, having served the 
town as selectman and as representative to the general court. He is a 
Republican in politics. He and his wife had but two children: John E., 
who is a farmer in this town, and Marshall S., the subject of this sketch. 

Marshall S. Chase was educated in the common schools and at the 
Exeter high school, where he was graduated. He was for some time 
rural mail carrier, being the first to hold that position in Stratham. He 
also followed the carpenter's trade for three years, after which he took 
up farming at his present location, the property being known as the 
James Lane farm. Like his father, Mr. Chase is a Republican, and 
is now serving on the board of selectman, of which he is chairman. He 
married Bertha E. Gowen, daughter of George E. and ]\Iary (Smith) 
Gowen of Stratham, her father being a truck gardener. The children 
in her parents" family were May, Grace, Helen. Clarence, Ralph, Bertha, 
Arthur. Howard, Benjamin. Philip and Shirley. Mr. and Mrs. Chase 
are the parents of three children, Paul Gowen, Mary E. and Harold 
Marshall. Mr. Chase and family attend tlie Baptist church. 

ISRAEL M. SCHURMAN, who is conducting a successful ice busi- 
ness in Portsmouth, N. H., was born in Nova Scotia, June 17, 1872, a son 
of Charles and Hattie (Marshall) Schurman. the father being a farmer 
by occupation. The parents of our subject were life long residents of 
Nova Scotia, where they died. Their children were: Lemuel. Israel M., 
Almeda (wife of Harry W. Chick). Artis and Efifa. After the mother's 
death, the father, Charles Schurman, married for his second wife Emma 
Kelly, by whom he had three children — Welden, Hattie and Goldie. 

Israel M. Schurman was educated in the common schools, which he 
attended until reaching the age of seventeen years. He then took up 
farm work, at which he was employed for a while in Nova Scotia, and 
later, after coming to the States, in Danvers, Mass. He then came to 
Portsmouth and found employment here at the carpenter's trade. Sub- 
sequently, about six years ago, he entered into his present business as 
ice dealer, being at first associated with his brother Lemuel. They con- 
tinued together about four years and a half, at the end of which time 
our subject purchased his brother's interest and has since conducted the 
business alone. He runs three teams and gives employment to four men 
besides himself. In politics he is a Republican and his fraternal aftilia- 
tions are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

Mr. Schurman was married in 1900 to Miss Sadie French, who was 
born in Portsmouth, N. H., a daughter of Joseph and Susan (Woods) 
French, the father being a carpenter by trade. Their family numbered 
five children — Ella. Anna, Susan, George and Sadie. Mr. and ]\Irs. 
Schurman have one child, a daughter, Inez. The family attend the 
Methodist church. They are among the substantial and representative 
people of the city and have a wide circle of friends. 

WILLIAM BRO\\'N. manager and vice president of the E. G. Cole 
Company, general merchants in the town of Hampton, was born at 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 909 

Hampton Falls. N. H., August 2, 1876, a son of Robert and Janet 
(Brown) Brown. He was the only child of his parents, who were farm- 
ing people, and was educated in the common schools and at Hampton 
Academy. After finishing his schooling he became manager for the 
Rockingham Cycle Company, subsequently coming to Hampton as clerk 
for E. G. Cole & Company. Later the firm was incorporated as the E. G. 
Cole Company, since which time he has acted as manager. He is also a 
stockholder in the company, which is doing a successful business. 

Mr. Brown married Cora E. Blake, who was born in Hampton, daugh- 
ter of Orlando L. and Malinda (Blake) Blake, whose other children 
were Bertha, wife of Fred Towle, and Ardine, wife of Oliver Hobbs. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brown have three children: Robert O., Clyde W. and 
Cora Hazel. Mr. Brown is an enterprising and progressive citizen, a 
Republican in politics, and he and his family attend the Methodist 
church. 

GEORGE F. FOLSOM, postmaster of West Epping, N. H.. and pro- 
prietor of a general store, comes of an old and prominent family in this 
locality. He was born at West Epping, August 27, 1868, and is a son 
of Thomas C. and Mary (Bickford) Folsom. 

Thomas C. Folsom and his wife were both born in West Epping 
where they have always lived and expect to spend the remainder of 
their lives. He has passed his seventy-eighth birthday, and Mrs. Fol- 
som is seventy-two years old. Mr. Folsom has been closely identified 
with the affairs of the community, and was honored with election to 
the State legislature for two terms. 

George F. Folsom received his educational training in the public 
schools, and at the same time assisted his father on the farm and for 
two years worked in the woolen mills. He then completed a course of 
study in the business college at Manchester, after wdiich he accepted a 
position in the store of Captain Shepard, in whose employ he continued 
for ten years. On July ist, 1900, he purchased the store which he has 
conducted ever since in a most successful manner. He has a wide ac- 
quaintance and as his establishment is up-to-date and conducted along 
business lines he commands a liberal patronage. Notwithstanding he 
is a Democrat in politics, in 1903 he was appointed postmaster by Presi- 
dent Roosevelt and ever since has filled that office. His conduct of the 
affairs of the ofifice lias been most efficient, and has met with the approval 
of the public irrespective of politics. July 15, 1894, George F. Folsom 
was united in marriage with Maude Folsom. a daughter of Irvin Folsom 
of Raymond, N. H. In religious attachment they are members of the 
Friends Church. 

JAMES D. NORRIS, owner of a farm of 33 acres on the North 
Hampton road, in the town of Greenland, was born in Chelsea, Yt., Jan- 
uary 9, 1838, a son of Jacob and Mary (Brown) Norris. His parents 
were both natives of Vermont, the father, a son of James Norris, being 
a farmer. He was born in Chelsea in 1804 and resided all his life there, 
being eighty-two years old at the time of his death. His wife was born 
in Corinth, Vt. Their children were as follows: Ruth, wife of Davis 
Norris; Edwin; James D. ; Jacob Elwin ; Mary E., wife of William H. 
Norris, and George B. By a second marriage to Susan Gifford. after 



910 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

the death of his first wife, Jacob Norris had another child, a daughter, 
Emily. 

James D. Norris acquired his education in the common schools, and 
at the age of fifteen years went to Cambridge, Mass., where he entered 
the employ of his brother Edwin, who was in the ice business. He then 
went to work for Wood and Hall, on Harvard Square, Cambridge, and 
was with them for 27 years, during which long period he never lost a 
day's time. Entering their employ as clerk, he later became bookkeeper, 
and still later foreman in one of the departments of their business, also 
buying the goods. Afterwards coming to Rockingham County, N. H., 
he purchased his present farm, on which he is now living practicallv re- 
tired, except for a little gardening. A Republican in politics, he served 
one term as assessor. 

Mr. Norris was first married in 1862 to Martha Jane Hays, a daugh- 
ter of Edmund H. and Eliza (Sands) Hays, of Cambridge, Mass. She 
died in 1871, leaving a son, Edmund H., who for the last 30 3fears has 
been assistant cashier for the Charles River National Bank at Cambridge. 
This son has been twice married; first to Alice Raymond, who bore him 
two children. Raymond and Priscilla; and secondly to Myrtle Green- 
hold, of which union there are no children. Mr. James D. Norris mar- 
ried for his second wife Melissa Adeline Irving, of Canterbury, N. H. 
There are no children by this marriage. The members of the Norris 
family attend the Congregational church. Mr. Norris has advanced to 
a high degree in the Masonic order. He is a reliable and public spirited 
citizen who takes a keen interest in local affairs and keeps well informed 
on current events. 

PERCY M. ROBINSON, who died at his apartments at the Hotel Rock- 
ingham, Portsmouth, N. H., February 18, 1914, after a brief illness from 
pneumonia, was one of the city's best known business men, having been for 
two years general manager of the Frank Jones Brewing Company. He was 
born in Portsmouth June 2. 1872, being one of the six children of Alexander 
and Martha (Banks) Robinson, the fomier of whom was for many years 
head brewer of the Eldredge Brewing Company. 

Percv ^I. Robinson learned the lirewing business under his father, who 
was then at the head of the Robinson Brewing Company. Boston. Mass. 
Some vears ago he became connected with the True Jones Brewing Company, 
of Alanchester, N. H., of which he was for twelve years general manager, also 
obtaining an interest in the business. In 191 1 he sold his interest, with the 
other stockholders, to the Frank Jones Brewing Company and came to this 
city May ist, to assume the general management of the Frank Jones Brew- 
ing Company, and under his able direction the business increased to a large 
extent. Since returning to Portsmouth he had made a host of friends, besides 
renewing many friendshij^s of his youth. He was a director of the ^Manchester 
National Bank, of Manchester, and a member of the Derryfield Club and the 
Manchester Lodge of Elks. In this city he was a member of the \\'ar\vick 
Club and the Country Club. 

Mr. Robinson was married November 6, 1895, to Clara Freeman Brenan, 
a daughter of Philip Brenan. a well known and prominent farmer of New 
Jersey. He left besides his wife, one .son, Philip, a student at St. Paul's 
school, and a daughter, Clara Dore. who is attending Lasell Seminary at 
Boston. Mr. Robinson's mother is still living at lamaica Plain, Boston, and 




^■^.^i. 



jf^,<^^ ^ (_A.^ 



AND RE1'RI':SE.\-1-.\TIVI': CITIZENS 913 

a brother, Alexander Robinsun, the well known artist, makes his home in 
Paris. A sister, Mrs. A. H. Burrage, is a resident of Jamaica Plain. 

Mr. Robinson's funeral, which took place on the 20th of February, was 
a sad but noteworthy event. The display of floral offerings was the largest 
and most magnificent ever seen in Portsmouth, evincing forcibly the high 
regard in which he was held. His remains were taken to St.' John's church, 
and thence in a special car to Boston, where interment was made in Forrest 
Hill Cemetery. He was a kind father and loving husband and his friends 
were numbered by the scores. Few men were more popular. His honesty 
was ne\er questioned and his word was known to be as good as his bond. He 
and his family moved in the very best society. Their summer home, known 
as "Ten-acre Home," is a fine residence located in a historical spot a short 
distance from Portsmouth, on the sea shore, and here, as at their city resi- 
dence, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson delighted to dispense a generous hospitality. 

CHARLES F. BATES, the leading liveryman of the town of Ray- 
mond, was born at Pembroke, N. H., October 2, 1875, a son of Stephen A. 
and Catherine (Scannell) Bates. His earliest ancestors in this country 
came from England and Ireland and settled at Plymouth and Do\er. 
Stephen A. Bates, father of Charles, was born in Pembroke and is now 
84 years old. He is well to do, owning a fine farm and a considerable 
amount of city real estate. Although having reached such an advanced 
age he is still hale and hearty and drives every morning to his farm, be- 
sides looking after his various other properties. His wife Catherine, 
who was born in Ireland, is also living, being now 76 years of age. 

Charles F. Bates had few opportunities for attending school in his 
youth and acquired his education chiefly through private study, during 
his spare time. He worked on his father's farm until reaching the age of" 
sixteen, at which time he started out in life for himself. By the time he 
was twenty-one he had saved a little money which he invested in horses, 
and through purchase and trading he soon had some of the finest horses 
in this section. About nine years ago he started in the livery business, 
and on June 23d, 1908. he came to Raymond and bought his present liv- 
ery stable, where he keeps from eight to ten horses, besides carriages, 
buggies, etc. He is doing a prosperous business and is one of the sub- 
stantial citizens of the town. A Democrat in politics, he has served as 
representative, town clerk and selectman. He was also a selectman of 
Pembroke before coming to Raymond. In religion he is a Catholic. 

WILLIAM LESLIE DINING is a prosperous farmer of Stratham. 
Rockingham County, N. H., and makes a specialty of dairying and 
market gardening on his farm of sixty-three acres. He was born in 
North Hampton, Rockingham County, March i. 1880, and is a son of 
William and Sarah (Moulton) Dining. 

William Dining, the father, was born in Bangor. Maine, and his wife 
in North Hampton. Rockingham County. He is a farmer by occupation 
and they now reside in the town of Stratham. They have three chil- 
dren : Florence, wife of Frank Bacheldor; \\'illiam Leslie, and Charles. 
Religiously, they are members of the Baptist Church. 

William Leslie Dining attended the public schools of Stratham. 
and as a young man hired out as a farm hand. He continued in the em- 
ploy of others for ten years, after which he started in for himself. He 



914 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

leased land for five years and then moved on to his present farm of 
sixty-three acres which he had bought two years previously from Emma 
B. VViggin. In addition to general farming, he follows dairying and 
truck gardening, shipping milk to Lynn, Mass., and disposing of his 
garden produce at Exeter, N. H. 

Mr. Dining was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle H. Rokes of 
Greenland, a daughter of Emery H. and Louise Olive (Farrel) Rokes, 
who still live in Greenland, where he is engaged in teaming. The Rokes 
family consists of two children. Burton E. and Myrtle H. (Dining). Mr. 
and Mrs. Dining have the following children: Ora M., Carl M., and 
Muriel L. He is a Democrat in politics and served four years as select- 
man, and one term in the legislature. Fraternally, he is a member of the 
Junior Order United American Mechanics. He and his family attend 
the Christian Baptist Church. They are deeply interested in the wel- 
fare of the conniiunity and have many friends. 

JOHN W. \\'ARN1':K. a veteran of the Civil War and a well known 
citizen of North Hampton. N. H., is a wagon builder Ity trade. He has 
always made his home in this vicinity exce]it for the period spent in the 
army, and has a wide circle of ac(|uaintances. 

Mr. Warner was born in North Hampton in March 7, 1843, and 
is a son of Andrew S. and Alivia R. (Leavitt) Warner, both of North 
Hampton. His father was a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade. He 
was a Repul)lican in politics, and in religious faith was a member of the 
Methodist church. Andrew S. Warner and wife had four chidren : 
Philip A. : John W. ; Emma O., who first married Joseph Thayer and 
secondly, Marshall Reed ; and Caroline E., who never married. 

After attending the grade schools of liis home district John \\ . 
Warner attended high school at Bath. Maine, At the age of eighteen 
years, he enlisted as a member of Company AI, First Regiment. R. I. 
Volunteer Infantry, with which he served two years. He then re-en- 
listed as a member of Company M, First Regiment, N. H. Cavalry, in 
which he served one and a half years. He was honorably discharged 
on July 25, 1865, and then returned home. He then worked with his 
father at his trade until the latter died in 1876. He has always been 
a man of recognized mechanical skill and has had much success at his 
trade as a wagon builder. He is a Republican in politics and has always 
been warmly interested in the affairs of the comnnmity. He served in 
1903 as representative of the town of North Flampton, on the school 
board, and at the present time is moderator. 

Mr. Warner was joined in marriage with Stella Garland of Rye, a 
daughter of David and Mary A. (Trickey) Garland. Her father was en- 
gaged in the teaming business by occupation in Boston, in which city, 
Mrs Warner was born. She has a sister, Netta, and a brother, Alfred 
S. Mr. and Airs. A\'arner have had one daughter. Lucy AI. In religious 
attachment thev are members of the Congregational Church. 

FRANK E. DAVIS, a prominent citizen of Plaistow, N. H., is 
extensively engaged in the poultry business, which he conducts on a 
scientific basis. He was born in Plaistow, N. H., May 16, 1872, and 
comes of an old and well known family of this community. Air. Davis 
is a erandson of l-"rank!in Drn-is. and a great-grandson of Jacob Da\-is. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 915 

The grandfather, FrankHn Davis was born in Plaistow, where he after- 
ward for many years conducted a grocery. He was widely known 
as a musician and was leader of a band. His wife was Elmira A. 
Flanders. Walter P. Davis, father of the subject of this record, was 
born in Plaistow in 1846 and until his death in 1872 worked in the shoe 
shop in Haverhill. He married Martha L. Little and thev had but one 
child, Frank E. 

Frank E. Davis received a public school training, after which he 
worked in the shoe shop at Haverhill until 1894. In that year he branched 
out in the poultrj^ business, at which he has been so successful. He 
raises about 1,800 chickens each year, and winters about 800 hens. 
In July. 1898, Mr. Davis was united in marriage with Miss Ella B. 
Bailey, who was born in New Castle, New Brunswick, and is a daughter 
of Charles and Sarah Bailey. They have a comfortable home in Plais- 
tow and are surrounded bv their manv friends who have known them 
long. 

HORACE H. LUCE, a resident of Exeter. X. H.. who is engaged 
in the sale of smallware at wholesale in Maine. New Mampshire and 
Massachusetts, was born in Vermont, in November, 1850. His parents, 
Harvey B. and Delia (Pearson) Luce, were both natives of Vermont. 
The father, who enlisted in Company C Tenth Vermont Regiment, 
was taken sick and died in the service. Their children were : Addie. 
wife of Chauncey E. Hayes, John, Horace H. and Susan E., who mar- 
ried Nathan Bailey, now deceased. The paternal grandfather of our 
subject was Anson Luce. 

Horace H. Luce was educated in the common schools and subse- 
quently was engaged in farming until attaining his majority. He then 
came to this section and for some time was variously employed until 
he took up his present business over forty years ago. He has been 
quite successful in it and is now regarded as one of the substantial and 
prosperous citizens of the town of Exeter. Politically he is a member 
of the Progressive party. 

Mr. Luce was married in 1884 to Mrs. Cora ( Horr) Colby, the 
widow of Aldana A. Colby, and daughter of Isaac and Phoebe (Hill) 
Horr. Her parents were natives of Maine, where her father followed 
farming. She was their only child. Mr. and Mrs. Luce are the parents 
of a son, Harr\- .\., who was educated in the Exeter schools, both com- 
mon and high, and at a commercial college in Boston. He married Ella 
McKee of Massachusetts, and they have two children — Hazel Ruth and 
Horace George. The family attend the Methodist church. By her first 
marriage Mrs. Luce had a son, Irxing A. Colliy. who was educated at the 
New Hampshire College at Durham and married Mary Bartlett of Ep- 
ping. X. H. They ha\-e two children. Joseph Walker and Frederick. 

HENRY P. PAYNE, one of the leading merchants of Portsmouth. 
N. H., dealer in fancy and staple groceries, having a large and well 
equipped store opposite the postofifice, was born in tiiis city, in Septem- 
ber, 1868, a son of John A. and Anna A. (Gunnison) Payne. The 
father. John A. Payne, wdio was a joiner by trade, served in the United 
States navy as a carpenter's mate. He died in 1899. 

The subject of this sketch, who was one of two children !)orn to 



916 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

his parents, was educated in the pubHc schools. He then learned the 
grocery trade and, as soon as his circumstances justified it, went into 
business for himself. In 1900 he came to his present location, suc- 
ceeding the firm of Chas. E. Laighton & Son, the elder Laighton hav- 
ing established the business as far back as 1822. Mr. Payne keeps the 
finest stock of staple and fancy groceries to be found in Portsmouth, 
everything being of the very best quality. His store is large, com- 
modious and he gives employment therein to ten people, who are 
prompt and courteous in their attendance upon customers. As a result 
he is doing a prosperous business and is one of the most popular mer- 
chants in the city. He is a member of St. John's Lodge. A. F. & A. M. 
As a citizen he is up-to-date and progressive and gives cordial support 
to any pruject for the moral or material bettemient of the community. 

Mr. Payne married Miss Carrie L. Mooney, a daughter of John 
Mooney of Portsmouth. They have a pleasant residence at No. 24 
Maplewood Avenue. 

JAME.S ROBERT CONNELL. deceased, was for many years prominent 
in the business life of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where the citizens still 
recall him with kindly feeling, as he was a man of wide acqauintance who 
endeared himself to all who knew him well. His profession was that of 
jeweler and in addition to the store with which he was connected, he operated 
considerable in the real estate field. TTe was always found in support of those 
measures and enterprises tending tDward the development and improvement 
of his home community. 

Mr. Connell was born in Cowensville. Canada, August 27, 1848, and was 
a son of Rev. David and Mary (Dickey) Connell, both natives of Scotland. 
The father was a minister of the Congregational Church. They had the fol- 
lowing children: William J.; James Robert; Mary E., widow of Bhss 
Haskell: Lilla, wife of Rev. Herbert M. Tenney; David: Dr. Ralph W. Con- 
nell, a physician of Omaha. Neb. : and Laura, wife of Edwin Sanford. 

James R. Connell attended the public schools for a time but as a youth 
laid the foundation for his successful career in the jewelry business. He 
thoroughly learned watch making and the art of the jeweler's trade at Wells 
River, Vermont, and in addition spent two years at special work in adjust- 
ment. Coming to Portsmouth, he spent one year employed as watchmaker, 
then was taken into partnership with his employer. He later also conducted 
a branch store at Plymouth, New; Hampshire, which he sold to his brother 
David, and he continued active in his l;)usiness in I'ortsmouth until death 
claimed him, on May 27, 1906. 

In 1874, Mr. Connell was married to Miss Annie J. Hanscom, who was 
born in Portsmouth and is a daughter of Nathaniel and Sarah J. (Goss) 
Hanscom. Her father was from Eliot, Maine, and followed the trade of a 
ship-joiner, being also master workman. Her mother was a native of Rye, 
New Hampshire. The paternal grandi)arents of Mrs. Connell were Uriah 
and Nancy (Barnes) Hanscom, he having been a Revolutionary soldier. On 
the maternal side her grandparents were Daniel and Hannah (Perkins) Goss. 
Nathaniel and Sarah Hanscom had the following issue: C. Dwight, a soldier 
in the Civil War ; Creighton, who was a soldier in the Union Army during the 
Civil War and was killed in battle : Daniel G. : Albert H : Af iss Frances Hans- 
com. and Mrs. Annie J. Connell. Mr. and Mrs. Connell had but one child, 
Ray Howard, who died in 1885 at the age of seven years. Religiously the 




AM i;s i;(ii;i:iri' > nw i 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 919 

family holds attachment to the Xorth Congregational Church. Mr. Connell 
was a stanch republican. He was decidedly a business man and a home 
lover, such time as was nni spent in his store being passed at home in the 
companionship of his wife. 

THURMAN A. PRIEST, proprietor of a flourishing dry goods store 
in New Market, N. H., was born in this town. April 28, 1887. a son 
of Albert M. and Sarah A. (Ritchie) Priest. His parents were mar- 
ried in 1875, the father being a son of Levi J. and Effie (Spofford) 
Priest, and born in New Market, February 6. 1857. Albert M. Priest 
established the first department store in this town and was for years 
a prominent merchant here. 

Thurman A. Priest in his youth attended the public schools of New 
Market, graduating from the high school at the age of eighteen years. 
He then entered his father's employ and continued with him until 
the latter's death in 1910, at which time he started in the dry g-oods 
business for himself. He has been successful in his operations, having 
a good, up-to-date store and having built up an excellent trade. Mr. 
Priest is unmarried and resides with his mother^ in the old family 
homestead at the corner of Exeter street and Jerry Avenue. He is 
one of the active and enterprising citizens of the town and takes an 
interest in everything that concerns its prosperity. He is a member 
of Rising- Star Lodge, A. V. & A. M.. also belonging to tlie local Grange, 
the Red Men and the Degree of Pocahontas. 

LYNN J. SANDERSON, the owner of 180 acres of land on the 
North Hampton road, in the town of Greenland, was born at High 
Gate, Vt., August 19. 1871. His parents were Judson and Elizabeth 
(Cutler) Sanderson, both natives of Vermont. They now reside in 
West Newton, Mass., where Judson Sanderson is engaged in business 
as an ice cream manufacturer. They attend the Methodist church. 
Their other children are : Adella, wife of Alfred C. Furl)ush : Gertrude 
E., wife of Fred R. Furbush : Eva A. and Gladys. 

Lynn J. Sanderson acquired his education in the common and high 
schools. He then took up farm work, in which he has since been en- 
gaged. Until his marriage he worked for his father, after which he took 
charge of the home farm and conducted it for some time, or until com- 
ing to his present location in 1909. He carries on general farming and 
raises enough stock for his own use. Hs present farm was purchased 
from George Coleman, and is a good piece of agricultural jiroperty. 
Mr. Sanderson is a member of the Grange, and is a Democrat in poli- 
tics. He married Myra A. McKay, who was born in the Province of 
Quebec. Canada, a daughter of Andrew and .Annie (Jackson) McKay, 
her father being a farmer. There were four children in the McKay 
family, namely: Lawnie, wife of William Kent; David A., James, and 
Myra A., who is now Mrs. Sanderson. Mr. and Mrs. Sanderson ha\e 
four children — Mildred E.. Judson .A.. Jarib M. and Rodney C. The fam- 
ily attend the Methodist Church. 

A.LLEN M. GOSSELIN, g-eneral agent for the Boston and Maine 
Railroad at Haverhill. Rockingham County, N. H., is a thorough rail- 
road man, having worked his way from a lowly position in his boy- 



920 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

hood to the responsible one he now fills. He was born in Plaistow, 
N. H., December 3, 1867, and is a son of Damas and Heloise (De- 
noncour) Gosselin. 

Damas Gosselin was born in Nicolet, Province of Quebec, Canada, 
April 24, 1842, and in the spring of 1863 came to New Hampshire and 
located in Plaistow, where he engaged as a brickmaker until 1S81. 
In that year he purchased a grocery store which he conducted until liis 
death. He married Heloise Denoncour and they became parents of 
children as follows: Allen M. ; William, born August 2, 1869; Rebecca, 
born March 30, 1871 ; Elfege, born September 18, 1872; Emelie, born 
January 8, 1874; Edonge, born March 31, 1876: Philip, born April 7, 
1878; Henry O., born October 9. 1879; Alfred, born March 26, 1881 ; 
A. Edmund, born April 16, 1882, and Rebecca, born February 23, 1884. 

Allen M. Gosselin received his education in the public schools, and 
when a mere boy began work in the brick yard. He afterward clerked 
in his father's store until the spring of 1889. which year marked the 
beginning of his railroad career. He was first crossing tender for the 
Boston and Maine, and in the fall of 1889 went to New Market Junction 
as night telegraph operator, and later was transferred to Newton Junc- 
tion as day operator. He then successively filled the following posi- 
tions, the duties of which began at the time mentioned: in June, 1893, 
operator and ticket seller at Andover. Mass.: in September, 1894, freight 
clerk at Haverhill; in May, 1901, station agent at Plaistow: August 28, 
1905, station agent at Melrose, Mass. : in September, 1906, station agent 
at Reading: in November, 1912, general agent at Salem, Mass.: and in 
July, 1913, general agent at Haverhill. He has always been interested in 
public movements wherever he has been located and during the vears 
1901, 1902, 1903 and 1904 was selectman of Plaistow and in 190^ was 
treasurer. On June 3, 1896, Mr. Gosselin was married to Miss Hattie 
E. Denoncour, a daughter of George and Mary (Newcomb) Denoncoin-, 
and they have one son, Harold G., born in 1897. 

CYRUS FRINK, a representative of the town of Newington, own- 
ing about 125 acres of land on the Bay road, was born on his ]:)resent 
farm, Julv 19, 1852. a sun of Isaac Frink In- his wife .\nn .Saraii. whose 
family name was Hoyt. Both parents were natives of Newington, the 
father being a farmer by occupation and a Republican in politics. The 
mother survives her husljand and resides in this town. Her nnlx- chil- 
dren were a daughter, «Rubie .S., who resides with her mother, anil C\)nis. 
the subject of this sketch. 

Cyrus Frink was educated in the schools of Newington. He was 
twelve years old when his father died, and on completing his schooling 
he took charge of the farm, which he has since operated. This prop- 
erty has come down in the family from his grandfather, Cyrus Frink, 
and here our subject has spent all his life up to the present time. In 
1902 all the buildings were destroyed I)y fire but Mr. Frink has since 
replaced them with new ones, and is doing a prosperous business. He 
is a Republican in politics and is a member of the Grange. 

Mr. Frink was married in 1883 to Edith Lamprey, of Portsmouth, 
who is a daughter of Charles C. and Ann Sarah CBrown) Lamprey. 
Mr. Lamprey, who was a farmer, is now deceased. His widow survives 
him and resides in Portsmouth. They had six children : Morris, who 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 921 

died at the age of 21 years; Georgia Etta, wife of Lorin Worcester; 
Edith; Annie; Blanche, widow of Harry Beacham. Mr. and Mrs. 
Frink are the parents of four children: Simes, Anna S., Charles L. and 
Sidney H. Simes and Charles L. are engaged in farming, their prop- 
erty being located on the Portsmouth road. Sidney H. is assisting his 
father, and Anna S. is cashier in the dry goods store of G. B. French, 
at Portsmouth. The family attend the Congregational church. 

WILLIAM C. PACKER, in former days a well known and respected 
citizen of the town of Greenland, was born in this town April 5, 1812, 
and died here February 11, 1871, after a life long residence, during 
which he was engaged successfully in farming. He was one of the five 
children of Matthew B. and Abigail (Pickering) Packer, the other four 
being Lydia, Ephraim, James and Theodore. His education was ac- 
quired in the common schools, after which he took up his life work as 
a New England farmer. Industrious and thrifty, he prospered and at 
his death left to his family a fair estate. Among his other laliors he 
cut all the timber for the house in which his family now resides. In 
politics he was a Democrat and alwa3's took an intelligent interest in 
the development and prosperity of his nati\e town and county. 

In 1841 Mr. Packer married Jane Ann Kennard, of Portsmout!:. a 
daughter of Oliver P. and Jane (Plaisted) Kennard. Of this marriage 
there were five children — Martin Parry, William H., Oliver. George and 
Jane Ann. The mother of these children died when her daughter (Mrs. 
Packer"), was a child, and Mr. Kennard subsequently married Martha 
Ann Pickering, by whom he had one child. Charles \\'. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Packer were born two children, of whom William M.. born Januar}' 
26. 1843, died November 25, 1906; and Frances Abbie, born April 13, 
1847. died September 23, 1876. William H. married Mary A. Lyon, 
who was born in Peru. Vt., a daughter of Jilark B. and Abigail (Rideout) 
Lyon, her father being a farmer. 

William H. Packer, spent some years of his earU- life as a jeweler. 
but on account of poor health, subsequently came back to the home faru), 
He was in Boston for several years in the employ of his uncles, of Bige- 
low, Kennard & Co., and also s|)ent some time in Philadelphia. He held 
town office and served one term in the state legislature. He was spe- 
cially interested in the protection of trees of all kinds. The familv 
attend the Congregational church. 

MISS ANNIE L. DOW is one of the must ])roiniiient and respected resi- 
dents of Plaistow. Rockinghom County. X. H., where she has long been active 
in the affairs of the \illage and town, being at i^resent treasurer of the Plaistow 
Improvement Society, in which capacity she has rendered the village invalu- 
able service. She is a native of Plaistow. a daughter of Moses A. Dow and 
a granddaughter of Rev. Moses Dow. The last mentioned ancestor was bom 
in .\tkin.son. N. H.. and was married to Miss Hannah Knight of Hampstead. 

Moses A. Dow. father of Annie L.. was born in Beverly, Mass., and re- 
moved to Plaistow. N. H.. in 1833. In his younger days he clerked in a store, 
but owing to ill health gave up inside work for farming. He was a well 
known and public spirited man who had many friends. He married Miss 
Julia A. Bragdon. by whom he had four children: Henry A.. Moses B. (of 
whom see separate sketch). Charles A. and Annie L. Henrv .-\. Dow was a 



922 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

soldier in the L'nion army in the Civil war. was captured and died in Ander- 
sonville prison. Charles A. Dow, who also served in the Union army, after- 
wards went to Texas and was engaged in business there until his' death. 
Miss Annie L. Dow followed the occupation of teacher durins^ her youns^er 
days and was superintendent of the town schools. At the pres'ent she is one 
of the trustees of the public library. 

HON. MOSES B. D0\^■, who died at his home on Sweet Hill Road in 
the town of Plaistow, November 2, 1909. was born in Plaistow, N. H., Janu- 
ary 2T„ 1837, and had always lived in his native town. His parent's were 
Moses A. and Julia A. ( Bragdon) Dow. After leaving school he became en- ' 
gaged in the carriage business and was a successful manufacturer for over 
forty years, retiring about 1899. He was prominently identified with state 
and county affairs, as well as with town affairs, having sen-'ed on state com- 
mittees many times, as county commissioner for two years, and as selectman 
a number of terms. At three different times he represented his town in the 
legislature and until his death was keenly interested in all the affairs of the 
day. He was a member of Gideon Lodge of 3.Iasons in Kingston. Mr. Dow 
married Miss Alice Emerson of Haverhill, who died November 6 1896 He 
is survived by a sister. Miss Annie L. Dow, now a resident of Plaistow. 

DAVID FLYNN, deceased, was a well known citizen of Portsmouth 
N. H., where for many years he operated a bakery with a high degree of 
success. He was a self made man, rising from ordinary circumstances 
in early life to a position of affluence. His widow, Mrs. Susan D. Flynn 
continues to reside in Portsmouth, where she is surrounded bv her 
children and many friends of long years standing. 

Mr. Flynn was born in Ireland in 1838. and was a son of James D 
and Honorah (Mahoney) Flynn, both of wdiom died in the United States 
There were four children in the family: Margaret, deceased- Dennis 
Ellen, deceased, and David. The last named received a l^rief educa- 
tional training in the public schools of England, and was quite young 
when he accompanied his parents to Portsmouth, N. H. In thi's city 
he passed the remainder of his life. He learned the trade of a baker, 
but an abundance of energy and ambition did not permit him to rest 
content as an employee. He labored industriously until he had ac- 
cumulated sufficient means to purchase an establishment of his own 
He bought the bakery of Mr. Perry and by the production of a superior 
quality of goods and careful management he prospered beyond ex- 
pectations. He continued the business with uninterrupted success until 
his death in 1903. Possessed of the attributes of true manhood and a 
pleasing manner, he had the faculty of winning the friendship and hieh 
regard of everyone with whom he was brought in contact. 

David Flynn was united in marriage with Susan D. McPherson, 
who was born in the north of Ireland, and is a daughter of Paul and 
Jane (Ferris) McPherson, also natives of that countrv. Her father 
was a veterinary surgeon, both in his own land and in America, where 
he located in the provinces. He and his wife had the following chil- 
dren: John, William, Thomas, James, Fred, Bernard and Susan D. 
(Flynn). Mr. and Mrs. Flynn became parents of six children: James, 
who conducts a bakery on State Street, Portsmouth ; David H. ;" Fred ; 
Thomas ; Nora Elizabeth : and Jennie, who is dead. Religiously the fam- 




MOSKS B. DOW 



AXD REPRESEXTATR'E CITIZENS 925 

ily attends the Catholic Church. The mother lives on her fine farm of 
sixty-five acres at No. 12 19 Maplewood Avenue. Mr. Flynn was a 
Republican in politics. 

JAMES GOOD\\TN PERKINS, general farmer and dairyman of 
the town of Rye, was born in this town September 24, 1876, a son of 
James Henry and Mary Charlotte (Goodwin) Perkins. His parents 
reside in Rye, the father being an apple merchant, doing business largely 
in Boston. Their children were: Ada, who died in her twelfth year; 
James, the subject of this sketch, and Christina, wife of Fred L. Dow; 
Josephine and Elizabeth, twin sisters, both of whom are married. Jose- 
phine is the wife of \\'illiam Parker Straw, and her children are Ezekiel 
Albert, Mary Parker and Josephine. Elizabeth is the wife of Joseph P. 
Connor and' has three children. Elizabeth, Geraldine and Joseph P.. Jr. 

James G. I'erkins began his education in the common schools of Rye, 
N. 'H., afterwards attending school at South Berwick, Me., and still 
later taking a commercial course in Boston. He has since devoted his 
attention to farming and dairying, renting the home farm, which con- 
tains 100 acres, from his father. He was married February 11, 191 1. 
to Agnes Emerson, who was born in Bradford. Me., a daughter of Dr. 
Frederick and Mary (Duiif) Emerson. Her father died in 1904, her 
mother being now a resident of Portland, Me. Their children were 
Agnes, Theodora and John C. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have one son, 
James Abram. Mr. Perkins and family attend the Congregational 
church. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Junior 
Order of American Mechanics. 

FORREST S. DAVIS, who has served as chief of police of Plaistow, 
N. H., since 1900, has evidenced a high order of efticiency as a public 
servant, as is evidenced by the support accorded him by the people. 
In addition to his official duties, he has been highly successful as a 
chicken raiser and fancier, making a specialty of the Rhode Island Red. 

Mr. Davis was born in Plaistow, N. H., May 25, 1867, and is a son 
of Isaac Davis, and a grandson of Moses Davis, both natives of Plais- 
tow. Isaac Davis was born in January, 1828, and followed agriculture. 
He married Melvina L. Lovering and their children are as follows: 
George W. ; Mary C. wife of H. S. Kelly: Harry .\. ; Marnie T.. v ife 
of Rev. A. D. Palmer; and Forrest S. 

Forrest S. Davis received his educational training in the public 
schools of Plaistow and in Newton High School. His first regular em- 
ployment was in a shoe shop in Haverhill. He continued in that line 
of work until 1901, when he started in the chicken business in Plaistow. 
He has some eight hundred hens of the Rhode Island Red variety, 
and has an established reputation in this line of business. He has 
always been active in a political way and has been frequently called 
upon to fill local offices. In 1893 he was elected constal)le of Plaistow 
and in 1903 was made chief of police, an office which he has filled con- 
tinuously since. 

Mr. Davis was united in marriage with ^liss ]Malvean E. Webster, 
who died December 28, 1903, just eight days after the birth of their 
only child, Walter W., who was born on December 20th of that year. 
In 1906 he formed a second union with Miss Lena E. Tourtilotte. and 



926 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

they have a daughter, Elizabeth T., born November 12, 1907. JM'a- 
ternally Mr. Davis is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, 
the Junior Order United American Mechanics, and the N. O. P. 

THOMAS J. KEANE, a successful business man of Exeter, who 
has advanced his interests through thrift, good management and pro- 
gressive methods, is the proprietor of a large grocery and provision 
store and has a trade territory of wide extent. Mr. Keane was born in 
Ireland, January 6, 1869, and is a son of Thomas M. and Mary (Lohan) 
Keane. His parents were Irish born and his mother still lives in the 
old home place. The father was a carpenter and also a farmer and died 
in Ireland in January, igoi. Faithful members of the Catholic church, 
they reared their family in that faith, their seven children being: 
Michael, John, Thomas J., Patrick. Richard, Mary and Nora, the last 
named being the wife of John Lardner. Mary is in a convent at Haver- 
hill, Mass. 

Until he was sixteen years of age, Thomas J. Keane attended school 
regularly and seems to have been a very apt pupil as it is told of him 
that when thirteen years old his teacher had so much confidence in 
his scholarship, as well as his good conduct, that the coveted appoint- 
ment as monitor was given him. that entitled him to the dignified posi- 
tion of teacher every half hour, the other half being given to study. 
His sensible father then decided to ap|)rentice him to the carpenter's 
trade, at which he worked for two years. He was eighteen years old 
when he left the old home for America and after reaching the United 
States located first at Amesbury, Mass., where he worked for one year 
as a carriage maker and for a year more at Haverhill, as a carpenter. 
Then he came to Exeter and for the next fifteen years was employed 
in a shoe factory, for three years haxing charge of the packing room 
at the Gale Bros, factory. After leaving there he looked about for a 
profitable and promising investment for his capital and in 1905 bought 
his present business from J. M. La Valley. He has greatly increased 
its scope and volume and handles all commodities included as groceries 
and provisions, keeping two teams and two men busy. He has some 
valuable real estate holdings including his comfortable resider.ct- du the 
corner of Winter and Dartmouth streets. 

Mr. Keane was married in 1900 to Miss Alice \\'. Mullen, a nali, e 
of Exeter and a daughter of Francis and Elizabeth (McKeon) Mullen. 
nati\es of Ireland. The father is a machinist by trade, and during the 
Civil War in the United States served as soldier. His children are: 
Alice \\'., John V., h'rancis A., and Elizabeth, wife of Harry Walton. 
Mr. and Mrs. Keane have one daughter, Mary Elizabeth, wlu) is the 
wife of Hubart Gallant, of Rochester, N. Y^., and they have one son, 
Thomas Leo. The entire family belongs to the Catholic church. Mr. 
Keane votes independently. He belongs to the A. O. H., is a charter 
member of the local lodge of Red Men and for the past eleven years 
has been treasurer of the Foresters of America. He is recognized as 
a man of sterling business principles and is highly respected in this 
section in which he has made his home for so many years. 

JOHN D. KELL^', a general farmer in the town of Xewington. 
ownino sevent\'-five acres of land, divided into two farms of fortv-five 




CHABLES JOSIAH SMITH 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 929 

and thirty acres respectively, on the former of which he lives, was born 
in Boston, Mass., during the Civil war, his parents being John and Cath- 
erine (Dunn) Kelly. The father, who worked at the tailor's trade in 
Boston, was a native of Ireland; the mother of England. Both are de- 
ceased and are buried in Boston. Their children were Stephen J., John 
D., George and Frank. 

John D. Kelly was educated in the public schools of Boston, and 
there learned the tailor's trade with his father, which he followed for 
about twelve or fifteen years. He then came to Rockingham county 
and bought the D. Pickering farm, on which he now resides. He is 
an independent voter and has served the town as supervisor and 
auditor. Mr. Kelly married Mrs. Grace E. Carkin, widow of George U. 
Carkin. She was born in Portsmouth, N. H., a daughter of George and 
Lavina (Venner) Hodgdon, both natives of this county, her father 
being a farmer. Her parents, who were members of the Congregational 
church, are both deceased and are buried in Newington. They had six 
children — George, who died in the Civil war; Mary, deceased; Charles; 
Grace E.. who is now Mrs. Kelly; James, deceased, and John Edwin. 
By her first marriage Mrs. Kelly had three children: James, who is a 
farmer in Newington; Lillian G., wife of Lewis de Foe, and George, who 
is now deceased. Mrs. Kelly attends the Christian Science church. 

ARTHUR L. TURCOTTE, a well known merchant of New Mar- 
ket, N. H., where he is proprietor of an up-to-date hardware store, and 
also of a grocery store, both doing a good business, was born at St. 
Norbert, Province of Quebec, Canada, October i, 1880. He is a son 
of William and Philomene (Bilodeau) Turcotte, who came to New 
Market in 1890. After arriving here with his parents young Turcotte 
found employment in the mill, where he worked for ten years. He then 
entered the grocery store of N. J. Brisson. for whom he worked four 
years, at the end of which time he I)OUght the grocery store of J. i-'il- 
lion. which he operated successfully for seven years, and still owns it. 
In November, 1913, he engaged in the hardware business at No. 117 
Main Street, where he now has the largest store in town. Both stores 
ha\e an excellent patronage and Mr. Turcotte is now numliered among 
the prosperous and substantial citizens of the town. .A Democrat in 
politics, he served as town treasurer of New Market in 1909 and 19 10. 
was selectman in 1913 and 1914, in the present year being chairman of 
the board. 

On Tune 18. 1906. Mr. Turcotte was married to Miss Rose DeLinia 
Lembert, of St. Xorbert. P. O., Canada. They are the parents of six 
children, namely: Leo. born May 24, 1907; Florence. May 18. 1908; 
Marguerite, Jan'. 7. 1910: Romeo. July i, 1911 ; Emile. Feb. 23. 1913. anrl 
Juliette, July 3, 1914. Mrs. Rose D. Turcotte died .\ugust 14. 1914. 
Mr. Turcotte is president of the French-Canadian society. St. Jean 
Baptiste ; president of the Lafayette Club, and president of the society 
known as Artisans Canadians-Francais. He is a very popular citizen, 
not only among his own people but among the peojile of the town 
generally, and takes an active interest in all measures calculated to 
benefit the community. 

CHARLES JOSI.VH SMITH, who died in Exeter. N. H.. January 17. 
1893. was a life long resident of that town, having been born there Septem- 



930 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

ber 1 1. 1848. a son of Charles C. and Mary W. ( Berry) Smith, and a grand- 
son of Josiah Coffin Smith. Charles C. Smith was Ijorn in Exeter, grew to 
manhood there and for many years followed the occupation of painter. His 
wife, Mary \V. (Berry) Smith, was a native of Pittsfield. N. H. Mr. and Mrs. 
Charles C. Smith were the parents of four children, of whom but one. Mrs. 
Helen G. Moulton, is now living. 

Charles Josiah Smith grew to manhood in Exeter, attended both the com- 
mon and high school there, but left high school before graduating to enter 
Burlingame's Machine Shop in Exeter as an apprentice. He thoroughly 
learned the machinist's trade and worked for that one concern over twenty- 
eight years, up to the time of his death. Mr. Burlingame, for whom he 
worked so many years, says of him that in all the time he worked there he 
never once even asked for more pay nor did he ever think of lea\ing. Al- 
though lie never asked for more pay, still his services were highly valued by 
Mr. Burlingame, and at the time of his death he was receiving the highest 
salary paid to any machinist in the shop. He was a steady, industrious work- 
man and accumulated some very valuable real estate in Exeter. He never 
married but continued to reside in the old Smith home on High street, Exeter, 
in which he was born, and in which bis only surviving sister. Mrs. .Moulton. 
still resides, until his death. 

His only fraternal affiliation was with the I. O. O. 1*"., and although he 
never aspired to political honors, his steady worth was recognized by his fel- 
low townsmen by his election, on the Republican ticket, as a member of the 
New Hampshire Legislature, he being a member of that body at the time of 
his death. 

GEORGE W. BOWLEY, who resides upon a farm of seventy-five 
acres in the town of Stratham, Rockingham County, N. H., is en- 
gaged in general farming and fruit growing. He was born in Exeter, 
N. H., January 20, 1847, and is a son of James and Catherine (Bishop) 
Bowley. James Bowley, the father, was a native of Rockingham Countv, 
and lived here all his days, being buried in Stratham. His wife was a 
native of Maine, and her burial was in Exeter. They had two children, 
William and George \\ . 

George W. Bowley attended the public schools of Stratham and 
early in life learned the trade of a molder, which be worked at for four 
years. He enlisted for service in the Union Armv as a member of 
Company C, 12th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. His service began 
in the spring of 1865, and continued until the war closed. Returning to 
Stratham, he worked as a farm hand and while thus employed liought 
his present farm of seventy-five acres. He has always Iieen an indus- 
trious worker and a careful manager and the success he has attained 
has been solely through his own efforts. 

Mr. Bowley was united in marriage with Miss Hannah L. Stock- 
bridge of Stratham, a daughter of James and Olive (Lang) Stockbridge. 
Mr. Stockbridge was a mason by trade but mainlv followed agricultural 
pursuits. They were parents of three children : Phoebe. Isaac, and 
Hannah (Bowley). Mr. and Mrs. Bowley have one son. George H. 
Bowley, who married Viola Jewell. In politics our subject is a Demo- 
crat, and for three years served as selectman. In religious attachment 
he and ATrs. Bowlev are members of the Christian Church. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 931 

JOHN G. JELLISOX, manager of the E. H. W inchester estate of 
270 acres in the town of Portsmouth, was born in Jvennebunk, Me., 
September 27, 1855, a son of Charles and Emily (Wood) Jellison. His 
parents, who were natives of Maine, are both now deceased and their 
remains rest in the cemetery at Kennebunk. The father was a stone 
mason, which trade he followed most of his life. They had a family 
of se\'en children, of whom six are now living. 

John G. Jellison attended the common schools of his nati\e state 
until reaching the age of sixteen years. He then took up farm work. 
in which he has since been engaged. Coming to Rockingham count}- 
at the age of se\"enteen, he found work on the Daniels farm, where he 
remained for four years and seven months. He then obtained employ- 
ment as coachman for Mr. Winchester, retaining that position for six 
■years, at the end of which time he was advanced to his ]iresent position 
and for thirty-one years has been manager of the farm. In politics 
he is a Republican. 

Mr. Jellison was married in 1878 to Cora J. Norton of Greenland, 
a daughter of Andrew and Hannah J. (Spinney) Norton, her father 
being a butcher and cattle dealer. Pie is still living at the age of eighty- 
six years: his wife is now deceased. ^Ir. and Mrs. Jellison attend the 
Congregational church at Rye. 

THEODORE FECTEAU, a prosperous citizen of \\csl\ille, Rock- 
ingham County. N. H., is proprietor of a general store and enjoys a lib- 
eral patronage. He was born in St. Hycinthe, Canada, and is a son of 
Theodore, Sr., and Hermine (Cloutier) Fecteau. 

Theodore Fecteau, Sr., father of the subject of this record, was born 
in St. Hycinthe. Canada, and was ten \-ears old when he came to the 
town of Plaistow in Rockingham County. N. H. Here he worked for 
Levi Tucker for a time l)ut later went back to Canada. He remainetl 
there until after his marriage, when he returned to Plaistow with his 
familv. He became a brick manufacturer and continued along that 
line until his death in 1899. A man without educational opportunities 
or advantages, he became a successful business man and one of Plais- 
tow's substantial citizens. He was owner of two farms in Canada. He 
married Hermine Cloutier. also a native of St. Hycinthe, and they reared 
the following children: Hermine. Agnes. Celina. Delia, Theodore. 
Hector, Charles, Sabin, Lena, ()\ide. Dr. Adlard. who is a j^racticing 
physician at F^all River. Mass., and Rosena. 

Theodore Fecteau. whose name heads this sketch, was twelve years 
of age when brought by his parents to New Hampshire. His education 
was obtained in the schools of Canada, he being for a time enrolled 
as a student at St. Hycinthe College. His first work after coming to 
Plaistow was as a clerk, and he continued it in different cities. He 
then worked in a shoe factory for a time at Haverhill, and in 1900 
started a general store at Westville. In 191J. 1913, and 1014 lie served 
as one of the selectmen for the town of Plaistow in a most efficient 
manner. 

In 1880, Mr. Fecteau was joined in marriage with Miss Delia Fon- 
taine, and they became parents of the following children: Lillian, 
who was born in 1881 and is the wife of George Lefevre : Millena. wife 
of Tohn Tremblev: Peter O.. who married Mary B. Mondnr: Fnima. 



9:52 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

who married Louis Dion; Orise ; Theodore; Eva, now Mrs. J. B. Du- 
pras; Ovide and Hector. Mrs. DeHa Fecteau departed this life in 
October, 1894. Mr. Fecteau formed a second marriage in September, 
1895, with Miss OdeHe Vaillancourt and their children are as follows: 
Oscar, born October 3, 1896: Nelson, born November 10, 1898, and 
Antoinette, born August 11, 1904. Fraternally Mr. Fecteau is a mem- 
ber of the Knights of Pythias, the Catholic Foresters and the Artisans. 

THOMAS J. LFARV, who was for many years a well known and 
respected citizen of Portsmouth, N. H., taking an active part in public 
afTairs, was born in Ireland, A])ril j8, 1853, and died April 1, 1903. 
He was twelve years of age when he came to America with his parents, 
John and Elizabeth (Scott) Leary. who, in their native land, were en- 
gaged in farming. In addition to the subject of this sketch they had 
six other children, Timothy, Anna, Elizabeth, Patrick, Nancy and Ellen. 

Thomas J. Leary, after coming to America spent his entire life in 
Portsmouth, with the exception of five years during which he was en- 
gaged in mining at Leadville, Colorado. He was for eighteen years em- 
ployed as brewer at the Portsmouth Brewery, later becoming vice presi- 
dent and general manager. Industrious and thrifty, he saved money and 
accumulated property, at his death leaving his widow in good circum- 
stances. Mr. Leary was a Democrat in politics and for some time served 
in the common council as alderman, also for three years was a police 
officer. He was first president of the local branch of the Ancient 
Order of Hibernians and also a charter member of the Foresters of 
America. He was married February 7, 1889, to Ellen Fitzpatrick, who 
was born in Ireland, a daughter of John and Catherine (Dunn) Fitz- 
patrick, and who came to America when nineteen years of age. Her 
parents, who were farming people, remained in their native land. They 
had c|uite a large family, consisting of ten children, namely: Margaret, 
Edward, Ellen, Mary, Alice, Catherine, Bridget, Anna, John and Wil- 
liam, the last mentioned of whom is now deceased. Five of these children 
— Margaret, Alice, Catherine, Mary and Ellen, came to America, the 
others remaining in Ireland. 

Mr. and Mrs. Leary were the parents of seven children: Eliza- 
beth, who died at the age of nineteen years: John T.. William T., 
George E., Helen C, Thomas J., and Margaret J. The two eldest sons. 
John T. and William T. are members of the Portsmouth Athletic 
Club. John T. being also a member of the Benevolent Protective Order 
of Elks, as was his father. The family belongs to the Catholic church. 
Mrs. Ellen Leary has a pleasant home, situated on the Ocean Road in 
the town of Greenland, which property was willed to her by her hus- 
band. She is highly esteemed and has a wide circle of friends in Ports- 
mouth and the vicinity. 

JOHN R. BUTTON, sole owner of a first class bakery with head- 
quarters at Exeter, from which supplies are sent to all towns within a 
radius of twelve miles, is one of the enterprising business men of this 
city whose industry and energy have brought ample returns. He was 
born at Malaga, N. J., February 10, 1849, and is a son of John ami 
Mary CRoss) Button, both now deceased. The father was a window- 
glass worker. He was twice married and to his first union, with Sadie 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 'J33 

Jessings there were three children born: Hannah. Joseph and Samuel. 
To his second marriage with Mary Ross, five children were born: jdhn 
R., William R.. Christian L., Elizabeth, wife of George Luwden, and 
Matilda, wife of Charles Du\al. 

John R. Button never attended an\- but the district scIiol-L and 
when eighteen years old began a man's work, m a >aw n.ill, where lie 
was assistant engineer for one year. He then made his way to Boston, 
Mass., and there worked in a restaurant for a short time before coming 
to Exeter, where he was in the restaurant business for eighteen months, 
going then to Lawrence, Mass. For four years he was in the employ 
of one restaurant company at Lawrence and then bought the business 
and conducted it for nine years and when he sold out came again to 
Exeter and started into the bakery and grocery business, with his three 
brothers buying a plant established by Henry Little in 1888. For about 
two years the brothers were in partnership, wdien Christian L. sold his 
interest to William R. and John R. and they continued together until 
1905, W'hen John R. bought the interest of \\illiam R., and since then 
has carried on the business by himself. It has grown to large propor- 
tions, its volume many times increased since its early days and now 
Mr. Button employs four bakers and eight hands and operates four 
wagons. 

Air. Button married Miss Abbie C. Buck, who was I)oni at Wilming- 
ton, Mass., a daughter of Edwin and Elvina (Boals) Buck. Mr. Buck 
was a farmer well known in Middlesex County. His family consisted 
of ten children : Mary, Myron, Abbie, Sidney, Herbert, Charlotte, 
George, Nettie, John and Morris. Mr. and Mrs. Button have had 
children as follows: Alice, who is the wife of Charles H. McWilliams, 
who is employed by Mr. Button, has five children, Russell, Kenneth. 
Marion, Margaret and Marjorie ; Marion, who died at the age of four- 
teen years : and Grace, Helen and Rose. Mr. Button and family attend 
the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a republican in politics and 
takes an intelligent and experienced man's interest in public afifairs. 
He belongs to the beneficiary order known as the Royal Arcanum. Mr. 
Button is one of the city's representative men and is respected and esteemed. 

DENIS MAHONEY, owner of a farm of sixty-two acres in the 
town of Greenland, Rockingham County, N. H.. and also proprietor of a 
custom cider mill, was born in this town in 187 1. His parents were 
Thomas and Catherine (Donnelly) Mahoney. l)oth natives of Ireland. 
but who were married in this country. The father was a landscape 
gardener. Both are now deceased and are buried in Portsmouth. They 
had four children : Elizabeth G.. who is deceased ; Ellen : Daniel ; Frances 
Catherine, wife of John C. McDonough. and Denis, the subject of this 
sketch. 

Denis Alahoney was educated in the common schools and at 
Brackett Academy, wdiich he attended for two years. He then began 
industrial life and was variously employed until 1898, at which time 
he took his present farm. Here he is successfully engaged in general 
farming. He is a Democrat in politics and has' served the town as 
road commissioner. As an enterprising and useful citizen and good 
neighbor, he is widely esteemed. 



934 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

JOHN W. CASWELL, residing at No. 264 Lafayette Road. P'ortsmouth, 
N. il., with the assistance of his two sons, is engaged in farming and dairying, 
having a good farm of 75 acres. He is a native of Rye, X. H., where he was 
horn ()ctoi)er 30, 1841, and was reared by his grandparents, W'ilham and 
Pollv CaswelL who were of Enghsh descent, the grandfather l)eing a promi- 
nent and \\ell to do farmer.- Mr. Caswell's grandmother died in 1868; his 
grandfather in 1884. He was educated in the common schools of Rye and 
suhsetjuently engaged in farming until 1S58. At the outbreak of the Civil 
war lie enlisted as a sailor and was appointed to the position of master in 
1861 and resigned in 1865. Soon after he resigned he resumed his old occu- 
pation of farming f(jr two years, at the end of which time he bought out 
the old firm of Marston & Rendal, wholesale fish dealers. He continued in 
that business for thirty-one years, or until January i, 1900, when he retired 
from the fish business and came to his present location, where, as above men- 
tioned, he is carrying on a prosperous farming and dairy- business with the 
hel]j of his sons. Modern ecjuipment and methods characterize the place and 
Mr. Caswell has the distinction of having one of the finest homes in Rocking- 
ham County. .\ Democrat in politics, he has from time to time taken an 
active part in public aflfairs. In 1882, 1883 and 1884 he served on the board 
of aldermen, was custom house inspector under Cleveland's first administra- 
tion, and was a member of the state legislature in 1907, showing ability and 
fidelity in each of these positions. A man of recognized integrity, his fellow 
citizens place the same reliability upon his word they would upon his bond. 

Mr. Caswell was married July 10, 1864, to Miss Harriet McEwen Mathes, 
whp was b.orn in Rye, N. H., a daughter of .\l)rahani and Betsey (Berry) 
i\lathes. who were farming people. The Mathes family consisted of six chil- 
dren, but all are now dead except two, Mrs. Henry D. Foss, of Rye, N. H., 
and B. S. Mathes of Keene. N. H. Mrs. Caswell died Octolier 30, 1910. She 
and her husband were parents of children as follows; Ida, who is the wife of 
John J-'. Sweetser of I'ortsmnutli, and has one son. Harold C. : Hattie .\.. 
wife of .Alfred (i. Ramsdell. who lives in Rye. X. H. ; Oriel M. ; Harry C. 
who married Mildred Mint and has two children. Forest \\. and Harriett H. 
The family attends the Orthodox Churcli. while .Mr. Caswell's fraternal affili- 
ations are with the Odd Fellows. 

JOSEPH SACCO. a well known citizen of Portsmouth, contractor 
and builder, also dealer in wholesale litpiors. was born in Italy, October 
24, 1872, son of John Sacco. He came to the United States in 18(^4, 
first locating in Boston, where he remained until 1903, being \ariouslv 
employed. His first business enterprise was a grocery in Maiden, 
Mass., a suburb of Boston, after which he went to l)ottling- beer in Bos- 
ton. I^ater he started an emploj-ment bureau. Then coming to Ports- 
mouth, he entered into l)usiness here as a baker, and also employed 
lal'orers. In 1912 he began business here as a contractor, his first con- 
tract being for four miles of construction woik for the IVIaine Central 
Railroad. He also built the bottling huihh'ng for the Portsmouth Brew- 
ery. .\t the present time he is engaged in 1)uilding the armory for the 
go\ernment. having about twentv men in his employ. Mr. Sacco is 
m. Tried and has a family of seven children, namely: Frank, John. James. 
\'ictnria. .\ntonia. Aleana and a babv as vet unnamed. He and his fani- 
il\- are members of the Catholic church. He belongs to the Fraternal 
Order of Eagles and to the Foresters. In politics he is independent. 




.MI!S. JdllX W. t ASWKI.I, 




JOHN \V. CASWEI.L 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 937 

FRANK P. HUGHES, owner and operator of a good farm of ninety 
acres in the town of Greenland, on the Winnicut road, Rockingham 
County, N. H., who is also one of the town's assessors, was born in 
this town, March 9, 1864, a son of Edward and Catherine (Ahern) 
Hughes. His parents, both natives of Ireland, came to this country 
when young and married here. Both are now deceased. The father 
was a farmer and they were members of the Catholic church. Their 
children were Peter, \\'illiam, Joseph, John E. and Frank P. 

Frank P. Hughes acquired his education in the common schools, 
after which he assisted his father on the latter's farm until he was 
fifteen years of age, subsequently working on other farms. He bought 
his present place in 1899 from the heirs of George Davis, it being then 
known as the George Davis farm. Here he is engaged in general farm- 
ing, employing one hand, and raising stock for his own use only. A 
Democrat in politics, he takes an active interest in local affairs, and 
served for six or seven years as selectman. 

On February 7, 1899, Mr. Hughes married Catherine Regan, who 
was born in Ireland, a daughter of John and Catherine Regan. Her 
parents never came to this country. They had a large family of ten 
children, namely: Nellie, Margaret, Anna, Catherine, John, Jeremiah, 
Michael, James, Patrick and Cornelius. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have had 
three children born to them, Joseph F., William P. and Catherine E. 
The family are members of the Catholic church at Portsmouth. 

ALFRED F. HIGGIXS, proprietor of an ice cream factory at 
E.xeter, N. H.. was born at Wellfleet, Mass., October 14, 1867, son of 
John G. and Hattie E. (Cole) Higgins. The business now carried on 
bv tlie subject of this sketch was started by his father about 1888, he 
having for some years before that been in the fish business. John G. 
Higgins died April 21, 1912, and was buried in E.xeter. He was a 
Republican in politics. He and his wife were both natives of Massa- 
chusetts. Their children were : Charles B., Alfred F., Frank C. and 
George E. 

Alfred F. Higgins, alter attending the common schools, went to the 
high school for one year. He then became his father's assistant and 
was associated with him thereafter until his death, except for three 
years, during which he was engaged in teaming. On the death of his 
father he Ijought out all the other heirs to the ice cream business and 
has since carried it on successfully alone. He supplies all the surround- 
ing territory and has a yearly output of 13,000 gallons, employing two 
men, besides himself and son. 

Mr. Higgins was married at Whitman. Mass., to Miss Al)bie F. 
Phillips, a native of Brocton, Mass., and daughter of Anthony and 
Carrie A. (Whidden) Phillips, her father being a shoemaker of that 
place. The Phillips family numljered five children — George, Jennie, 
Eva. Agnes and Carrie A. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins have a family of 
eleven children, as follows: Sadie B., wife of Joseph Hillis, who has 
two children, Beatrice and Harold: Charles B., who graduated from the 
Exeter high school and Phillips Exeter xAcademy, and is now a student 
at Brown University: Daniel C. associated in business with his father: 
Frances Willard. who married John Lary: Harriett H., Alfred H,. 
Roger. George, Harold, Grace and Carrie E., dead. Mr. Higgins and 



938 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

family are affiliated religiously with the Methodist church. In politics 
he is a Republican. 

ISAAC RANDALL, a prosperous farmer and lumberman of Hamp- 
stead, Rockingham County, X. H., comes of an old New England family. 
His paternal great grandfather married Jane Worth, a daughter of 
Captain William Worth of Revolutionary distinction. 

Jacob Randall, grandfather of the subject of this record, was born 
in Amesbury, N. H., and was a soldier in the United States Army 
during the War of 1812. He married Belinda Bond, and among their 
children was Isaac Randall, Sr. The latter was born in Chester, and for 
a greater part of his career, his business was that of getting oui ship 
timber. He married Sarah W. Bartlett of Salisbury, Mass., and their 
children were: Mary A., wife of Ladd Richardson; Sarah F., wife of 
A. W. Foot; Jane \V., wife of T. AI. Cook; Eleanor T., wife of H. P. 
Williams; Abbie, wife of F. M. Rice; Isaac, whose name heads this 
record; and Laura F., who died in infancy. The father of this family 
died in August, 1865. 

Isaac Randall, Jr., was born in East Chester, X. H., October 4, 1859, 
and received an educational training in the public and high schools of 
Hampstead. Upon leaving school he worked in a box factory three, 
years, then went to West Hampstead where he was in the employ of Mr. 
Ordway two years. .After working in Haverhill for a short time he 
returned to Hampstead and worked in a store for ten years. At the 
end of that time he bought the store which he conducted for some 
years, and during a part of the time also conducted a general store in 
East Hampstead. He is now engaged in farming and does a large knn- 
ber business. He was appointed postmaster under President Harrison 
and efficiently filled that office for a period of twenty-four years. He 
has served as town clerk and selectman. 

In 1889. Mr. Randall was united in marriage with Aliss .Vice Spol- 
lett and they have three children : Eleanor T., Morris I., and Evelyn W. 
Fraternally Mr. Randall is a niemljer of the Masonic Order at Derry, 
and of the Junior Order United Mechanics. 

.\DIX S. LITTLE, a member of the firm of Little, Frost & Co.. 
general merchants at Hampstead, X'^. H., was born in this town. Octo- 
ber 14, 1870, a son of .\din L. and Mary E. (Mooers) Little. His pa- 
ternal grandfather was Louis Little, a cooper by trade. .Adin L.. the 
father, was a carpenter by trade. He was born in Hampstead, N. H., 
and served in the Civil war. His wife. Mary, was a native of Derry. 

Adin S. Little was educated in the public schools of Hampstead. 
after which he took up farming for awhile. He then entered into the 
meat business, in which he was engaged for some fifteen years. Selling 
out at the end of that time, he returned to his farm and cultivated it 
until 1909, at which time he entered into his present partnership with 
Mr. Frost. They have an up-to-date store, well stocked with salable 
goods, and are doing a prosperous business. 

Mr. Little has been town moderator since 1910 and has also been 
a member of the school board for four vears. He belongs to St. Marks 
Lodge, A. F. & A. M.. of Derry. X. H.', and also to the' Chapter. R. A. 
M., to the Junior Order of .American Mechanics, of which he is past 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 941 

state councilor, and to Hampstead Grange, of which he is past state 
commander and past master. 

In 1891 Mr. Little married Fannie C. Emerson, a daughter of Alfred 
P. and Francenia Emerson, and who was born in Hampstead in 1872. 
Their children are: Adin S., born October 28, 1899; Perry S., born 
April 12, 1901 ; Francenia M., born April 30, 1903; and Elizabeth E., 
born December 21, 1908. 

ANDREW MORSE MOULTON. a retired farmer residing at No. 52 
High street, Exeter, N. H., is a native of this state, having been born at 
Hampstead, June 2, 1847. His parents were Caleb and Abigail (Morse) 
Moulton. both of Hampstead, the former a farmer by occupation, at one time 
serving in the ofifice of sheriff. They had three children: Anna, who was 
a teacher in Lawrence, Mass, ; Belle, now deceased, and Andrew M., the sub- 
ject of this sketch. 

Andrew M. Moulton was educated in the common schools, at Phillips 
Exeter Academv, antl at Dartni(juth College, which last named institution 
he attended for two years. He subse(iuently took up farm work, in which he 
was continuouslv occupied until about 1907, when he retired and took u]) his 
residence in Exeter. \\'hile residing in Hampstead he was chairman of the 
board of selectmen for some vears. He belongs to the. Masonic lodge at 
Derry, this county, and to the Junior Order Cnited American Mechanics at 
Hampstead. 

Mr. Moulton was lirst married to Caroline A. Smith, by whom he has 
two children: Walter H., and Clara, who married Frank Darling and has 
three children, Louis, Phillip and Esther. Mr. Moulton's first wife is de- 
ceased. Mr. Moulton was married secondly to Helen G. Smith, a daughter 
of Charles C. and Mary W. ( Berry) Smith (no relation to the first wife), her 
father being a native of Exeter and her mother of Pittsfield. N. H. The 
former, a painter bv occui)ation, was son of Josiah Coffin Smith. They were 
both members of the hirst Congregational Church. Mrs. Moulton was born 
in the house in which she now- lives and has resided all her life in Exeter. 
She had a sister. Marianna Berry, who was the wife of Rev. Charles H. Cole, 
a minister of the Baptist church, but is now deceased. A brother, Charles J., 
is also deceased. She also had a sister Caroline who, like the other sister and 
brother, has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Moulton attend the First Congrega- 
tional Church. They are ])eople well known and highly respected in Exeter. 

LEWELLYN D. DORITY, general farmer, owning a fifty-five 
acre farm on the North Hampton road, in the town of Greenland, 
Rockingham County, N. H., was born in Hancock County, Me., Decem- 
ber 4, 1864, a son of Dean and Lydia (Sheppard) Dority. His parents, 
who are now deceased, both natives of Hancock County, where the 
father followed the combined occupations of farmer and ship carpenter. 
Their children were: Etta, wife of William Horton ; Mary, wife of Ed- 
ward E. Judkins; John, and Lewellyn D. The father and mother of 
these children were each twice married. 

Lewellyn D. Dority acquired his education in the common schools, 
which he attended only twelve weeks in the winter season until twenty 
years of age. During the summer months he was employed on his 
parents' farm. At the age of twenty-one he began working out as a 
farm hand and followed that occupation for several years. He then 



942 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

learned the stone cutter's trade, which he followed for six years, after- 
wards resuming farm work. Nine years ago he bought his present 
farm from John E. Seavey, and has since operated it successfully, doing- 
general farming. He keeps from fifteen to twenty head of cattle, find- 
ing a market for his milk at Beverly, Mass. A Republican in politics, 
he takes an active interest in town affairs and is now serving in his 
second year as selectman. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias 
lodge at North Hampton. 

Mr. Dority was married December 25, 1889, to Anna E. Purington, 
who was born in East Boston, Mass., but reared in Rockingham County, 
N. H. She and her brothers, John and Luther, were the only children 
of Oliver and Emeline (Nealy) Purington. The father, a shoemaker 
and machinist, was from Epping, this county, his wife being a native of 
New Market. Mr. and Mrs. Dority have a son, Charles L., who assists 
his father on the farm. The family attend the Methodist Church. They 
are good representatives of the agricultural population of New Eng- 
land — industrious, thrifty, law-abiding and prosperous. 

THOMAS FOWLER 0\\ EX, a well known and respected citizen 
of Seabrook, N. H., was born in this town, October i, 1878, a son of 
Reese and Joanna (Eaton) Owen. The father, Reese Owen, was born 
in Newport, Wales, in August, 1840, a son of John Owen. He settled 
in Newburyport, Mass., in 1850, coming to Seabrook in the same year. 
Here he engaged in mercantile business, which he followed all his life, 
being one of Seabrook's representative business men. Of a liberal 
disposition, he was very popular among his fellow citizens. For a num- 
ber of years he was a member of the school board. His wife, Joanna, 
was a daughter of Lowell and Paulina (Hunt) Eaton. Their children 
were Thomas Fowler, born in 1878; Walter L., born in 1888, and Sally 
Anna, born in 1897. The father died in 1901. 

Thomas Fowler Owen was educated in the pul)lic schools, at Putnam 
high school and at Bliss Business College. He then taught grammar 
school in Seabrook for a number of years, after which he became book- 
keeper for a shoe company. After teaching school again for one year 
until 1905, he accepted the position of rural letter carrier, which he 
still holds. At the age of twenty-two years he was elected selectman 
and served six years. In 1909 he was elected a member of the school 
board, serving as chairman, being reelected in 1912. From 190J to 
1906 he was chairman of the Republican town committee. He is a 
member of South Seabrook Congregational Church and has been dele- 
gate to state and county conventions. Mr. Owen was married in No- 
vember, 1899, to Miss Anna M. Dow, daughter of Alva and Mary S. 
Dow. They have three children: Harold, born April 19, 1901 ; Ger- 
trude C. born May 2, 1903. and Madeline I., born October 27, 1907. 

JOHN W. WHEELER is a man well known to the people of Rock- 
ingham County, among whom he has always lived. A woolen manu- 
facturer of North Salem until recent years, he did much for the mate- 
rial prosperity of the place, and in fact in every way has done much 
for the communitv, in which during his active life he was always a 
leader. 

Mr. Wheeler was born in the town of Salem, N. H., August 19. 1826, 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 943 

and is a son of John A. and Mary (^Stevens) Wheeler, and a grandson 
of Richard \\ heeler, who was also a native of Salem. John A. Wheeler 
was born in 1796, and died m 1880. He followed agricultural pursuits. 
He and his wife were parents of two sons; John W ., and Abraham, tne 
latter becoming a Methodist minister. 

John \V. Wheeler was reared on a farm and continued in that line 
of work until he was twenty-three years old. He then came to North 
Salem and purchased the old woolen mills. It was a wise move, and 
he was destined to continue as a woolen manufacturer during the re- 
mainder of his active career. As manufacturer of flannels and dress 
goods, he established a reputation of high class and his patronage was 
extensive. He rebuilt the plant in 1881, and continued its operations 
until the building was destroyed by Are in 1907. In view of Mr. Wheel- 
er's ability and public spirit, it is not surprising he was called upon by 
the people to represent them in oiifice, and as a public ofticial he gave 
evidence of the same care and attention he gave to his private affairs. 
He was state representative of the town of Salem four years, and then 
for four years was a member of the State Senate. He was elected to 
the Governor's Council in 1881, and served as such for two years. John 
W. Wheeler was joined in marriage with Phoebe Dow, and they have 
two children: William R., now a deputy sheriff, who received his edu- 
cation in the public schools and in business college at Poughkeepsie, 
N. Y. ; and Ethel M., a graduate of Bradford Academy. 

GEORGE E. ODELL, who, in association with his brother, Samuel 
T. Odell, owns seventy-five acres of good farm land, forty-five of which 
are situated in Greenland and thirty in Stratham, was born in Green- 
land, Rockingham County, N. H., September 6, 1857. His father was 
George Washington Lafayette Odell, and his mother before her mar- 
riage was Elizabeth Libby, born in Scarboro, Me., a daughter of Storer 
Libby. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Dr. George Odell, 
who owned the farm now owned and operated by the Odell brothers, 
and which is known as the George Odell Farm. George W. L. Odell, 
the father, was in early life a speculator and later a farmer. He and 
his wife are both deceased and are buried in Greenland. Their children 
were : George E., whose name appears at the head of this sketch : Sam- 
uel T., who is emploved in the navy vard at Portsmouth, and William 
Allen. 

George E. Odell was educated in the common schools and subse- 
quently took up farming on the farm he now owns in connection with 
his brother and they are carrying on the business very successfully. 
They keep fifteen head of cattle. He is a Republican in politics and 
belongs to the Grange and the Junior Order of American Mechanics. 

Mr. Odell was married October 7, 1913, to Mrs. Alice Barnaby, 
widow of Trueman Barnaby, her parents being from Nova Scotia. By 
her fir-'t marriage she had nine children. The family attend the Con- 
gregational Church, and are numbered among the prosperous agricul- 
tural people of this section. 

GEORGE H. GUPTILL, M. D., one of Rockingham County's prom- 
inent professional men, has been a resident of Raymond, N. H., since 
1888. His practice has been large in extent and successful, and in addi- 



944 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

tion he has actively identified himself with the civic affairs of county 
and state. Dr. Guptill comes of EngHsh descent, his ancestors coming 
to the United States in colonial days and locating in the New England 
States. He was born in Berwick, Me., September 5, 1864, and is a son 
of Albert \V. and Adalaide J. (Roberts) Guptill. 

George H. Guptill attended the public schools until he reached the 
age of twelve, when he was compelled to leave and assist in the duties 
on his father's farm. He continued thus until he was seventeen years 
old. and in the meantime pursued study at home. He then entered 
Suili\an high scIkidI. and was able to complete the course and gradu- 
ate in one year, so conscientiously had he studied. He next entered 
Berwick Academy, but was able to attend but one term, owing to a 
lack of the necessary money. Consequently he taught school during 
the four years following and earned sufficient means to carry him 
through college. In 1885 he matriculated in the Medical College at 
Brunswick, Me., and was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1888. 
On August 19, 1888, he moved to Raymond, N. H., and started in prac- 
tice, and this has been the seat of his activity ever since. He has truly 
carved his own way to success and prosperity, for it was due to his un- 
tiring energy, driven by ambition and high ideals. He won friendships 
on every hand and it was his pleasure to be honored by the people as 
their representative in the legislature. He served ably as representa- 
tive in 1897 and 1898, and in 1910 and 191 1 served his district in the 
State Senate. He was a very useful member of that body, and served 
as chairman of the committee on education, also on the committee of 
public health. He was one of the three members from the House and 
Senate chosen to settle the railroad rate question, and was also on the 
Senate committee on military affairs, state hospitals and labor. He is 
a member of the New Hampshire State Medical Society, and of the 
Rockingham Medical Society, of which he is president. 

Dr. Guptill was married June 4, 1890, to Miss Nellie ]M. True, and 
they had one son, Bernard, who was born June 30. 1891. Mrs. Guptill 
passed from this life May 29, 1892. . On February 12. 1896. the Doctor 
formed a second union with Miss Lizzie C. True, sister of his first wife, 
who also is deceased. Their issue is Nellie May, age seventeen years: 
Pearl Morgan, aged twelve; and George Herbert, Jr., aged eight years. 
Fraternally Dr. Guptill is a member of the Masonic Lodge, of which 
he is past master, and of the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and 
Patrons of Husbandry. He is a Democrat in politics. 

ALBERT H. DRAKE, an active and ]irogressive business man nf 
the town of Rye, was born in this town February 21, 1861, a son of 
Orin and Mary (Odiorne) Drake. The father, a native of Rye, was a 
farmer and butcher. His wife was born in Portsmouth. He was a 
prominent citizen, serving as selectman and in other local offices and 
also representing the town in the legislature. He and his wife attended 
the Methodist Church. Both are now deceased. Their children were: Mor- 
ris: Sarah, wife of Irving J. Seavey: Augusta E., wife of Charles M. Rand, 
and Albert H. 

Albert H. Drake in his boyhood attended the common schools. At 
the age of nineteen years he started in the meat business for liiniself, 
after some experience on his father's meat cart, and has since conducted 




cilAK'l.Ks A. r;A|)(:i:i; 



'AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 947 

his own business as butcher, having a considerable trade in Rye, North 
Hampton, Greenland and Portsmouth. He owns about 75 acres of land 
on the Washington road, and also conducts a retail ice business in the 
town of Rye and a wholesale ice business in Portsmouth. His various 
enterprises are flourishing and he is regarded as one of the prosperous 
and substantial citizens of the town. In politics he is a Democrat, and 
has served as selectman, tax collector and as representative for the town 
of Rye in the State Legislature. 

Mr. Drake was married in January, 1883, to Emma Holmes, who 
was born in Portsmouth, a daughter of Joseph R. and Charlotte (Seavey) 
Holmes, her parents both being natives of Rye. Their other children 
were Anna, wife of W. E. Paul, and Sadie, wife of William J. Carter. 
Mr. and Mrs. Drake are the parents of three children, namely: Ruth 
M., wife of Maning Filbrick, who has a daughter, Catherine ; Joseph 
H., a graduate of a commercial college at Boston, who is employed by 
his father and also holds the office of tax collector in Rye; and Willard, 
also a graduate of the commercial college, who manages his father's 
meat business in Portsmouth, the store being known as Drake's Mar- 
ket. Joseph H. married Anna Gile and has a daughter, Francis. Mr. 
Drake and family attend the Christian Church, of which he has been 
treasurer for the last 25 years. 

CHARLES A. r,AD<'.El-;. a well known resident of Portsmouth, who is 
engaged in business as an agriculturalist, stockman and lumberman, occupies 
what was formerly known as the Frank Jones estate in Ward 3. having re- 
moved to this location from Newington in igo8. He was born in Ports- 
mouth. N. H.. September 11. 1863. a son of David and X'ancy (Campbell) 
Badger. His father is now deceased, but his mother survives and resides with 
him in Portsmouth, being now o\'er seventy-five years old. David Bad.ger 
in early life was a well kno\vn ship Ijuilder of Portsmouth, but later settled 
in Newington and there engaged in farming. He held various municipal 
offices in Portsmouth, and after his removal to Newington, served as select- 
man of that town. In politics he was a Democrat. 

Charles A. Badger was twelve years old when he accompanied his parents 
to Newington. He was educated in the public schools and after completing 
his studies took up farming, in which he has since been engaged very success- 
fully. The estate on which he now resides, which was formerly owned by the 
late Frank Jones, contains about 300 acres and is kept in fine condition by 
its present owner Mr. Badger is an up-to-date and public spirited citizen, 
taking an active interest in everything calculated to advance the moral or 
material betterment of the community, ^^'hile a resident of Newington he 
served creditably tor two years as selectmen, and was a candidate for the 
legislature, running on the Democratic ticket. He is a member of the lodge 
of Elks at Portsmouth, and since comin.g to this city has also been a candidate 
for the legislature, from Ward three. 

Mr. Badger married Catharine Hutchinson of Cambrid,ge, Mass.. whose 
father now resides in that city, her mother being deceased. Mr. and I\Irs. 
Badges have two children : Paul and Orville. 

JUDGE JOHN T. BARTLETT, a prominent attorney of Raymond, 
who is also judge of the Candia Police Court, was born June Q. 1851, 
at Manchester. N. H., a son of John and Harriett (Marston) Bartlett. 



948 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

His ancestors on both sides were of old and distinguished New Eng- 
land families. On the maternal side, Brigadier General Samuel Marston 
belonged to the militia, as did also his son, Col. Thomas Marston. The 
early ancestors of our subject came from England and settled first at 
Hampton and later at Deerfield, N. H. John Bartlett, father of Judge 
Bartlett, was born in Deerfield in 1818 and died in 1865. His wife, 
born in Deerfield in 1816, survived him many years, passing away in 
March, 1S86. Of their seven children, John T. was the fourth in order 
of birth. 

John T. Bartlett acquired his early education in the schools of Man- 
chester and Deerfield. When fifteen years of age he accompanied his 
father's family to Nottingham, where they resided until John T. was 
about twenty years old. During the summers and in the vacations he 
worked on a farm, his first work of this kind being four and a half days, 
for which he received forty-five cents. He then applied himself to 
learn the shoemaker's trade, earning nine dollars a week in the shoe 
factor}' at Derry. Ha\ing saved some money, in 1872 he entered 
Pinkerton Academy, where he was graduated in 1877, having paid his 
own way. He then taught school continuously until 1884 in Deerfield, 
Nottingham, Derry and Raymond, in the meanwhile reading law, the 
study of which he had commenced some time before, with G. C. and 
G. K. Bartlett of Derry. Admitted to the bar at Concord, N. H., in 
August, 1885, on September 7th of that year he opened a law ofiice in 
Raymond, where he has since built up a large and profitable practice. 
He was appointed judge of the Candia Police Court in 1913. In 1888 
he was a member of the Constitutional Convention held at Concord, 
N. H. 

Judge Bartlett was first married in April, 1869, when but eighteen 
years old, to Emma J. Durgin. of Nottingham. She died, leaving no 
children, and on November 30, 1882, he married for his second wife, 
Emma L. Tucker, of Deerfield, N. H. Her father, Charles C. Tucker, 
was a prominent citizen of Rockingham County, and a former super- 
intendent of the farm at Brentwood. He is now deceased. Of Judge 
Bartlett's second marriage four children were born, namely: Ada L., 
wife of Ralph H. Sanborn of Raymond, who has a little daughter, Pris- 
cilla Bartlett Sanborn; Bessie B., wife of Lorenzo D. Dickinson, of 
Vancouver, B. C, who has a son, Robert Bartlett Dickinson; John T., 
Jr.. who married Margaret Abbott, and has a son, Forrest A. ; and 
Rol)ert L., single, who is now a student in the junior class at Dartmouth 
College. The elder children were educated in the Raymond schools 
and at Pinkerton Academy. Deerfield, while John T. took a business 
course at the Bryant & Stratton College at Manchester, and is now 
a newspaper man and magazine writer at V^ancouver. B. C. Judge 
Bartlett belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, including 
the Rebeccas and the Encampment, in which he has held all the chairs. 
He is a Democrat in politics and is afifiliated with the Congregational 
Church. A public-spirited citizen, standing high in his profession, he 
enjoys a wide popularity. 

HARLAN L. PHILBROOK. who is a very useful and one of the 
best known citizens of Exeter, serving as an efficient member of the 
police force and also as driver for the steam engine of the city fire de- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 949 

partment, was born at Northampton, N. H., August lo, i860, and is a 
son of Henry M. and Rebecca F. (Leavitt) Philbrook. Tlie father was 
born at Thornton, N. H., but was reared at Northampton. He followed 
the trade of a machinist. The mother was a native of Northampton 
and both died there. They were members of the Congregational Church, 
good, worthy people in every relation of life. They had two sons: 
Willard H.. a resident of Northampton, and Harlan L. 

Harlan L. Philbrook attended the public schools in his native place 
and for two years the Hampton Academy, afterward learning the car- 
penter trade, which he followed until 1884, when he came to Exeter, 
since which time he has been more or less in official life. He has proved 
dependable and is a man who commands general respect and has a Vv'ide 
circle of personal friends. 

On June 20, 1883, Air. Phill)rook was married to Miss Anna W. 
Jenness, of Exeter, who is a daughter of Levi j\I. and Eliza Jane (God- 
frey) Jenness. The father of Mrs. Philbrook was a farmer. She has 
one sister, Ellen, who is the wife of Sylvanus G. Morse. Mr. and Mrs. 
Philbrook have the following children : May L., who is the wife of Irvin 
C. Philbrook, and they have three children, Marion S., John and Harlan ; 
Edith J., who is the wife of Frank R. Goodale, and thev have three 
children, Frank E., Alice and Ruth ; Leonard M. and Frances J., the 
last named being a student at Wellesley College. The family attend 
the First Congregational Church. In politics Mr. Philbrook is a Re- 
publican as was his father. He belongs to the Odd Fellows, Knights 
of Pythias, the local Grange, the New England Order of Protection, 
the Royal Arcanum and various other societies. 

RICHARD L. LOCKE, now living retired in the town of Rye, was 
born in this town October 26, 1832, a son of Richard and Sarah A. 
(Leavett) Locke. The father was born in Rye, N. H., a son of Jerrv 
Locke, and was a sea-faring man all his active life. He, however, found 
time to serve in local office, being a Democrat in politics. He and his 
wife attended the Methodist Church. Their children were as follows: 
Ann, who married first Samuel Foss, and secondly John Goss : Sarali 
Emeline. wife of Woodbury Jenness; Myria, wife of DeW'itt Clinton 
Jewell; Richard L., subject of this sketch; Harriett, who married Rich- 
ard Goss ; and Albert. Only two are now living, Richard L. and Myria. 

Richard L. Locke was educated in the common schools and sub- 
sequently learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed all his life 
until his retirement. A master of his trade he built some of the fine 
residences in the town of Rye, including some at the beach. He is a 
Democrat in politics and has served as selectman and as representative 
to the legislature. 

Mr. Locke married Sarah P. Jenness, a daughter of Reuben P. and 
Mary (Knowles) Jenness, who died in February, 1912, of Rye, her 
father being a farmer. The other children in her parents' family were 
Margaret Ann, who is the wife of Amos Brown, a farmer; and Mary 
Abby. Mr. and Mrs. Locke have had three children, namelv: Reuben 
J.. Annie L. and Arthur. Reulien J. married Bessie Batchelder. He is 
a farmer who also conducts a bathing house at the beach. He has two 
sons, Richard J. and Edwin L. .•\nnie L. Locke is the wife of Langdon 
B. Parsons. .Arthur died at the age of nineteen years. Mr. Locke" and 
the surviving members of his family attend the Congregational Church. 



950 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

ALVTN M. VROUAI, owner and proprietor of a well equipped black- 
smith and wheelwright shop in Exeter, N. H., and a busy and pros- 
perous citizen, was born in Nova Scotia, in 1857, a son of Isaac and 
Ann (^HailJ V'room. Uoth his parents were natives of Nova Scotia, 
where they 'spent their lives, i he father, in early life a farmer, after- 
wards entered into mercantile business, in which he had a successful 
career. His hrst wife, Anne, died in 1862, having been the mother of 
two children — Alvin M. and Florence. He subsequently contracted a 
second marriage, with Serephine Ditmars, of which union there wa.s 
born a daughter. Alary. Isaac Vroom is now deceased. 

Alvin M. Vroom was but hve years old when his mother died. He 
was educated in the common schools of Nova Scotia and when sixteen 
years of age learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed in his 
native land until 1S92, at which time he came to New England. Set- 
tling first at Stratham, N. H., he remained there four years and then 
came to Exeter, where he has since remained with the exception of 
four and a half years which he spent in New York as manager of a" 
blacksmith and wheelwright plant. An industrious and persevering- 
man with a thorough knowledge of his trade, he has built up a good 
business and is regarded as one of the prosperous citizens of the town. 
In politics he is a Republican and his fraternal athliatioiis are with the 
Knights of Pythias. 

Mr. Vroom married Edna Purdy, a native of Nova Scotia, and daugh- 
ter of William and Celia (Wright) Purdy, whose other children were 
James G. and Solon. Mr. and Mrs. Vroom are the parents of three 
children — Mildred, Clifford and Frederick, wdiose records in brief are 
as follows: Mildred is employed in the Exeter public library and as 
recorder in the Probate Ofhce. Clifford, after graduating from Phillips 
Exeter Academy, spent two years at Amherst College, and was sub- 
sequently in the employ of the Exeter Banking Company for three 
years. He is now shipping clerk for the New Market Manufacturing 
Company. Frederick is now in Cambridge, Alass., taking a special 
course in printing and working on the Harvard University Press. Mr. 
Vroom and family attend the Congregational Church. They have a 
wide acquaintance in Exeter and vicinity and are favorable types of the 
best New England citizenship. 

DR. LEWIS O. POLLARD, the leading dentist of Raymond. N. H., 
was born in West Epping, Rockingham County, N. H.. December 13, 
i860, a son of Charles Alfr'ed and OHve J. (Durgan) Pollard. The father 
of our subject was also born in Raymond, March 10, 1828, and died 
in 1908. His wife, who was a native of Nottingham, survived her Inis- 
band only two months, dying in the same year. They had six children, 
of whom Lewis O. was the fourth in order of birth. 

Lewis O. Pollard attended the public schools of Raymond until he 
was fourteen years of age. He then left school to work for his father, 
with whom he continued until he was twenty-one, receiving Jiis board 
and clothes for his work. He then went to Rhode Island, where he 
obtained work in a w'orsted mill. Having persevered in this 
economical mode of life for about two years or more, in 1883 he went 
to Boston, where he entered the Boston Dental College and began the 
study of his profession. He was graduated in 1888. He then came 




3«6tiu i^nn J^css 3^attsram 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 953 

back to Raymond and began the practice of his profession here, vvliere 
he has since remained, being the only dentist in this part of the county. 
He has built up a large practice. 

On April 3, 1884, Dr. Pollard was united in marriage with Jessie 
May Hazelton, of New Market. N. H., and he and his wife are the par- 
ents of two children. Ethel May and Frank Lewis. The former was 
born August 2y, 1889, and after attending school in Raymond, entered 
the seminary at Kingston, where she subsequently graduated. She 
was later graduated as a professional nurse from the Memorial Hos- 
pital at East Bridgewater, and is now following her profession at Provi- 
dence, R. I. Frank Lewis Pollard was born June 15, i8gi, and was 
educated in the schools of Raymond. He married Ellen Belle\ance, and 
ha'-, a daughter, Margery May, born March 4. 1912. 

Dr. Pollard is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in which urder 
he has held all the chairs and has been secretary' of his lodge for about 
twenty years. He also belongs to the Grange and was treasurer of the 
Gold Cross for several years. He is a trustee of the public library in 
Raymond and has ser^-ed the town efficiently on the school board. The 
family to which he belongs is an old one in this locality, the original 
ancestor coming from England. His great grandfather. Barton Pollard, 
was one of the first settlers of Fremont. N. H. Mrs. Pollard is a gradu- 
ate of the Robinson Female Seminary (class of 1880) at Exeter, N. H. 
Her domestic duties occupy too much of her time to permit her to 
devote much of it to club work, but she is a member of the Grange, and, 
with her husliand, takes an appreciative interest in all movements for 
the general welfare and the improvement of local conditions. 

JUSTIN VAN NESS HANSCOM, whose death on Alay 4th, 1905. re- 
moved one of Portsmouth's sterling citizens, was I)orn in Eliot, Me.. Nov. 11, 
1835, a son of Samuel, Jr., and Elizabeth ( Shapleigh ) Hanscom. The father 
of our subject, also a native of Fliot, Me., was a well known shipbuilder 
there for many years. 

Justin V. Hanscom was educated in the public schools, and at an academy 
at Eliot, Me. When a young man he entered his father's employ as clerk 
and later worked for Tobey and Littlefield, who were in the ship building 
line in Portsmouth. N. H. In the early seventies he became secretary and 
confidential man of affairs to Frank Jones. Portsmouth's famous brewer and 
for years one of her most distinguished citizens, remaining with him until 
his own death, as altove narrated. A man of wide acquaintance and univer- 
sally popular, his death caused general sorrow and much S3anpathy was ex- 
pressed for his bereaved family. His remains were interred in the South 
Cemetery, his funeral being largely attended. He was a consistent and de- 
voted member of the Unitarian church, and a man whose word was known 
to lie as good as his bond. 

Mr. Hanscom married Miss Sarah M. Hanscom, a daughter of Samuel 
Hanscom, also a native of Eliot. Me., where he followed the occupation of 
farmer and ship carpenter, and where he died in 1852. Our subject and wife 
were the parents of two children, both daughters, Alice and Clara A., the lat- 
ter being employed with the Granite Insurance Company of Portsmouth. 
Both reside with their mother at No. 249 Islington street. 

HOWARD M. WIGGIN is a highly successful agriculturist of 
Rockingham County, N. H., residing on his valuable farm of one bun- 



954 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

clred and twenty-five acres in the town of Stratham. He was born in 
Strathani on September 14, 1882, and is a son of Herbert and Emma 
L. Wiggin. He is an only child and his widowed mother makes her 
home with him. 

Mr. Wiggin obtained his early educational training in the public 
schools of Stratham and in Exeter High School, after which he pursued 
a two-year course in Durham College. He then returned home and 
took up agricultural pursuits, at which he has been more than ordinarily 
successful. He follows general farming and dairying, shipping milk 
to Boston, Mass. He is a man of progressive ideas, and farms along 
modern lines. 

Howard M. Wiggin was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth B. 
Thurston, who was born in Newton, N. H., and is a daughter of Melvin 
L. and Jessie Thurston. She has the following brothers and sisters: 
Charles H., Ada M., William F. and Cora B. Mr. and Mrs. Wiggin 
have five children, namely: Albert E., Howard M., Lena B., Alice G., 
and Jessie L. Religiously the family attend the Congregational Church. 
Air. Wiggin is independent in politics and takes an earnest interest in 
those measures and candidates calculated to gi\e the highest public 
service. 

HERBERT C. DAY. M. D., of Exeter. N. H., has been engaged 
in the successful practice of his profession in this city for the last sev- 
enteen years. He was born in Bangor, Me., October 9, 1863. His par- 
ents, Herbert and Mary (Sanders) Day, were natives of England, 
in which country they were married. On emigrating to this country, 
they landed at New York and went directly to Maine, where Herbert 
Day was engaged for some time in railroad contracting. He died when 
the subject of this sketch was nine months old. His wife sur- 
vived him, dying at the age of eighty-six years. They were the parents 
of six children, namely: Jason; Alice, who married Hollis Cutting; 
James; Mary, wife of James Ouimby: Edward, and Herbert C. All of 
the three sons Ijecame physicians. Jason practicing his profession at 
Portland, Ore., and James at Waltham, Mass. 

Herbert C. Day began his education in the schools of Bangor, Me., 
and later continued it at Braintree, Mass., where he remained for four 
or five years. After graduating from an advanced school there, he 
entered Dartmouth College, where he studied for two years. He then 
went to Louisville, Ky., and was graduated from the medical depart- 
ment of the LTniversity there in 1896. He began the practice of his 
profession in Chicago, III., but after continuing there for ;il)out a year 
and a half, returned east and opened an office in Exeter, where he has 
since remained. He has built up an excellent practice and is now num- 
bered among the prosperous citizens of Exeter, which is the more to his 
credit, as his education was obtained with difficulty, he having had to 
pay his own school and college expenses, which he did by working in 
his spare time at anything that offered. He is recognized both by his 
brother practitioners and by the public generally as an able physician 
and surgeon, and was town physician of Exeter for eight years. His 
fraternal afTiliations are with the Knights of Pythias of Exeter, the Odd 
Fellows, which order he joined at Lowell, Mass., when he was twenty- 
one years old; and the l\ed Men of Exeter. He also belongs to the 



AND REPRLSENTATIVE CITIZENS 955 

Swainscott and the Exeter Clubs, and to the county and state medical 
societies. 

Dr. Day was married, October 19, 1898, to Miss Lena S. Spaulding, 
a daughter of George and Myria Martha (Towne) Spaulding, of Hunt- 
ingdon, Vt., where Mr. Spaulding was engaged in business as a chair 
manufacturer. Dr. and Mrs. Day attend the Second Congregational 
Church of Exeter. They have a wide acquaintance among the best 
people of the town, where both are highly esteemed. In politics the 
Doctor is a Republican. He takes an active interest in the public wel- 
fare and his aid and influence can generally be enHsted in behalf of any 
good cause, whether for the moral or material betterment of the com- 
munity. 

JOHN RUSSELL FRENCH, owner of two good farms in the town 
of North Hampton, comprising in all some 400 acres, was born in 
Boston, Mass.. March 23, 1882, son of Oliver S. and Clara B. (Drake) 
French. Both parents were natives of North Hampton. The father, 
who died in i88g. was engaged in the milk Inisiness. running a whole- 
sale business in Boston. His wife survives him and resides in Mont- 
clair, New Jersey. They had two children, John Russell and Lemira. 
The latter married Herbert Davidson and they have a son, Coolidge^ 
The paternal grandparents of our subject were John F. and Lemira 
(Leavitt) French. 

John Russell French was educated in the common schools of Boston 
and at a commercial college there. He then engaged in the milk busi- 
ness in that city and was thus occupied for several years, when he sold 
out and started a creamery. This he sold about four years ago. at 
which time he came to North Hampton, where he is engaged in gen- 
eral farming, shipping his produce to Salem, Mass. He keeps between 
fifty and sixty head of cattle, mostly Holsteins. and gives employment 
to three hands the year round. His farm, which he inherited from his 
grandmother, has been owned in the French family for the last seventv- 
five years. 

Mr. French married Clara Lagreze, daughter of Hermann C. and 
Emily (Zeigler) Lagreze. Her father was secretary of the German, 
and also of the Austria-Hungary consulate at Boston. Mrs. French's 
parents had two children, there being a son, George IT., in addition to 
Clara, the wife of Mr. French. Mr. and Mrs. French have one son, 
John Russell French. Jr. The family are connected with the Congre- 
gational Church. Mv. French belongs to the Knights of Pvthias lodge 
in North Hampton. In politics he is a Republican. 

.\LBERT BACHELDER, owner and proprietor of Bachelder Inn 
at Little Boar's Head, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, is a well 
known citizen of this locality in which he has always lived. He was 
born in North Hampton. N. H.. in 1842, and is a son of James and 
Elizabeth (Bachelder) Bachelder of Rockingham Count}-. They were 
parents of five sons and five daughters, of which number l>ut three sur- 
vive, namely: Ambrose: Ann M., widow of George Hill: and Albert. 

Albert Bachelder attended the public schools and Hampton .\cad- 
emj'. after which he worked on the railroad for three years. He also 
was in the grocery business for a time and in i86g he embarked in his 



956 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

IMcsent business. As proprietor of the Bachelder Inn, he has e>lai)- 
lished a high class reputation, and enjoys a liberal patronage. In 1892 
and 1893 he served in the State Legislature and at various other times 
has been called upon to fill official positions of trust. He served eight 
years on the board of health, twelve years as supervisor, and since 
1905 has been chairman of Little Boar's Head precinct of the town of 
North Hampton. He served several terms as a member of the board 
of selectman of North Hampton, and at the present time is chairman 
of that board. 

Mr. Bachelder was united in marriage with }\Iiss Abbie M. Lam- 
prey, who was born in North Hampton and is a daughter of Jonathan 
Lamprey, a prominent farmer of this town. They have reared three 
children: Josephine B., wife of McPherson Wiltbank ; Mary Ida; and 
lames L., who married Viola Reading, of Portsmouth, and is engaged 
in farming in North Hampton. Religiously, they attend the Congrega- 
tional Church. The son and daughters attend the Episcopal Church. 

ABRAM J. DRAKE, owner and proprietor of the Drake House at 
Rye Beach, N. H., was born in the town of Rye, Rockingham County, 
N. H., September 14, 1845. His parents, both natives of Rye, are now 
deceased. The father, Joseph Drake, was a farmer. His wife, before 
marriage, was Clarissa Dwight Knowles. They were members of the 
Methodist Church, Their children were : Adams E. ; Annie D., wife 
of Joseph W. Garland; Leona, wife of Blake H. Rand; John O.; Mary, 
deceased, first wife of Alfred Seavey ; Clarissa, wife of Alfred Seavey ; 
Abram T- ; and James B., deceased. The paternal grandfather of our 
subject was .Abraham Drake. 

Abram J. Drake was educated in the common schools. He then 
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for ten years. He 
then built a hotel which was destroyed by fire in 1873, after which he 
built his present hotel at Rye Beach, which he has now conducted 
successfully for thirty-eight years. The hotel contains thirty-two rooms, 
and is fitted up in modern style, and in the summertime enjoys a fine 
patronage. 

Mr. Drake, who was married Octolier 2-, 1870, to Emma .X. Phil- 
brick, who was born in Rye, N. H., and is a daughter of Benjamin 
and Angeline (Batchelder) Philbrick, of Rockingham County. N. H., 
her father being a carpenter. They had two children, Albion and Emma. 
Mr. Drake is a Democrat in politics. He belongs to Osgood Lodge, 
L O. O. F., at Portsmouth, and he and his family are affiliated with the 
Congregational Church. 

EDWARD E. NOWELL. station agent for the Boston and Maine 
Railroad at Exeter, and who as general agent has charge of all the 
railroad business at this point, is one of the substantial citizens and 
home owners of this place. He was born at Salmon Falls, N. H.. and 
is a son of Eben S. and Abra (Wentworth) Nowell. 

Eben S. Nowell was a very prominent man in Strafiford County for 
many years and a leading factor in Republican politics. Pie served 
in numerous local offices and later as deputy sheriff and as shenff. He 
was also station agent at Salmon Falls for thirty-one years. He mar- 
ried ;i dauiiliter of Major John B, Wentworth, who was prominent in 




GEORGE A. CARLISLE 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 959 

military affairs. She also died at Salmon l-"alls. They were the parents 
of the following children: Edward Everett; Jessie, who is the wife 
of Albert H. Morton, of Sewell, Mass. ; Mary and Annie, twins, the lat- 
ter of whom married Daniel Bracket; and E. Lincoln. 

After graduating from the Salmon Falls High School, Edward E. 
Nowell attended Berwick (Me.) Academy for one year and then learned 
the art of telegraphing, beginning work at Salmon Falls where he con- 
tinued until 1884, when he came to Exeter. He has had charge of the 
railway business here for the past sixteen years and is probably one 
of the best known men of the city. Aside from this he has other claims 
to recognition and prominence, having ser\'ed honorably in a number 
of public positions. He was twice elected to the General Assembly on 
the Republican ticket and serving in 1901 and 1903 as representative 
from the town of Exeter, also has been police commissioner and for 
four years was deputy sheriff of Strafford County. 

In July. 1887, Mr. Nowell was married to Miss Dorothy M. Clark, 
who was born at Wells, Me., a daughter of Gustavus and Annie (Wells) 
Clark. Mr. Clark was in the contracting business. The brothers and 
sisters of Mrs. Nowell are: Charles H.; Eunice, wife of Clarence S. 
Gray; Gustavus; and Alice, wife of George A. Archer. Mr. and Mrs. 
Nowell attend the Congregational Church. Mr. Nowell is a member of 
the Republican CIuIj of Rockingham County ; belongs to the Red Men 
and the Royal Arcanum, and to Masonic Blue Lodge, Chapter and 
Council at Exeter. The handsome family residence is at No. 71 Park 
Street, Exeter. 

GEORGE A. CARLISLE, county commissioner of Rockingham County, 
and one of Exeter's foremost business men, is one of a family of eleven 
children — of whom eight survive — born to his parents, who were Jacob and 
Mary A. (Colcord) Carlisle. The father, Jacob, was extensively engaged in 
the lumljer business up to the time of his death. 

George A. Carlisle was born in Exeter. N. H.. December 8. 1852. His 
education was obtained in the public schools, he completing his studies at the 
high school of his irative town, Exeter. He embarked first in the hardware 
business and plumbing, in which he continued until the year 1900. He then 
re-engaged in business in Exeter, opening a dry goods store, which he con- 
ducted until June, 1909, with marked success, selling out after his retired life 
until first election as county commissioner in 1909. He was re-elected to this 
ofiice in 191 1 and again in 1913. He has served as chaimian of the Board 
of County Commissioners four years and has been identified with the town 
of Exeter for several years in the capacity of a city official, being a selectman 
six years and for some time a member of the board of health. 

Mr. ('arlisle married Miss Anna F. Folsom. a daughter of Ware Folsom, 
of Newport, Me. He and his family affiliate with the Unitarian church, and 
he is a member of the Masonic order, lielonging to the Blue Lodge. Chapter, 
and Council, also to the Eastern Star. A staunch republican in politics, he 
takes a keen interest in anything that concerns the good of the county at large, 
and in jiarticular of his home town Exeter. 

HOWARD F. RAND, who with his son. Frank H., operates a farm 
of eighty acres in the town of Rye. and also do a large business in bot- 
tling pure spring water, was born in this town. September 2S, 1840. a 



960 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

son of Elvin and Martha (VVilleyj Rand. The father of our subject 
was a farmer in Rye, his wife being a native of Concord, N. H. They 
were affiliated witli the Christian Church. They had but two chihJren, 
Howard F., and Clara E., who resides with her brother. The paternal 
grandparents were Daniel and Dorotha Rand ; the maternal grand- 
parents Samuel and Martha \N'ille)-. 

Howard F. Rand was educated in the common schools, which he 
attended during the winters only until he was eighteen years old, dur- 
ing the summers assisting his father on the farm. He resided at home 
until he married and for a time worked the farm on shares. He then 
bought a farm in West Rye, which he operated until coming to his 
present farm about 1879, it being previously the homestead of his wife's 
parents. He for a while had charge of a farm at Mansfield and later 
spent a few years in Connecticut, where he was engaged in the saw- 
mill and grist mill industry, while there serving as selectman and rep- 
resentative in the legislature. On his present farm is a flowing spring 
of pure water, which' has received the endorsement of prominent physi- 
cians and chemists, and which Mr. Rand and his son bottle for sale. 
Much of it is sold in this vicinity, a large quantity being shipped to 
Salem, Mass., and some being sent to private families throughout New 
England, the leading hotels and colleges. It has been pronounced an 
unexcelled table water, refreshing, pure and wholesome. 

Mr. Rand first married Clara E. Odiorne of Rye, by whom he had 
two children: Mary E., wife of George W. Brown, a carpenter; and 
Frank H., who assists his father, and who married Nora Varrell. After 
the death of his first wife, Mr. Rand married Louise M. Marden, a 
daughter of Daniel Marden, of which union there are no children. Mr. 
Rand is a Democrat in politics and is a progressive and enterprising 
citizen who has achieved a comfortable prosperity. 

FLAGG F. GRANT, station agent for the Boston & Maine Railroad 
at Portsmouth, N. H., where for the last twenty-four years he has been 
general agent, was born in Somersworth, N. H., March 22, 1858, a son 
of Stephen and Mary A. (Jellison) Grant. His parents were natives 
of Maine, where the father was in business as a trader. In addition to 
his duties connected with his present position, Mr. Grant has taken 
some active part in local affairs, having served in the council and as 
alderman from his ward. He is a member of the Masonic Order, hav- 
ing advanced as far as the Commandery, and also belongs to the Odd 
Fellows. He married Carrie E. May, a native of Milan, N. H., and 
they have two children. Editha M. an<l Marjorie B. The family attend 
the Methodist Church. 

ELIZABETH B. M.\RSTON, who resides during the summertime 
at the old Marston homestead in the town of Brentwood, about three 
miles south of Epping, N. H.. was born in Chelsea. Mass., a daughter 
of Samuel M. and Elizabeth (Baker) Marston. Five generations of the 
family have been liorn in this homestead, including Miss Marston's 
.great-great-grandfather. The Marstons are related to former Governor 
Prescott : also to Governor Plummer. who was from Epping. and was 
the second governor of New Hampshire. On the maternal side. Daniel 
Flanders was a member of General Lafayette's bodyguard, and also 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 961 

served in the War of 1812-15. A David ]\Iarston, of this family, was 
also in the Revolution, serving as Heutenant. The immigrant ancestors 
on both sides came from England at a very early day, settling in Hamp- 
ton, N. H., and later coming to Exeter. 

Samuel M. Marston, father of Elizabeth, was born on the old home- 
stead in Brentwood, March 27,, 1821. He was a carpenter and a man 
of more than ordinary skill in his craft. At one time he worked in 
Boston, being employed to do the inside finishing on some fine steamers. 
Although a highly intelligent man, taking a warm interest in local, state 
and national affairs, he would never consent to accept public office. 
His death occurred November 24, 1894. His wife, Elizabeth, born in 
April, 1817, died a few months before her husband, on June 19, 1894. 
Their children were Clara H., Daniel W., Martha A.. David, Elizabeth 
B., and Annie I. Daniel, Martha and David are deceased. Clara H. 
married John L. Nicolson, son of J. B. Nicolson. who was a commodore 
in the U. S. Navy, and they reside in Everett, Mass. They have had 
two children, Frank S., now deceased, and Clara M. The latter is the 
wife of Stephen A. Bathrick, of Everett, Mass., and has had three chil- 
dren — Walter M., now deceased; Clara J., now eleven years old, and 
Frank, who is eight. Annie I. Marston married Edward M. Shallies, 
of Chelsea, Mass., where she now resides ; she has no children. 

Elizabeth B. and Clara H. Marston were both educated in the schools 
of Chelsea, Mass., Elizabeth qualifying herself for the profession of 
teacher at the Dansville Normal School. For the last thirty years 
she has taught in the public schools of Everett, Mass., in which city 
she resides during most of the year, the family residence in Brentwood 
being closed except during the summer. She is a lady of culture and 
refinement, and belongs to the Everett Teachers' Club, but is not affil- 
iated with any other societies. 

ALBERT S. WETHERELL, a prominent business man of Exeter, 
who has been established in the drug business there since 1873, owns 
Norridgewock, Me., as his native town, he having been born there 
October 5, 1851. His parents were Samuel B. and Althea (Keene) 
Wetherell, both natives of Maine, in which state they died. The father, 
a blacksmith by occupation, was a son of Charles Wetherell. 

The subject of this sketch was one of six children, all sons, his 
brothers being Charles K., James, William, Augustus and Lewis. He 
was educated at the Eaton school in Norridgewock and after complet- 
ing his studies there went to Gloucester, Mass., where he obtained em- 
ployment in a drug store. He worked there three years, learning the 
business. Then, in 1873, he came to Exeter and established his present 
store, which he has since conducted successfully. His store is the old- 
est drug store now in Exeter, and Mr. Wetherell is the veteran drug- 
gist of the town, though it was not until 1875, two years after coming 
here, that he was regularly qualified under the state law passed at that 
time requiring the registration of druggists. He is a director in the 
Co-operative Bank, and has been a member of the investment commit- 
tee since its organization. 

A Republican in politics. Mr. Wetherell has for many years taken 
an active part in public affairs. He has been a member of the Repub- 
lican State Committee for twelve years and a member of the executive 



962 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

committee for the same length of time. He has been president of the 
County Repubhcan Chib. In 1893-95 he was a member of the legis- 
lature, and a member of the senate in 1901 ; for three years he was one 
of the commissioners of pharmacy. His fraternal affiliations are with 
the Odd Fellows lodge in Exeter and with the Knights of Honor at 
Boston. 

Mr. Wetherell was married in February, 1875, to Dora E. Young, 
a native of Exeter, N. H., and daughter of William Young, a carpenter, 
whose other children were: Sarah, now deceased; Charles William and 
George H. Mr. and Mrs. Wetherell have had four children: Lillian; 
Edith, the wife of Andrew Donaldson, and has one child, John ; Lewis 
S., who was drowned at the age of fourteen years; and Albert S. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wetherell are members of the Unitarian Church, he being 
the treasurer of Unity Hall Society branch of the church. 

EPHRAIM A. PEABODY, head of the general contracting firm 
of Peabody and Sons, is also president of the Salem Manufacturing 
Company, and is one of the foremost business men of Salem, New- 
Hampshire. He was born .in Methuen, Mass., August 5, 183^. and is 
a son of Ephraim and Abiah (Messer) Peabod}'. He has one brotlicr 
and one sister, namely : John and Jane. 

Ephraim A. Peabody was ten years old when he was put out for 
four years to work on a farm for his board and clothes. Then he worked 
for a time in a shoe factory. At the age of twenty he went to California 
where for seven years he was engaged in mining and worked at the 
mason's trade. Returning to his New England home he worked as a 
mason for five years, then started in business for himself as a contractor 
and builder. He built up a large and remunerative business, and now 
has his sons in association with him, operating as Peabody & Sons. The 
Salem Manufacturing Co., of which he is president, operates a large 
plant in Salem, giving employment to a considerable force of men. 
In 1863, Mr. Peabody was united in marriage with Rachel Bradford 
and the following are the issue of this union : Ida, deceased ; John, 
Eva, Charles, Emma, Mae and Abby. I\Ir. Peabody is a man of strong 
personality and has man}' friends throughout this region. 

ARTHUR C. WALKER, a prosperous merchant of Rye, N. H., 
dealing in meats and groceries, also operating a variety store in con- 
nection with his other business, was born in Rye, November 17, 1873, 
a son of George S. and Augusta (Page) Walker. Both his parents were 
born in this county, the father in Rye and the mother in North Hamp- 
ton. Their children were: Eliza Ann, wife of Charles Grant, and Maude 
Gertrude, wife of Fred Hankin. By a second marriage, to Christie Foss, 
George S. W'alker has two other children, Raymond O. and Dona A. 

Arthur C. Walker was educated in the common and high schools 
of Rye. He then worked for some years in Portsmouth as clerk in a 
meat and grocery business. He then had a grocery store at Rye for 
a while, but was burned out and returned to Portsmouth, where he 
continued in the same business. Later he was clerk for \\'illiam Ward 
& Sons for ten or twelve years, after which, returning to Rye, he estab- 
lished himself in his present business. He is a Republican in politics, 
and has served on the local school board. He is past master of the 




^o 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 965 

Grange, past councilor of Seaside Council, Junior Order of American 
jMechanics and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias at Portsmouth 
and to the Royal Arcanum. 

Mr. Walker was married November 25, 1897, to Ariadne M. Banks, 
who was born in New London, Ct., a daughter of Fred S. and Ida 
M. (Saggers) Banks, her father being a native of Amesbury, Mass., 
and her mother of New London, Ct. They had two children, Ariadne 
M.. now Mrs. Walker, and Fred Percy. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have 
two children, lona A. and Doris E. They attend the Congregational 
Church. Mrs. Walker holds the office of postmistress at Rye. having 
been appointed under civil service rules, during the administration of 
President Taft. 

DANIEL GILAIAN. postmaster at Exeter, N. H.. to whicli position he 
was appointed in 1912, was born in Exeter August 6, 1851. His parents were 
Joseph Taylor and ^Nlary E. (Gray) Gilman; the father, a native of this state, 
was a son of Col. Nathaniel Gilman. He was for a number of years con- 
nected with the English firm of Russell & Co., engaged in the Chinese trade, 
and had his head(juarters in China. He died in 1862. By his wife IMary, 
who was a native of Boston, !ilass., he was the father of three children — 
Daniel; Edward H., who died in 190 1"; and Mary L. In 1868, six years after 
her husband's death, Mrs. Gilman married for her second husband Ex-gover- 
nor Charles H. Bell. She survived him some years, dying in 1904. 

Daniel Gilman, our direct subject, was educated in various boarding 
schools, at Exeter Academy and at Brown University, Providence, R. I. After 
completing his studies he went to Chicago, where he found employment, re- 
maining two years. He then bought a farm in Illinois, which he operated 
from 1869 until 1883. Returning at the end of that time to Exeter he here 
organized the Rubber Step Manufacturing Cpmpany, of which he is still 
president. \\'illiam F. Stearns being treasurer and manager. His appointment 
to the office of postmatser has lieen already mentioned. He has an assistant 
and three clerks under him in the office, besides six carriers and one substi- 
tute engaged in the work of delivery. A capable business man, he is serving 
with credit to himself and to the general satisfaction of the townspeople. 

Mr. Gilman was married in 1887 to ^liss Minnie Crawford, a native of 
Tennessee and daughter of Col. Robert A. and Lucretia (Remine) Crawford. 
They have been the parents of two children — Crawford, who is now deceased, 
and Daniel Edward. Mr. Gilman belongs to the Unitarian church, his wife 
being an Episcopalian. They are popular members of Exeter society. 

REUBEN JENNESS LOCKE, who conducts a small farm in the 
town of Rye, also having a confectionery stand and large bath house at 
Rye Beach, was born in this town May 31, 1863, a son of Richard L. 
and Sarah (Jenness) Locke. He is a descendant in the eighth genera- 
tion from Capt. John Locke, the immigrant ancestor of the family. 
He was educated in the schools of Rye and afterwards became asso- 
ciated with his father in truck gardening, they also raising chickens for 
the market. About twenty-five years ago he started his present busi- 
ness, establishing a bath house of fifty rooms at the beach, which he 
gradually increased, until he now has 175 bath rooms. The house is 
known as Locke's Pavilion, and is furnished with a heating apparatus 
for providing hot salt water. Industrious and persevering, he has estab- 



96G HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

lished a successful enterprise and is one of the prosperous citizens of 
the town. He is a Democrat in poHtics, has served as town treasurer, 
and is one of the commissioners of the precinct in which he lives. Mr. 
Locke married February 23, 1898, Bessie Batchelder of North Hamp- 
ton, and they are parents of two sons, Richard J. and Edward B. He 
and his wife attend the Congregational Church. 

GEORGE W. THOM, a contractor and builder of Salem, N. H., 
has been thus engaged for more than thirty years. The character of 
his work has been such he has always commanded a liberal patronage 
of the- people, and hundreds of buildings stand as a monument to his in- 
dustry and integrity. 

Mr. Thom was born in Salem, N. H., November 25, 1848, and is 
a son of Isaac and Louise Ann (Whittier) Thom, and a grandson of 
Joseph Thom. who was born in Windham, N. H. Isaac Thom was born 
in Salem in 1813, and through his active career was a farmer and a 
stone cutter. He also served for a time as overseer of the poor. 

George W. Thom received his educational training in the public 
schools and in Pinkerton Academy, after which he learned the trade of 
a carpenter. He worked as cutter in a shoe factory for ten years, but 
during the past thirty years has been engaged in contracting and build- 
ing. He served two years as selectman of his town, and has always 
been deeply interested in the improvement of the community. 

In 1870, Mr. Thom was married to Miss Mary G. Austin, a daugh- 
ter of George W. Austin. Her death occurred in 1894, and she is sur- 
vived by her husband and two children: Joseph I., born in October, 
1872: and Flora A., born in 1889. Mr. Thom is affiliated with the Pil- 
grim Fathers, and the Patrons of Husbandry. 

FREDERIC WILLIAM DE ROCHEMONT. a general farmer 
owning 90 acres of land in the town of Newington, was born in this 
town, April 11, 1841, a son of Frederic William and Myria Louisa de 
Rochemont. The father was a native of Portsmouth, where, during 
his later years, he was engaged in the fire insurance business. His 
wife whose maiden name was Myria Louisa de Witt, was born in 
South America. Of their ten children but four are now living, namely : 
Frederic W., Myria L. Ricker, E. Jennie Parsons and Clarence M. 

The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of 
Newington. He remained at home until twenty years of age and then 
went to North Andover, Mass., where for two years he worked in a 
paint shop. Then, returning home, he became associated with his father 
in the insurance business, being thus employed for three years, at the 
end of which time he returned to the homestead, where he has since 
been engaged in farming. He has served the town as tax collector for 
five terms, has also been selectman and a member of the board of edu- 
cation and in 1893 was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. 
Fraternally he belongs to the Grange and to the Red Men. 

Mr. de Rochemont was married March 20, 1867, to Sarah Frances 
Adams, of Newburyport, Mass., a daughter of Joseph C. and Sarah B. 
(Nutter) Adams. Her parents were natives of Newington, N. H. Their 
children were Gilman, Anetta, Addie, Emma, Josephine and Sarah F. 
Mr. and Mrs. de Rochemont are the parents of five children — Harrv, 



AND RF.IM^ESENTATIVE CITIZENS 967 

Frederic William, Amelia, Winnie and Joseph Adams, whose records 
in brief are as follows: Harry, who is toll collector at Kittery bridge, 
married Anna McKenzie, who is now deceased. They had seven chil- 
dren, Mabel, Willie, Lawrence, Archie, Orville, Harry, Jr., and Bernard 
M., who died in infancy. iM-ederic W. is baggage master for the B. & M. 
Railroad at Portsmouth. He married Cora Pickering and they have two 
children, Francis and Eunice. Amelia first married Andrew Neal, by 
whom she had three children, George, Roy and Margaret. After the 
death of Mr. Neal she married Albert Garland, of which marriage there 
is one child, Julia. Winnie is the wife of Oscar Pinkham and has seven 
children, Mariom, Richard, Oscar, Francis, Winnie, Margaret and Caro- 
lyn. Joseph A. marrieil I*"lossie Wallace and they have one child, 
Wallace. The family atteml the Congregational Church. 

REV. TTCilS HARRISON THAYER, pastor of the North Con- 
gregational Church, Portsmouth, N. H., was born in Westfield, Mass., 
Noxember jX. 1N37, a son of Lucius Fowler and Martha (Harrison) 
Th,i\er. He is a descendant of Richard Thayer and Dorothy Mortimer, 
his wife, who came to Braintree, Mass., in 1640, from Thornbury, Eng- 
land. The Thayers ha\c been i-esidents in Westfield for a number of 
generations. 

The subject of this sketch, who was the eldest child of his parents, 
began his education in the pubhc schools of Westfield, Mass., and sub- 
sequentlv fitted for college. Before taking up his collegiate course, 
liowever, he followed a sea-faring life for two years, 1876-78, being 
supercargo on the ship "Lucy S. Wells," in the East Indies. He then 
entered Amherst College, where he was graduated A.B. in 1882. In 
1882 and 1883 lie was with the Franklin Foundry and Machine Company, 
of Providence, R. I., and was subsequently engaged in teaching and in 
reading law until 1885. In the fall of the latter year he entered Yale 
LTni\ersity, from which he was graduated B. D. in 1S88. He was Dwight 
Fellow at Yale, 1888-90. He was called to Portsmouth in the spring 
of 1890, but traveled in Europe until November of that year, when he 
came to this city. He was ordained and installed pastor of the North 
Congregational Church January 28, 1891, since which time he has served 
in that ofifice. In 1909 he received the degree of D.D. from Dartmouth 
College. Since 1908 he has been a member of the Prudential Committee 
of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and 
president of the New Hampshire Home Missionary Society since 1909. 
He has been a member of the Portsmouth Board of Instruction since 
1895. 

Mr. Thayer was married, June 29. 1892, at Westfield, Mass., to Helen 
Chadwick Rand, a daughter of Albert T. and .Sophia (Chadwick) Rand, 
all natives of Westfield. Mrs. Thayer was a graduate of Smith College 
in 1884. and later attended Newnham College, Cambridge, England. 
She was a founder of the College Settlement in New York, in 1889. 
has served as trustee of Smith College and is president of the College 
Settlements Association. Mr. and Mrs. Thayer are the parents of three 
children, two sons and one daughter, namely: Dorothy Goldthwait, 
born 1893: Lucius Ellsworth, born 1896. and Sherman Rand, born 1904. 
Mr. Thayer has three brothers and one sister now living — Hiram H. 
Thayer, of Minneapolis, Minn. : AVilliam F. Thayer, of Somerville, Mass. ; 



968 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY . 

Charles S. Thayer, of Hartford, Conn., and Mary S. Thayer, of West- 
field, Mass. Since coming to Portsmouth he and his wife have made 
many friends among the people of the city. They have ever kept in 
mind the fact that the highest aim in life is to perform useful service for 
God and humanity, and their influence has been felt for good in many 
directions. 

NORMAN H. BEANE, a prosperous merchant of Portsmouth, X. 
H., where he conducts a large boot and shoe store, on Congress street, 
also carr\ing a full line of men's and boys' clothing, was born in Newing- 
ton. X. H.. June 13, i(S76, a son of Henry and Marguerite (Xewhall) 
Beane. His father, a native of Massachusetts, following farming there for 
a number of years. The family was a large one, numbering nine children. 

Xornian H. Beane was educated in the public schools and embarked 
in his present business in 1907. He has been very successful, and is now 
numbered among the leading citizens of the county. A Republican in 
politics, he has taken a strong interest in local affairs and has served 
ably in official positions. For ten years he was superintendent of the 
County Poor Farm, and in 191 1 was elected to the board of county com- 
missioners, in 1913 being made its chairman. He is a member of the 
Masonic order, is a Knight Templar, and belongs to the "Shrine" at Con- 
cord ; also to Geneva Lodge, I. O. O. F., the B. P. O. E., and the Ports- 
mouth .\thletic Club. 

^Ir. Beane married Miss Belle Prescott, a daughter of George Pres- 
cott, of Epping, N. H. He and his wife are members of the Congrega- 
tional church, taking an active part in its good work. They have a wide 
acciuaintance among the prominent people of the city and county and 
are highly esteemed for their personal characteristics. 

GEORGE C. HEALE\', who is engaged in agricultural operations 
in Hampton Falls, was born in this town, August j6, 1853, 'i son of Wells 
V.'eare and Sarah E. (Dodge) Healey. He is a grandson of W'ells 
Flealey. in former days an extensive farmer of Hampton Falls, who in- 
troduced the first horse-rake and mowing machine ever used in the 
town. W'ells Healey married Elizabeth, daughter of Joshua Pickering, 
of Xorth Hampton. He died in 1857. His children were: Wells W., 
father of the subject of this sketch ; Charles N-. a large farmer in Strat- 
ham : ^^'illiam P., who was a sea captain, and Newell W. 

W'ells Weare Healey was born in the town of Hampton Falls in 1820. 
He became one of the town's leading citizens, representing it in the legis- 
lature in 1852-1853. He married Sarah E., daughter of Isaac Dodge, 
and they had two children: George C, and Mary h^rances, who died 
in 1S85. 

George C. Healey was educated in the public schools and at Andover 
Academy (Mass.), subsequently taking a course in Amherst Agricultural 
College. He has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is now 
one of the progressive and prosperous farmers of his town. He has 
caken a prominent part in public affairs, having served efficiently in vari- 
ous offices. He was town clerk and selectman for a number of years; 
representative in 1889, and a delegate to the constitutional convention 
in 19T2. On December 14. 1881, he married Miss Harriett Dodge, daugh- 
ter of John William and Harriett (Dimklee) Dodge of Hampton Falls. 
He and his wife lia\'e a daughter, Frances, born July 4. 1886. 




THOMAS SMITH 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 971 

THOMAS SMITH, proprietor of a flourishing shoe business in Exeter, 
N. H., which he estabhshed in September, i8g8, was born in Ireland, Febru- 
ary 2-/, 1873. His parents, Edmond and Nora (Cotter) Smith, never came 
to this country, the mother dying in her native land in January, 1908, and 
the father still residing there. They had a family of nine children, of whom 
six are now living. Only two came to America, Thomas, the subject of this 
review, and Margaret, who is the wife of Cornelius G. Kiley and resides at 
Reedville, Mass. 

Thomas Smith attended school in his native land and tutored with the 
late John A. Brown, studying United States history and a general commercial 
course. Coming to America at the age of sixteen years, he reached Exeter 
May 6. 1889, and at once found work with his uncle, Patrick Connors, with 
whom he remained until he entered into the shoe business. He has been suc- 
cessful in business, and, as a member of the Democratic party, has taken a 
prominent part in local politics. He is treasurer of the Democratic Town 
Committee, a meml^er of the State Committee, and was alternate to the Bal- 
timore Convention in igi2. His society affiliations are with the Knights of 
Columbus at Portsmouth, the Foresters of America, the Red Men, and the 
Ancient Order of Hibernians; also the Swamscott Club and the Exeter Coun- 
try Club. 

Mr. Smith was married, June 20, 1906, to Miss Mary A. Lynch, of New- 
fields, a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Sullivan) Lynch. Her father, 
who was a machinist, is now deceased, but her mother is still a resident of 
Newfields. They had but two children, Mary A., and a son, Daniel, Jr. 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one child, Catherine Frances. They are members 
of St. Michaels Catholic Church of Exeter, N. H. 

PHILIP WHITE, an enterprising and successful business man of 
Exeter, has made substantial investments here and owns and conducts 
a tailor shop, all of his ventures prospering because of his close and care- 
ful supervision of them. Mr. White was born in Russia, July 3, 1863, 
and is a son of Joseph and Esther (Gordon) White. His mother survives 
but his father, who was a contractor, died in Russia. They had children 
as follows: Philip, Dora Lee, Abraham, Sarah, Samuel and Millie. 

In his native land Philip White attended school, and later had colle- 
giate training, and in 1885 was graduated from a Russian gymnasium. 
He then made his way to London, where he secured employment at 
working on the making of uniforms, and for eight years continued in 
the employ of the British government. From England, in 1892, he came 
to the United States and began work in Boston at his trade of tailor, 
but six months afterward came to Exeter, where he has lived until the 
present. Energy and thrift have accompanied all his efforts since com- 
ing here and he has substantial results to show, his various business en- 
terprises flourishing, as has been mentioned, while he also has invested 
in property, owning the tenement house at No. 239 Water Street and 
his handsome residence at No. 232 Water Street. 

Mr. White was married in May, 1886. to Miss Rebecca Gordon, who 
is a daughter of Mayer and Jennie Gordon, the former of whom was 
well known in the provision trade. Mr. and Mrs. White have five chil- 
dren: Mayer, who is a resident of Boston, married Tillie Covener; 
Abraham M., who married Lulu Humbaugh ; Fannie, who graduated at 
Cambridge in a physical culture and art school, and is now a physical 



!)72 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

instructor at Mt. Vernon, N. Y.; Leah, who is a student at Radchf^e 
College, and Vivian. Mr. White and family attend the Orthodox Jewish 
Synagogue at Boston. In politics he is a Republican, and his fraternal 
connections are with the Red Men, the Foresters of America and the 
Jewish order of Brithabriham, at Haverhill, Mass. As an honorable 
business man and irreproachable citizen, Mr. White enjoys general es- 
teem and his family enjoy much social prominence. 

FREDERICK WATKINS conducts a blacksmithing establishment 
in Portsmouth, N. H., and for nineteen years has been at his present 
location. He is a native of Portsmouth, and is a son of Thomas Watkins, 
and grandson of Benjamin Watkins. 

Thomas Watkins was born in Portsmouth, and died in this city in 
1905. He was a moulder by trade, and for some years was on the board 
of aldermen. He married Mary Ackerman, who was born in Ports- 
mouth, where she still lives. They had the following children: Charles 
A. ; Mabel F., deceased wife of George A. Trafton, and Frederick. 

Frederick Watkins received his educational training in the grade 
and high schools of Portsmouth, attending the latter three years. He 
then learned the trade of blacksmith, horseshoer and wheelwright, which 
he has followed ever since. He was not content to work long for 
others before establishing a business of his own. He has one man in his 
em])loy, and they are kept const antK- l)usy. 

Air. Watkins was married in December. 1896. to Miss Margaret 
Jeannelte AlcXeill. a nati\e nf .\'o\a Sccjtia. and they have one daugh- 
ter, Mabel Jeannette. The subject of this record is a thirty-second de- 
gree Mason, a member of the Knights of Pythias, of the Sons of Veterans, 
and also a past warden of Kearsarge Lodge. N. E. O. P. He is a past 
master of St. John's Lodge, No. i, A. F. & A. M.. the second oldest lodge 
in the United States; is a past master of Grand Lodge of Perfection, fif- 
teenth degree, A. A. S. R. : E. King of Washington Royal Arch Chapter, 
and a past chancellor of Damon Lodge, K. of P. He is a Republican in 
politics. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins attend the Congregational church. 

STILLMAX A. PACKARD, who is engaged in farming and dairy- 
ing in the town of Newington. on a tract of forty acres of land, was born 
in the house in which he now resides, February 17, 1871, son of James 
and Mary Frances (Hoyt) Packard. The father was a joiner and mason, 
but in his latter years resided on a farm. He and his wife were attendants 
at the Congregational church. Both are now deceased and are buried 
in Newington. 

Stillman A. Packard was educated in the schools of Newington. After 
his school days were over he took up work on the farm and has since 
been engaged in farming and dairying. In addition to his farm of forty 
acres, he owns fifteen acres of woodland. He delivers al)Out sixty quarts 
of milk daily in the Portsmouth market. He is a Democrat in politics 
but reserves the right of private judgment in casting his vote. He is 
now serving as moderator and treasurer of the school district, a cemetery 
trustee, and has served three years in the office of selectman. He has 
also served a number of times as supervisor of the check list. 

Mr. Packard was married August 8, 1900. to Rosamond M. Carkin. 
who was born in Portsmouth, N. H., a daughter of Frank L. and Addic 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 973 

Frances (Dame) Carkiii: Both her parents now reside in Portsmouth, 
the father being a carpenter by trade. Their children are : Frank Ever- 
ett, Rosamond M., Samuel W', Fred C, Charles \\'., and Carrie, wife of 
John McKenzie. Mr. and Mrs. Packard are the parents of two children, 
Stillman Allan and Wesley James. He belonos to the Grange, and he 
and his family are members of the Congregational church. 

BLAKE H. RAND, a farmer who owns and operates forty-five acres 
of land at Rand's Corner, or Rye Center, Rockingham County, X. II., 
was born here Decemlier Ji_, 1803. a son of Thomas W. and Louise .\. 
(Hodgdon) Rand. The father was a nati\ e of Rye, and son of Jedediah 
Rand. He was a farmer and trader and also conducted a grocery store. 
His wife was a nati\e of Greenland. They were affiliated religiously 
with the Congregational church. Both are now deceaseil, and are buried 
in Rye. Their family consisted of two sons, Jedediah and Blake H. 
Jedediah Rand, a mason by trade, married Edith C. Foss, daughter of 
Tohn O. and Amanda S. (Marden) h'oss. liy whom he has four children: 
Wallace E., Louise A., Elinor C, and Thomas F. Rand. 

Blake H. Rand was educated in the common schools. He began in- 
dustrial life as his father's assistant, and has resided in this locality all 
his life. The farm he owns has been in the Rand family for four genera- 
tions at least. He also operates a general store here, which was estab- 
lished by his grandfather's family and has for over 95 years ])een in the 
possession of the Rands. 

Mr. Rand was married June 19, 18S9, to Leonie S. Drake, who was 
born in Rye, a daughter of Joseph J. and Clarissa D. (Knowles) Drake, 
both natives of Rye, her father being a farmer. The children in the 
Drake family were as follows: Anna D., wife of Joseph W. Garland: 
Abraham J., proprietor of the Drake House at Rye Beach : .Vdams E., 
a farmer and liveryman at Rye; John O., who is deceased: Clara J., now 
deceased, who was the wife of Alfred V. Seavey. and Leonie S., wife of 
Blake H. Rand, the subject of this sketch. 

Mr. Blake Rand has served the town as town clerk for twentv-si.x 
years consecutively, being elected each time without opposition. He is 
a Republican in politics and was representative to the general court in 
the session of 1913, and has also served as tax collector. He is a mem- 
ber of the Junior Order of American Mechanics at Rye, belonging to 
Seaside Council, No. 20, and he and his family attend the Congregational 
church. An industrious, enterprising and reliable citizen, he is u'ideh- 
known and highly respected. 

JACKSON M. HOYT, who is now serving in bis ninth year as town 
clerk for the town of Newington. Rockingham Count}-. X. H., was born 
on the farm on which he now resides, January 15, 1850. The Hoyt fam- 
ily is an old one in Newington, its members being descended from John 
and William Hoyt, who settled in this locality in 1703. The parents of 
our subject, John and Abigail Piper (Coleman) Hoyt, were both born in 
this town, the father being in early life a farmer, and later a brick-maker. 
He was three times married, his first wife being Elizalseth Dame, \\ho 
bore him seven children. By his second wife, in maidenliood Martha 
Nutter, he had one child. Of his third marriage, to Abagail P. Coleman, 
there were five children, including the subject of this sketch. Thus lohn 



974 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Hoyt was the father of tliirteen children in all, of whom two died in 
infancy, eleven grew to maturity, and three only are now living. The 
father was a Democrat in politics and an industrious and worthy citizen. 
He and his wife attended the Congregational church. The three sur- 
vivors of the family are Martin, who is one of the Kearsarge veterans ; 
Nancy, widow of Charles Albert Nutter, and Jackson M. 

Jackson M. Hoyt began his education in the common schools, sul)- 
sequently taking a commercial course at Commer's College, Boston. He 
has resided on his present farm all his life, it consisting of twehe acres 
of good land, on which he carries on general farming. He also does 
some carpenter work occasionally, being a good natural mechanic, and 
before his marriage he taught several terms of school. For many years 
he has taken an active part in local afifairs, being elected town clerk for 
the first time when he was only twenty-one years old and serving three 
years, so that, altogether, he has served in this office nearly twelve years. 
He is also a justice of the peace, and has also served as selectman, as a 
member of the board of education, and as highway agent, showing effi- 
ciency in all these various oiifices. 

Mr. Hoyt was married, November 28, 1878, to Mary S. Pickering, 
who was born in Newington, N. H., a daughter of Frank T. and Sophia 
E. G. deWitt, her father being a native of this town, and her mother of 
Demerara, South America. The former was a farmer. Of the ii\e 
children in the de\\'itt family, all are now deceased but Mrs. Hoyt. 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt are as follows: John Frank, Martin 
deWitt, Martha Sophia, Mary Brackett, Gail Adelia, Jackson Manning, 
Willis Hadley and Viola Cecil. The family are members of the Congre- 
gational church, which Mr. Hoyt has served as clerk for twenty years, 
being also a deacon. He is an active and useful citizen and a well-in- 
formed man, keeping well in touch with current ex'ents. 

JONATHAN H. HISCOCK, a well known and highly esteemed 
citizen of Exeter, N. H., where for the last twelve years he has held the 
position of assistant postmaster, was born in this town, January 9, 1873. 
His parents were Jesse F. and Mary S. (Ladd) Hiscock. The father, 
a native of Maine, was a carpenter by trade, and after coming to Exeter, 
about 1871, engaged in Inisiness here as a contractor, which occupation 
he followed for some years. He then became foreman in a shoe factory 
here and was thus engaged up to the time of his death. His wife Mary, 
to whom he was married in Newport, Me., was a native of New Hamp- 
shire. She now resides in Exeter. They had only one child, the sub- 
ject of this sketch. Jesse F. Hiscock voted with the Republican party 
but was never active in politics. He was a good and worthy citizen 
who did his duty to his neighbor and had many friends. He and his 
wife were members of the Baptist church, to which Mrs. Hiscock still 
belongs. 

Jonathan H. Hiscock acquired his eilucation in the tlistrict schools 
of Exeter and also the high school, from which he was graduated in the 
class of i88g. He began industrial life in the shoe factory where his 
father was foreman, and was there employed as a journeyman for thir- 
teen years. Then, after his father's death, he succeeded him as fore- 
man, which position he held for about ten years, during the next two 
vears being foreman in the lumber vard of John Fellows. He was then 





o-aI^-n^-.- >. \j ■ k^j^-*^-^ 



v^ fc» 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 977 

appointed to his present position as assistant postmaster, which he has 
since held, and in which, being- a man of methodical habits and good 
executive ability, he is serving with credit to himself and benefit to 
the public. He is also a director of the Exeter Banking Company. Mr. 
Hiscock is a man of wide acquaintance. His social affiliations include 
membership in the Swampscott Club, of which he is president; Star in 
the East Lodge. A. F. & A. M., Exeter; also the Chapter and Council at 
Exeter: the Knights of Pythias, and the New England Order of Pro- 
tection. In politics he is a-Republican. He attends the Baptist church. 

JOHN D. CARTY, M. D.. who is engaged in the practice of medicine and 
surgery both in Portsmouth, X. H.. and Kittery, ^Nle., having offices in both 
cities, was born in Portsmouth, March 20, 1876, one of the six children of 
John D. and Jnlia (Mackey) Carty. The father. John D. Carty, was a pro- 
fessor of music and followed that vocation during his entire life. The sub- 
ject of this sketch in his youth attended the public schools of Portsmouth, 
and later the New Hampshire Conference Seminary at Tilton, N. H. He was 
graduated from the Vermont College of Medicine in 1906 and later took a 
post-graduate course at the Morgan's Memorial Hospital in New York City. 
He also took a post-graduate course at the Massachusetts State Hospital. He 
then began the practice of his profession in Kittery and Portsmouth and has 
since built up a good practice, being widely recognized as an able man, both 
in medicine and surgery. He is a member of the York County Medical So- 
cietv of Maine and the Portsmouth Medical Society, the Rockingham County 
Medical Society, also the New Hampshire State Medical Society and of the 
American Medical Association. His social affiliations are with the Elks, the 
\\'arwick Club, the Portsmouth Athletic Club, and the Portsmouth Country 
Club. In politics he is independent. 

Dr. Carty married Miss Mildred Goldsmith, a daughter of Oliver Gold- 
smith of Portsmouth, N. H., July 2, 19 12. Their family consists of one 
child, Julia E. Dr. Carty and family are meml)ers of the Catholic church. 
They have a pleasant residence at Kittery Point, Me., while the doctor's office 
in Portsmouth is on Congress Street. 

GEORGE E. FELLOW'S, late a prominent citizen of Ravmond, 
N. H., w-here he held the office of postmaster, was born No\-ember 20. 
1862, at Pittsfield, N. H.. a son of Octavus \V. and Melissa A. (Barton) 
Fellows. His ancestors on both sides came from England and settled in 
this locality at an early day. Among those on the maternal side was 
Col. Barton, who achieved fame in the Revolutionary War. 

George E. Fellows was the first born of his parents' three children. 
When about six years old he began attending school at Pittsfield, and 
later at Concord, and was graduated from the high school in Raymond 
at the age of eighteen. Some time later he engaged in the grain busi- 
ness here with Thompson Barnes. During President Cleveland's admin- 
istration Mr. Fellows was appointed assistant postmaster and was in the 
postoffice one year. He then became associated with John Currier in 
the National Grocery Company, continuing with him for two vears. 
after w'hich he purchased Mr. Currier's interests and was sole proprietor 
of the concern until June, 1914, when his sons took charge of the 
store, and Mr. Fellows gave his entire time to the postoffice, having 
been appointed postmaster, April 2'j. 1914, by President Wilson. His 



978 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

death took place very suddenly September 30. 1914. A Democrat in 
politics, he had been prominent in local affairs for a numljer of \ears. 
ser\ing as representative to the let^islature in 1907- lyoS. He was also 
for many years town clerk of Raymond. 

Mr. Fellows was married, July 17, 1882, to Hattie E. Poor, of Rav- 
mond, and he and his wife were the parents of two sons and one dautiii- 
ter. The eldest son, Everett W., married Beulah A. Greenleaf, and has 
a son, Clyde Everett. John Clifford, the second son, married Mabel 
Kendall, and has three sons, Octavus W., John C, and George W". Tlie 
daughter's name is Mary Arvilla. Mr. Fellows belonged to the Maquis, 
the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Grange, and the Gdlden 
Cross. 

VVTLLIARD N. DE LANO, the owner of 125 acres of land on the 
Lafayette road, in the town of Portsmouth, Rockingham County, N. H., 
where he is engaged in general farming and dairying, was born in Dexter, 
Me., May 17, 1870. His parents, George W. and Olive H. (ShoreyJ 
DeLano, were natives of Maine, in which state they died. They were 
agricultural people and were members of the Methodist church. They 
had a large family of twelve children. 

Williard N. DeLano was educated in the common schools onlv. 
When his school days were over he began working for his father un 
the latter's farm, and he continued working by the month until 1905, 
in which year he came to Rockingham County. He settled first in the 
town of Greenland, where he rented land for a while. Subsequently he 
came to his present location, purchasing his farm from Otto Berrv. He 
raises enough stock for his own use, selling milk in Portsmouth. 

Mr. DeLano was married, November 17, 1899, to Daisy Ellenwood. 
a native of Maine, and daughter of Ashley and Myria (Hutchinson) 
Ellenwood. Her father was a butcher by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. 
DeLano attend the Methodist church. In politics he votes independentlv. 

RUFUS WOOD, who, in addition to a general express and trucking 
business, deals in harness, blankets, fixtures and supplies, maintains an 
office and store on Daniel Street. He employs six men and uses five or 
six teams in his business. He has attained a high degree of success, and 
this entirely through his individual efforts, being in every sense a self- 
made man. He was born in November, 1864, in Nova Scotia, and is a 
son of Alfred and Harriet Rebecca (Hamilton) Wood, and a grandson 
of James Wood. His maternal grandfather was Thomas Hamilton 

Alfred Wood was a farmer by occupation and lived in No\a Scotia 
until his death. His wife, also a native of Nova Scotia, now resides in 
Portsmouth, New Hampshire. They were parents of the followmg chil- 
dren : Burpee: Rufus ; Elmira. deceased wife of Sandv Kenty : Wilfred; 
Harry: ^\'elton : Sarah, wife of William Condon: Annie: Gertrude; Ma--- 
garet : Roy : and Louise, wife of Ernest Grover. 

Rufus Wood attended the public schools of Nova Scotia, and from 
an c.-uiy age followed farming. In 1888 he came to the United St;ites 
and immediately located at Portsmouth. New Hampshire, which ])lace 
he has since called home. He worked at farming one year and then 
turned his attention to his present line of business. He started in a 
small way, with but a single team, and as he prospered added to his 
equipment. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 979 

Mr. Wood was united in marriage with Miss Elma G. Seymour, wiio 
was born in Portsmouth. New Hampshire, and is a daughter of Ira and 
Anna E. (Garland) Seymour. Her father followed the trade of bhick- 
smith here for many years. He and Mrs. Seymour liad the following 
children: Elma G. (Wood); Frank; Mattie, wife of Orrin Gerry; 
Louise, wife of Frank Marshall, and Carrie, wife of Justin McCarthy. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wood have one son, Cedric L., who attended high school 
and now acts as office man for his father. In religious attachment the 
family belongs to the Advent church. Mr. Wood is a Republican in 
politics. 

MARTIN S. RICHMOND, whose business interests make him 
known over a wide extent of country, is a respected and valued citizen 
of Exeter, and since 1903 has been owner and operator of the Richmond 
Express line between this city and Boston, Mass. Mr. Richmond was 
born in September, 1855, at Oshkosh. Wis., and is a son of Sylvester 
and Eliza (Eastman) Richmond. Sylvester Richmond was liorn in Xew 
York. and prior to entering the Civil War as a soldier, followed the 
peaceful pursuits of agriculture. In that great struggle he lost his life. 
He married Eliza Eastman, who was born in Maine, and they had the 
following children: i\lartin S. ; Julia, who is the widow of George H. 
Ackerman ; and Flora L., who is the wife of Edgar Yates. The paternal 
grandfather was Merrick Richmond. 

Martin S. Richmond attended school until he was fourteen years of 
age. after which he worked for market gardeners until he was nineteen, 
and from that time until the presnet he has been identified with the ex- 
press business. For over a quarter of a century he worked in this Inisi- 
ness for the Jackson Express Company, but in 1903 went into business 
for himself, purchasing what was known as the Perkins Express line, 
which was started in 1855. Mr. Richmond now operates two teams be- 
tween Exeter and Boston and employs a bookkeeper and two wagon 
men to assist him. 

Mr. Richmond married Miss Ella M. Cornell, who was l:)orn at Mere- 
dith, N. H., and died in 1900. Her parents were Nathaniel B. and S. A. 
(Clark) Cornell, who had two children: Margueritte. who died at the 
age of ten years, and Ella M., Mrs. Richmond. Mr. and Mrs. Richmond 
had one son, Harr}- S., who is associated in business with his father. In 
politics Mr. Richmond has always been identified with the Republican 
party. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church. He is an example 
of the self-made man and his steady advance from industrious boy- 
hood to present independence shows that perse\erance and courage can 
accomplish much. 

NELSON J. NORTON, owner and proprietor of a blacksmith 
shop in the town of Hampton, who is also engaged in the manufactur- 
ing and repairing of wagons, was born in North Hampton, N. H., Au- 
gust 18, 1870, a son of Joshua and Phoebe (Perkins) Norton, his father 
being a farmer. Both parents, who were natives of Greenland, this 
county, are now deceased. They were affiliatedw-ith the Congregational 
church and in politics he was a Democrat. Their children were: Frank 
C. : Ida L., who was the wife of Emory Fogg, and after his death mar- 
ried Orin C. Marston ; Gertrude, who married Edward W. Haines; 
Clarence, deceased, and Nelson T. 



980 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Nelson J. Norton, after attending the common schools started to 
learn the trade of blacksmith with the Abbott Downing Company of 
Concord, N. H. He served a four years' apprenticeship and then worked 
as a journeyman in North Hampton for three years. In 1897 he came 
to Hampton and started his shop, which he has since conducted with 
prosperous results. He gives employment to three hands here and also 
has a shop at North Hampton Depot.- .Mr. Norton's paternal grand- 
father was Robert Norton of Greenland, and his grandfather on the ma- 
ternal side, Jonathan Perkins, also of that town. 

Mr. Norton has been twice married: first to May Knowles, of North 
Hampton, daughter of Samuel J. and Sarah (Knowles) Knowles, her 
father being a carpenter. Of this union were born two sons, Ralph and 
Myron. He married for his second wife Susan F. Goodwin, of Kings- 
ton, N. H., Mr. Goodwin, her father, being a shoemaker. Of the sec- 
ond marriage have been born two sons, Wilbur H. and Nelson G. Mr. 
Norton is a Republican in politics and he and his family attend the 
Advent church. 

JOHN ELMER SANBORN, a thriving farmer and respected citizen of 
Hampton Falls, who has also served in various offices of trust, was born in 
this town, October 5, 1861, a son of John Chandler and Ann M. (Coffin) 
Sanborn. He is a great grandson of Abner Sanborn and a grandson of John 
Prescott and Sally (Cram) Sanborn. The grandfather, a native of Hamp- 
ton Falls, was a prosperous farmer, also serving as selectman for a number 
of years. His wife Sally was a daughter of Lieut. Jonathan Cram. Their 
children were Rhoda, Hannah, Hattie, Issabelle and John Chandler. 

John Chandler Sanborn was bom in Hampton Falls, April 20, 1835, on 
the "old Sandl)orn homestead. He worked on the farm and later engaged in 
the lumber business. In 1857 he built the house in which he now lives, which 
is a tasteful and substantial structure. He is now one of the successful 
farmers of this town, which he served as selectman a number of years, as 
representative in 1879, as tax collector for six years and as a member of the 
board of education for a number of years, rendering efficient service in each 
position. In 1854 he married Ann M. Coffin, daughter of Aaron Coffin of 
Hampton. Their children are : Clara Belle, Lester, May Fidele, John Elmer, 
Sarah. Annie, Everett P. and Bertha G. 

John Elmer Sanborn was educated in the |niblic schools and in the Exeter 
and Hampton high schools. He then engaged in the lumber business, but for 
the last thirty years has been occupied with farming. Like his father he has 
served the town faithfully in public office — as selectman, being chairman of 
the board, tax collector four years, and supervisor. He is a member of 
the Unitarian church and also belongs to the Grange. August 31. 1905, he 
luarricd .Miss Nellie Etta Mace, daughter of Frank and Ida M. Mace. 

GEORGE L. SEAVEY, who, in association with his brother, Charles 
C. Seavey, deals in cattle on a large scale, at North Hampton Center, 
also follows farming operations. He comes of an old and w-ell-known 
family of Rockingham County, and was born in North Hampton, April 
II, 1875. He is a son of Charles Edward and Hattie Sophia (McDaniel) 
Seavey, the father of Rye, N. H., and the mother also of Rockingham 
County. 

C^harles Edwarfl Seavey followed blacksmithing in his earh'er years, 




JOHX E. SANBOKX 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 983 

but later devoted his efforts to farming, at which he continued until his 
death on December 23. 1895. His first marriage was with a Miss Gar- 
land, of Rye, N. H., who subsequently died, leaving one son, Arthur E., 
a blacksmith of North Hampton. The second marriage, with Hattie 
Sophia jMcDaniel, who was born in Nottingham, N. H., was blessed with 
three sons: George L.. Charles C, and Chester E. Seavey. Mrs. Seavey 
still resides on the old homestead in North Hampton, where she is sur- 
rounded by many old acquaintances and friends. 

George L. Seavey attended the public schools, and later Hampton 
Academy. He completed a commercial course at Boston, as did also 
his brother, Charles C. Seavey. He started dealing in cattle, which he 
has always followed, more or less extensively. He was united in mar- 
riage with Anna M. Bartlett of Salisbury, Mass., a daughter of A. W. 
and Abbie (Morrill) Bartlett. She has two sisters and two brothers, 
namely: Alice, Lois, Edward and Amos. Mr. and Mrs. Seavey have 
two sons, Ralph Bartlett and George Clifton. He is a Republican in 
politics and for a number of years has served as tax collector. 

Fraternally, he is a member of Union Lodge, Knights of Pythias, at 
North Hampton. Religiously, they attend the Congregational Church. 

FRANCIS STANTON LOVETT is a prosperous farmer residing 
in the town of North Hampton, Rockingham County, N. H. In addi- 
tion to bis home farm of one hundred acres, he has a tract of si.xty-five 
acres at Kensington, and engages in general farming and dairying. He 
was born at Rockport. Mass., March 24, 1863, and is a son of Francis 
Stanton and Myria B. (Thompson) Lovett. 

The parents of the subject of this record were nati\es of Massachu- 
setts. The father was a farmer and gardener l)y occupation. In poli- 
tics he was a Republican. They had the following children: Christiana 
Lincoln, wife of Stephen D. Edwards; Annie Thompson, wife of William 
Stephens; Bessie Myria, wife of Fred Woodbury; Hattie I!., and Francis 
Stanton. 

Francis Stanton Lovett attended the common schools during the 
winter months and the remainder of his time was spent in helping with 
the work on the home farm. He worked with his father a few years 
after leaving school, and ran a wagon with vegetaliles. He also drove 
an express team for seven years, and then purchased a farm of sixty-five 
acres in Kensington, which he still conducts. The farm on which he 
now resides consists of one hundred acres, and was purchased of Fred 
L. Shaw. He is well known in this locality and numbers his friends by 
the score. 

Mr. Lovett was united in marriage with Marv Louise Morgan, of 
Beverly, Mass., a daughter of William R. and Julia ( Calvey) Morgan, 
her father being a farmer and stone mason by trade. She is one of the 
following children born to her parents: Etta, wife of Charles Preston: 
Mary Louise; Florence, wife of Horace Foster; and Jessie, wife of Austin 
Norcross. Mrs. Lovett's father was married a second time, and by that 
union had a son, William. Francis Stanton and Mary Louise Lovett 
had the following children: Jennie Myria, wife of Edward Sampson; 
Amy Stanton, wife of Lynn Norton; Alice, wife of \\'illiam Dodge; 
Francis Stanton. Jr. ; Lewis and Leslie, twins ; .\rthur, and Roger S. 
Mr. Lovett is a Rep.iib1ican in politics, but is inclined to be independent. 



984 HISTORY Ul' KUCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

using his judgment in supporting the candidates he deems best fitted 
for the respective otfices. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights 
of Pythias of North Hampton, and the Sons of Veterans of Beverly, 
Mass. In religious attachment, he and his family attend the Congrega- 
tional church. 

HARRY W. LADD, postmaster of Plaistow, New Hampshire, is 
also proprietor of a general store and has a well established business. 
He was born in Fremont, New Hampshire, March 14, 1891, and is a 
son of William J. Ladd, and a grandson of James M. Ladd, who was a 
soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War and made his home at 
Fremont, N. H. 

William J. Ladd, father of the suljject of this sketch, was born in 
Danville, N. H., and was for many years engaged in the milling busi- 
ness at Fremont. In 1896 he moved to Danville, where he has since 
been in the mercantile business. He was united in marriage with 
Mary E. Mooney, and they became parents of one son and two daugh- 
ters : Alta M., wife of E. G. Tucker; Harry \\'., and Kate A. 

Harry W. Ladd received his educational training in the schools of 
Danville, Sanborn Seminary, and Haverhill Business College. He came 
to Plaistow in 1910, and for a time clerked in his father's store. In 1913 
he was appointed postmaster of Plaistow. and in 1913 he bought out the 
general store of the Haverhill Milling Company at Plaistow and has 
enjoyed a very liberal patronage of the people, (^n June 15, 19 12. he 
was joined in marriage with Miss Emma J. Bur])ank. b'raternally Mr. 
Ladd is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Junior Order Ignited 
American Mechanics, and the Patrons of Husbandrv. 

STANLEY M. WARD, M. D., who has been engaged ni the prac- 
tice of medicine and surgery in the town of Hampton since 1894, was 
born at Ellenville. X. Y., March 6, 1859, a son of Dr. J. J. and .Adeline 
(Moss) Ward. He was educated in the common schools of his native 
town and also under private tutors, and then took a course in the Agri- 
cultural College at Manhattan. Kansas. He then entered Bellevue Hos- 
pital Medical College at New ^'ork City, and sulisequently JefTerson 
Medical College at Philadelphia, where he was graduated M. D. in 
the class of 1882. He served as interne for about eighteen months at 
St. Mary's Hospital, Philadelphia, and then began the practice of his 
profession in association with his father at Ellen\-ille, X. Y., remaining 
there six years. His next experience was in Scranton, Pa., where he 
practiced four j^ears, or until 1894, at which time he came to Hampton, 
as above stated. He took a post-graduate course at JefTerson Medical 
College and the Philadelphia Polyclinic in 1884. Dr. Ward is a man 
\\c\\ xersed in his profession and for a number of xeai's h;is contrilnited 
articles to the medical press. He is also examiner for a number of 
life insurance comi)anies. The Doctor's parents were natives of X^ew 
^'o^k state, the father, a graduate of Albany Medical College in the 
class of 1869. practicing his profession at Ellenville for a period of fifty 
years. The W^ards. however, were originally from Massachusetts, while 
the Moss family came from Rhode Island. 

Dr. ^^'ard was married in June. 1885. to Carrie Carpenter of ^^'averly, 
Pa., a daughter of E. G. and Elizabeth TMiller) Carpenter. The town 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 987 

of Waverly, Pa., was founded by Mrs. Ward's great-grandparents. Dr. 
Ward himself resided in Waverly for some two years, during that time 
having charge of JMadison Academy there. In politics he is a progres- 
sive Republican. He is a member of Lackawana County Medical Society 
and while residing in Scranton, Pa., was vice-president and secretary of 
the Scranton Medical Society. He and his wife have one child, a daugh- 
ter, Janet, residing at home. The family are affiliated with the Congre- 
gational church. 

JOSHUz\ NEAL JAXVRIX, proprietor of a large store in the town 
of Seabrook, where he is doing a successful business in groceries, grain 
and feed, was born in this town March i, 1874, a son of Joshua and 
Lydia T- Janvrin. He is a descendant of John Janvrin, of French origin, 
who came to Portsmouth, N. H., from the island of Jersey, in the Eng- 
lish Channel, in 1696. This early ancestor had a son John, born in Ports- 
mouth. July 8, 1707, who graduated at Harvard College in 1728, and 
who died October 7, 1780. The second John Janvrin had four sons: 
John, born 1754, died November. 1837: George, born 1762, died Sep- 
tember, 1841 : William, born 1769, died February 5, 1837; and James, 
born 1758, who died March 6, 1822. Of the above mentioned sons, John 
was the father of Joshua N. Janvrin, born May 6, 1776, who was lost at 
sea in January, 1817, and who was the grandfather of the subject of 
this sketch. 

Joshua Janvrin, son of Joshua N., and father of our subject, was born 
in Seabrook, N. H., in 1802, and died August 24, 1882. He was three 
times married: first to Mary, daughter of Jonathan Fifield, of Hampton 
Falls. Of this union there were six children, namely: George, born in 
1825, who died July zt,. 1856; Sarah, born in 1828, died in 1848: Susan, 
born 1830, died 1854: Emery, born July 7, 1833; Joseph, born September 
3- T835, ^""^1 Harrison, born 1840, died July 16, 1862. 

Joshua Janvrin married for his second wife, Clarissa Fifield, a sister 
of his first wife. They had two children: John Filmore, who died April 
12, igoi, at the age of fifty-two years, and Mary, who died in 1873, at the 
age of thirty. For his third wife, Joshua Janvrin married Lydia J. C. 
(P.eckman) Blake, their only child being Joshua Neal, whose name ap- 
pears at the head of this record. 

Joshua Neal Janvrin was educated in the public schools of Seabrook 
and of Boston, Mass. In 1897 he engaged in mercantile business at Sea- 
brook, two years later building his present large store, where he is now 
carrying on a successful business as above described. He is a member 
of the order of Odd Fellows, including the Grand Lodge, and was deputy 
of the Grand Encampment : he also belongs to Star of the East Lodge, 
A. F. & A. M. In 1907 he married Miss Esther M. Chase, daughter of 
Judge Jeremiah Chase of Seabrook. He and his wife are the parents of 
a daughter, Dorothy Leavitt. born May 10, 1914. 

JAMES S. WOOD, dealer in coal and wood, Portsmouth, N. H.. was 
born in England in March, 1851, a son of John and Mary (Shaw) Wood. 
Both his parents were natives of England, where the father was an engineer. 
Emigrating to .America when the subject of this sketch was about twelve 
years old, they settled in Portsmouth, and about five months later John Wood 
was killed through an accident. His wife is also now deceased. Their chil- 



988 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

dren were: Joseph, who is hving in Englaml : Jane, who is the wife of Harry 
Jackson: Nathan; James S. ; Elizabeth, wife of James Lomas; and Mary 
Hannah, wife of Frank Newton. 

James S. Wood attended school only in his native England but after 
coming to this country improved his education through private study. For 
about eight years he was employed in the cotton mills and then entered into 
his present business as coal and wood dealer, in which he has been successful. 
A Republican in politics and a well known and popular citizen, he takes a 
strong interest in local aftairs and has served as a member of the city council. 
His fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias. Mr. \\'ood has 
been twice married : first to Ann Jane Grindrod, who died leaving no chil- 
dren. His present wife was in maidenhood ]\Iargaret Jackson, and is also a 
native of England. They attend the North Congregational church and are 
people of large acc^uaintance, well liked for their many kind and neighborly 
(lualities. 

RODERICK C. ROGERS, expert tailor, who is proprietor of a 
tailoring business at Exeter, is well known to many careful and particular 
people who find his work and the fabrics he handles quite as satisfactory 
as they would be in larger cities. He is still a young man but has had 
a thorough training in all the details of his trade. He was born on Prince 
Edward Island, July i8, 1882, and is a son of William Thomas and 
Eleanor (Ramsey) Rogers. His parents never came to the United 
States, and died on their farm in Prince Edward Island. They were 
members of the Presbyterian church. Their family consisted of the fol- 
lowing children: Annie, who is the widow of John McPherson: Sophia, 
who is deceased: Russell; Carrie, who is deceased; Emma, who is the 
wife of George Shaw; Roderick C. ; John A.; Garfield R., and Sarah, 
who is deceased. 

After his school days were over, Roderick C. Rogers started to learn 
the tailor's trade in New Brunswick, and served three years in Albert 
County, and two years longer in Summerside, and from there went to 
Halifax. In May, 1901, he came to Exeter, and for four years was in 
the employ of the well-known tailor, George M. Beaton. After that he 
traveled over the country until 1909, working in Boston and also in 
British Columbia, and again in Boston, but finally deciding that Exeter 
was a fair enough business field, and therefore he established his busi- 
ness here in 1909. He owns valuable property, including his residence 
at No. 5 Oak Street, and one acre of land. He looks after the wants of 
his customers himself and keeps three hands regularly employed. 

In 191 1 Mr. Rogers was united in marriage Vv'ith INIiss Jennie Baker, 
who was also born on Prince Edward Island, a daughter of Stephen 
and Ada (McArthur) Baker, who came to the United States and settled 
at Boston, where Mrs. Baker died in 1912. Mr. Baker, a railroad man. 
still resides in that city. Mrs. Rogers had two sisters and one brother; 
Ida, wife of Torquil McCloud : Herman, who is deceased; and Elsie. Mr. 
and Mrs. Rogers have one child. Vera Ada. They attend the First 
Congregational Church. In his political views Mr. Rogers maintains in- 
dependence. He belongs to the lodge of Odd Fellows at Exeter, and has 
been an official in the same. 

W. A. EMERSON & SONS, Hampstead. N. H., shoe manufacturers. 
This prosperous firm, owned and controlled by Daniel and Frank \\'. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 989 

Emerson, was establislied in 1886 l:)y their father, the late William A. 
Emerson, who for many years was one of the leading citizens of the town. 

William A. Emerson was born in Hampstead, N. H., in 1842, a son 
of Daniel Emerson. He was educated in the schools of Hampstead, 
and in early manhood followed farming and also worked at the shoe- 
maker's trade. At a later period he established an express business be- 
tween Hampstead and Ha\'erhill, which he subsequently sold to his son, 
Frank W. He then, in 1886, began the manufacture of shoes at Hamp- 
stead, under the firm name of W. A. Emerson & Sons, and in course of 
time built up a large business, to which, at his death, in 1903, his sons, 
Daniel and Frank W.. succeeded. He was for years and until the close 
of his life one of Hampstead's most public-spirited citizens, being a leader 
in all enterprises for the good of the town. He served as selectman and 
also represented Hampstead in the general court. As a member of the 
Masonic order he belonged to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council at 
Derry, and to DeWitt Clinton Commandery at Portsmouth. He was 
also an active and useful member of the Congregational church. 

William A. Emerson married Abbie Dow, of Hampstead, N. H.. a 
daughter of Francis V. and Mahitable (Hoyt) Dow. Their children 
were as follows: Daniel, born December 2. 1864; Frank \\'.. born Janu- 
ary 18, 1866; Arthur M., born March 10, 1870, and ^Ivron E.. Ijom De- 
cember 10, 1882. 

D.\NIEL Emersox, whose nativity is al>ove recorded, acquired his education 
in the public school and high school and at a commercial college in 
Boston. He began industrial life in a shoe shop at Haverhill, Mass., 
where he worked for a number of years. In 1886 he became associated 
with his father in the establishment of the shoe factory at Hampstead, 
and so continued until the latter's death, at which time he and his 
brother, Frank W., bought out the interests of the other two brothers, 
Arthur and Myron, and they are now the sole owners and proprietors of 
the business. This concern has now attained large proportions, giving 
employment to 150 hands. The factory is of modern construction and 
is thoroughly up to date in its equipment, containing the most improved 
machinery, and turning out a high-class product, which finds a ready and 
profitable market. Daniel Emerson belongs to the Masonic order at 
Derry, to the Knights of Pythias, to the Elks, and also to the Grange. 
In 1886 he married Miss Esther Plunckett, a daughter of Edward and 
Elizabeth Plunckett. of Haverhill. Thev ha\e one son, \\'illiam A., born 
September 2, 1888. 

Frank W. Emerson, associated with his brother Daniel in the firm of W. 
A. Emerson & Sons, at Hampstead, was educated in the schools of this 
town. When a 3'oung man he began work for his father in the express 
business, driving a wagon. Later he bought his father's interest in the 
business and conducted it himself for fourteen vears. He then started 
in the manufacture of shoes, with his brother Arthur, in Hampstead, 
conducting business under the style of Emerson Brothers. They con- 
tinued to operate this business successfully until the death of their father 
in 190.3, at which time the business was consolidated with that estab- 
lished by the latter. Frank W. Emerson is a member of the Masonic 
order, belonging to the Chapter and Council at Derry. and to DeWitt 
Clinton Commandery at Portsmouth. He also belongs to the Grange at 
Hampstead. He has served the town of Hampstead as selectman, and 



990 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

in 1912 was appointed delegate to the Constitutional Convention. He 
was married, December 12. 1886, to Miss Minnie E. Stevens, a daughter 
of Moses B. and Emily A. Stevens, of Atkinson. 

HARRY C. W ILLIAMS, a member of the firm of H. C. Williams 
Company, at Exeter, is one of the progressive young business men who, 
through his activity and steady industry, has won a firm place in the 
confidence of the people of his native city. He was born at Exeter, Au- 
gust, 20, 1891, and is a son of Charles E. and Mary E. (Thurston) Wil- 
liams. Charles E. Williams is a substantial citizen of Exeter and is 
foreman of the Exeter Brass Works. The H. C. Williams Company 
conducts a shoe store and general repair shop. In partnership they own 
considerable valuable realty, including eight residences. Charles E. 
Williams married Mary E. Thurston, and they have the following chil- 
dren : Clara B., who is the wife of George L. Harrigan : Maude J., who 
is the wife of Charles Rogers ; Harry C. and Harlan. 

Harry C. Williams obtained his education in the Exeter public schools 
and afterward went to Portsmouth, where he served an apprenticeship 
in the shoemaking trade, with Charles Green, and as soon as it was 
completed returned home, and in April, 191 1, embarked in his present 
business. Like his father, he takes only a good citizen's interest in poli- 
tics and votes independently. On December 25, 1913, Mr. Williams 
was married to Miss Laura Page, of Exeter, a daughter of George A. 
and Lillian (Waters) Page. Mr. Page is connected with the shoe busi- 
ness. His children are: Myrtle, Bernice, Harry, Mary, Leon, Winni- 
fred, George, Louis, and Laura, Mrs. Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Williams 
attend the Adventist church. They have a pleasant social circle and he 
belongs to the Royal Arcanum. 

WALTER AIKEN, in former years a well-known manufacturer and 
inventor, was born at Dracut, Mass., October 5, 1831, and died in 1893. 
He was in early life a machinist, and built and operated a large shop in 
Franklin, N. H.. where he invented a machine to knit hosiery: subse- 
quently erecting a mill, he engaged successfully in that line of manu- 
facture. He also invented a machine to manufacture screws, and in all 
took out some seventy-five patents for various useful inventions, becom- 
ing quite noted in this line of enterprise. His hosiery mill he conducted 
until the time of his death. He also built the Mt. Washington Railroad, 
designed the engines that were used on the road, and was president of 
the company until his death. In addition to this, he built the Summit 
House on Mt. Washington. Mr. Aiken was a patriotic American and 
at the time of the Civil War ofifered his services as a soldier, but was 
rejected on account of lameness. In spite of this, he marched with the 
company for three months and was granted honorary mention by the 
state. Among his benefactions he built the Baptist chvuxh at Franklin, 
N. H., and gave it to the society. He numbered among his ancestors 
the famous Hannah Dustin, whose exploit in freeing herself and com- 
panions from Indian captivity may be found in every comprehensive 
American history. By his first marriage to Susan Colby, he had two 
children, James and Fred. Subsequently he married, for his second wife. 
Mary Dodge, daughter of John W. and Harriett (Dunklee) Dodge. 

John W. Dodge, Mrs. Aiken's father, was a graduate of Brown LTni- 




WILLIAM H. SLEKPER 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 993 

versity at Providence, R. I. He spent a number of years at Labrador 
in the fisheries and in carrying passengers. He was the first cashier of 
the Weare Bank. For several years he was a manager on the Mt. Wash- 
ington Railroad, and was afterwards landlord of the Tiptop House. His 
wife, Harriett Dunklee, was from Concord, N. H. In 1846 and 1847 he 
served his town as representative. 

AMOS S. RUNDLETT, a member of the law firm of Sims, Kelley, 
Hatch & Rundlett, Portsmouth, N. H., was born in the state of Maine, 
May 19, 1877. His parents were James C. and Arvilla F. ( Blackden) 
Rundlett, the former of whom, who was a Maine farmer, died in 1906. 
The subject of this sketch, who was an only child of his parents, was 
educated in the public schools. When a young man he came to Ports- 
mouth and read law under John W. Kelley, a former member of the 
present firm, but now deceased. Admitted to the bar December, 1909, 
he engaged in the practice of his profession in this city, and so contin- 
ue! until he became a member of the present firm of Sims. Kelley, Flatch 
& Rundlett, in January, 1914. This firm handles yearly a large amount 
of important law business, all its members being capable and experi- 
enced attorneys. Mr. Rundlett belongs to the Masonic order and the 
Odd Fellows, and in politics is a Republican. 

He married Miss Emma Shirley Goodsoe, a daughter of Augustus 
O. Goodsoe, who was a resident of Kittery, Maine, served formerly as 
a carpenter in the United States Navy. Mr. and Mrs. Rundlett have 
three children, namely: Dorothy F., Harold G., and Elizabeth. The 
family have a comfortable residence at No. 91 Wiliird Street. They 
attend the Baptist Church. 

WILLIAM H. SLEEPER, attorney at law, of Exeter, N. H.. was born in 
Exeter, X. H., January -27, 1886, a son of Otis H. and Emma C. (Hobbs) 
Sleeper. The father and mother of our subject are natives respectively of 
South Weare, N. H., and Deerfield, N. H. They now reside in Exeter, 
where Otis H. Sleeper is engaged in business as a jeweler. Their children 
are: Almon L., a student at Norwich University, at Northfield, Vt. ; Perley 
B.. also a student at that institution; and Otis H., Jr., who is employed in 
Exeter, N. H. 

William H. Sleeper was graduated from the Exeter High School and 
later from Phillips Exeter Academy. He then attended Boston LTniversity, 
being a member of the class of 1910, and afterwards continued the study of 
law in the office of Attorney-general Eastman. He was admitted to the bar 
in Massachusetts in August. 1910, and to the bar of New Hampshire in 
June, igii. In the following year he opened his office in Exeter, where he 
has already made a good beginning in his profession. 

Mr. Sleeper was married in October, 19 12, to Miss Florence C. Clark, a 
native of Wells, Me., and daughter of Charles C. and Sarah Clark, her father 
])eing a farmer and contractor. Mr. and Mrs. Sleeper are the parents of a 
daughter, Emma C, and a son, Charles C. 

Mr. Sleeper is a Republican in politics. He has performed useful service 
in public office, having been a member of the school board four years. He is 
now treasurer of Robinson Female Seminary. His society affiliations are with 
Star in the East Lodge, A. F. & A. M. : the Royal Arcanum and the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. 



994 tllSTORV 01' ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

HOWARD L. GORDON, who is engaged in the real estate and 
insurance business at Salem, N. H., is a successful business man and 
is held in high esteem by his many acquaintances throughout this sec- 
tion of Rockingham County. He was born in Salem, August 3, 1872, 
and comes of an old and respected family of the community. 

Jansach Gordon, great-grandfather of the subject of this record, was 
born in 1775, and died in 1852. He was a blacksmith in Salem. He 
married Mary Sanders, and they reared the following children: Mary, 
Charles, Oliver, Abigal, John, and Earl C. 

Earl C. Gordon, the next in line of descent to Howard L. Gordon, 
was born in Salem, N. H., in 1804. During his younger days he was a 
butcher, but later returned home and followed farming and blacksmith- 
ing. He was a man of pronounced views on the temperance question, 
being strongly opposed to the liquor traffic. He married Lydia Keys, 
and their issue was as follows: Lewis, who died in infancy; Abbie F., 
who became the wife of E. S. Woodbury; Bert G. ; George C. ; and Milly, 
who married J. E. Sloan. 

George C. Gordon was born in Salem, N. H., May 2"], 1835, and 
after ending his schooling, engaged in the grocery business, continuing 
from 1864 to 1868. He then started in the insurance business, which 
he has continued off and on ever since. In January, 1880, he was ap- 
pointed inspector of customs at Boston, and efficiently discharged the 
duties of that of^ce until he resigned in 191 1. During the years 1865, 
1867, and 1868, he served on the board of selectmen; in 1876 and 1877 
he represented his district in the state legislature. Mr. Gordon married 
Hannah M. Woodbury, daughter of Benjamin Woodbury, and the fol- 
lowing children were born to them: Minerva G., wife of Charles W. 
Chase: George G., who was born May 22, 1861, and died in 1908; Ed- 
ward L.. born November 20, 1864, is in the engraving business at Salem 
Center : and Howard L. The mother of this family died February 

^3. 1910- 

Howard L. Gordon received his educational training in the public 
schools and in Pinkerton Academy. He then engaged in the manufac- 
ture of heels for a time, after which he started in the real estate and 
insurance business with his father, who returned in 191 1. The business 
has grown steadily and is on a firm footing. In 1903 and 1904 he repre- 
sented his town in the state legislature, serving his constituents with 
marked ability. Mr. Gordon was united in marriage with Miss Laura 
L. Smith, and they have two children: Earl Gordon, born December 
10. 1895: and Dorothy, born April 22, 1898. 

LEON.'KRD D. HUNT. The printing business at Exeter is well 
represented, and one of the leading establishments is that known as the 
Leonard D. Hunt Print Shop, which was established by Mr. Hunt in 
1900. and is now a partnership concern engaged in printing shoe box 
labels for shoe manufacturers and in general job printing. From a 
comparatively small beginning, the business has been expanded into 
one of large importance. Mr. Hunt was born at Bradford, Mass., March 
16, 1873, and is a son of Ira and Carrie (Flanders) Hunt. The father, 
Ira Hunt, was born at Kingston, N. H., and is now retired and a resi- 
dent of Exeter, N. H. He has been twice married, first to Carrie Flan- 
ders, who died in 1880, and second to Georgia Fendersen, a native of 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 995 

Maine, who died in 1901. Tiiree children were born to his hrst union: 
Harry, Leonard D., and Lizzie, Leonard D. being the only survivor. 

Leonard D. Hunt attended the public schools of Haverhill, and from 
the high school went into a printing office, where he remained for two 
years and then became manager of the printing plant of G. H. Fellows 
at Brentwood, continuing there for eleven years. He came to Exeter 
in 1900, establishing his present business, which he conducted alone until 
1908, in which year he admitted Wilbur A. Littlefield to partnership. 
This association remained in force for five years. In 1912 John M. 
Rowe, of Epping, N. H., became Mr. Hunt's partner, and so continues. 
They make a specialty of the work connected with the shoe industry, 
averaging three million shoe box labels monthly. During its fourteen 
years of existence the business has been wonderfully developed, and as 
its growth demanded, extensiA'e alterations and additions have been 
made to the plant, which occupies three floors of their own building on 
Main Street. Twelve presses of modern make are a part of the equip- 
ment, as also are bronzing machines and other aids to the printer's craft, 
and the highest grade of printing is the result. 

Mr. Hunt was married in 1899 to Miss Edna Hamilton, who was 
born at Hartford, Conn., and died in 1910. She was a daughter of 
William H. and Edna (Dow) Hamilton. Two children survive: Mary 
C, and Edward H. In 1912 Mr. Hunt married Miss Winnie Daniels, a 
native of Ashland. N. H., and a daughter of Charles H. and Mina 
(Whitten) Daniels. Mrs. Hunt was reared in the Congregational 
church, but Mr. Hunt and his children are members of the Episcopal 
church. In political affiliation Mr. Hunt is a Republican. He stands 
high in fraternal organizations, being past high priest of St. Alban 
Chapter. Royal Arch Masons: past master of Olivet Council: a member 
of De Witt Clinton Commandery. and of the Eastern Star, of which he 
is past patron. He belongs also to the Royal x\rcanum, and the National 
Grange, and is an officer in the Grand Council, R. & S. M., of New Hamp- 
shire. On account of the thoroughness of detail in plant equipment and 
the high grade of the vvfork done, Mr. Hunt is considered one of the 
most capable and reliable printers in the state. 

JOHN JACOB BROWN, a well-known and respected citizen of 
Hampton Falls, was born in this town. April 24, 1833, a son of Joseph 
C. and Hannah D. (Berry) Brown. His paternal grandfather was Jacob 
Brown, who had four children, namely: Thomas, of whom we have no 
special record ; Nathan W., who was a merchant in Newburyport. mar- 
ried Sarah Chase, by whom he had four sons, and died in 1836: Joseph 
C. grandfather of the subject of this sketch, and John B., who married 
Sarah M. Leavitt and died in 1858, being at that time president of the 
A\'eare Bank. 

Joseph C. Brown, father of our subject, also born in Hampton I^'alls, 
was a farmer by occupation. He met an accidental death in 18^8 by 
having a rock fall on him. He married his cousin, Hannah Berry, of 
Chichester, and they had two sons and one daughter, namely: John 
Jacob: James D., who married Sarah Robinson, and Sarah A., who "mar- 
ried John Shaw, of Pittsfield. 

John Jacob Brown, in his youth, attended the public schools, and 
afterwards Rockingham Academy, and Lewis W. Clark's Academv. In 



996 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

1861, in company with his brother, James D., lie engaged in buying 
produce and wool for the Boston market, which occupation he carried 
on for fifty years. He was also a shoe freighter and carried on his large 
farm, besides operating a saw and shingle mill. For forty years he 
served as clerk of the Christian Church. In 1858 Mr. Brown married 
Mary G. Robinson, daughter of Jonathan and Sarah (Dearborn) Robin- 
son, of Exeter and North Hampton. They were the parents of children 
as follows: Arthur; Alice, who married D. H. Elkins; Annie, at home; 
Winnifred, at home ; Edward, born August 2, 1866, who married Marion 
Cram and has two children, Elizabeth G. and Dorothy B. ; Percy G. ; 
Mabel, who married William Hunter; Grace D., who married Joseph 
W. Trombla; and Maude E., who married James W. Clark. 

JULIUS W. SYRENIUS, D. O., osteopathic physician, whose office 
and residence are located at 84 Pleasant Street, Portsmouth, N. H., 
was born in Helsingfors, Finland, May 14, 1865, the- third son of six 
children born to Victor E. and Valborg (nee Johansdotter) Syrenius. 
His father was a son of Rev. Adam Syrenius, minister of the Lutheran 
Church in Letala, Abo, Finland, and master painter by occupation. He 
was educated in the public schools of his native land, and graduated in 
medicine at the University of Helsingfors, Finland. Subsequently he 
ser\ ed three years in the Finnish army, two years as interne in the army 
hospital and one year as physical instructor in the army. He began the 
practice of his profession in Stockholm, Sweden, where he remained 
until 1893. In that year he came to the United States, first locating in 
Boston, Mass., where he remained until March, 191 1. He then came 
to Portsmouth, N. H., where he has since been engaged in the success- 
ful practice of his profession. He was married in Stockholm, Sweden, 
1892, to Miss Anna L. Anderson. He is a graduate of the Columbia 
College of Osteopathy, Chicago, Illinois, and a member of St. John's 
Lodge, No. I, A. F. & A. M., and Portsmouth Athletic Club. Since 
comint;- to this city he has made many warm friends and is esteemed 
both in his profession and as a citizen. In politics he is a Republican. 

JOHN R. RONALD, proprietor of the Exeter Custom Laundry, 
conducts a business which he has seen profitably expand since he estab- 
lished it in September, 1909. He is one of the recognized business men 
of the city. His birth took place at St. John, New Brunswick, May 24. 
1864, and he is a son of John Reid and Elizabeth (Brown) Ronald. 

John Reid Ronald was 1)orn in Scotland, but it is probaI)le that he 
went to New Brunswick in early manhood, for he married there and 
spent the rest of his life at Glassville. He owned and cultivated land 
and at the same time was bookkeeper for a business firm with which 
he was connected continuously for twenty-seven years. He was twice 
married, first to Elizabeth Brown, and after her death to Marjorie King. 
To the first marriage three sons were born : John R., .\ndrew, and 
Alexander. To his second marriage two children were born, Robert 
and Catherine, and they, with their mother, still live in New Brunswick. 

John R. Ronald had a small amount of school training at West Glass- 
ville, N. B., before he went to Scotland, in his thirteenth year, where he 
remained five years, and during that time went to the same school 
which his father had attended. At the age of eighteen vears he reioined 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 997 

his father in New Brunswick, and for two years assisted on the home 
farm, and then started out for himself, chosing emigration to the United 
States as a beginning. He spent the next six years in the kmiber 
regions near Marinette, Wis., during five years of this period being in 
the employ of one firm. For two years he was foreman for tiie Ingalis. 
White Rapids and Northern Railroad Logging Company, and for one 
year was foreman for the Holmes & Son Logging Company. The 
life of a lumberman is a hard one, and after this long time in the woods 
Mr. Ronald decided to learn a trade that would subject him to less ex- 
posure, making choice of shoemaking, which he followed for fifteen 
years. He came then to Exeter, where business conditions seemed to 
warrant the establishing of a first-class laundry, and the soundness of 
his judgment has been proved by his success. 

Mr. Ronald was married May 23, 1900, to Miss Agnes Miller, who 
was born at Exeter, and is a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Johnston ) 
Miller. The mother of Mrs. Ronald was born in the north of Ireland 
and is now deceased. The father afterward married her sister, Eleanor 
Johnston, who survives. His two daughters were born to the first 
union; Agnes, and Jane, the latter of whom is the wife of Fred \^orck. 
Alexander Miller, who still survives, was born in Scotland, and when 
he came first to Exeter worked for such well-known business men as 
the Oilman brothers, the Merrils, and the Hurds, for twenty years was 
janitor for all of the buildings of Phillips Exeter Academy, and also 
was fireman and engineer for the Exeter Machine Works. Mr. and 
Mrs. Ronald have two children : Alexander Miller, and ]\Iary Catherine. 
The family attends the Phillips Congregational Church at Exeter. In 
politics Mr. Ronald votes with the Republican party. He belongs to 
the Masonic lodge at Exeter, and to the Order of United Workmen at 
Lynn, Mass. 

GEORGE D. COTTON resides on the old homestead which has 
been in the family name for more than a century, located in North 
Hampton, Rockingham County, New Hampshire. In association with 
his son, Fred Cotton, he follows general farming and dairying, and 
deals extensively in cattle. He was born in North Hampton, November 
21, 1845, and is a son of Jonathan and Mary (Sleeper) Cotton. 

Jonathan Cotton was born in North Hampton and always followed 
farming. He was a strict adherent of Democratic principles in politics. 
His wife, Mary Sleeper in maiden life. Avas born in Rye. New Hampshire. 
and their marriage was blessed with the following children : .Sar,-ih. wife 
of Orin Foye ; Alvina, wife of Leavit Dalton ; George D.. and .Morris, 
who makes his home with his brother. 

George D. Cotton received a limited education ir. the cnmiiion schools, 
and from ear'iest l)o\-ho{i(l has been engaged in farm work. He has 
always been a trader in cattle and it is safe to sav there is no beter judge 
of a herd in this region. He hamlles Jerseys. Holsteins and native 
breeds, and has met Avitli more than ordinary success. He has taken 
an earnest interest in pulilic affairs, and always is found in support of 
those projects tending toward the improvement of the community. He is 
a Democrat, and served numerous terms as road supervisor. 

Mr. Cotton was united in marriage with I\iiss Addie Bimker of Rye. 
who was one of the following children born to Lemuel and Sarah (Towle) 



998 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Bunker: Mary; Julia, wife of Edward Balch ; Sarah; and Addie. But 
one child is the issue of this union, Fred Cotton, who married Theodosia 
Garland of Rye. Religiously, the family attends the Christian Church. 
Mr. Cotton is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
of Hampton. 

JOSI.\H BARTLETT EASTMAN, a well known and substantial citizen 
of the town of Hampstead, N. H., was born in this town, April ii, 1863, a 
son of Dr. Josiah Calef and Mary Helen (Harris) Eastman. His father, 
born in Louden, N. H., April 22, 181 1, was a son of Dr. Joseph and Miriam 
(Calef) Eastman; grandson of Timothy and Abigail (Gale) Eastman, and of 
Joseph and Miriam (Bartlett) Calef; and a great grandson of Colonel Gale 
of East Kingston, and of Hon. Josiah Bartlett, a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence, was president, i790-"9i, and first governor of New Hampshire, 
1792-93. Joseph Eastman was graduated from Dartmouth Medical College 
in 1806, and died at Meredith, N. H., at the age of thirty-three years. 

Josiah C. Eastman, father of the subject of this sketch, obtained a pre- 
liminary education at the Kingston and the Atkinson (N. H.) and the Saco 
(Me.) Academies, after which he taught in district schools. He commenced 
the study of medicine in 1833 with Drs. L. S. Bartlett and T. Bassett, of 
Kingston, N. H. ; attended three courses of lectures at Dartmouth Medical 
College and was graduated M. D. therefrom in 1837. 

Dr. Eastman practiced medicine for a time at Newmarket, N. H., and 
about 1839 located at Hampstead, where he was subsequently engaged in 
active practice, when not in the military service. In z\ugust, 1861, he was 
appointed by Governor Berry surgeon of the Fourth Regiment, New Hamp- 
shire Volunteer Infantry, with rank of major. He was in service with the 
regiment at Washington, Anna]3olis. Port Royal, Hilton Head, St. Augustine, 
and Jacksonville, until 1863, when he resigned his commission on account of 
illness in his family, and returned to Hampstead. Soon after this he was 
ofYered the colonelcy, which he declined. When a youth he was chosen by 
Hon. Levi Woodbury for a cadetship at West Point Military .\cademy. but 
the opposition of his widowed mother prevented its acceptance. 

In ]845 Dr. Eastman was county treasurer of Rockingham County, de- 
clining renomination in 1847. He represented Hampstead in the legislature 
in i847-'50, and was state senator in i853-"54. In politics he was a Democrat. 
At the time of his death, which took place November i-j, 1897, Dr. Eastman 
was one of the oldest members of the New Hampshire Medical Society, of 
which he was president in i860. He was a member of the Rockingham 
Medical Society and president of the same; also a member of the .\merican 
Medical Association, and was one of the three representatives from New 
Hampshire to the international Medical Congress held at Philadelphia in 
1876. Dr. Eastman was twice nominated for councilor for his district, and 
was a delegate to the national convention which nominated General McClellan 
and Hon. Horatio Seymour for the presidency. In 1849. while a member of 
the legislature. Dr. Eastman introduced the bill entitled, "An .Act Proxiding 
for the Establishment of Public Libraries," which became a law under the 
signature of Governor Dinsmore, and New Hampshire was the first state in 
the Union to empower towns and cities to maintain free public libraries by 
taxation, as a result of the passage of that bill. Dr. Eastman was largely 
instrumental in the building of the Nashua & Rochester Railroad, and served 
as a director after its completion. 




^. 






AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1001 

Dr. Eastman was first married, May 3, iS-^i, to Miss Ann A., daughter 
of Captain Leonard (a pensioner of 1812) and Elizabeth Gregg (\\'arner) 
Wilson. Their children were : Mary Bartlett, who married Lavosier Hill, 
of New York City: and Ella. Dr. Eastman married secondly, February 5, 
i860, Miss Mary Helen, daughter of Dr. Jerome and Mary (Tewksbury) 
Harris, of Amesbury, Mass. She survived her husband about three years and 
a half, passing away May 2t„ 1891. The children of this second union were 
Josiah Bartlett, whose name appears at the head of this sketch ; and Susie 
Ann, who married Prof. Geo. S. Palmer of Derry, N. H., and had a son, 
Mahlon Eastman, who died Aug. 9, 1910. 

Josiah Bartlett Eastman accjuired a good practical education in the public 
schools and high school of Hampstead. After completing his studies he took 
up farming as an occupation and later operated a saw-mill, meeting with 
success in both lines of industry. He served the town as selectman in 1897-8, 
but otherwise, aside from casting his vote, has not been particularly active 
in politics. He, however, takes a good citizen's interest in everything calcu- 
lated to promote the advancement and prosperity of the town. He belongs to 
St. Marks Lodge, A. F. & A. M. of Derry; also to the Chapter, R. A. M., at 
Derry ; to Sons of Veterans, Custer Camp, No. 9, in which he has held all the 
important offices ; the Junior Order American Mechanics, in which also he has 
held all the offices, and to Pomona Grange. P. of H. As a citizen he is widely 
known and highly esteemed. 

WILLIAM HENRY McDEVITT, who is associated with W. B. 
Farmer in the Applecrest fruit farm in Hampton Falls, being- general 
manager, was born in this town January 7, 1871, a son of Henry and 
Miranda (Janvrin) McDevitt. His paternal grandfather was Hugh 
McDevitt, who was born in St.. Johns, N. B., where he was extensively 
engaged in the cattle business and as a dealer in meat. He died in 1878. 

Henry McDevitt was born in St. Johns, N. B., May 20, 1843. He 
came to Hampton Falls, N. H., when a boy and was educated in the 
old .\cademy. He served three and a half years in the Civil War, 
being a member of the Third New Hampshire Regiment and was dis- 
charged February 22. 1867. having been wounded in the left arm. 
Returning to Hampton Falls, he worked in a shoe shop, until he went 
to Lynn, Mass., wdiere he engaged in the shoe business for himself. 
He served formerly as deputy sheriff and is now a member of the 
G. A. R. His wife Miranda, who died in January, 1905, was a daughter 
of Jefferson and Mary Janvrin. They had only one child. W'illiam 
Henr}', the subject of this sketch. 

William Henry McDevitt was educated in the public schools and at 
Holderness Academy at Plymouth, N. H. He then accepted a position 
as clerk in a hotel at Rye, N. H., later becoming clerk in a hotel at 
Boston. He then became clerk in a clothing store in Boston and was 
thus occupied for three years. In 1901 he started a grocery store at 
Hampton Falls, which he conducted until he was burned out in 1909, 
after which, in the following year, he became associated with Mr. 
Farmer in the Applecrest farm, which in the near future will be the 
largest fruit farm in New England; they have set out about 10,000 
apple trees, besides making other great improvements. Mr. McDevitt 
is a member of the Episcopal church. He also belongs to Star in the 
East Lodge. A. F. and A. M. at Exeter; and Olivet Council at Exeter. 



1002 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

In 190J, he married Miss Mabel L. VVadleigh, daughter of Charles and 
Annie \\ adleigh. They are the parents of one daughter, Helen M., who 
was born December 4, 1905. 

JOHN NEWTCK, superintendent of the Eldredge Brewing Com- 
pany, Portsmouth, N. H., and who has also performed good service in 
public oiiice, was born in Sussex, England, December 9, 1841, a son of 
John and Mary (SindenJ Newick. His parents dying when he was but 
a boy, he was practically reared by an uncle and an aunt, but at the 
early age of ten years was obliged to seek employment. Being of an 
ambitious disposition, in 1870, he came to the United States, landing in 
the city of New York. Thence he went to Syracuse, N. Y., where he 
found employment in a brewery and learned his present business. In 
February, 1882, he located in Portsmouth, of which city he has smce 
been a resident. In the Eldredge Brewery he has twenty-five employes 
under his direction. He understands the brewing business in all its 
branches and has shown himself to be a thoroughly capable superin- 
tendent. During the years 1907, '08 and '09 Mr. Newick served on the 
city council, and in 1910-'! i he was a member of the board of public 
works. He has also been in the legislature, having been elected repre- 
sentative in 1904. He married Miss Elizabeth Legg, and he and his 
wife have been the parents of nine children, of whom six now survive. 
A son, Ira A., is now associated with his father in the Eldredge Brew- 
ery. Since coming to this city Mr. Newick has made many warm 
friends and has a large general acquaintance. His years of public 
service testify to the fact of his wide personal popularity. He resides 
at No. 138 Bartlett street. 

WILFRED E. NASON, an employee of William Jenkins ^: Co.. 
dealers in hay, grain, feed and Hour, at Exeter, also owner of a dry 
goods store in this town, was born in Eliot, Me., November 7. 1872. 
His parents were William F. and Elizabeth L. (Lake) Nason. the 
father a native of Eliot, Me., and the mother of New Hampshire. Wil- 
liam F. Nason was a boatman, connected with the old packet or gondola 
serv'ice on the Piscataqua ri\er. He died in April, 1895, iieing sur- 
vived by his wife until February, 1912. They were w^orthy people and 
Methodists in religion. Their children were: George; Edith, wife of 
John H. Dame: Loretta, wife of Harry Crosby, and Wilfred F. 

Wilfred E. Nason was educated in the common schools, which he at- 
tended until he was fifteen years old. He then learned the trade of 
brick mason, which he followed from 1889 to 1897. In the year last 
mentioned he came to Exeter and entered the mill of William Jenkin-- 
& Co. For six years he acted as teamster, but was subsequently pro- 
moted and for the last eight years has had charge of the plant. The dry 
goods store, wdiich he started in January, 19T2. is managed 1)\- his 
wife, and is doing a good business. 

Mr. Nason was married August 19, 1893, to Miss .\nnie Belle Jen- 
kins, a daughter of Silas and Anna (Watson) Jenkins, her father lieing 
a memlier of the firm of W^illiam Jenkins & Co., for whom Mr. Nason 
works. Mrs. Nason had a brother, Williard M., who is now deceased, 
and h;\s a sister. Etta, who is the wife of T. W. Schoonmaker. Mr. and 
Mrs. Nasnn have had one child. Marguerite, who died at the a"'e nf 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1003 

eleven years. They attend the Baptist church. Mr. Nason is a Re- 
publican in politics, but has always declined to accept public office. He 
belongs to the Knights of Pythias and to the Grange and is one of the 
active, enterprising and prosperous citizens of Exeter. 

JOHN W. SLEEPER, a prosperous citizen of Plaistow, Nevv Hamp- 
shire, is proprietor of a grocery and has a large and well established 
trade. He was born in Plaistow, June i6, 1864, and is a son of John 
N. and Lorinda E. (Cass) Sleeper. His paternal grandfather was 
Henry Sleeper, who was born in Newburyport, Mass., and at an early 
date came to Plaistow where he followed his trade as a shoemaker. 
The family is an old one in New England, having been established 
here in the early Colonial days. 

John N. Sleeper was born in Plaistow in 1824, and when a young 
man entered business at Hampton Falls, N. H. He next went to Haver- 
hill where he worked for nine years. He then started in business there 
for himself as a member of the firm of Sleeper & Hall, manufacturing 
shoes. Later he purchased the interest of Mr. Hall, and took into the 
business, Daniel Fitts. Later his two brothers were partners in the 
business which was continued until 1872. Mr. Sleeper then returned to 
Plaistow. where he engaged in farming and lunil;)ering imtil his tleath 
in 1895. He served his town as representative and was one of the hon- 
ored citizens of the place. He was a charter memljer of Saggahew 
Lodge, A. F. & A. JM. of Haverhill. His marriage witli Lorinda E. 
Cass was blessed with the following children: John W. : Henry J.; 
Ned S. : Fannie N. who married H. R. Seaver: Maude E., who mar- 
ried Dr. Harold Palmer: and Ernest. 

John W. .Sleeper was educated in the puljlic schools, the academy 
at .-Vndover, and Br3'ant & Stratton's Business College, .\fter leaving 
the last named institution he worked in the grain store of his uncle 
until he went to Exeter. He there engaged in the wholesale grain busi- 
ness as a member of the firm of Cass and Sleeper. After one year 
he sold his interest and went to Haverhill where he worked at the shoe 
business for eleven years. In 1897 he returned to I''laistow and es- 
tablished his present grocery lousiness. Mr. Sleeper has served three 
terms as selectman, was town treasurer, one year, and in 1902 was elected 
representative from Plaistow, to which office he has since been twice 
re-elected, in 1905 and again in 1912. He is a member of Saggahew 
Lodge, A. F. & A. IM. : Haverhill Chapter and Council, the Commandery: 
and Allcpo Lodge, Mystic Shrine, of Boston. He is also affiliated with 
the Knights of Pythias. 

In 1889, John W. Sleeper was unitcfl in marriage with Mis^ Annie 
L. Tourtillotte, who was born in Woodstock, New Hampshire, and (bed 
on Julv 24, 1912. One son was born to bless thi.s union, Newman T.. 
in 1897. ^I''- Sleeper enjoys a comfortable home in Plaistow and is 
most highly esteemed b\- his fellowiuen. 

CHARLES F. KIMBALL, proprietor of a large grain elevator and 
mill, is one of the forceful business men of Salem Depot, New Ham])- 
shire. He comes of a prominent old family of this vicinity, one which 
for many years has been identified with the material growth and pros- 
perity of the community. Mr. Kimball was born at Salem, New Hamp- 



1004 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

shire. 3.1arch 15, 1853, and is a son of Charles and Celenda (,Haselton) 
Kimball. He has two sisters, Nellie E. and Caroline F. The father, 
Charles, was born in Salem, April 18, 1822, and died F"ebruary 18, 1912, 
at the advanced age of ninety years. He was a farmer and also engaged 
in the lumber business. He was chairman of the board of selectmen a 
number of times, was town treasurer, also was a captain in the state 
militia some years, and a representative in the state legislature. 

Charles F. Kimball received his educational training in the public 
schools and in Tilton Seminary. When twenty years old he took charge 
of his father's store and was assistant postmaster for five years. They 
sold out the store and he began working out as a farmer. He soon 
engaged in that occupation on his own account and branched out in the 
lumber business. He put in a large wind mill which enabled him to do 
all his own grinding and some custom work, and that started him in 
the milling business. Today he has a large elevator and mill, in addi- 
tion to which he does an extensive business in lumber and wood. When 
twenty-one years old he was elected tax collector, and also served one 
year as road commissioner, three terms on the school board, and two 
years as town treasurer. In 1898 he was elected to the legislature. 
When the town bought the waterworks, he became chairman of the 
water board. He was on the building committee when the new school 
building was erected, and also when the new addition was made. 

In September, 1874, Charles F. Kimball was married to ^Martha 
Ella Copp, a daughter of \l. G. Copp, and they have one son, Charles 
A. Kimball. The last named was born in July, 1876, and was educated 
in the public schools and Tilton Seminary. He now is in business with 
his father. He also has taken an active interest in the affairs of Salem, 
and has served as chairman of the board of selectmen. Charles A. 
Kimball was joined in marriage with Lena Mabel Hall, and they have 
had five children, namely: Gertrude, Charles Allen, Ruth Ellen. Eliza- 
beth F. (deceased), and Richard Gardner. 

JOSEPH HUBBARD W^EARE, a successful farmer and business 
man of Hampton Falls, was born in this town, April 9, 1868, a son of 
Benjamin F. and Lydia J. (Fogg) Weare. His paternal grandfather, 
John Weare, son of Deacon Jonathan, at one time owned most of the 
mills in this town and was especially noted for making an extra quality 
of Indian meal. He served as representative in 1836 and 1838, and 
died in 1877. 

Benjamin F. Weare, father of the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Hamilton Falls, N. H., May 29, 1833. He was educated in the public 
schools and at Dearborn Academy. He was a farmer and a large lumber 
dealer, operating a sawmill. He served the town as selectman and was 
a member of the constitutional convention in 1903. By his wife Lydia 
he had two children, Joseph H. and Minnie O., the latter of whom mar- 
ried S. D. Perkins. Mrs. Lydia J. Weare died in 1875 and Mr. Weare 
later married Lucy W. Smith, of which union also there are two chil- 
dren, namely: Abby F., born March 2. 1880; and Percy S., l)orn Sep- 
tember 27, 1878. 

Joseph Hubbard Weare was educated in the public schools and Dear- . 
born Academy. He then took up farming for awhile, afterwards ac- 
cepting a position as clerk in a grocerv store. He remained thus occu- 




JOHN H. GROUARD, M. D. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1007 

pied until 1905, at which time he bought his present farm which lie is 
now carrying on successfully. For the last five years he has dealt in 
flour and grain and in addition to this he has recently started a grocery 
store in Hampton Falls. He has served as tax collector three years and 
was representative to the State Assembly in 1913 and 1914. 

Mr. Weare was married in 1892 to Miss Jennie B. Smith, daughter of 
Elbridge and Malvina (Boyton) Smith. 

JOHN HAXSOX GROUARD, M. D., was born August 9, 1829, at 
Rochester, X. H.. and died at Pittsburgh, Pa.. January 5, 1876, and no history 
of Rockingham County would be complete if his name were not included, for 
his people and those of his wife belonged here, and his boyhood days were 
spent in Rochester. His parents were Ephraim and Marie (Corson) Grouard, 
natives of Portsmouth, who had three sons: George, a resident of Read- 
ing, Mass. : Leonard, and John Hanson, the youngest. 

From the public schools of Rochester, John Hanson Grouard entered 
Dartmouth College, where he made a record for scholarship and was gradu- 
ated in the medical department. He early found a congenial field for the 
practice of his profession at Pittsburgh. Pa., and in that city spent his useful 
and busy life. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Moore 
Shackford, who was born at Portsmouth. N. H.. a daughter of Capt. Samuel 
and Sarah (Cottle) Shackford. The father of Mrs. Grouard was a sea cap- 
tain. Mrs. Grouard has one sister. Mary, who is the widow of \\'illiam H. 
Morton, who died at Salmon Falls, N'. H., in 1904. To Dr. and Mrs. Grouard 
the following children were born : Sarah S.. who died in 1902 ; Maria Louise, 
who is teaching at Briar Cliff, N. Y. : John Shackford. a physician at Nan- 
tucket, who married Lena Weymouth ; Joseph Morton of Nantucket, a Span- 
ish War veteran, having served as corporal of the Seventy-first New York 
Regiment, married Miss Laura Brown of New York City; and Elizabeth 
Patterson. The family are members of the Episcopal church. 

JOSEPH A. BRISSON, of New Market, N. H.. who is conducting 
a prosperous business as grocer and meat dealer, was born in St. John, 
Province of Quebec, Canada, November 11, 1882. His parents were 
Victor and Emma (Mailhot) Brisson, both of Canadian birth. He re- 
sided in his native place until he was eight years old. at which time he 
accompanied his parents to New Market, N. H., where his father 
obtained employment in the mill. He attended the pubbc schools of 
New^ Market until reaching the age of fifteen years, when he began 
industrial life in the mill, remaining there until 1904. Having bv this 
time saved some money, he determined to go into business for himself, 
and accordingly purchased the meat and grocery business of his Ijrother, 
Nave Brisson, which he has since carried on very successfully, having 
built up a large and lucrative trade. He now ranks among the leading- 
merchants in the town. 

Mr. Brisson was married, June 26, 1905. to Miss Leda Blanchatte. 
daughter of Adelard and Celina (Viger) Blanchatte, of New Market. 
He and his wife are the parents of four children: Alfred, Alice. Emma 
and Raymond, two of whom are attending school in New Market. 
Mr. Brisson belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters, to the Eagles, 
and to the L^nion Fraternal League. He served the town of New ^ifarket 
as treasurer in 191 1 and 1912. He and his family have a pleasant and 



1008 HISTORY Ol'" ROCKIXCIHAM COUNTY 

coniniodious residence on Elm Street. They are numljered aniony the 
prosperous and substantial residents of the town and are highly 
esteemed. 

WALTER S. PEAK, wiio farms a tract of 59 acres in the town of 
Rye, and also does teaming, was born in London, England, May 9, 
1S59, and came to America with his parents, Jeremiah and Elizabeth 
(Colite) Peak, when about ten years old. They lived first in Montreal, 
Canada, afterwards going to Boston and then to St. Louis, later com- 
ing east. Both were natives of London, the father being a type caster by 
trade. He died in Chelsea, Mass., while his wife died on the farm now 
owned by the subject of this sketch. They were members of the Epis- 
copal church. They had a large family, only five of whom are now- 
living, namely: Gertrude, wife of W. B. Parker; Elizabeth, wife of 
John Ouinn : Charles. William and Walter S. 

Walter S. Peak had very limited educational advantages, ha\ing 
to begin work when quite a boy. He first found employment as a 
newsboy, and when twenty years old learned the trade of type casting, 
which he followed until he came to his present farm, which he bought 
from James Ramsdell in 1902. He married Mary Shealy of St. Louis, 
a daughter of Jacob and Margaret Shealy, and he and his wife have had 
children as follows: Gertrude, wife of Abbott White, who has two 
children, Abbott and Hazel; W'alter J., who resides at home; Edward, 
who married Clara Gowen of Portsmouth and has a child, l^orris ; 
Alice, who married Thomas F. Chandler, and Franklin, residing at 
home. Mr. Peak belongs to the Masonic Lodge at Portsmouth and he 
and his family attend the Baptist church. In politics he is independent. 

EVERETT W. TREFETHEX is a ])romineni mason contractor of 
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he has always li\e(l and is widely 
known. He was born in Portsmouth, Januar\- 5. 186(1. and is a son of 
Albert B. and Mary A. (Rand) Trefethen. 

Albert B. Trefethen was also a mason contractor in Portsmouth 
where he lived until his death in igoo. He was a substantial citizen and 
was deeply interested in the development and improvement of the city 
at all times. In politics he was a Democrat. Mrs. Trefethen, a woman 
of admirable character who has a host of friends of long years standing 
still resides in Portsmouth. The\' were parents of four sons: Everett 
W.; Ralph: Frank and Wallis. 

Everett W. 1^-efethcn attended grammar and high schools in Ports- 
mouth, after which he became identified with his father in masonry 
work. Upon his father's death he continued the business alone and has 
met with uninterrupted success. In June, 1897, Mr. Trefethen married 
Carrie L. Thurlow, who was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and 
is a daughter of Daniel P. and Louise (W'inn) Thurlow. Her father 
was a piano tuner bv profession. There were Init tw'o children in the 
family, Edith Thurlow and Carrie L. (Trefethen). Mr. Trefethen is 
affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent 
Protective Order of Elks and the Portsmouth Athletic Club. He is a 
Democrat in politics. He and his wife attend Portsmouth Baptist 
Church. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1009 

HARRY MERRILL, a well known business man of Exeter, chief 
clerk for the A. E. McReel Company, has been identified with this im- 
portant business concern for a number of years, both under its present 
and former management. He was born at Exeter, N. H., April 4, 1874, 
and is a son of David W. and Mary (Coffin) Merrill. The father was 
born at Exeter, N. H., and the mother at Newburyport, Mass. She 
survives and lives at Exeter but the father is deceased, his burial being 
at Exeter. They had three children: Sarah E., Harry and Florence 
M. C. In early business life the father followed farming. 

Harry Merrill was graduated from the Exeter High school in the 
class of 1892 and afterward, for ten years, was a clerk in a clothing 
store. He then went into the lumber business in partnership with 
Col. H. W. Anderson and was also connected with the Anderson coal 
business, although not as a partner, and continued as clerk after the 
McReel Company bought the Anderson interest. His reliability and 
efficiency have brought him into close relations with keen business men, 
and the reputation he has won is well sustained. 

In T^me, 1903, Mr. Merrill was married to Miss Harriet C. Stock- 
man, who was born at Newburyport, a daughter of Joseph and Rhoda 
(Sargent) Stockman. The father of Mrs. Merrill was a ship chandler 
and dealer in antique furniture. Mrs. Merrill has one brother, Orlando. 
Mr. and Mrs. Merrill have three children. Henry E., Marjorie and 
David D. They are members of the First Congregational Church in 
which he was an official for five years. In political sentiment he is a 
republican. 

FRANK P. WOODBURY has for many years been among the fore- 
most citizens of Salem, New Hampshire, having fostered numerous 
enterprises which have added materially to the prosperity of the com- 
munitv. He has identified himself with all projects and public move- 
ments tending toward the development and improvement of tlie village. 
and in every sense has proved himself a man of public spirit. 

Mr. Woodbury was born in Salem, N. H., October 24, 1850, and 
is the only son of Orlando H. and Mary Elizabeth (Corning) \Yood- 
bury. and a grandson of Nathaniel Woodbury, an early resident of Salem, 
who at one time represented his town in the State Legislature. Orlando 
H. Woodbury was also born in Salem, N. H., and when a young man 
had charge of a force of men working on the Hudson River. He served 
as a sutler in the army and for many years prior to his death conducted 
a general store at Franiingham, Mass. 

Frank P. Woodbury received a public school education. As a young 
man he went into a shoe shop to learn the business, and within six 
months he was owner of the shop. He then started the manufacture 
of shoes on a larger scale, although he started with little capita! and 
no help from anyone. He placed the business on a firm basis and con- 
ducted it with great success until 1909, when he suffered the loss of his 
plant by fire. For a period of five years he was also interested in the 
shoe business in Boston. He has been engaged in the coal business in 
Salem for a period of twenty-five years, and with his son Ernest R. Wood- 
bury established the electric light plant, of which the latter is now 
superintendent. In 1890 he was elected State Senator in a district that 
had never before elected a Democrat to that office. He secured the pas- 



1010 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

sage of a bill, and formed a company wliicli Iniilt the water works of 
Salem, serving as one of the directors until the plant was acquired by 
the town. In December, 1913, Mr. Woodbury was appointed post- 
master in which capacity he has served with great efficiency. 

Mr. Woodbury was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Ryant. 
and they became parents of two sons: Harry C, who died in 1913; and 
Ernest R. 

JOHN H. BRACKETT, owner of a considerable quantity of farm land 
in the town of Greenland, Rockingham County, N. H., who has been a 
selectman of that town for the last twelve years, was born in the house in 
which he now resides, November 26, 1838, a son of Thomas and Sarah W. 
(Veasey) Brackett. His father was a native of Greenland and his mother 
of Stratham, N. H. : the former being a farmer by occupation. They are 
l)oth deceased and their remains rest in the private burial ground on the home 
farm. They had a large family of children, as follows: John H., ist, who 
died young: Sarah W. (died young) : Mary, wife of Lewis J. Chace, both of 
whom have passed away; Sarah A., also deceased, who was the wife of Capt. 
W. DeForest Bowers; Alice P., who married Frank Walker; Martha P.; 
Grace C, who married John H. Scott: and John H., jcl. .All these children 
are now deceased except the subject of this sketch. 

John H. Brackett was educated in the common schools and at Pemberton 
.\cademy, which he attended for several years. He aftenvards took up fami 
work, which he has since followed successfully. The tract of land on which 
he resides contains 90 acres, and he also owns several other tracts — one of 
98 acres, one of 250 acres, and another of 35 acres. Mr. Brackett is an 
active and progressive citizen, and has for a nmnber of years taken a practical 
part in public affairs. He has served at different times as selectman and has 
also been town treasurer and assessor. He belongs to St. John's Lodge. A. F. 
& A. M., at Portsmouth, N. H. 

Mr. Brackett was married in 1890 to Miss Mary E. Lewis, a daughter 
of Benjamin and Mary Lewis of Sandwich, Me. She died in 1892, leaving 
one son, Thomas J., who returned a few months ago from South America, 
where he had been working eighteen months for a railroad company. Thomas 
J. Brackett was married, March 2t„ 1914, to Blanche Gertrude Brownell, who 
was born in Dover, N. H., a daughter of Harry and Emma J. Brownell, her 
father being a carpenter. The Brownell family numbered four children — 
l<"lorence. wife of Harold Hanson; Dora; Blanche, and Thomas Edgar. 

HERBERT PERKINS, a well known merchant of the town of 
Hampton, and member of the legislature from this town, his term 
expiring January i, 191 5, was born in Concord, N. H., July 29, 1868, a 
son of John C. and Katie E. (Crane) Perkins. His parents were both 
natives of this county, his father being a shoe worker. He was also 
postmaster at Hampton during the latter years of his life. He and his 
wife had two children, George C. and Herbert. 

Herbert Perkins was educated in the common schools and at Hamp- 
ton Academy. He then worked for awhile in a shoe factory and after- 
wards on a car line, but for the last twelve years has been in the meat 
business in Hampton. He has a good up-to-date shop and employs one 
hand. A Republican in politics, he takes a strong interest in public 
affairs and in addition to being an efficient member of the present legis- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1013 

lature, he is candidate for state senator. He was supervisor six years 
and for the last three years has served as town treasurer. In short 
he is one in whom his fellow citizens have full confidence, knowing that 
he will never betray their trust. 

Mr. Perkins married Annie W. Towie, a native of Hampton, X. H. 
and daughter of John \V. and Mary M. (Godfrey) Towle, her father 
being a carpenter. Her parents had another child, Ernest \V., who lives 
in Hampton. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have one son, John W. They are 
atfiliated religiously with the Methodist church and Mr. Perkins belongs 
fraternally to the Odd Fellows and the Junior Order of American 
Mechanics. 

ARCHIBALD FINLAYSON, operator for the Direct Cable Com- 
pany at Rye Beach, who has held his present position since i88S, was 
born in Scotland, April 22, 1859. a son of Donald and Dollina (Murry) 
Finlayson. His parents, both natives of Scotland, never came to this 
country. They had three children, the two others being- Georse and 
James. 

The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of 
his native land and subsequently learned telegraphy at Ardgay, Scot- 
land, where he was in the government service four years. He w^as sta- 
tioned at Glasgow for three years, after which he became associated 
with the Direct Cable Company at Liverpool, England, in 1881, remain- 
ing there three years. His next post was in Ireland, where he was 
employed in the same business and for the same company four vears, 
after which he came to Rye Beach, X. H., to assume the duties of his 
present position. 

Mr. Finlayson married Elizabeth Lord of Kennebunk, Me., in 1894. 
She is a daughter of Robert and Mar\- (Mendum) Lord, residents of 
the State of Maine, where her father was engaged in business as a cot- 
ton manufacturer. The Lord family included two other children: Sarah, 
who married Judge Edwin Cram, of Biddeford, Me., and Frances, wife 
of Dr. Augustus Lord, a Unitarian minister of Providence, R. I. Mr. 
and Mrs. Finlayson ha\'e two children, Mary and Donald. Mrs. Fin- 
la3'son is a member of the Unitarian church and her husband of the 
Congregational. 

FRANK E. LANG, who has l)een a resident of Xew ]\Iarket for more 
than thirty years, is proprietor of a blacksmithing establishment and 
enjoys an extensive patronage throughout this vicinity. He was born 
in Candia, New Hampshire, April 14. 1864, and is a son of Gilman C. 
and Sarah A. (Barker) Lang, both of whom continued to reside in Candia 
until their respective deaths. 

Frank E. Lang lived at home until he was sixteen, then li\-ed at Ames- 
bury for four years. In 1884 he came to New Market and worked at 
blacksmithing for Thomas Garland for two years, at the end of which 
time he became established in business for himself. A man of natural 
mechanical bent, a thorough conscientious workman, it is not .'^urijris- 
ing his business flourished and he became firmly intrenched in the good 
will of the people. He owns a comfortable home in Xew Market, where 
he is happy in the companionship of his wife and children, surrounded 
bv many friends of long years standing. 



1014 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

November i6, 1889, Mr. Lang was married to Maude Gray of Brown- 
field, Maine, and they have four children, namely: Gilman A., Beatrice 
E., A. Harold and Charles W. Fraternally, Mr. Lang is a member of 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Masons, Improved Order of 
Red Men, and Sons of Veterans. He and his son Gilman A. Lang re- 
ceived their third degrees in Masonr}^ on June 3, 1914, an exceedingly 
rare occurrence. 

DAVID J. LAMPREY, of North Hampton, Rockingham County, 
New Hampshire, has varied interests, following farming and teaming, 
and conducting a saw mill. He also deals in ice at Little Boar's Head. 
He resides on the old Lamprey homestead, consisting of one hundred 
acres, and is the owner of two hundred sixty acres all told. 

Mr. Lamprey was born in North Hampton, September 17, 1844, 
and is a son of Hezekiah B. and Mary A. (Jenness) Lamprey, and a 
grandson of Morris Lamprey. Hezekiah Lamprey was a native of North 
Hampton, and his wife of Rye, New Hampshire. He was a farmer and 
lumberman, and also dealt somewhat in horses and cattle. He was a 
Democrat in politics, and in religious attachment they were members of 
the Christian Church. They reared the following children: Marilla, 
deceased wife of John J. Leavitt of Hampton; Morris, who lives in Mell- 
rose, Massachusetts: Ellen, wife of Hiram A. Brown: Da\id J. and 
Irvin H., deceased. 

David J. Lamprey attended the common schools for a time, and all 
his life has followed agricultural pursuits, in fact has passed all his life 
working on the farm where he was born. He is a prosperous business 
man, and has a wide acquaintanceship throughout this section of the 
State. 

^tr. Lamprev was married to Miss Clara M. Nudd, of Hampton 
Beach, a daughter of Oliver and Sarah (Redman) Nudd. Her father 
was a farmer by ocupation, and a successful fisherman. The Nudd fam- 
ily consisted of the following children: Thomas, of Hampton Beach; 
Edna; Clara M. ; and Lulia, wife of Charles Ross. Mr. and Mrs. Lamp- 
rey have had the following children : Austin, who married Josephine 
Drake and has two children, Mary and David Morris; Marion, wife of 
Clarence Dearborn of Hampton, who has a son. Elmore ; and Warren, 
who married Pearl Delaney, of Hampton. 

Mr. Lamprey has always taken a deep interest in home affairs and 
politics. He is a Democrat and in 1889 served a term in the State Leg- 
islature. He also served as road supervisor two years. Fraternally he 
is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Hampton. 
He and his family attend the Christian Bajjtist church. 

JOHN EATON, in former years one of the best known and most 
highly respected citizens of the town of Raymond, was born at Ded- 
ham, Mass., in March, 1835. and died in Raymond, N. H., in November, 
190V He was educated in the schools of Dedham and in his youth 
worked on his father's farm. Later he engaged in the livery business 
in Boston, but subsequently sold out and came to Raymond, where he 
purchased one of the best farms in the town, located about a mile and 
a half north of the village. 

In January, 1873, he married Helen M., daughter of Barnard and 




.iAMi:< llAl,■\l:^ 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1017 

Sally (Diulley) Tucker, her ancestors, originally coming from England, 
they being among the first settlers of Exeter, in which town the Rev. 
Dudley was the first minister. Among the noted ancestors of the Dud- 
ley family, from wliich the present branch is descended, was Gov. Thomas 
Dudley. Like the Dudleys, the Eatons are also an old New England 
family, originating in England. Mrs. Eaton finished her education in 
Boston, taking private lessons in languages. 

To Mr. and Mrs. John Eaton was born a daughter, Helen Louise, 
who was educated in Raymond, N. H., and in Boston, Mass.. where 
she studied music and the violin under the best teachers. She is now 
an acomplished violinist, and is well known in all the Eastern cities, where 
she has appeared in concerts. During most of the time she is engaged 
in traveling. 

To Mr. and ]\Irs. Barnard Tucker nine children were born, of whom 
Mrs. Eaton was the youngest. Only two, however, are now living. Mrs. 
Eaton and an older sister, Sarah A., wdio is the widow of Hiram McCIure. 
Mrs. McClure is one of the oldest living residents of Raymond, and was 
a member of the committee, July 4th, fifty years ago. when the looth 
anniversary of Raymond was celebrated. She was the only lady in the 
parade at the 150th celebration, who also took part in the parade at that 
time. Hiram McClure, born in Raymond, spent liis life here engaged 
in farming. Mr. and Mrs. McClure had two children: Arthur H., who 
married, and died, leaving four children — Helen, Mary, Ernest and 
Arthur; and Nellie T., also now deceased. The latter married Harris 
Ladd, and they had two sons, Carl and Roger, who are both living and 
are unmarried. Mrs. Eaton and her sister, Mrs. McClure reside in Bos- 
ton during the winter, and in the summer on the valuable Walnut Hill 
Farm, owned by Mrs. Eaton. 

JAMES HARVEY, a general farmer owning 167 acres of land in the 
town of Portsmouth, was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1854, a son of James 
and Xancy (Maher) Harvey. Both parents were natives of Canada, the 
d'ather being a farmer. They both came to the States but neither is now living. 
The mother died and was buried in Portsmouth, but the father's remains rest 
in Montreal. They had a large family of eleven children. 

James Har\-ey was educated in the common schools of Montpelier, Vt. 
He was fifteen years of age when he came to Rockingham County, and has 
been engaged in farming since boyhood. He first worked on the home farm, 
but afterwards worked at farming by the month for others until his marriage, 
at which time he bought his present property from Willis J. Mevers. In ad- 
dition to general farming he operates a dairy, keeping thirty-five head of ])edi- 
greed Holsteins. and delivering 225 quarts of milk daily in the Portsmouth 
market. He has a pond on his farm from which he cuts ice. He is a Demo- 
crat in politics and his fraternal affiliations are with the Benevolent and Pro- 
tective Order of Elks. 

Mr. Harvey was married in 1871 to Bridget Cross, a native of Ireland 
and daughter of Patrick Cross. They have eight children — Mary. Tames, 
Francis, Joseph, William John, Thomas. Catherine and Ellen. The "family 
attend the Catholic Church, of which they are faithful and consistent mem- 
bers. 

EVERETT AUSTIN WEARE. proprietor of a well stocked general 
store in Seabrook, who is also assistant postmaster here, the office of 



1018 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

postmaster being- held by his wife, was born in this town, June 7, 1866, 
a son of George Austin and Mary Lydia (Chase) Weare. He is a grand- 
son of Capt. Joseph Hubbard Weare, who was a captain of miUtia in 
early days and kept a hotel in Seabrook, in later years being engaged 
in farming. Capt. Weare married Mary Brown and they had two chil- 
dren, George Austin and Lurana. 

George Austin Weare was born in Seabrook, N. H., January 10, 
1833. He was a large lumber dealer and operated a saw'-niill until 
1880, when he engaged in farming. He was a prosperous citizen and 
built a number of cottages and also the first garage at Hampton Beach. 
He served the town as selectman, tax collector and treasurer, showing 
ability and honesty in public office. His wife Mary Lydia was a daugh- 
ter of Captain Da\'id Chase of Seal)rook. His death took place March 
3, iQio. 

Everett Austin Weare, who was the only child of his parents, was 
educated in the public schools and at Putnam high school in Newbury- 
port, ^lass. For awhile after completing his studies he worked for 
his father on the farm and in driving a team. He then learned the car- 
penter's trade, l)Ut was engaged in teaming for himself until 1900, after 
which he worked at his trade until 1907. He then built his present store 
and engaged in general mercantile business, which he has followed suc- 
cessfully up to the present time. His society affiliations are with the 
Odd Fellows, the Junior Order of American Mechanics and the Grange. 
Of the Junior Order of American Mechanics he is a particularly promi- 
nent member, representing the national council at Philadelphia in 1900, 
at Milwaukee, Wis., in 1902 and at San Francisco in 1903. 

In 1886 Mr. Weare married Miss Lizzie E. Elkins, daughter of 
David H. and Marv (White) Elkins. Of this union there was a daugh- 
ter Lurana. who married. October 14, 1914, Roye W. Smith, of Ames- 
bury, Mass. Mrs. Lizzie E. Weare died May 22, 1899, and on Novem- 
ber 30, 1904, Mr. W'eare married for his second wife Miss Nancy E. 
\\''oodl)urn, daughter of Charles and Dorothy (Brackett) Woodburn of 
Methuen, Mass. Mrs. Weare was appointed postmaster at Seabrook, 
May 19, 1909. The children of Mr. and Mrs. W'eare are as follows: 
George Austin, born at Hampton Beach, September 10, 1907: Helen 
Dorothy, born at Hampton Beach, September 12, 1908, and Woodburn 
Everett, l)orn August 2t,, 1910. 

IRVING W. BROWN, a well known contractor and builder resid- 
ing in the town of North Hampton, was born in this town April 2^, 1869, 
a son of Horace S. and Viannah T. (Garland) Brown. His parents were 
farming people, the father being a native of North Hampton and the 
mother of Rye. Horace S. Brown was a Democrat in politics and took 
a more or less active interest in local affairs. He died in September, 
1904. His wife survives him and resides in North Hampton. She is 
affiliated religiously with the Christian church, as was also her husband. 

Irving W. Brown, who was the only child of his parents, was edu- 
cated in the common schools only. He assisted his father on the home 
farm for about two years and then served a three years' apprenticeship 
as brick mason and plasterer, following those trades as a journeyman for 
several years. He then established himself in business in North Hamp- 
ton, where he is now located. He does a considerable amount of work 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1019 

in this and tiie surrounding towns, and also at Exeter, employino- about 
twenty-five men the year round. A RepubHcan in politics, he served on 
the board of selectmen for six years, and was a delegate to the Repub- 
lican convention. He belongs to I. O. O. F., the Knights of Pythias 
and to the Junior Order of American Mechanics. Mr. Brown married 
first Miss Alay Boynton, who is now deceased. He married, secondly, 
Clara Wentworth, of Rochester, N. H., daughter of Stephen D. and 
Emma (Cate) Wentworth, whose two children were Charles, and Clara, 
the wife of Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown and familv attcntl the Christian 
church. 

HON. JOHN CONLON, who for more than a quarter of a century 
was associated with the mercantile interests of Portsmouth, N. H., died 
at his home in this city, April 6, 1894. He was born in July, 1834, in 
the county of Antrim, Ireland, where he lived until eighteen years of age. 
Desiring to better his condition, he then emigrated to the United States, 
settling first in Albany, N. Y., where he worked for five years in Mc- 
Knight's brewery, having charge of different departments of the plant 
successively. Coming then to Portsmouth, Mr. Conlon accepted a posi- 
tion in the Frank Jones brewery, and for nine consecutive years had 
supervision of the scalding department. Being a capable workman he 
received good wages and in course of time accumulated enough money 
to establish himself in business. In June, 1868, he opened a store at 
No. 18 Penhallow street, stocking it with a complete line of groceries, 
provisions and ship chandlery, and there he carried on a successful 
business until his death — a period of nearly twenty-six years. He in- 
vested his capital judiciously, becoming interested in the Portsmouth 
Brewing Company, of which he was the third largest stockholder. For 
three years also he was its manager, and had much to do with placing 
it on a secure basis as an established manufacturing company. In busi- 
ness affairs he was keen and farsighted, evincing good judgment, and 
meeting with invariable success in his undertakings. His prosperity 
was the natural result of his mental sagacity and physical energy, the 
whole being balanced by an honesty of purpose that commanded 
respect. 

Politically Mr. Conlon was a sturdy adherent of the Democratic 
party, and for several years was a member of the county committee. 
He served his fellow townsmen in various official capacities, always 
with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. He 
served as alderman, assessor of taxes, and for one term as representa- 
tive to the state legislature. A short time previous to his death he be- 
came a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. 

On July 3, 1861, Mr. Conlon was united in marriage with Margaret, 
daughter of Cornelius Mead. She was born in Fredericktown, N S., 
but was educated in one of Boston's suburbs. Eight children were born 
of their union, three of whom are now living, namely: William L. Con- 
Ion, now assistant cashier of the New Hampshire National Bank of Ports- 
mouth, also a member of the firm of W. L. Conlon & Co., real estate 
and insurance, Portsmouth, N. H. ; Mrs. William E. Peirce, who lives 
at the old homestead on Middle street, and James H. Conlon, who is 
in business in Pittsburgh, Pa. 



1020 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

HARRY I. NOYES, of the town of Hampton, an enterprising con- 
tractor and builder, was born at Atkinson, N. H., September 9, 1872, 
a son of Isaac S. and Caroline A. (McCIoy) Noyes. The father, a farmer, 
was a native of Atkinson, his wife Caroline coming from Salem. Mass. 
Both are now deceased and are buried in the North Parish Cemetery at 
Haverhill, Mass. Their children were: William, deceased: Helen, de- 
ceased: Annie, Francis, Aliza B., Harry I. 

Harry I. Noyes was educated in the common schools and at Atkinson 
Academy. He was engaged in the milk business for ten years, driving 
a cart to Haverhill, and at the same time owning a farm, which he later 
sold. He then learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked as a 
journeymn for eight years. At the end of that time he started in for 
himself in Hampton as contractor and builder and has been successful 
in l)usiness, now employing on an average eight men the year around. 
He is a Democrat in politics Init reserves the right to vote outside of 
party lines upon fitting occasion. While residing in Atkinson he served 
on the school board there for ten years. He belongs to the lodge of 
Elks at Portsmouth, to the Knights of Pythias, the Junior Order of 
American Mechanics and to the Grange. 

Mr. Noyes married, October 17, 1894, Mary L. Emerson, of Hamp- 
stead, daughter of James H. and Sarah (W^oodman) Emerson, whose 
other children were a son and daughter, Charles H. and Ruth .\nn. Mr. 
and Mrs. Noyes have been the parents of seven children: Caroline R., 
Harold E., Roland I., ?^Iarlon J.. Marion S., Arthur \\'. and one that 
died in infancy. The family are affiliated religiously with the Congre- 
gational church. 

NORRIS B. PEVEAR, proprietor of a thriving blacksmith shop 
in the town of Seabrook, was born in Hampton Falls, N. H., December 
2^, 1855, a son of Warren B. and Sarah (Day) Pevear. His paternal 
grandfather was Joseph Pevear, of Hampton Falls, a stone cutter. War- 
ren B. Pevear was born at Hampton Falls, December 12. 1833. He 
was a prosperous farmer and at one time served as selectman. By 
his wife Sarah he was the father of five children: Mary S., who mar- 
ried C. F. Coombs; Warren H., Ida May. Edwin B. and Norris B. 

Norris B. Pevear was educated in the public schools. Coming to 
Seabrook at the age of eighteen years, he learned the blacksmith's 
trade and worked at it as a journeyman for eleven years, after which he 
started in business for himself. 'Two years later he bought the shop 
in which he learned his trade and has since carried on a successful busi- 
ness here. He is a member of the Sr. Order United American Mechanics of 
Seabrook, and belongs to the Methodist church, of which he is one of the 
stewards. He married Miss Morgiana Boynton, daughter of William 
Boynton, of Seabrook. 

HON. CAPTAIN JOHN SHELDON TREAT, in former years one of 
Portsmouth's successful business men, and a citizen of high character and 
repute, was born in this city, August 14, 1837, a son of Allen and Ann Eliza- 
beth fHam) Treat. He was a descendant of John Treat who came to this 
country from England in 1639, settling in Wethersfield, Conn., of which town 
he was one of the founders. The representatives of the Treat family in 
Connecticut during the Colonial and Revolutionary jieriods were in general 




JOHX SIIELDOX TREAT 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1023 

very prominent. Robert Treat, of the second generation in this country, was 
for more than forty vears governor and deputy governor of Connecticut, 
holding the first-named office in 1687, at the time the charter of the colony 
was demanded by Sir Edmund Andros. in the name of Kin^^ James II, and 
sa\-ed bv being secreted in a hollow oak tree, after a long discussion in the 
Assembly, in which he took a leading part. He was the commander-in-chief 
of the forces of Connecticut in King Philip's war in 1675, and commander 
at the great swamp fight in the following year, which brought the war to a 
termination by the death of Philip. John Treat, Captain Treat's great- 
grandfather, fought for the cause of American freedom all through the 
Revolutionary War, as did also two of his brothers. 

Samuel Treat, the grandfather, was born in jMiddleton, Conn., November 
29. 1788. He learned the stone-cutter's trade in that town, and in 1807 
located in Portsmouth, soon afterward purchasing the stone business of Noah 
Smith, who was the successor of Daniel Marble, the founder of the enter- 
prise. He conducted the business successfully until 1837, when he was suc- 
ceeded by his son .\llen. Pie died in Portsmouth, February 3, 1862. 

Allen Treat was born in Portsmouth, February 16. 1812. In 1837 he 
succeeded his father as manager of the business, which he successfully car- 
ried on till 1866, when he was succeeded by his son John Sheldon Treat. He 
died in Portsmouth, December 31. 1875. He married Ann Elizabeth Ham. 
a native of Portsmouth, born in November, 1817, a daughter of \\'illiam and 
Nancy (Green) Ham. Her father was a citizen of good repute, a carpenter 
by trade, and both he and his wife were lifelong residents of this city. Mrs. 
Allen Treat, who lived to the age of eighty years, reared eight children, 
namely: John Sheldon, Almenia B., Frederick W., Allen. Ann Elizabeth. 
Lydia E., James D., and Samuel Eldridge. 

John Sheldon Treat, a representative of the eighth generation in this 
country, received a good education in the public schools of this city and at 
Phillips Academy at Exeter. On leaving school he learned the marble and 
stone cutter's trade at his father's establishment, and in 1835 went to Rich- 
mond, Va.. where for some time he worked as a journeyman. He was sub- 
sequently engaged at this trade in other cities of the South ; in 1858 he located 
in Mobile, Ala., forming a partnership with R. Bruce and William R. Crow, 
under the firm name of Crow & Treat, and establishing marble yards both 
there and at Marion and Livingston, carrying on a good business until the 
breaking out of the war. During Mr. Treat's residence in the South he made 
many strong friendships, and with the enthusiasm of a young man his sym- 
pathies were enlisted on the side of the Confederacy. In 1861 he enlisted in 
Company B, Second Battalion Alabama Light Artillery, and was with his 
battery in active service throughout the war, surrendering at the close at 
Demopolis, Ala. In the broken and devastated condition of the South, ruined 
by the scourge of war, there was little chance for present success in his busi- 
ness, and after a brief stay in New Orleans Mr. Treat returned to Ports- 
mouth. In 1866 he purchased his father's interest, and continued as pro- 
prietor of the Portsmouth ]\Iarble and Granite Works until the time of his 
death, which occurred Marcli 8. 1897. This establishment was one of the 
oldest of its kind in New England, having existed since 1768. A capable 
and enterprising business man. Captain Treat occupied a prominent position 
among the marltle anil granite dealers of the East, and this added to his most 
genial disposition, made him one of the most popular men of his time and 
dearlv loved. 



1024 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Captain Treat married, September 23, 187 1, Sarah Willard Odiorne, a 
daughter of Charles B. and Mary (Sheafe) Odiorne, of Rye, N. H. In 
politics Captain Treat was a democrat, and took a prominent part in the 
councils of his party in New Hampshire. He was elected senator for the 
sessions of 1881 and 1882. In 1882 he was elected mayor of Portsmouth, 
and re-elected to that office in 1883. While mayor he received the Greeley 
expedition on their return from the frozen North, besides taking a leading 
part in other public functions, including the Return of the Sons of Ports- 
mouth and a grand Fireman's muster. 

A strong advocate of temperance, Cajitain Treat was the first president 
of the Portsmouth Temperance Reform Club, which office he held one year, 
during which time two thousand six hundred signed the pledge, a great many 
of them hard drinkers. 

By virtue of his ancestral lineage Captain Treat became a member of the 
Massachusetts Society of Sons of the American Revolution, the .Society of 
Colonial Wars in New Hampshire, and the Society of Descendants of Col- 
onial Governors. He was besides a member of St. John's Lodge. A. F. & 
A. M. : Washington Chapter, Xo. 3, R. A. M. ; Davenport Council, No. 3, 
R. & S. M., of New Hampshire, and DeWitt Clinton Commandery. 

ANDREW O. CASWELL, a well known merchant of Portsmouth, 
N. H., engaged in a bottling business at No. 50 Porter street, was born 
on one of the Isles of Shoals, August 23, 1871. He is one of a family of 
four children born to his parents, who were Andrew Jackson and Chris- 
tina (Gunnison) Caswell. The father, a fisherman by occupation, died 
in 1876. The subject of this sketch was a child of but two years when 
he accompanied his parents to Portsmouth. He was educated in the 
public schools of this city. As soon as he was old enough to work he was 
obliged to help his widowed mother support the family, and accordingly 
found employment as clerk in a hardware business. In 1904 he entered 
into his present business, in which he has since continued. He bottles 
local beers, and deals in liquors, wines and cordials, including whiskies of 
various well known brands. He is also agent for Milwaukee, Bud- 
weiser and other foreign beers, bar essences, spruce beer, tonics, etc. 
He has been successful in his present business and is widelv known as 
a substantial and reliable business man. He is affiliated with the order 
of Elks and that of Eagles, and also belongs to the Yacht Club. 

Mr. Caswell married Mrs. Hattie Phinney, a widow whose maiden 
name was Hattie Shields. She is a daughter of William Shields, of 
Portsmouth. Mrs. Caswell has two children by her first marriage, 
namely: A. Waldo and M. Phylis. Mr. Caswell and family are mem- 
bers of the North Congregational church. Thev have a tasteful and 
commodious residence at No. 60 Summer street, Portsmouth. 

BENJAAIIN P. LITCH, a well known citizen of Exeter, N. H., who 
is connected w^ith the wholesale meat industry as traveling salesman 
for the E. H. Moulton Company, was born in Newburyport, Mass., 
a son of Edwin R. and Mary O. (Peters) Litch. The father, who was 
a native of the Canadian provinces, for a number of years conducted 
a successful dry goods business in Exeter, dying in 1875. He w-as a 
very progressive citizen, a Republican in politics, and a Mason of high 
degree. He was affiliated religiously with the Baptist church. His wife 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1025 

Mary, who was born in Salem, Mass., survived him for a number of 
years, dying in 1891. They had three children: Mary A., who is the 
wife of Edwin L. Shute ; Benjamin P., whose name appears at the head 
of this sketch, and Edward, who died when two years old. 

Benjamin P. Litch was educated in the schools of Exeter. After 
graduating from the high school he took up the meat business, being 
first employed as clerk. Subsequently he conducted a meat business in 
Exeter for about twelve years. He then became manager for the Nelson 
Morris house at Haverhill, Mass., which position he retained for four 
years, or until 1907. He then entered into his present connection with 
the E. H. Moulton Company, of Haverhill, who are receivers for Swift 
& Co., the National Packing Co., and Morris & Co.'s beef, lamb and 
pork products of Chicago, 111. He is a Republican in politics. His 
secret society associations are with tlie Odd Fellows, Red Alen. Knights 
of Pythias and Royal Arcanum. He is a memljer also of the Exeter 
Club' 

Mr. Litch was married September 2, 1891, to Miss Olla M. Helson, 
who was born in Manchester. N. H., a daughter of Richard W. and 
Lydia N. (Hardy) Helson. Both parents were nati\-es of New Hamp- 
shire, the father of Sandown and his wife of Nashua. The former was 
formerly a hardware merchant, but for the last twenty-seven years has 
been in the mail service. They both reside in Portland. Me., where they 
attend the Universalist church. Their children, in addition to Olla M.. 
were Neva, who is the wife of Nathan C. Burnham, and Leon \\'. Mr. 
and Mrs. Litch have two children. Richard Corning and Beatrice Olla. 
The family attend the Phillips Congregational church. 

CLARENCE M. DE ROCHEMONT. chairman of the board of 
selectmen for the town of Newington, is the proprietor of a farm of 
fifty acres on the Fox Point road in this town. He was born in the house 
in which he now resides, December 18, 1850, a son of Frederick W. de 
Rochemont. The father of our subject was a native of Portsmouth and 
during the latter part of his life was engaged in the fire insurance busi- 
ness in that city. He married Myria L. de Witt, who was born in 
South America. Thej' had a family of ten children, only four of whom 
are now living, namely: Frederick \V., Myria L. Ricker, E. Jennie 
Parsons and Clarence M. One son went to California many years ago 
and nothing has since been heard from him. 

Clarence M. de Rochemont was educated in the common schools 
and since beginning industrial life has been engaged in farming, keeping 
enough stock for his own use. He has resided in the town of Newing- 
ton all his life up to this time and has identified himself closely with 
local interests. As a public official he has shown enterprise and efficiency. 
In addition to his present office as selectman he has served on the school 
board and as town clerk. He belongs to the ^lasonic order, in which 
he has advanced as far as the Chapter. 

!Mr. de Rochemont was married, December 21, 1876, to Ella G. 
Wilson, a native of Wilson, Niagara County, N. Y., that town deriving 
its name from the family to which she belongs. Her parents, Reuben 
F. and Hetty W. (Pease) Wilson, never came to this section. The 
father was a grain dealer. Mr. and Mrs. de Rochemont have six chil- 
dren, as follows: Hetty \\'.. residing at home: Henry M., who married 



1026 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Catlierine Fogg and lias two children, Margaret and Helen Katherine ; 
Percy E., who married Lilly Magg and resides in Trenton, N. J. ; Fan- 
nie G., wife of Lee S. Merrill, of Tingston, Mass ; Allan C, who married 
Mary A. Evans, of Portsmouth, and ^larguerite at home. The family 
attend the Congregational church. 

GEORGE ALBERT TL'CK, a general farmer in the town of Rye, 
who is keeper for the James Parsons estate, was born in Stratham, 
N. H., in 1872, a son of George and Sophia (Wallace) Tuck. The father 
was a native of Brentwood and the mother of Nottingham, N. H. Both 
are living and reside in Exeter. Their children were Hannah Sophia, 
wife of Henry Trimmings (deceased): John Henr}-; George Albert, subject 
of this review; Mary, Belle, wife of LeRoy Burpee; Joseph; Rachel, wife of 
Harold Holbrook, and Elizabeth. 

After attending the common schools and the high school at Exeter 
George Albert Tuck began industrial life in a hardware store in Exeter, 
where he was employed for three years. He then went to work as a 
farm haml and at teaming, being thus occupied untij he came to his 
present place about seven and a half years ago. The Parsons estate 
of which he has the care contains about 200 acres. On his own place, 
in addition to general farming, he raises poultry. He is a Republican 
in politics and a member of the Grange. 

Mr. Tuck first married Efifie Chapman, who died in 1906. leaving 
five children: Frank Wallace: Helen F., Grace L., Agnes P. and A. Stan- 
ley. Mr. Tuck married for his second wife, Kate Swett, who was born 
in Wolfboro, N. H., daughter of John Swett. Of this second marriage 
there is a daughter, Kathlyn Pearce. The family attend the Christian 
church. 

LEWIS THOMAS SANBORN, who passed from this life June 26, 
1904, w-as one of Hampton Falls' best known and most respected citi- 
zens. He is survived bv his widow, who resides in Hampton Falls and 
Stratham, having a home in both towns, where she is surrounded bv 
many friends of long years standing. Mr. Sanborn was born in Hamp- 
ton Falls. Rockingham County, N. H., October 11, 1834, and was a son 
of Aaron and Lydia (Leavitt) Sanborn. His father was born in 1794 
and his mother in 1800. They reared the following children: Charles 
H.. Sarah E., Helen M.. Frank B.. Lewis Thomas, and Joseph L. 

Lewis Thomas Sanborn attended the common schools in his youth, 
and throughout life advanced himself intellectually by constant read- 
ing, becoming a thoroughly posted and broad-minded man. He took to 
agricultural pursuits and specialized in live stock, dealing extensively 
in horses and cattle. He was a raiser of fancy horses. During the 
Ci\il War, he served as a sharp-shooter with Colonel Berdan, and ren- 
dered valuable service to the cause. He was a man of great strength of 
character, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens 
to a marked degree. 

On June 9. 1869. Mr. Sanborn was joined in marriage with Miss 
Mary Abbie Brown, who was born in the town of Stratham. She is a 
daughter of Greenleaf Clark and Abigail (Brown) Brown, the father 
being born in the house where Mrs. Sanborn now temporarily lives. 
The mother was a native of Hampton Falls. ^Ir. Brown was a school 




^i^y^i^cu^c^^ 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1029 

teacher in his younger da\s, teaching in various parts of the country. 
Later lie followed farming. There were two children in the Brown 
family, William Greenleaf and Mary Abbie. William Greenleaf Brown 
had two daughters : Mary Augusta, wife of Emmons B. Chase, of 
Stratham, and Alice Clark, wife of Lyman J. Batchelder, of Laconia, 
N. H. 

Mrs. Mary Abbie Sanborn is the owner of the farm where she li\-es 
in Stratham, and also is owner of the old Sanborn homestead of seventy- 
five acres in Hampton Falls. She is a woman of good business under- 
standing, and religiously, a member of the Baptist Church. 

CHARLES C. LAMPREY, who at the time of his death. May i, 
191 1, in the town of Portsmouth, was a prosperous farmer and a well- 
known and respected citizen, w-as born in North Hampton, N. H., April 
9, 1841. His parents were John and Mary (Robinson) Lamprey, the 
father born in New Hampshire and reared in North Hampton. They 
had six children : John, Edwin, Oliver, Charles C, George and Mary. 

Charles C. Lamprey was educated in the schools of North Hampton, 
and assisted his father on the home farm until he was 21 years old. 
He then took charge of his father's farm at New Castle, remaining there 
about five years. He then purchased a farm on the Newington road in 
the town of Portsmouth, which he operated successfully for the rest of 
his life. He was a Republican in politics and served the town efficiently 
as tax assessor. 

!Mr. Lamprev was married, beliruary 10, 1864, to Ann .Sarah Brown, 
who was born in Greenland, N. H., a daughter of Oliver and Elizabeth 
(Marston) Brown. Her father was a carpenter in early life and later a 
farmer. There were five children in the Brown fannly: Elizabeth, wife 
of Edwin Lamprey: Viola, wife of W'illiam Littlefield ; Julia, wife of 
Charles Marden. Forace, and Ann Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. 
Lamprey were the parents of five children, namely: Georgia, who mar- 
ried Loring Worcester, of Dover, N. H., where she resides: Edith, wife 
of Cyrus Frink of Newington, N. H. ; Annie L., who lives with her 
mother: Morris, who is now deceased, and Blanche, who is the widow 
of Harry Beacham. Mr. Lamprey attended the Middle Street Baptist 
church, which he supported liberally, according to his means. The 
survi\ing members of his family all belong to the same church. 

FRANK L. PRYOR. president of the Pryor-Davis Company, dealers in 
hardware, paints and plumbing, Portsmouth. N. H., was born in Kittery, 
Maine. February 3, 1854, son of Waterman and Lydia (Messer) Pryor. He 
is a descendant in the ninth generation of Thomas Pryor, who came from 
England in 1634. settling at Duxbury, Mass. The old records mention 
Thomas as being the father of five sons and two daughters, besides two sons, 
Thomas and Samuel, who remained in England. They also' mention among 
his children, John, born 1620, who married Elener Childs, and Daniel, born 
1622. of whom there is no further record. 

The generations between the immigrant ancestor, Thomas, and the sub- 
ject of this sketch are as follows: II. Joseph, born 1623: married Hannah 

, 1644. III. Benjamin, born 1679: married Bethiah Pratt. IV. 

John, born March 21. 171 2: married Mercy Delano. V. John, born Novem- 
ber 5. 1744; married Lydia Osier, .April 13, 1767. VI. George, born 1774; 



1030 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

niarrieil Lydia Cushman, a descendant in the seventh generation hy Robert 
Cushnian, who came to New England in 1621, with son Thomas, the line 
being: (i) Robert. (2) Thomas; born 1608; married 1637 Mary Aller- 
ton ; died December 10, 1691. (3) Thomas, Jr., born Sept., 1637; married 
Rutli Howland, danghter of John Howland, who came over in the May- 
tlower. (4) Robert, born Oct. 4, 1O64; married first Percis ; mar- 
ried secondly Prudence Sherman. (5) Joshua, born Oct. 4, 1708; married 
Mary Soul, January 2, 1733; died March 25, 1764. (6) Apollas, born 1744; 
married Feb. 15, 1768, Elener Keene. (7) Lydia, born 1774 ; married George 
Pryor, born 1775. 

VII. (in direct line) John Pryor (son of George and Lydia), born 1803; 
married Judith L'pham Lermond, whose immigrant ancestor, Robert Ler- 
mond, of Scotch descent, came to America in 17 19, from Londonderry, Ire- 
land, accompanied by three sons and one daughter. They settled in W'arren, 
Me., removing later to Milton, Mass.. where he died August 16, 1724. The 
subsequent line of descent is: (2) John, who married a Miss (griffin and 
moved to W'aldoboro in 1747. (3) William, born 1781 ; married first Lucy 
Richardson, secondly Ruth Brooks Jones; he died 1828. (4) Judith Upham, 
b(irn Se])t. 16, 1809, who married John Pryor. The children of John and 
Judith U. (Lermond) Pryor were as follows: Jacob Lermond, born April 
2, 183 1 ; married July 3, 1855, Elizabeth Maxfield; died Jan. 9, 1856. Water- 
man Keen, born Sept. 3, 1833; married Lydia Messer, born Sept. 14, 1833; 
she died Jan. 18, 1905. Mercy Studly, born Aug. 15, 1834; married in July, 
1862, Charles Mason; married secondly Moses Plumer; had two daughters — 
Carrie and Helen, both by second marriage; died Feb. 5, 18(39. ^^'elthea A., 
born June 21, 1836; married Eben Brackett; had two children — William and 
Lizzie. Susan Gertrude, born June 21, 1836; married John Fullerton ; died 
Sc])t. 12, 1884: had five children — Gertrude, Nellie, Grace, Delia and Wil- 
liam, who married Alice Wentworth. John Warren, born Oct. 19, 1838; 
married first Sophila Norton, April 13, 1858; married (2d) Mary Jane 
Whitten (one child who died young); married (3d) .\nne Burt, who bore 
him one son, Harry I. He died Sept. 13, 1906. Joseph Melvin, born Sept. 
2/. 1840; married Sarah Todd, Aug. 30, 1865; had two children — Josephine 
and Melvin. He died Sept. 3. 1906. Francis Edward, born Jan. 6, 1843; 
died Aug. 4, 185 1. Charles Wesley, born May 9, 1845; married Margaret 
Britton Aug. 4. 1865; she died May 25, 1907, leaving two chiklren — Emma 
Florence and Sarah Elizabeth. Martha Jane, born May 4, 1847; married 
George Ayers, Dec. 29, 1870. Rnscoe Henry, born Jan. 2, 1849; married 
first Julia McXaught; married (2d) Mary Gallagher; had two sons — Ler- 
nnjucl Chester and Roscoe Henry. Sarah Elizabeth, born Dec. 8, 1851 ; mar- 
ried Joseph Smart; died Aug. 23, 1S70; had two daughters — Annie Odell 
and Nellie Sarah. 

\nil. Waterman Pryor, son of John and Judith L'pham (Lermond) 
Pryor. born September 3, 1833, married Lydia Messer, who was born Sept. 
14, 1833, a daughter of Joshua and Clara Clark (Lydston) Messer. She 
was a descendant of Francis Messer, born 1634, who died 1682, the line of 

descent being as follows: (2) Richard Messer, married Abigail : 

died Dec. 3, 1765. (3) Richard Messer, Jr.. married Hannah ; died 

.\ug. 31, 1761. (4) .\bial Messer, born Dec. 2j. 1670; married .Abigail 
March. (5) Nathaniel Messer, born 1704; married Elizalieth Gutterson, 
Dec. 12. 1728; died Jan. 12. 1775. (6) Nathaniel, Jr., born 1741; married 
Ruth Whittier, Dec. 31, 1761 ; died (Ictober 18. 1795. (7) William Whittier 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1031 

Messer, born March 9, 1773; married Sarah Johnson. (8) Josliua Alesser, 
died June 21, 1841, aged 33 years; married Clara Clark Lydston. (9) Lydia 
Messer, married \\'aterman Keen Pryor, March 29, 1853. 

Frank Lermond Pryor, our direct subject, is a man of good practical 
education and business ability. The Pryor-Davis Company, of which he is 
now the head, was established under its present name in January of the 
present year, 1914, but is the outgrowth of a concern that was established at 
this location at the time of the Revolutionary war. It was originally confined 
to drugs and paints and so continued until the year 1800. The building was 
destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1802 and was reorganized in 1802 with a 
line of hardware and paints, by Dr. John Goddard. In 1880 the firm was 
known as Pryor & IMathews and was conducted under that style until Jan- 
uary, 1912, at w^hich time Mr. Matthews retired. Mr. Pryor joined the firm 
in 1871 and since his connection therewith the business has greatly increased 
and prospered. The concern has a convenient location at No. 36 Alarket 
street. 

Mr. Pryor is a Mason of the highest rank, having attained the 33d degree. 
His Masonic affiliations and offices are as follows : St. Andrew's Lodge No. 
56, A. F. & A. M. ; treasurer of Washington Royal Arch Chapter, No. 3; 
treasurer of Davenport Council, No. 5, R. & S. M. ; treasurer of DeW'itt 
Clinton Commandery, K. T. ; treasurer of Ineffable Grand Lodge of Perfec- 
tion, 14th deg. ; treasurer of Grand Council Princes of Jerusalem. i6th deg. ; 
New Hampshire Chapter of Rose Croix, i8th deg.; New Hampshire Con- 
sistory, S. P. R. S., 32d deg. ; member of Supreme Council, N. M. J., U. S. 
A., 33d deg.; New Hampshire Council of Deliberation; L'. S. Provincial 
Grand Lodge, Royal Order of Scotland; Bektash Temple, A. A. O. N. M. 
S. ; New Hampshire Society of Veteran Freemasons. He is also treasurer 
of the Masonic Hall committee, Portsmouth, and Scottish Rite Executive 
Board. 

Frank L. Pryor was married September 10, 1878, to Flelen Louisa Phil- 
brook, a daughter of Daniel Smith Philbrook, by his wife Ann. whose maiden 
name was Ann Louisa G. Truiidy. Mrs. I'ryor is a descendant in the ninth 
generation of Thomas Philbrook, who came to New England in 1630, mov- 
ing in 1639 to W'atertown, and subsetpiently to Hampton, N. H. He died 
in 1667. By his wife Elizabeth he had three sons and four daughters. The 
line of descent is as follows: (2) James, married first Jane Roberts; mar- 
ried secondly Ann Roberts.- (3) Joseph, born Oct. 10, 1663; married Try- 
phena Marston of Hampton. I4) Joses, born Nov. 5, 1703; married Jan. 4, 
1727, Abigail Locke; died 1783. (5) Daniel, born Feb. 2, 1740; married 
.Abigail Marden, of Rye; died 1780. (6) Joses, born July 22, 1766; married 
Sally Smith. (7) Daniel, born April 13, 1790; married Pamelia Gunnerson, 
1816. (8) Daniel Smith, born Aug. 5, 1822; died Aug. 6, 1902; married 
Ann Louisa G. Trundy. (9) Helen Louisa, born Jan. 16, 1854; married 
September 10. 1878, Frank Lermond Pryor. 

Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Pryor have one child, Louisa Isabel Pr\or, who 
is now dean of the Nasson Institute, at Springvale, Maine. 

Mr. Pryor is a republican in politics and although he holds no ])olitical 
office he takes a good citizen's interest in the welfare of the community in 
which he lives, being ever ready to lend his aid and infiuence to anv worthy 
cause. He is a member of Middle St. Baptist Society. He and his family 
are among the most esteemed members of Portsmouth societv. Mr. Pryor's 
father is still living, licing now eightv vears of age. 



1032 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

OTTO W. BERRY', a general farmer owning 31 acres of land, with 
cottage, at Rye Beach, on the Lafayette road, was born in Nova Scotia, 
May 4, 1865, a son of Charles and Levina (Chute) Berry. His parents 
were both natives of Nova Scotia but passed their latter years in Rock- 
ingham County, N. H. Charles Berry, who was a farmer, was first 
married to Levina Chute, a sister of his second wife. He was killed by 
falling from the mow of a barn on the Beacheni farm in Newington. 
His children were Otto W., Haven, Ena, wife of Harry Herson; Grace, 
wife of Fred Merrill, and Ralph, the only child of his second marriage. 

Otto W. Berry was educated in the common schools of Nova Scotia, 
which he attended during the winter months until reaching the age of 
eighteen years. During the summers he worked on the farm with his 
father. After coming to the states he worked on farms by the month 
until, having saved a little money, he purchased a farm of IJ4 acres ad- 
joining the one he now owns. He sold that property and bought his 
present farm in March of the present year, 1914. 

Mr. Berry married Mrs. Elizabeth J. Potts, the widow of F'rank 
Potts and daughter of Azinah L. and Mary A. (Hill) Spinney, her 
father being a blacksmith by occupation. The children of the Spinney 
family were Flora Ida, wife of Albert S. Cottle ; Mary .\., wife of Spen- 
cer Hutten; Genevieve M., wife of John Watson; Elizabeth J., who 
married the subject of this sketch; Ellen Catherine, wife of George 
F. Grindy ; and Arthur A. 

Mr. Berry, like his father, has twice married, by his first wife, Rose 
Ella Sanford, having three chilren — Arnold P., Dorothy M. and Earl M. 
The family attend the Baptist Church and in politics Mr. Berry is a 
Democrat. 

CLARENCE B. HILL, a iironiinent merchant of iM-einont. X. H.. 
was born at Deerfield, this state, Alarch u. 1882. He is a son of Martin 
V. B. Hill, who with three brothers, enlisted and served in the Civil 
war, Martin contracting a severe illness during his ser\-ice, which ulti- 
mately led to consumption, from which disease he died in 1888. He 
married Emma F. Tilton of Deertield, N. IL, who still survi\es him. 

Clarence B. Hill was the youngest of his parents' three children. He 
was educated in the village school and high school and at the age of 
eighteen years began industrial life as a clerk in the store of Brown & 
Kelsey, at Deerfield, where he remained three _\-ears. He then went to 
Deerfield, where he purchased a store, which he conducted for two 
years. .\t the end of that time, or in 1907, he sold out and came to Fre- 
mont, where he entered into business for himself at his present loca- 
tion, dealing in general merchandise. His store is one of the best in this 
part of the county and he is doing a large and successful business. A 
Republican in politics, he is now serving as town supervisor and trustee. 
He is a member of the Grange, and served it as assistant steward while 
a resident of Deerfield. 

Mr. Hill was married, August 2^. 1908, to Leona F. Robinson, of 
Deerfield. They have no children. Mr. Hill is an enterprising and re- 
liable citizen, taking an interest in everything calculated to promote the 
prosperity and development of the town and county, and ready at all 
times to lend his aid and influence to a worthy cause. He and his wife 
have many friends in this part nf the county. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1033 

FREEMAN R. GARRETT, a prominent resident of Portsnioutli and 
ex-member of the Board of County Commissioners of Rockingham 
County from 1892 to 1896, was born in this city June 3, 1856. a son of 
Henry L. and Louisa (Merrill) Garrett. His father, who was born in 
Boston, Mass., was for a number of years an engineer on the Eastern 
Railroad, but, his health failing, he resigned his position and engaged 
in the grocery and provision business in Portsmouth. He met with such 
success that he remained in that business up to the time of his death in 
1876. He and his wife reared seven children, including the sui)ject of 
this sketch. 

Freeman R. Garrett received his education in the public schools of 
Portsmouth. He went to work in early boyhood, helping as he could 
in his father's store. His elder brother, Charles H., was also an assistant 
in the store; and, after the father's death Charles H. and Freeman R. 
together carried on the business under the firm name of Henry L. Gar- 
rett & Son, continuing the partnership with much business ability and 
making their establishment one of the best patronized of the kind in the 
city. Charles H. Garrett died in July, 1900, but Freeman R. has con- 
tinued the business under the old firm name, his son, Wallace H. being 
associated in it with him. The store is located at No. 97 Market street. 

Freeman R. Garrett is a staunch Republican and cast his first Presi- 
dential vote for General Garfield in 1880. A man of energy and good 
judgment, he stands high in the estimation of his fellow partisans, and 
has served as a member of the common council of Portsmouth, and as 
delegate to different county and congressional conventions. He was 
elected county commissioner in 1892, and re-elected in 1894, his term 
expiring in 1896. Mr. Garrett is an attendant at the Universahst church. 

CHARLES HENRY BORCHERS. a prominent citizen and business 
man of Salem Depot, N. H., was the organizer of the Salem Manufactur- 
ing Company, a thriving enterprise of which he is treasurer. He was 
born in Prescpie Isle, Maine, January 18, 1870, and is a son of Henry 
Nathan Borchers, and a grandson of \\'illiam Borchers, who was a na- 
tive of Germany, but was residing in California at the time of his death. 

Henry Nathan Borchers was born in Germany in 1823, and upon 
coming to the United States first located in California, and later at Bel- 
fast, Maine. He was a sea captain for years, and later in life engaged 
in agricultural pursuits. His death occurred in 1870. He married Mary 
A. Beckwith and they had two children: Charles Henry, and Annie, 
who became the wife of A. O. Garvin. 

Charles Henry Borchers after completing his schooling worked on a 
farm for eight years, being engaged in lumbering during the winter 
months. In 1897 he located at Lawrence. Mass., and for seven years 
worked at the carpenters' trade. He engaged in contracting and build- 
ing at Lawrence and at Salem, N. H., and in 1905 took up his residence 
in the latter place. Here he continued to carry on the business for four 
years, then in 1909, became associated with E. A. Peabody and Sons. 
In March, 1910, he purchased the brick factory and organized a stock 
company. The Salem Manufacturing Company, of which he is treasurer. 
They manufacture builder's finish material and give employment to about 
fifty men. In 1910 Mr. Borchers was elected water commissioner, was 
re-elected in 1912, and for'one year was president of the board. 



1034 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

June 15, 1898, Mr. Borcliers was united in marriage with Miss Myrtie 
Ranisdell, daughter of William Ramsdell, and they have the following 
children: Henry, born March 15, 1900; Evelyn Constance, born July 
9, 1905: and Thelma May, born September 8, 1913. Fraternallv he is 
affiliated with Spicket Lodge, No. 85, F. & A. M. of Salem. 

ABRAM W. MITCHELL, M. D., one of Rockingham County's 
leading physicians and surgeons, has spent most of his professional career 
in practice in the vicinity of Epping, N. H., where he resides. He was 
born in Lempster, N. H., February 8, 1862, and is a son of Andrew J. 
and Mary M. (Whitemore) Mitchell. His ancestors on both sides of 
the house became established in this country in the very earliest colonial 
days, and both the Mitchells and Whitemores were participants in the 
early wars, including the Revolution. Andrew J. Mitchell, a native of 
Acworth, N. H., was an agriculturist during his active life, and is now 
living retired in Lempster at the ripe old age of eighty-six years. His 
wife, who passed from this life in 1900, was a native of Greenfield, N. H. 
Their union resulted in three offsprings, a son and two daughters. 

Aliram A\'. Mitchell must be accorded great credit for the success 
he has achieved and the high rank attained, for it was naught but his 
own abilities — his ambition, energy and industry — that gained for him 
more than a meagre public school education. He attended country 
school in the vicinity of his home until about fifteen years old, then the 
Lempster high school, and later the Newport high school. In June, 
1883, he graduated from the Kimball Union Academv at Plainfield, N. H. 
Having determined upon a professional career, he began reading medi- 
cine under Dr. Karl A. Allen, and under this noted physician for two 
years made satisfactory advancement. He then read for one year under 
the preceptorship of Dr. Marshall Perkins of Marlow. N. H., who after- 
ward became his father-in-law. From the time he was fourteen years 
old he worked to pay his way. He taught district school for six years, 
was principal of the high school at Lempster one year, and of the acad- 
emy at Marlow for a year and a half. In 1885 he entered the University 
of Vermont and during the years 1886 and 1887 attended the Univer- 
sity of New York, from which he received the degree of M. D. in March, 
1887. He then practiced one year at Harrisville before locating at 
Epping, N. H., in 1888. He was soon well established and has managed 
to w'in and retain the esteem and friendship of his fellow citizens. 

Dr. Mitchell has never ceased to be a close student of his profession 
and keeps well abreast of the advancement made in medical and surgical 
science. In 1895 he completed a post graduate course in the New York 
Post Graduate Medical School and a few years later at the New York 
Polyclinic. He has served as county physician since the year he began 
practice here. He is a member of the Rockingham County Medical 
Society, which he has served as president ; the New Hampshire Medical 
Society, of which he was president in 1913, and of the American Medi- 
cal Association. 

Dr. Mitchell was joined in marriage, October 16. 1888. with Miss 
Hattie F. Perkins, a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Marshall Perkins of Mar- 
low. N. H. She was educated in the public schools of Marlow and at 
St. Tohnsburv Academy, Vt. Four children are the issue of their union, 
namelv: Avis W., born July 17, 1890, who was graduated from ^^'heaton 




ALIUOX BUBBAXK 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1037 

College, at Norton, Mass., in 191 1, and from the Children's Hospital, 
Boston, Mass., in 1914; Karl P., born December 4, 1891, who graduated 
from the Agricultural College at Durham, N. H., with the class of 1912; 
Richard A., born 1894, who is a member of the senior class at Phillips 
Exeter Academy, and Philip W., born November i, 1900, who is a 
student in Epping school. Dr. Mitchell is a 32d degree Mason, was 
grand patron of the Eastern Star in 1902-1903, and is a member of the 
order of Odd Fellows. He owns considerable valuable property, both in 
the country and in Epping, including the beautiful residence in which he 
now resides. He represented the town in the state legislature in the 
sessions of 1897 and 1899, and has ever been an enthusiastic supporter 
of anything tending toward the betterment of local conditions or the 
developnient of the community. Religiously the Doctor and his family 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Epping. 

HENRY A. COOK, Sr., a member of the firm of Cook & True, 
grocers, of Fremont, N. H., was born at Townsend, Mass., Mav 26, 
1857, a son of George A. and Ann Maria (Spaulding) Cook. The father 
is a prominent farmer of Groton, Mass. The great grandfather of our 
subject, Samuel Cook, served with distinction in the Rexolutionary 
War, enlisting from Groton, Mass., in which state the immigrant ances- 
tors of the family settled wdien they came to this country from England. 

Henry A. Cook, who was the only child of his parents, lost his 
mother wdien he was only a year old. He began attending district school 
at the age of five years, and as soon as he was old enough was put to 
work on the farm during the summers. Later, when about sixteen, he 
began an apprenticeship to the cooper's trade, at which he worked sub- 
sequently until 1895, at which time he went into the grocery business 
in Fremont with George \V. Ball. At the end of two years he purchased 
Mr. Ball's interest and conducted the store alone for a number of years. 
In 1910 he was burned out, but rebuilt his store and started again, taking 
his son-in-law, H. S. True, as a partner. The firm has a well stocked 
store and is doing a prosperous business. 

On June 18, 1878, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to Emma M. Dan- 
iels, of Brookline, N. H., a daughter of Oscar S. Daniels, a well known 
farmer. He and his wife are the parents of three children, as follows: 
Lena E., wife of H. S. True, who has a daughter, Doroth\- C, now 
thirteen years old: George H., who is married and has four children. 
Maxwell W., Austin \\'.. Mahlon A. and Janice B. ; and Albert S., who 
is single. Mr. Cook is a Republican in politics. He has been town 
clerk for the last thirteen years, a member of the school board three 
years, and was representative to the legislature in 1909-1910. He belongs 
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has held all th.e 
chairs; also to the Grange, of which he has been steward and treasurer. 
His religious atTlliations are with the Universalist church. 

ALBION BURBANK, who is now living a retired life at No. 38 Pine 
street, Exeter, N. H., after a long educational career, was bom in Limerick, 
Me., December 25, 1839, a son of Abner Burbank. by his wife Eliza, whose 
maiden name was Eliza Adams Harmon. The father was born in Newfields. 
Me., and was reared in that state. Educated in the common schools, he 
learned the trade of a surveyor, which he followed for a livelihood, also 



1038 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

writing deeds and handling estates. A man of local prominence he served 
over thirty years as selectman of the town of Limerick, was county commis- 
sioner, and at one time represented the town in the legislature. There was, 
in fact, scarcely any time during his active career that he was not the incum- 
bent of some local office. He and his wife were both members of the Free 
Baptist Church. Their children were as follows : Horace H., a veteran of 
the Ci\il war, who for a number of years has been a practicing attorney at 
Saco, Me. ; Albion, whose name appears at the head of this sketch ; Augusta, 
who is now in her fortieth year as a teacher, being first assistant in the Bidde- 
ford (Me.) high school; Ida E., who was the wife of Edwin Perkins, she 
and her husband being both now deceased, and Charles Edwin, an attorney, 
now practicing in Boston, Mass. 

Albion Burbank began his education in the common schools of Limerick, 
Me., and was subsequently graduated from the Limerick Academy. He then 
entered Bowdoin College, where he was graduated in the class of 1862. 
Having been admitted to the bar, he practiced as a lawyer for a short time, 
and then, giving up that occupation, entered the educational field, becoming 
a teacher. His subsequent career, up to 1910, wlien he retired, was spent in 
this vocation, in which he made his mark, being principal of the Exeter high 
school for a period of nearly forty years. 

Mr. Burbank was married in 1874 to Miss Olive E. Thompson, of Kenne- 
bunk. Me., a daughter of William L. and Olive (Mitchell) Thompson, her 
father being a ship builder of that town. The other children in the Thomp- 
son family were Joseph P., Susan L. and Horace. Mr. and Mrs. Burbank 
became parents of a son. Harry Thompson Burbank, who is a graduate of 
Bowdoin College, and is now employed in the chemical department of Phillips 
Exeter Academy. He is also first reader in the Christian Science church in 
Exeter. Mrs. Albion Burbank died in 1906. Mr. Burbank, the elder, is 
president of the library committee, which position he has held and in w^hich 
he has ser^-ed efficiently for many years. He was also police commissioner 
for several years. He attends the Unitarian church and is chaimian of the 
executive committee of the Unitarian Society. In politics he is a democrat, 
although not strictly bound by party lines, exercising his own judgment in 
the choice of candidates for whom to vote when occasion demands. 

EDW .\RD W. HOLMES, who is engaged in business in the town of 
Greenland as a painting contractor, was born in this town, April 29, 
1879, son of Ed. \V. and Lucy (Wentworth) Holmes. The father was 
a native of Greenland and the mother of Somersworth, N. H. 

Edward \V. Holmes was the only child of his parents. He was edu- 
cated in the common and high schools of the town and sul^secpientlv 
learned the painting business, in which ho has since l)een engaged. 
A Republican in politics, as was also his father, he has served the 
town as assessor, and town clerk. In the Masonic order he had ad- 
vanced to the 14th degree. 

Mr. Holmes married Miss Maliel Currier, daughter of William F. 
and Adelaide (Holmes) Currier, of Boston, Mass., in which city her 
father \vas engaged in business as a leather manufacturer. Like her hus- 
band, Mrs. Holmes was an only child. They attend the Congregational 
church and are nuni1>ered among the prosperous and respected residents 
of the town. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1039 

PHILIP T. xMcWTLLIAiMS, a well known resident of Portsmouth, 
N. H., is owner and proprietor of a blacksmith shop on Fleet Street, 
in addition to which he holds the contract with the United States Gov- 
ernment for conveying the mail between the postoffice and railroad 
station. He is a native of the state of Maine, having been born in Lew- 
iston, July 9, 1870, and is a son of John and Sarah (Driscol) JNIcWil- 
liams. On the paternal side he is a descendant of Oliver Cromwell, 
some of his ancestors accompanying the famous Protector on his expedi- 
tion to Ireland. Many of them served in the British army, his great 
grandfather being a colonel in the Sixty-ninth Regiment. His grand- 
father fought at Waterloo under Wellington. Mr. ]\lcWilliams' ma- 
ternal ancestors originally came from Ireland and settled near Quebec. 
In those days they were considered well-to-do, as they kept a coach 
and footman. 

John McWilliams, father of our subject, was born in the north of 
Ireland and was a farmer by occupation. He died at Lewiston, Maine, 
as did also his wife. She was born in the United States. In religious 
faith they were Protestants. Their family included Richard, William, 
Alexander, Anna, John, James, Mathew, Joseph, Philip T. and Marv. 

Philip T. McWilliams attended the public schools until he was ten 
years old, and continued to work on the farm with his father until he 
was sixteen. At Auburn, Maine, he began learning the trade of a black- 
smith, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He worked for others 
along that line for about seven years and in 1893 started a shop of his 
own on Vaughn Street in Portsmouth. He continued at that location 
until 1912 when he established his present shop on Fleet Street. He 
is considered an expert horseshoer, and has shod famous horses at most 
of the big race tracks in the country, including the trotter Idolita (2.0934). 
which captured the biggest purse ever won by a trotter up to that time 
(1900), $30,000. He has also quite a reputation locally as a driver of 
fast horses. He has always taken a public spirited interest in the affairs 
of Portsmouth, and during the years 1904 and 1905 represented the 
Fourth Ward on the board of aldermen. He is a Democrat in politics. 

Mr. McWilliams was married to Miss Mary Mara, who was born 
in Lewiston, Maine. She died in 1907, leaving her husband and five 
children — Sarah, Mary, \\'allace. Anna and Philip. Jr. The family is 
identified with the Catholic Church. Mr. McWilliams is a member of 
the Knights of Columbus, Royal .Arcanum and Patrons of Husbandry. 

ROBERT I. SUGDEN, a member of the extensive lumber firm of 
Sugden Bros., Portsmouth, N. H., is one of a family of two children born 
to Robert K. and Lavinia (Cleough) Sugden. The father was a shoe- 
maker by trade, and was a highly respected citizen up to the time of 
his death, which took place September 19, 1912. He was a native of 
England. His wife survives him and resides with her son, the subject 
of this sketch. 

Robert I. Sugden was born in Portsmouth, N. H.. in Mav. 1871. 
his brother, John H., who is his partner, being the older, born in 1868. 
They were both educated in the public schools of this city, where Robert 
with his brother subsequently engaged in a general contracting busi- 
ness, which they carried on until 1899. In that year he and his brother 
became associated in their present business, purchasing an old milling 



1040 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

plant near the site of the Boston & Maine depot, at the corner of Vaughn 
and Green streets. The business has grown to large proportions, the 
concern manufacturing or handling everything used in the house build- 
ing trade from the cellar to the roof, including various kinds of lumber 
of all dimensions, lath, sheathing, flooring, mouldings of various pat- 
terns, windows, window screens, cord and weights, doors, drawer cases, 
wall board, porch and stair balusters, porch columns, stair posts, stub 
posts, piazza brackets, lattice, fence rails and pickets, dowels, gutter, 
shingles, roofing of different kinds, clapboards, hardware trimmings, 
glass, paint, lime, hair. King's Windsor patent plaster, cement, sand, 
brick, pipe, flue linings, metal lath, metal corner bead, Taylor's flashings, 
the above all being carried in stock; besides which they are agents for 
mantels, slate and steel ceilings, and in short deal in mill work of all 
kinds. Their business motto is expressed in the brief formula : "What 
you want when you want it." which they live up to, the concern being 
widely recognized as one of the best and most reliable of its kind to 
be found anywhere in this section. Both brothers are members of the 
Masonic order, and are independent in politics, while Robert I. is a 
member of the Warwick and Country Clubs, and has served in the city 
council, his brother being a member of the board of Public Works, 
Portsmouth. 

Robert I. Sugden married Bertha M. Davis, a daughter of Louis 
G. Davis, who was one of Portsmouth's leading photographers. He 
and his wife are the parents of three children. They are members of 
the Episcopal church and reside at No. 1231 Islington street. 

John H. Sugden married Dora B. Pendexter, a daughter of Daniel 
P. Pendexter. They reside at No. 230 Cass street. They have no 
children. 

I,E\\'IS E. STAPLES, a prosperous dry goods mercliant of Ports- 
mouth, N. H., whose store is located at No. 7, Market Street, was born 
in this city .August 25, 1851. a son of Foxwell C. and Emily (Sendig) 
Staples. The father, born in Newcastle, N. H., was a carpenter by 
trade. 

Lewis E. Staples was educated in the public schools and became con- 
nected with the dry goods business when a lad of fifteen years, since 
which time he has continued in it. He established his present business 
in 1878, in the same building in which he first began work. A man of 
energy, perseverance and good business ability, he has been successful 
and is now one of the leading merchants in his line in the city. He is 
also a trustee of the Piscataqua Savings Bank. Fraternally he belongs 
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

Mr. Staples was first married to Miss Williametta Conn, a daughter 
of \\"illiam Conn. She died in 1909, and he married for his second wife 
Miss Fldith Rav of Hillsboro, N. H. There is an adopted daughter, 
Thelma. Mr. Staples and family are members of the Middle Street 
Baptist church and at the present time he is serving as treasurer of 
the New Hampshire Baptist convention and treasurer of the Trustees of 
the Portsmouth Hospital. Though he takes no active interest in poli- 
tics bevond casting his vote, and has never sought office, he is in sympa- 
thy with every movement having for its object the welfare of society 
and the moral and material betterment of the community in which he 




GEORGE M. BEATON 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1043 

lives. He and his family have a pleasant residence at No. 425 Islington 
Street. 

CHARLES W. MIFFLIN, proprietor of about 100 acres of land in 
the town of Exeter, which he devotes to truck gardening and, to some 
extent, the raising of strawberries, was born in Columbia. Lancaster 
County, Pa., a son of John Houston and Elizabeth A. B. (Heise) Mifflin, 
who were both natives of that county, where they died and are buried. 
The father, when a young man, was a portrait painter. He became one 
of the most prominent men of Lancaster County, Pa., was an extensive 
owner of real estate and was president of Mt. Bethel Cemetery. He 
was a son of Joseph Mifflin, who came to that locality from New Jersey. 
John H. and Elizabeth Mifflin attended the Presbyterian church and were 
worthy people, respected by their neighbors. Their children were Lloyd, 
Houston, DeVeaux, Mary Bethel, deceased, and Charles \V. 

After attending the common schools, Charles W. Mifflin continued 
his literary studies in Chambersburg Academy for about two years. He 
then learned the drug business, working in a store for that purpose, and 
subsequently was a registered druggist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for three 
years. He then went to Colorado, where he remained about three years, 
later returning east to New York City, where he found employment in 
the Pennsylvania Railroad office, having been previously employed for 
a time, while in the \\'est in the Santa Fe Railroad office. On leaving 
New York he came to Exeter, where he took up the business in which 
he is at present engaged and is now recognized as one of the prominent 
citizens of the town. He is a member of Oilman Grange, recognizing 
the value of that order to those in his own line of industry. In politics 
he is independent. 

Mr. Mifflin was first married in 1878 to Jennie M. Cameron, who died 
later in California. He married for his second wife, in 1889, Mary B. 
Haire. a native of Aurora. Ind., and daughter of Rev. John P. and Ellen 
Cilley (Bartlett) Haire. Her father, who was a Presbyterian minister, 
now resides in Chicago. Mrs. Mifflin had two sisters ; one, Helen B.. 
died in 1904: the other, Anna R., is living in Chicago. The children born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Mifflin are: John H.. who is employed by the Defiance 
Paper Co. at Niagara Falls. N. Y. ; Alice B., who graduated from Mt. 
Holvoke College, with the class of 1914; Marjorie H.. who was drowned 
at North Beach, Hampton, N. H.. in July, 19 14, when twenty years of 
age; Gladys, Dorothy, and Helen B. The family attends the Phillips 
Congregational Church in Exeter. 

GEORGE M. BEATON, who conducts a first class tailoring establish- 
ment at Exeter, has been in business in Exeter for the past fourteen years 
and is one of the city's substantial citizens. He was born at Caledonia. 
Prince Edward's Island. July 29. 1861. and is a son of Murdock and Mary 
(McPherson) Beaton, natives of Scotland, who were farming people on the 
Isle of Skye for many years and died there. They had the following chil- 
dren : John, who is deceased ; Sarah, who is the widow of Angus Campbell ; 
Kenneth; George IM. ; Christiana, who is deceased and was the wife of John 
.Stewart : and Duncan, who is deceased. 

George M. Beaton attended the public schools and assisted his father on 
the island farm until he was eighteen years of age, after which he became a 



1044 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

tailor's apprentice and served three years, during which period lie received 
sixty dollars in wages. He then opened a shop of his own at Caledonia and 
continued it for three years, at the end of that time deciding to come to the 
United States. After reaching Boston he worked for tailors for about eight 
years and later for two years at Haverhill, Mass., and for four years con- 
ducted a shop of his ow^n there. In December, 1900, Mr. Beaton came to 
Exeter and here has found his skill and workmanship in the making of 
clothes highly appreciated, his patrons coming from the most fastidious and 
exclusive people of the city. 

January 20, 1891, Mr. Beaton was married to Miss Helen D. Holt, of 
Andover, Mass., a daughter of Charles and Janet (Rumgay) Holt. Mr. 
Holt followed the shoemaking trade; he died August 9, 1865, but his widow 
survives and lives with their only daughter, Mrs. Beaton. They had also a 
son, George Holt. The grandparents of Mr. Beaton on the paternal side 
were Kenneth and Sarah (McBeth) Beaton, and on the maternal side were 
George and Christiana (Matheson) McPherson. Mr. and Mrs. Beaton are 
attendants of the F"irst Congregational Church at Exeter. He is a republican 
in politics, and belongs to the fraternal order of Odd Fellows at Haverhill, 
Mass. ]\Ir. Beaton owns his home and other property in Exeter. 

JOHN EV'ERETT TOWUE, one of the progressive and practical 
agriculturists of the town of Exeter, combines farming and dairying 
with excellent results, his 60-acre farm being a profitable investment. 
He was born at Danville, Rockingham County. N. H., June 13. 1865, and 
is a son of Frederick A. and Lucy A. (Hunt) Towle. Both parents were 
born in Rockingham County and the mother still resides at Danville. 
The father, who followed farming through life, died September 15, 1874. 
Their family consisted of five children: Ella, deceased; John Everett; 
Emery C. ; Carrie Elva, deceased, and FVederick A., deceased. 

John Everett Towle attended the public schools at Danville and 
afterward remained on the home farm, managing it for his mother, until 
he was twenty-two years of age, after this entering a grocery store at 
Kingston as a clerk and remained there for five years. Mr. Towle then 
embarked in the grocery business at that place for himself, conducting 
his store for five years and during four of these was postmaster of 
Kingston. After closing out his interests in that section he came to 
Exeter, wdiere, for a time he was with the electric company and for six 
years was a clerk for a clothing company. In 1907 he purchased the farm 
he is so successfully operating, which was known as the old Hayes farm. 
He keeps 25 head of cattle and his dairy business is an important feature. 

In April, 1905, Mr. Towle was married to Miss Mary Frink Simpson, 
who was born at Greenland, Rockingham County, a daughter of Joseph 
Perkin and Sarah Olivia (Frink) Simpson. The mother of Mrs. Towle 
resides with her daughter, the father having died in December, 1905. 
He was a carpenter by trade and also followed farming. Mrs. Towle 
has two lirothers : John Simes and Joseph Ormand. Mr. and Mrs. Towle 
attend the First Congregational Church at Exeter. He is a republican 
in his political faith and fraternally is identified with the Royal Arcanum 
and the Odd Fellows. The family is well known in Rockingham County 
and has always stood high in public esteem. 

TAMES H. TATTERSALL, who. for eleven years has been in busi- 
ness at Exeter as proprietor of a jewelry store, is regarded as one of the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1045 

solid citizens and honorable business men of the city. He was born 
at Amesbury, Essex County, jMass., January 13, 1865, and is a son of 
Thomas and Sarah G. (Garside) Tattersall. Both parents were born in 
England. In 1849 the father came to the United States and secured work 
as a weaver and in 1853 returned to England and married. With his 
wife he returned to Massachusetts, settling first at Newton Upper Falls, 
later removing to Ballardvale and from there, in 1859, came to Exeter. 
During the last years of his active life he was a boss weaver. Both he 
and wife were devoted members of the First Baptist Church. They had 
four children, three of whom survive them : William J., Joseph T., de- 
ceased, James H. and Sarah A., who is the wife of Joseph L. Burke, 
of Exeter. 

James H. Tattersall completed the common school course and entered 
the high school but did not remain to graduate, as desiring to begin 
early his business life, he entered the cotton mills and worked there for 
five years. In the meanwhile he had become interested in the mechanism 
of watches and that led first to his entering the watch factory at Wal- 
tham and then to his becoming a student in the Waltham Horological 
school where he thoroughly learned the trade was was graduated a jew- 
eler and watchmaker, in 1883. For some ten years afterward he worked 
in a watch factory and then entered into the jeweler and watch business 
at Gloucester. INIass. Nine years later he established himself at Exeter 
and has built up a fine business. He carries a large stock of watches 
and jewelry and tloes repairing with an expert's skill. 

In 1887 Mr. Tattersall was married to Miss Lizzie Irene Stowell, 
now deceased, and they have one daughter, IMildred Wilson, who is the 
wife of Edward G. Swift, a hardware merchant at Manchester, Vt. Air. 
Tattersall attends the Congregational church, ^\'hile not very active 
in politics he is an interested citizen. His vote is cast for the candidates 
of the Republican party. He belongs to the Independent Order of For- 
esters and the Red Alen. 

JOHN N. THOMPSOxN, one of the directors of the Exeter Bank- 
ing Company, trustee of the Union Five Cents Savings Bank, and a 
ti:ustee of the Cottage Hospital, Exeter, N. H., was born in Stratham, 
N. H., March 18, 1847. His parents were John and Martha (Lane) 
Thompson, both natives of Stratham, the father being a farmer by occu- 
pation. Both are deceased and are buried at Stratham. Besides their 
son John N., they had a daughter. Ellen S.. who married William H. 
Yeaton. The paternal grandfather was .Wjraham Thompson ; the ma- 
ternal grandfather, James Lane. Mr. Thompson is a descendant, on the 
paternal side, of Major Richard Waldron, who settled in Dover, N. H., 
about 1640: and is a descendant, on the maternal side, of William Lane, 
w'ho settled in Boston in 1650. 

John N. Thompson accpiired a common school education. He was 
brought up to farming and spent fifty-two years on the old homestead in 
Stratham, which has been in the Thompson family for over two hundred 
years. In 1899 he sold the farm and moved to Exeter where, in addi- 
tion to attending to the duties of the ofiices mentioned al)ove he has 
worked more or less as an insurance inspector and in the settlement of 
estates. .\ Republican in politics, he takes a keen interest in public 
affairs, has served as selectman and town treasurer, and was formerly 
representati\'e in the legislature from the town of Stratham. 



1046 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Mr. Thompson was married February 2, 1869, to ]\Iiss Mary M. 
Sartell, a native of Ouincy, 111., and daughter of Sylvanus and Sarah 
(Lane) Sartell. Her father, who resided in Vermont before the Civil 
War, was a strong Abolitionist. Later he removed with his family to 
Quincy, 111., where he conducted a machine shop. Mr. and Mrs. Thomp- 
son are the parents of a daughter, Mary A., who resides at home with 
her parents. The family attend the First Congregational church, of 
which Air. Thompson is one of the deacons. They have a wide acquaint- 
ance in Exeter and the surrounding towns and are people highly thought 
of in this locality. 

WILLIAM F. STEARNS, treasurer and general manager of the 
Rubber Step Manufacturing Company, at Exeter, a prosperous concern 
organized in 1892, was born in Boston, Mass., January 4, 1865, a son of 
Charles F. and Catherine (Kelley) Stearns. The parents were both 
natives of Boston, where the father followed the business of contractor 
and expressman. He is now deceased, his wife, the mother of our 
subject, being still a resident of Boston. They had four children — 
William F., John, Alargaret and Gertrude. 

William F. Stearns acquired his education in the common schools, 
and on beginning industrial life, entered into the rubber manufacturing 
business, with which he has since been connected, entering the employ 
of the Rubber Step Manufacturing Company at Exeter in December, 
1912. ' A man of sound business methods, and possessing a thorough 
knowledge of the rubber industry, he has "made good" in his present 
position and is doing his full share towards increasing the success and 
prosperity of the concern he is with. He is a member of Batavia Lodge, 
No. 475, A. F. & A. M. : Chapter No. 35, R. A. M. ; Lodge No. 47, K. T., 
and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he is a 
Republican. 

Mr. Stearns was first married in 1886 to Miss Minnie Ryan, a native 
of Nova Scotia, who died in 1898, leaving two children — Leo, who is 
now deceased, and William F., Jr. Mr. Stearns was married secondly 
in 1902 to' Miss Florence Hill, who was born in Republic, Ohio. Of this 
second union there have been four children, namely: Harold, now de- 
ceased; Catherine, Augustus and Helene Elizabeth. The family attends 
the Episcopal church. They have a wide circle of friends in Exeter 
and vicinity and are activelv interested in whatever concerns the wel- 
fare of the community. 

JOHN W. A. GREEN, who has held the office of register of deeds 
of Rockingham County for the last seven years, was born in Lawrence, 
Mass., August 15, 1873. - His parents were George W. and Emily A. 
(Prescott) Green, both natives of Rockingham county, the father being 
a blacksmith by trade. The latter was a Republican in politics and for 
some time was selectman for the town of Exeter. He and his wife passed 
the greater part of their lives in this county, with the exception of the 
two "years they spent in Lawrence, Mass. They were members of the 
Unitarian church. Their children were George E. ; Margie P., now 
deceased, wdio was the wife of George H. Wiggin : John W. A., the sub- 
ject of this sketch, and Fred O. Both parents are now deceased and 
are buried at Hampton Falls. 




CdfUjul^ {^(yCripL 



l/jJuM^^ 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1049 

John W. A. Green was educated in the schools of Exeter, being 
graduated from the high school in 1889. He then spent a year at Phil- 
lips Exeter Academy, after which he learned the trade of blacksmith 
and worked at it for fifteen years in association with his father. In 
the fall of 1906 he was elected to his present position as register of 
deeds, taking office in April of the following year. A man of ability 
and reliability he has performed his duties in a manner giving full satis- 
faction to the people of the county generally and is further much 
esteemed as a good citizen of sterling personal character. In politics 
he is a Republican. He is a member of Lodge No. 97, B. P. O. E., of Ports- 
mouth, the Knights of Pythias. Odd Fellows, Red Men and Foresters. 

Mr. Green was married in 1901 to Miss Nellie S. Smart, of Stratham, 
N. H., a daughter of Joseph T. Smart. Mrs. Green has one sister — 
Annie S., wife of Fred W. Severence; and two half sisters — Lottie, wife 
of Clarence Gowan, and Alice G., a teacher in the Portsmouth high 
school. Mr. and Mrs. Green attend the Unitarian church. They are progres- 
sive people, taking an interest in every good cause, and having a wide circle 
of friends throughout the county. 

FRANK R. GOODx\LE, a well known citizen of Exeter, who has 
been identified with the Exeter Manufacturing Company for the last 
fifteen years and since 1900 paymaster for the same, is one of the active 
and reliable young business men that New England birth and educa- 
tion is apt to produce. He was born at Wells, Maine, August 19, 1880. 
and is a son of George B. and Belle M. (Norton) Goodale. Both parents 
were natives of Maine and the mother still resides at Wells. The father, 
who died in 1900, had been paymaster for the Exeter Manufacturing 
Company for some years previously and was a man of the highest 
integrity. Frank R. is the yotingest of the parents' three children, the 
others being: George E.,' who is engaged in farming in Maine: and 
Harry \V., who is a physician practicing in the city of Boston. The grand- 
fathers were Enoch Goodale and Daniel Norton. 

Frank R. Goodale attended the public schools, including the high 
school at E.xeter, after which he entered a commercial school at Haver- 
hill and when his course was completed, in 1899, entered the employ of 
the E.xeter Manufacturing Company as a member of its office force and 
in 1900 succeeded his father as paymaster, and is also clerk of the 
corporation. 

In 1906 Mr. Goodale was married to Miss Edith J. Philbrook, who 
was born at E.xeter, N. H., and is a daughter of Harlan and Annie 
(Jenness) Philbrook. Mr. and Mrs. Philbrook are the parents of the fol- 
lowing children: Mary, who is the wife of Irvin Philbrick ; Edith, wife 
of Frank R. Goodale; Leonard and Frances. Mr. and Mrs. Goodale have 
three children: Frank, Alice and Ruth. The family attends the Con- 
gregational church. Mr. Goodale gives his political support to the re- 
publican party. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, 
having progressed rapidly and belongs to the Blue lodge. Chapter and 
Council at Exeter, to Exeter Commandery at Portsmouth, Scottish 
Rite at Nashua and Mystic Shrine at Concord. He and his wife are 
members of the Eastern Star. 

CAPT. GEORGE N.WLOR JLTLIAN, a retired business man of Exeter, 
N. H., and a veteran of the great Civil war, was born in Exeter. X. H.. 



1050 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

March 17, 1841, son of Luke and Abigail T. (Closes) Julian. He is a grand- 
son of Andris Julian, who, when young, resided in Madras, Spain. Stolen 
from home, young Andris was forced into the Spanish navy, from which he 
subsequently escaped, taking refuge on a United States vessel, which landed 
him in New York, he being then but eighteen years of age. He subsequently 
followed the sea for many years but never again saw his home or people. 
Settling in this country, he married Catharine Lamson, they being the parents 
of Luke, the father of the subject of this sketch. Luke Julian was in early 
manhood a carriage builder but later became a wool merchant. He married 
Abigail T. Moses and they settled in Exeter, N. H., where they attended 
what is now the Phillips Congregational Church, but which was then known 
as the Second Congregational Church. Their six children were : Deborah 
M., who died young; Charles \V., now deceased; John Andrew La Forest, 
deceased ; Elizabeth Mary Moses, who became the wife of Col. Freeman 
Conner; George Naylor, subject of this sketch, and Catharine L., deceased. 
Both parents have also passed away. 

George N. Julian began his education in the common schools and later 
graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, after a four years' course, in the 
class of 1856. P"rom that time until the breaking out of the Civil war he 
was associated with his father in the wool business. On July 5th, 1861, he 
enlisted as a private in the Second Massachusetts Battery Light Artillery, 
Capt. Ormand ¥. Nims. which Battery was mustered into U. S. Serv-ice July 
31st. While encamped on March 8, 1862, near Hampton, Va., he witnessed 
the sinking of the U. S. warships Cumberland and Congress and on March 
9th the encounter between the Merrimac and Monitor. Received his first 
baptism of fire June 26, 1862, when Admiral Farragut passed the batteries 
at Vicksburg, Miss. On July 31, 1862, he was mustered out at Baton Rouge, 
La., having a few days previously received from Gov. Berry a Commission. 
He re-enlisted in the Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment. Col. Aaron F, 
Stevens, Aug. 15, 1862, was mustered in as Captain of Co. "E" September 
27, 1862, and served until February i, 1865, when he was mustered out for 
the second time by reason of the expiration of term of service. While in the 
army he took part in some great battles, including Fredericksburg, Cold 
Harbor, Drury's Bluff, Second battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines and 
Battery 5, Petersburg, Va. In the last named engagement, on June 15th, 
1864, it devolved upon Captain Juhan to lead the charge which was entirely 
successful. The works lieing carried, eight Confederate Officers surrendering 
to Capt Julian and deli\ering to liim their side arms. One of these officers 
commanded this line of works, another was a Na\'al Officer on shore leave 
for the day. 'Ihis assault was said to be one of the most brilliant of the entire 
war. 'ilie Captain was considered by his war associates one of the loravent, 
most (lejKmdalile and efficient officers furni.shed by the 'Old Granite State 
during the Civil War. 

(])n the conclusion of tlic war Cai)tain Julian again took up the wool busi- 
ness, carrying it on for many years in San h'rancisco, California, to which 
state he went in 1875, the name of his firm being Ball & Julian. In Julv, 
1892, he returned east and settled in Exeter, N. H., continuing in the wool 
business for some years, having an office in Boston. He was appointed post- 
master of Exeter in 1898 by President McKinley. and on July ist of that 
year assumed the duties of the office. He served as postmaster five years 
and nine months with credit to himself and giving general satisfaction to the 
public. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1051 

Captain Julian was married, March 17, 1865, to Miss Charlotta N. Vinal, 
who was born in North Reachng, Mass., but who was reared in Lowell, 
Mass. Her parents were William D. and Naamah K. J. (Simms) Vinal. 
the father a dentist by occui)ation. They were members of the Baptist church. 
Their children were six in number, namely : George A. W. ; Christany 
Augusta, who married Casper Golderman; Charlotte, wife of Captain Julian; 
William Jackson (first), who died at the age of one year; William Jackson 
(second), who died when three years old; and Walter Judson, now deceased. 

Captain Julian and wife have five children: John Andrew La Forest, 
who married Emma J. Davis of Malone, N. Y. ; Maud V., residing at home 
with her parents; George Naylor, who married Esther Lillian Ellis of Med- 
ford, Mass. ; Katharine Augusta ; and William Luke, who married Adeline 
Hall of Wallingford, Conn., and had one child, Charlotte Adella, wlio died 
in May, 1914. Captain Julian is a republican in politics. His society affilia- 
tions include membership in Edward W. Kinsley Post, No. 113, G. A. R., 
of Massachusetts; the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, Boston Com- 
mandery; and the Knights of Honor. 

MRS. MARY L. FIELD, who has proved that sex is no bar to busi- 
ness capacity, is the proprietor of a first class furniture store and in con- 
nection conducts an undertaking business, at Exeter, her business ter- 
ritory extending many miles in every direction, taking in the villages of 
Strathani, Brentwood and Hampton. Mrs. Field was born at Lebanon, 
Me., and is a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Morse) Sanborn. The 
mother of Mrs. Field is deceased l)ut the father survives and has reached 
the venerable age of ninety years. During active life he was a furni- 
ture dealer at Somersworth, where Mrs. Field was reared. He still 
keeps interested in public matters and votes the Repui)lican ticket. His 
children are: Sarah Elizabeth, who is the wife of Nathaniel T. Palmer; 
Arthur; Annie F. ; Eleanor J., who is the wife of Charles O. Nason ; 
Mary L. and Martha W., twins ; Carrie B., now deceased, wdio was the 
wife of Arthur Foote ; Charles Henry; Grace M., wdio is the wife of 
Fred \Y. Harmon; and Fred B., wdio is a physician. 

Mrs. Field established her present business in 1891. She has the 
assistance of F. L. Jenkins, a licensed embalnier, and has a complete 
line of undertaking necessities and equipments and the efficient and 
dignified manner in which funerals under her charge are conducted, 
has brought her personal esteem as well as a wider business reputation. 
Her furniture store offers the most modern and attractive articles in 
tills line and her excellent trade relations enable her to procure any 
special piece of furniture, drapery or brie a brae a customer may desire. 
Mrs. Field has three sons: James Lincoln, Charles Curtis and Richard 
A. Field. She was reared in the Baptist church, of which she is a valued 
nienil)er at Exeter. 

CHESTER D. HATCH, treasurer and agent of the Exeter Manu- 
facturing Company, w-as born in Vermont, August 18, 1863. His parents 
were Thomas A. and Alniira (Farrar) Hatch, the father a native of 
Vermont and her mother of New Hampshire. The former was a black- 
smith by occupation. Both are now deceased. They were the parents 
of but two children: Chester D., whose name appears at the head of 
this sketch, and Alice, who married .\rthur Eaton. 



1052 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Chester D. Hatch after attending the common schools completed 
his literarjr education in tiie Vermont Methodist Seminary. In 1879 
he became connected with the cotton manufacturing industry in Man- 
chester, N. H., where he remained about fifteen years. He then went 
to Pittsfield, N. H., where also he was connected with the cotton busi- 
ness for three and a half years, holding a position as overseer. He then 
came to Exeter and was here for about fifteen months. Then, returning 
to Pittsfield, he was superintendent in a mill there for about a year, after 
W'hich he went to Manchester, N. H., to take charge of the weaving de- 
partment in the Amory mill. He was there about five and a half years, 
during this time having charge of 2,000 looms. He then returned to 
Exeter and entered the employ of the Exeter Manufacturing Company 
as superintendent, was subsequently promoted to the position of agent 
and still later to that of treasurer in addition. This company, which was 
incorporated in 1827, employs about 250 hands. They are engaged in 
the manufacture of sheetings and shirtings, operating the entire process 
■ from the cotton bale to the completed article. Having a thorough prac- 
tical knowledge of every part of the process of cotton manufacture. Mr. 
Hatch is a most capable man for the position he holds and enjoys the full 
confidence of his employers. 

He was married in October, 1899, to Miss Ethel Hill, who was born 
in Pittsfield, N. H., a daughter of Forest F. and Emma (Elliott) Hill, 
natives of New Hampshire. Mrs. Hatch was her parents' only child. 
She and her husband attend tne Unitarian church and have a wide ac- 
quaintance in E.xeter and vicinity. Mr. Hatch is a Republican in poli- 
tics. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge 
at Pittsfield; St. Alban's Chapter and Olivet Council at Exeter; DeW'itt 
Clinton Commandery, of Portsmouth ; the Scottish Rite, and the Mystic 
Shrine at Concord. He is also a prominent member of the Swam- 
scott Club, of Exeter. 

FRANK W. TAYLOR, trustee and treasurer of the Union Five 
Cents Savings Bank, of Exeter, N. H., was born in this city, January i. 
1881. His father, Harry H. Taylor, a son of John B. Taylor, and a native 
of New Hampshire, had charge for a number of years of the wood-work- 
ing department of the Davis & Furber Machine Company. He mar- 
ried }i!arv A. Taylor, a daughter of Charles G. and Abbie L. Taylor, who. 
although of the same family name, was not related to him. Their only 
child was Frank \\'., subject of this sketch. Both parents are now 
deceased and are buried in Exeter. 

Frank W. Taylor was educated in the Exeter High School and at 
Phillips Exeter Academy. He began industrial life as clerk in a dry 
goods business, remaining thus occupied for two years. He then en- 
tered the emplov of the Exeter Banking Company and continued with 
them until April 6, 1910, at which time he entered upon the duties of 
his present position with the Union Five Cents Savings Bank. He has 
established a good record for efficiency and is rapidly building up a repu- 
tation as one of the leading business men of the city. He is a member 
of the Exeter Club and of the Swamscott Club of Exeter and takes an 
active interest in whatever is calculated to promote the moral and ma- 
terial welfare of the community in which he lives, and of the county generally. 

Mr. Tavlor married. August 4. 1909. Miss Elizabeth Chesley. a na- 



AND REPRLSENTATIVE CITIZENS 1053 

live of New Hampshire ami ilaughter of John and Alary Chesley. He 
and his wife are the parents of two children. Alary and John C. The 
family attends the First Parish Church of Exeter. Mr. Taylor's fra- 
ternal affiliations are with the Star in the East Lodge, No. 59, A. F. 
& A. M., and St. Albans Chapter, No. 15. R. A. M.. both of Exeter. 

OLI\^ER A. FLEMING, owner and proprietor of a furniture and 
undertaking business in Exeter, N. H., and one of the prosperous 
merchants of this town, was born at Hampton Falls, in 1843, 3. son 
of David and Eunice (Williams) Fleming. His father, who was a miller, 
was a native of England : his mother was born in Hampton Falls. Of 
their children Oliver A. is the only one now living. He was educated 
in the jjublic schools at Exeter and then learned the harness maker's 
trade, which he followed for some years. About twenty-five years ago 
he started in his present line of business, in which he has been success- 
ful, employing from two to three men all the time. A Free Mason, he 
belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council at Exeter and to the 
Commandery at f^ortsmouth. He also belongs to the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows. 

Mr. Fleming married Miss Annie \\'. Robinson, a nati\e of Exeter 
and daughter of Cliarles and Annie (Colcord) Robinson. He and his 
wife have many friends in Exeter and the vicinity and take an active 
part in the pleasant social life of the town. Enterprising and industrious, 
and with good business ability, he is one of Exeter's substantial citizens. 

CHARLES E. BYINGTON, cashier of the Exeter Banking Com- 
pany, at Exeter, N. H., was born at West Brookfield, Alass.. November 
10, 1S55. His parents were Rev. Swift and Alartha (Wheeler) Bying- 
ton. who came to Exeter in 1871, where the father was pastor of the 
First Congregational Church for twentA'-two years. Thev had pre- 
viousl}' resided in Stoneham. Mass. Mrs. Alartha \\'. Byington was a 
native of Bristol, Conn., and daughter of Joel Wheeler. Both parents 
are now deceased and are buried in Exeter. They had four children: 
Lizzie, who died at the age of twenty-one years: Charles E.. sul)iect of 
this sketch; Carrie \\'. and Alice. 

Charles E. Byington attended the common schools in Stoneham, 
Mass., and after coming to Exeter with his parents, entered the Exeter 
high school, where he remained for two years. He then spent three 
years in Phillips Exeter Academy, after which he entered into business 
life, obtaining employment in the old Granite State National Bank, 
where he remained until 1893. In the following year he became cashier 
for the Exeter Banking Company, which was started at that time, and 
has been with them ever since, performing his duties efficientlv and giv- 
ing general satisfaction to the patrons of the institution. 

Mr. Byington was married, September 15. 1885, to Miss Cornelia 
Frances Shute, of Exeter, a sister of Judge Henrv A^ Shute. and daugh- 
ter of George S. and Joanna (Simkins) Shute. Her father was a native 
of Exeter and her mother of England, the former being a son of Henry 
Shute by his wife, Eliza Rowe Smith. The Shute faniilv is among the 
most prominent and respected in Rockingham county. They are popular 
members of the best Exeter societv. 



1054 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

WALTER H. PAGE, tax collector of the city of Portsmouth, N. H., 
was born in this state, April lo, 1859, a son of Samuel M. and Mary P. 
(Page) Page, the former of whom was an extensive contractor. He 
was educated in the public schools and came to Portsmouth in 1879. 
Since then he has been identified with various lines of business including 
journalism. He was elected to his present office as tax collector in 
1891, and has shown himself a capable and trustworthy official. He is a 
Mason of high rank, having attained the 32d degree in that ancient 
order, and also belongs to the local lodge of Elks and to the Portsmouth 
Athletic Club, having been its treasurer for about 20 years. 

Mr. Page married Miss Georgia A. Church, a daughter of Daniel 
C. Church, of Portsmouth. Mrs. Page died in 191 1, leaving one child, 
William F. The family residence is at No. 119 Summer street. Mr. 
Page has a wide acquaintance among the citizens of Portsmouth, and 
his best friends are numbered among those who know him best. 

DAVID MORRILL QUIMBY, in former years a well known and pop- 
ular citizen of Exeter, X. H., engaged in the jewelry trade, was born in that 
part of Salisbury, Mass.. that is now Amesbury, July 22. 1821. He was a 
son of James and Abigail ( Morrill) Ouimby. the former of whom came from 
Meredith, \. H., the mother being a native of Salisbury, Mass. The father 
was a merchant by occupation. Their children were Zebedee, James, Abi- 
gail, Susan, David M. and Hilary .-\nn. 

David M. Ouimby, equipped with a grammar school education. learned 
the jeweler's trade in his youth with his brother, who conducted a jeweler's 
store in Exeter. He subsequently worked some years for other people, and 
finally entered into business for himself in Exeter, continuing it for about 
forty-five years, with prosperous results. He died at the age of seventy-six 
years, on March 22, 1897, leaving a fair competence to his widow. 

He was twice married : first to Jeniimah Leavett, of Exeter. His second 
wife, who survives him. was in maidenhood Betsey H. Bartlett. a native of 
Salisbury, Mass., and daughter of James P. and Priscilla A. (Jewell) Bart- 
lett, her father, who was a Massachusetts man, being a shoemaker by trade. 
The mother was a native of Maine. Their children were Francis L.. Betsey 
H. (or Bessie, as she was usually called), William P., Susan L. and Annie 
I-. Mr. Ouinibv was a Unitarian in religious belief and his wi(l(iw also 
attends that church. 

GEORGE J. MURRAY, city auditor of Portsmouth, N. H., and a 
well known and popular citizen, was born in South Dakota, June 20, 
1883. He was one of three children born to Joseph R. and Charlotte 
(Bryant) Murray, the former of whom, a native of New Brunswick, 
followed the vocation of a mechanic. The subject of this sketch was 
educated in the pulilic schools, completing his studies in the City of 
Boston, Mass. In 1907 he came to Portsmouth, and here obtained a 
position as bookkeeper, being thus employed until September, 191 1, 
when he was appointed to his present position as city auditor, to fill out 
the unexpired term of H. B. Prior. In January, 1912, he was elected 
to succeed himself. A man of sound business methods he has per- 
formed his duties to general satisfaction and has made many friends in 
this city. He is a member of St. John's Lodge, F. & A. ^I., No. i, of 
Portsmouth. New Flampshire Consistory, 32d degree, and also belongs 




Vi^ty~t^/^ 



7t^ c><^/i^><i^tJ^/ 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1057 

to the Elks. Mr. JMurra}' married Miss Evelyn Manniii.^, a daughter of 
Harry Manning, of Nashua, N. H. He and his family are members of 
the Baptist church. In politics he is a Republican. 

JAMES A. LEDDY, a prosperous lousiness man anil representative 
citizen of Epping, New Hampshire, is senior member of the firm of 
Leddy Brothers, leading grocers of this thriving business center. He 
was born in Newfields, New Hampshire, August 21, 1885, and is a 
son of Thomas and Mary Alice (McGlincey) Leddy. On the paternal 
side, the family comes from Ireland, whilst the maternal ancestors 
came from England, settling in Boston in 1849. 

Thomas Leddy was born in Boston, Mass., June 3, 1849, ^'""i tlied 
in Epping, New Hampshire, in 1912. He was for years a leading mer- 
chant at Newfields, where for ten years he served as postmaster. He 
was the first Democrat from that district ever elected to the state legis- 
lature, and was frequently called upon to fill other offices of public trust. 
At the time of his death he was serving in the capacity of town treasurer, 
and was succeeded in that office by his son, James A., the present in- 
cumbant. With his brothers, John and Charles, Thomas Leddy estab- 
lished the grocery now conducted by Leddy Brothers, at Epping. He 
was married to Miss Mary Alice McGlincey, who was born in New- 
fields, New Hampshire, in 1851. and they became parents of five chil- 
dren, as follows: Rev. Charles J. Leddy was born at Newfields in 1879, 
and received his educational training at Exeter and Boston College, sup- 
plemented by a theological course at St. John's, Brighton. He was 
ordained to priesthood at Manchester by Bishop George Albert Guer- 
ten. and now is chaplain at the Sisters of Mercy Convent, of Manchester. 
Alice M. Leddy married J. L. Thayer, of Epping, and they are parents 
of four daughters. Anna J. Leddy is a lady of accomplishments and high 
educational attainments. She is a graduate of the Epping schools, and 
Robinson Seminary at Exeter, finishing at the Emerson College of 
Oratory of Boston. John S. Leddy, junior member of the firm of Leddy 
Brothers, was born at Newfields, May 4. 1890, and received his schooling 
at Epping. Before graduation he began to learn the details of the grocery 
business under his father and uncles. 

James A. Leddy, subject of this review, attended the school of New- 
fields until he was fifteen years old. and then attended one year at 
Epping High School. Dropping out of school then, he was for four 
years a clerk in the store of his father. After two years of study he 
wa.=. graduated in June. 1907. from Phillips Exeter Academy at Exeter. 
He returned to Epping and has since been busily engaged in the grocery 
trade. He in partnership with his brother. John S. assumed charge of 
the store in 1909. and have met with success. It is one of the most com- 
plete stores to iDe found in a place of equal size, and the patronage ac- 
corded them proves the wisdom of "quality plus service." Mr. Leddy 
was reared in the Catholic faith and is a liberal contributor to the 
church. 

SAMUEL Y. DAVIS, chief of police of Exeter, N. H., which office 
he has held since September. 1913, was born in Farmington, N. H.. 
March 10, 1859, a son of George N. and .\bbie C. TYoung) Davis. The 
father of our subject was a native of Barnstead. N. H.. and the mother 



1058 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of Gilmaiiton. Both are now deceased and are buried at Farmington 
and Gilmanton, respectively. They were members of the Adventist 
church. George N. Davis was in early life a shoemaker, but later a 
farmer. By his wife Abbie he had two children, Herman and Samuel 
Y. His wife dying he subsequently married Andelia .\. Small, of 
which second union there were five children, namely : Hester E., Abbie 
A., Mary S., Leila B., and Arthur M. The last mentioned died in 
l!ie Klondyke. 

Samuel Y. Davis acquired his education in the common schools. 
In his youth he learned the trade of shoe-cutter at Farmington, whicl: 
he followed while a resident of that place. In September, 1898, he came 
to Exeter and entered the employ of the Gale Shoe Company, being- 
shoe cutter there about ten years. He was then three years with the 
Bates Shoe Company as foreman, after which he returned to the Gale 
Shoe Company and served in the capacity of assorter until he received 
appoimment as chief of police. .\s aljo\e stated he was appointed to 
his present position in September, 1913, and has now served efficiently 
for over a year. He had previously had some police experience in Farm- 
ington, having been special policeman there. In politics he is a Demo- 
crat. In Farmington he also served on the l)oard of health. 

Mr. Davis first married Miss Eliza E. Berry, who l.)ore him three 
children: Mildred, who married Jesse Fields; Erick Neal, who is now 
deceased: and Rul)y. He married secondly Kate S. Kimball, the widow 
of Frank Kimball and her death occiu'red .\ugnst 16, 1914. They had 
two children. Iva E., who is now deceased, and b^arl. Mr. Davis and 
his family attend the First Congregational churcli. He Ijelongs to the 
Lodge and Encampment in the Independent ()rder of Odd Fellows, 
and also to the Rebecca Lodge of the same order, at Farmington. 

HON. JOHN (J. PARSONS, proprietor of a gents' furnishing store at 
No. 49 Congress street, Portsmouth, N. H., and state senator from the 24th 
district, is a native of this state, having been born in Rochester, June 24, 
i8t7. He is a son of Daniel J. Parsons, born in Gilmanton, N. H., who for 
about forty years was an attorney in Rochester, where he died. He was a 
man of superior intelligence, strongly interested in the cause of education, 
and during his entire active career served efficiently as a member of the 
school board. His wife, the mother of our subject, was in maidenhood Ella 
G. Greenfield of Rochester. She also is deceased and is buried with her 
husband in Rochester. Their children were : Laura Isabella, now deceased, 
who was a school teacher: Mary Emma, wife of Samuel Hislop: John G., 
whose name ajjpears at the head of this sketch: Ella F.. wife of John H. 
Temple: and Margaret, who is deceased. 

John G. Parsons was educated in the grammar and high schools of 
Rochester, N. H. He began industrial life as clerk in a gents' furnishing 
store in that city, remaining there three years. He then came to Ports- 
mouth, entering the employ of J. !-". I'.erry, in the same line of business, and 
was with, him as clerk from 1881 U) 191J — a period of thirty-one years — 
when he purchased his employer's store. He employs four clerks, has a 
well stocked and u]) to date store, and is doing a prosperous business. .\ 
Democrat in politics, lie serxed on the old city board, has been a member 
of the council several U-rnis. and. as al)o\e stated, is now a member of the 
New H.nnipsliirc senate. He received the re-nomination for state senator 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1059 

in the Democratic Primaries of 1914. Fraternally he is affiliated with the 
Elks and the Masons, having- taken all the degrees in the Masonic order 
except the 33d, and belonging to all the various branches except the Shrine. 
He also belongs to the Warwick Club. 

Mr. Parsons was married in February, 1889, to Miss Anna A. Grant of 
Portsmouth, a daughter of William F. and Nancy M. (Grant) Grant. Both 
Mrs. Parsons' parents were from York, Me. Her father was construction 
engineer for the Boston & Maine Railroad. The children in the Grant 
family were as follows: Howard F., now deceased; Anna A., who married 
John G. Parsons; Lillian, wife of Chester L. Caldwell, an attorney at St. 
Paul; and Alice E., wife of A. J. Rowe, manager of the Hotel Bellevue. at 
Boston, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Parsons have one child, William D., who is 
assisting his father in the store. 

WILBUR B. SHAW, deputy sheriff of Rockingham County, X. H., who 
received this office by appointment and is now serving in his sixth year, was 
born in Boston, Mass., November 5, 1875, a son of Henry B. and Abbie 
Louise (Wilson) Shaw. His parents were natives of Kittery, Me., where 
the father was employed in the Navy Yard as foreman of the joiners. They 
were affiliated with the Methodist church. Their children were: Justin H., 
Wilbur B., Arvilla M. and Emily L. 

\\'ilbur B. Shaw began his education in the common schools of Kittery, 
Me., afterwards continuing it at the Phillips Exeter .\cademy. He then 
began to learn the printer's trade in Portsmouth, afterwards finishing his 
apprenticeship in Lynn, Mass., where he worked several years at the trade. 
He also worked in a shoe factory there for awhile, or until i8g8, at which 
time, on the breaking out of the war with Spain, he enlisted in Company A, 
First N. H. Volunteer Regiment, as a private. He accompanied his regiment 
to Camp Thomas, Georgia, and was made quarter master sergeant under 
Colonel Rolfe. Having served until the close of the war he returned to 
Portsmouth, where he was engaged in the restaurant business for some 
time. Appointed city policeman, he served in that position for several years, 
and was then appointed jailer under Marcus M. Collis, which position he held 
for six months, at the end of which time he received the appointment to his 
present office as deputy sheriff and deputy jailer under Ceylon Spinney, 
in which he has served over five years with marked efficiency. Mr. Shaw is 
a Republican in politics. He is a member of the Portsmouth Yacht Club 
and also of the Spanish War Veterans. 

Mr. Shaw was married in 1895 to Alice Bertha Herbert, who was born 
in I'cirlsmouth, a daughter of George and Anna (Watkins) Herbert, her 
father being a wholesale fish dealer here. The Herberts were a large family, 
only three of the children, however, being now living, namely: Abbie; Mary, 
who married Walter M. Sawyer of Lynn, Mass. ; and Alice B., who is now 
Mrs. Shaw. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw have two children: Harold Herbert, born 
July 7, iSf/i; and Ray J'"rc(l. bom January 5, i8()8. The family attend the 
Baptist church. 

Mr. -Shaw's paternal grandfather was Joseph Shaw, of York, Me.; his 
maternal grandfather was Henning Wilson, of Kittery, Me., both sturdy New- 
England citizens of good rejiute. who, with their wives and families, were 
well liked and respected in the communities in which they lived. 

WILLIAM H. BELKN.XP, formerly engaged in the real estate and 
insurance business in Exeter, but who is now living a retired life in this 



1060 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

city, was born in Exeter. N. H., ]\Iarch 20, 1836, a son of William A. and 
Ruth (Poor) Belknap. The father, a native of Westboro. Mass., was a 
jeweler by occupation, carrying on business in Exeter for a number of years. 
He had but a common school education but was a man of intelligence and 
industry and was fairly successful in life. He had a thorough knowledge of 
his trade, which he learned in Boston when a young man. By his wife Ruth, 
who was born in Newbury. Mass., he was the father of five children — 
Augustus, Rosina, Rose, Julia, and William H. 

William H. Belknap was educated in the common schools of Exeter. He 
then learned the printer's trade, which he followed as a journeyman for about 
eight years. He then became clerk in the office of the register of deeds 
and performed his duties so satisfactorily that in 1865 he was himself 
appointed to fill that office, to which also he was elected in the following 
spring. subsec(uently serving therein for seven years. He then opened a 
general office, handling real estate, insurance and probate business, continu- 
ing in this occu])ation until 1904, w'hen he retired. 

Air. Belknap was married in July, 1875, to Miss Adelaide Jewell, a native 
of Exeter. N. H. She died in 188 1, leaving no issue, and he married for 
his second wife, in 1889, Miss Josephine Treat, of Bangor, Me., whose 
father, Samuel Treat, was at one time treasurer of that- city. Mr. and Mrs. 
Belknap attend the Congregational church. The former is a Republican in 
politics. He has been a member of the' Masonic order since 1865. and was 
town clerk of Exeter for twenty-six years. Few citizens of the town are 
more widely known in this vicinity and few are more respected. 

ALBERT F. PRIEST, a prosperous merchant of New Market. N. H., 
where he is engaged in the clothing and furnishing business, was born in this 
town. April 30, 1876, a son of Albert M. and Sarah A. (Ritchie) Priest. 
The father of our subject was born in New Market. N. H., February 6. 1857, 
a son of Levi J. and Effie (Spofford) Priest. He was for many years a 
prominent merchant here and established the first department store in the 
town. In 1875 he married Sarah A. Ritchie and they had seven children, 
namely: Thurman .V.. now proprietor of a dry goods store in New Market; 
Frank J.. William L.. Irene L.. Addie F.. Marian A. and Albert F. 

Albert F. Priest was educated in the common schools and at New Market 
high scliool, which he attended two years, being obliged to leave before grad- 
uating on account of ill health. He then entered mercantile life and has 
since been continuously engaged in the clothing business, with the exception 
of one year during wdiich he was associated as partner with his brother 
Frank J. in the restaurant business. For some time he was associated with 
firms in Boston, Mass.. and New Haven. Conn., as buyer and manager, until 
establishing himself in his present business at New Market in 1910. This 
he has carried on successfully and is now' one of the substantial and pros- 
perous business men of the town. His store is w-ell stocked with salable 
goods and he enjoys a large and increasing trade. A democrat in politics, 
he takes a live interest in public questions and has served as town clerk, town 
treasurer, and as representative to the general court. His society affiliations 
are with Pocasett Tribe, No. 45, I. O. R. M. On May 19, 1902, Mr. Prie.st 
was married to Ida L. Hevey of New-market, daughter of Joseph and I.cda 
(Garneau) He\ev. He and his wife are the parents of a daughter. Adelaide 
L. Priest. 




AIJ :Li: 1 M. l'l;l 1_- I 



AND REPRKSENTATIVE CITIZENS 1063 

ALBERT E. McREEL, treasurer and manager of the A. E. McReel 
Company of Exeter, dealers in coal and wood, was born in Athol, Mass., in 
1870, a son of Alexander ami Helen (Spencer) McReel. The father, who 
was a shoe manufacturer in Athol, died in 1907; his wife, surviving him, 
resides in Athol. They had two children — Albert E. and Walter. 

Albert E. McReel was educated in the common schools of Athol, Mass. 
I'or a number of years subsequently he was intimately connected with street 
railway construction, controlling companies in different sections of the 
country. In 19 10 he came to Exeter to settle here permanently, having pre- 
vioush' been a resident of this city. He belongs to the Benevolent Protective 
Order of Elks at I^ortsmouth, and in politics is a Republican. 

Mr. AIcReel married Mabel A. Mellen, a native of Athol, Mass., and 
daughter of \Villiam FI. and Gertrude E. ( Squares) Mellen, the father being 
a prosperous hinil)enuan. They had one daughter and a son — Mabel A., and 
William D. Mr. au<l .Mrs. McReel are the parents of one child, William 
.A. McReel. The familv attends the First Church of Exeter. 

FTx-VXK -\. SPINNEY, a mason contractor at Portsmouth, New Hamp- 
shire, enjoys a prosperous business in this city, where his entire business 
career thus far has been spent. He has been engaged in contracting some 
ten or tw'elve years, l)ut has been working out of the same shop since 1875 
when he began his ajjprenticeship. He employs from twelve to eighteen men, 
and the fact that he is always busy bespeaks the confidence of the people in 
his work and their regard for his ability. 

Mr. Spinney was born in York County, Maine, in 1856 and was one of 
seven children born to Sylvester and Mary A. (L'rch) Spinney. The father 
was born in Maine and was a cabinet maker by trade. The mother was a 
native of England. Mrs. Spinney is now deceased and is survived by her 
husband. 

FYank A. Spinney attended the public schools first, and later Elliot .\cad- 
emy. He then learned the trade of a mason, which he has followed con- 
tinuously since. He married Arabella F. Cole, who was born in Eliot and is 
a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Tutherly) Cole. Her father was a fish 
merchant at Portsmouth although his residence was in Eliot, Me. Three 
children have Islessed this union, Elroy, Annie M., and Alice B., who was 
the wife of Patrick Powers and died when twenty-two years of age. Annie 
M. is the wife of .\rthur Lewis and they have a daughter, Mazie B. Mr. 
Spinney is a Republican in politics. Fraternally he is a member of the Odd 
Fellows and of the Pilgrim Fathers. The family attends the .Advent Church. 

HERBERT O. PRIME, assistant superintendent of the Consolidation 
Coal Company of Portsmouth, N. H., was born in this city in 1871, a son of 
Edwin B. and .-\raette (Hoitt) Prime. His father, a native of Exeter, N. H., 
was an insurance broker; the mother of our subject was a native of Ports- 
mouth. 

Herbert O. Prime was the only child of his parents. His education was 
obtained in the common schools and he then began work for E. F. Sise & 
Co., coal dealers. On the subsequent death of William H. Sise in 1896 a 
partnership was formed under the name of Gray & Prime, consisting of 
Mr. Prime and Charles W. Gray, who carried on the business successfully 
until April i, 191 1, when the firm was taken over by The Consolidation 
Coal Co., both partners being retained by the company. Mr. Prime is a 



1064 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Republican in politics and an up-to-date and progressive citizen. He belongs 
to the Warwick Club, is a Blue Lodge Mason, an Odd Fellow, an Elk and a 
member of the Royal Arcanum. 

Mr. Prime was married in i8g8 to Harriet G. Simpson of Newfields. 
N. H., a daughter of John E. and Louise E. (Saunders) Simpson. Her 
father was a railw ay postal clerk from Ouincy, Mass. ; her mother was a native 
of England. Mr. Prime is an Episcopalian in religious belief, but with his 
wife and two daughters. Katharine S. and Elizabeth, attends the Congrega- 
tional Church. 

JAMES .\RTHUR TUFTS, professor of English at Phillips Exeter 
Academy, is one of the best known educators in the state, and a veteran 
teacher, hax'ing held his present position since 1878. He was born at Alstead, 
N. H.. April 26, 1855, the son of Timothy and Sophia P. (Kingsbury) Tufts, 
his paternal grandparents being James and Sarah ( Labaree) Tufts. Both his 
parents were natives of New Hampshire, the father being a merchant by 
occupation. The subject of this sketch was their only child that grew to 
maturity. He began his education in the public schools of .\lstead, subse- 
quently attended Miles Military School at Brattleboro, Vt.. and was later a 
student at The Phillips Exeter Academy and at Harvard University, being 
graduated from Harvard in 1878. In the same year he returned to Exeter 
to assume the duties of his present position as teacher of English in the 
Academy. His eflficiency is evidenced by his length of service, and is 
enhanced l)y his agreeable personality and unfailing tact. ])y means of which 
he excites the attention and holds the good will of the students, while his 
relations with the faculty have always lieen pleasant and harmonious. He 
has served as a member of the library committee of the town for many years, 
and is, besides, trustee of Robinson Seminar\-. the State college at Durham. 
N. H., and the library at Kensington. X. H. That his popularitv is not 
confined to educational circles is evidenced b\- the fact that he served in the 
state legislature in 1905-08. 

Prof. Tufts was married. December 21. 1878. to Miss Etifie Locke, who 
was born in .\rlington. Mass.. a daughter of B. Delmont and Sarah (Child) 
Locke, both her ])arents being natives of JMassachusetts. Prof, and Mrs. 
Tufts have been the parents of six children, namely: Effie Miriam, who died 
at the age of twenty-three years. Irving Elting. Theodora. Delmont Locke. 
James Arthur, jr.. and Helen. Prof. Tufts is a member of the Unitarian 
church, and has been its treasurer since i8gi. He and Mrs. Tufts are 
popular members of Exeter society. ha\ing many friends l)oth liere and 
elsewhere in the state. 

FRANCIS L. HATCH, who is co-partner with Arthur O. Goodwin in 
the ownership and operation of the Portsmouth Foundry Company, jobbers 
in iron and brass castings, was bom in Kittery. Me.. June 18. 1887. His 
parents were Lozano and Martha ( Dannenberg) Hatch, the father born in 
Wells and the mother in Kittery. Me. The father of our subject died and 
his widow subsecpiently married Wallace C. Rounds. Her only children 
were by her first husband, namely: Edgar T., Francis L. and Aldana M. 

Francis L. Hatch acquired his education in the common schools, which 
he left at the age of sixteen years. Then, in October. 1003. he entered the 
Portsmouth Navv Yard, where he learned the trade of moulder. He was 
thus employed until i()O0. after which be worked in Derry. N. H.. one \-ear. 




^ahnW.fnxsms ^,^. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZEXS 1067 

At tlie end of that time he returned to the navy yard where he continued 
until Octoijer, lyii. when the corporation, with which he has since been 
identified, was estabHshed. He is in association with Mr. A. O. Goodwin, 
who also had been employed in the navy yard, and thev have conducted the 
business very successfully. His political affiliations are with the Republican 
party, but he sometimes votes independently as occasion seems to demand. 
He belongs to the ^Masonic order, in which he has advanced as far as the 
Commanderv. and is also a member of the Alvstic Shrine and the Order of 
Red Men. 

Mr. Hatch was married. January 26. 1910. to .Vnnie E. Rounds, who was 
born in Bartlett. N. H.. a daughter of Wallace C. Rounds. He and his wife 
are the parents of a daughter. Carolyn T. The family attend the Baptist 
church. 

JOHN W". P.\RSONS. M. D.. who at the time of his death. Eebruary 28, 
igi2, was the oldest practicing physician in Portsmouth. N. H., was born 
in Rye. N. H.. .August i, 1841, a son cif Col. Thomas Jefferson and Eliza 
(Brown) Parsons, and a grandson of Dr. John Wilkes Parsons, ])rominent 
among the earlier physicians of Rye. N. H. 

Col. Thomas J. Parsons, the father of John W. Parsons, was adjutant 
of the Thirty-fifth Regiment in the old New Hampshire militia, and lieuten- 
ant-colonel of the First Regiment in 1836, being also an aide-de-camp of 
Gen. Isaac Hill. 

John \\'. Parsons attended the public scIkjoIs of Rye. Hampton Falls 
Academy. Pembroke .\cademy. h'ranklin .\cademy. was at Phillips Exeter 
Academy three years, and took a scientific course of one year at Norwich 
University. Vermont. He began the study of medicine in 1861 in Dover. 
N. H., with Levi G. Hill. M. D. : attended one course of lectures in Dart- 
mouth Medical College, 1862, and took a course in practical anatomy there 
in 1863. He also attended two cour.-es of lectures and summer school at the 
Medical School of Harvard University, receiving the degree of M. D. there- 
from in March. 1865. and took a s])ecial course in gynecology at Boston, 
under Horatio R. Storer, M. D., in 1867. 

Dr. Parsons was commissioned assistant surgeon of the T\venty- fourth 
Massachusetts Volunteer Infantrv in April, 1863, and was mustered out of 
service in January, 1866. 

He settled in Portsmouth. N. H.. on his birthday, .\ugust i. 1866. and 
continued the practice of medicine here until his death. He was an able and 
successful physician and surgeon, widely recognized as an authority on med- 
ical matters, and no less esteemed as a citizen. Few men were more generally 
beloved. 

During his long and active life Dr. Parsons served in various important 
positions with high credit. He was for more than thirty years president of 
the board of trustees of the Chase Home for Children. He was a trustee of 
the Portsmouth Hospital and a member of the board of directors of the 
Portsmouth .\thenaeum. He served for many years as justice of the peace, 
and in 1876 was appointed, by the governor, auditor of the 'New Hampshire 
.Asylum for the Insane. 

He held many prominent positions in his profession, being long an active 
and influential member of the American Medical Association. He was a 
member of the New Hampshire Medical Society for forty-five years, serving 
on its board of trustees twentv-two vears and on its board of censors fifteen 



1068 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

years, and as president in 1884. He was a member of the Strafford District 
Medical Society and served as its president in 1885-86, and also several terms 
— 1884, i88g and 1891 — as president of the Portsmouth Medical Association. 

He was a member of the Harvard Medical Alumni Association : an hon- 
orary member of the Medical Society of the State of California: a member 
of the Grand Army of the Republic ; a member of the Ancient, Free and 
Accepted Masons ; a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of 
the United States. Massachusetts Commandery, and a member of the Sons 
of the Revolution. Dr. Parsons was examining surgeon for pensions from 
1885 to 1889 inclusive. In religion he was a Lhiitarian. belonging to the 
church of that denomination in Portsmouth. 

The death of this useful and prominent citizen caused widespread sorrow 
throughout the city and wlierever his character was known and appreciated. 
His remains were laid to rest in the South Cemetery. The following addi- 
tional tribute to his memory is copied from the "Transactions of the New 
Hampshire Medical Society, 1912"; 

"During his long career in Portsmouth, Dr. Parsons became a notable 
figure in the best life of the town. He was a man who commanded, first 
respect, and afterwards affection. Nobody who knew him could help honor- 
ing him for his qualities of character. He possessed the virtues which claim 
the respect and admiration of intelligent people — straight-forwardness and 
integrity, frankness of speech, entire and even self-sacrificing devotion to 
tlic duties of his profession, and the most absolute freedom from any sort 
of pretension. He was what he appeared to be — a perfectly upright, sincere, 
iiigh-minded physician, of whose faithfulness and devotion, those who came 
to him could feel alisolutely sure. In the resolution passed upon his death 
Ijy the Portsmouth Medical Association, his brother physicians said of him: 
'We desire to go on record as admiring his unswerving honesty, his inflexible 
piu"ity of purpose, his steadfastness ior the right, his skill and judgment as a 
physician, his ever-readv counsel in time of perplexity, and we believe that 
his unique position in the community will never be filled.' " 

Dr. Parsons was married February 12, 1873, to Mary .Augusta, a daugh- 
ter of the late Capt. Ebenezer G. .Adams, a sea captain, formerly of Ports- 
mouth. N. H. Airs. Parsons survives her husband. 

(iEORGE W. POLLARD, clerk and director of the Portsmouth Brew- 
ing Company at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has been identified with this 
company for a period of twenty years. Wherever he has resided he has 
taken an earnest interest in civic affairs, and frequently has been called to 
serve in local offices. The Portsmouth Brewing Company is one of the pros- 
perous enterprises of the city, giving employment to some eighty men. Its 
officers are : Arthur Harris, president : Lawrence J. Harrington, vice presi- 
dent : \\' illiam F. Harrin.gton. treasurer and general manager. The board 
of directors include the officers together with George W. Pollard and James 
H. AIcGlinchy. 

Mr. Pollard was liorn in New .Market. Rockingham Cnuntv. New Hamp- 
shire, July II. i^Go. and is a son of Levi L. and Alartha Jane ('Winkley) 
Pollard, the father a native of Concord, Mass., and the mother of Lowell, 
Mass. Levi L. Pollard was a machinist by trade and followed it until his 
death in 1S98. Airs. Pollard lives in Bedford. Alass. They had the follow- 
ing children: Charles Jay; George \\'inkley: Clara .Augusta, wife of George 
R. Blinn ; and Levi L. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1069 

George W. Pollard attended the coninion schools of South New Market, 
after which he entered the offices of the Swaniscot Machine Coni[)any. He 
served as clerk for se\'enteen years, at the end of which time he came to 
Portsmouth to serve in a similar capacity with the Portsmouth Brewing 
Company. His rise with this concern had been steady. He is a man of 
ability and public spirit and has always l)een found in sujiport of measures 
of public benefit. He was treasurer of Xewlields for six years, has served as 
selectman from the fifth ward of Pdrtsnioulh, and was also on the school 
botird three years. 

In 1885, Mr. Pollard was united in marriage with Miss Minnie C. \\'ad- 
leigh, who was born in lixeter. and is a daughter of \\ illiani an<l Emily A. 
(Dearborn) W'adleigh. Her father was a farmer by occupation. He and 
Mrs W'adleigh reared six children: (ieorge W. ; John M. ; Emma Josephine; 
Frank H. ; Addie M.: and Minnie C. Mr. and Mrs. Pollard have the follow- 
ing offspring: Ethel M. : ]Miriam Iv ; Jnhn W'adleigh and Dorothy. He is 
a member of Rising Star Lodge, A. P. & A. M. of New Market; Washington 
Royal Arch Chapter at Portsmouth; the Royal Arcanum; and the Benevolent 
Protective Order of Elks. Religiously they attended the Universalist Church. 

CHARLES I*. CARROLL, owner and proprietor of the grocery and 
provision house of C. P. Carroll, of Portsmouth. New Hampshire, is one of 
the city's best known merchants. He is a native of Portsmouth, the date 
of his birth being June 16, 1866, and is a son of Philip and Honorah ( Flynn) 
Carroll. 

Philip Carroll and wife were nati\-es of County Cork, Ireland, and both 
died and were buried at Rollinsford, New Plampshire. They were married 
at South Berwick, Maine, having come to this country while young. He was 
a laborer and engaged in construction work on all of the railroads built in 
this section. The following children were born to them: Helen C. wife of 
Michael Cummings : Dennis J.: I3aniel W. : Annie P., wife of F. M. Dennett; 
W'm. H., deceased; and Charles P. In religious faith they were Catholics. 

Charles P. Carroll attended the cunimon schools of Portsmouth, after 
which for eight years be was empldved in the office of the Frank Jones 
Brewing Co. l'"or six years he was shipping clerk for the Portsmouth 
Machine Conijiany. In 1909, he and a brother bought his present business 
from John Conlon. He has since bought his brother's interest and is now- 
sole owner. He carries a general line of groceries and provisions, conduct- 
ing an establishment of the highest class, and enjuys much of the city's liest 
trade. 

In June. iX')j. Mr. Carroll married Alice B. Caswell, also a nati\e of 
Portsmouth, and a daughter of Perry and Emma (Snow) Caswell. Her 
father was a native of "the Isle of Shoals, and was in the fish business in 
Portsmouth. Her mother was born in Prunswick, Maine. ^Irs. Carroll ts 
one of two children, having a brother named Freeman. Mr. Carroll is a 
Democrat in politics liut is inclined to lie independent. He is a member of 
the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Foresters and the Royal Arcanum. 
He also is affiliated with the Country Club, and is vice president of the 
Board of Trade. He has been a director of the last named since its con- 
solidation with the Merchants' Exchange. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Carroll 
attend the Catholic Church. 

WTNTHROP NORRLS DOW. Born in Epping, April 9, 1828. The 
son of Moses and Nancy ( Sanliorn) Dow. He was a descendant of Henry 



1070 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Dow who settled in Hampton in 1643, but Epping was the family home from 
about 1750 when his great Grandfather Beniah removed there from Ken- 
sington. 

He was educated in the i)ul)lic scliools of Epping and at Pembroke Acarl- 
emy. Beginning his business career as clerk in a store at Northwood he 
remained two years and then opened a general store at West Epping w hich he 
conducted for fifteen years with marked success. In 1874 he removed to 
Exeter for the educational advantages to his family. , As a business man 
he had few peers. His integrity, sagacity and exceedingly active temperament 
brought him a large measure of success. He early engaged in lumbering 
which was his principal occupation for forty years. At first in the sixties 
he was in association with John L. Folsom, then Benjamin Folsom, and 
later with (jardner D. Dnrgin : in the seventies and eighties with Joseph C. 
Burley, and later with his son Albert N. Dov/. His operations were mainly 
in south-eastern New Hampshire and in Maine. He was a zealous Republican. 
From 1874-8 he was County Treasurer and was appointed to serve again for 
the unexpired term of George E. Lane. He represented Exeter in the legisla- 
ture in 1878-80. 

W'inthrop Norris Dow received his title of Colonel by appointment to the 
military staff of Governor Natt Head. He served as special Commissioner 
for the Boston and Maine R. R. 1888-189J. He was a director of the Exeter 
Water Works and of the Exeter Banking Company, and a Trustee and Vice 
President of The Union Five Cents Savings Bank. He was a loyal member 
of the First Parish, a Mason and Knight Templar, and the first President 
of the Exeter Sportsman's Club. He served several terms as a member of 
the school board and at his decease was serving as Trustee of the Robinson 
Female Seminary for a second term of seven years. He was ardently 
devoted to his home and family. He died in Exeter September 13, 1904. 

In 1859. Colonel Dow married Judith E. Robinson of Brentwood, daughter 
of Jonathan and Nancy ( Lane) Robinson. Their children are Albert Nelson. 
Annie ]M., and h'lorence. 

Albert, Nelson Dow was born .May 30. i8f)o. .\fter graduating from 
the Exeter High School he spent one year at a private school- in Boston. 
Studied under private tutors at home, in Canada and in France. He was 
engaged in lumbering from 1880 to 1895 since which time lie has been 
mainly devoted to forestry work. In 1898 he married Morenre (iriftin, 
daughter of Professor L. F. Griffin and Ruth (Fitts) Griffin of .\c\\ I ondon. 
N. H. Their children are Ruth Ellen, Winthrop Griftin, lunily Uoliiu^on. 
.Mliert Neal and Richard Lane. 

J()SI-".i'H W. SOMERHY. \\ho is a.s.sociated with .Mr. J. M. lUiswel! in 
the ownership of the New Method Laundry, is one of Portsmouth's most 
enter])rising young men. The business had its inception in January, 191 2. and 
has made steady progress ever since, enjoying a very liberal patronage. 

Mr. .Somerby was born in Newburyport. Massachusetts. April 28. 1881, and 
is a son of Charles and Catherine (Riley) Somerby. He was four years old 
when his mother died, leaving him and two other children, namely, Edwin and 
Mar\-. Charles Somerl^v formed a second union with .\nnie Noyes of Byfield. 
Massachusetts, and thev have two daughters an<l a son: Ruth, Helen, and 
Charles. 

joseih W. Somerliv, after leaving the grade schools, attended ;uid was 
graihiated from .\e\\ l>uryp()rl High School. For five years he \\a^ employed 




.ry^"^««"/S.-a-^ 



Kz^-)^;^^.^^^^^ ^\li^v^ro c3tx^ 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1073 

as paymaster for a large contracting firm, and then for three years worked 
in the railroad ticket office at Lynn. Massachusetts. He then came to Ports- 
mouth. New Hampshire, and with Mr. Buswell started the laundry business 
as before related. They do wet washing and flat work ironing only, and 
employ an average of twelve people. 

In 1909, Mr. Somerby was joined in marriage with Mary E. Pike who 
was born in Salsbury, Massachusetts and was one of eight children. se\'en 
daughters and a son, born to John B. and Ella (Hughes) Pike. Her father 
engaged in farming operations. In politics Mr. Somerby is independent, 
working always for the best interests of the community. He is a member of 
the Masonic order, belonging to the lodge at Newburyport. In religious lielief 
they are Methodists. 

SAMUEL KENT BELL, attorney at law and business man, connected 
unofficially with the law firm of Eastman, Scammon & Gardner, of Exeter, 
was born in this city March i. 1888, a son of John J. and Cora Lilly ( Kent) 
Bell. The father, a native of Chester. N. H., was son of Samuel Dana Bell, 
a former chief justice of New Hampshire, 1854-1864; and was cousin of 
Gov. Charles H. Bell. He practiced law for awhile in Alfred, Me., but sub- 
sequently removed to Exeter, where he followed his profession for the last 
twenty-five or thirty years of his life. He was married in 1881 to Cora Lilly 
Kent, a native of this state, who spent most of her life in Exeter. They had 
two children — Samuel Kent, the subject of this sketch, and John K.. who is 
also a resident of Exeter. Both parents are deceased. 

Samuel Kent Bell, after laying the foundations of his education in the 
common schools, entered Phillips Exeter .\cademy. where he was graduated 
in 1905. In 1909 he was graduated from Dartmouth College and in 191 2 
from Harvard Law School, being admitted to the bar in the same year. He 
has since practiced his profession in Exeter, and although a comparatively 
recent addition to the Rockingham County bar, has already given promise 
of a bright future career. He is a director of the Exeter Manufacturing 
Company, also a director of the New Hampshire Fire Insurance Company, 
and of the Pemigewasset Valley Railroad Company. Fraternally he is affi- 
liated with Star in the East Lodge. No. 59, A. F. & .\.. M., of Exeter; St. 
Alban's Chapter, R. .\. .M.. and Olivet Council, of Exeter; DeWitt Clinton 
Commandery, Portsmouth; Lodge of Perfection, Portsmouth; Order Princes 
of Jerusalem. Portsmouth; Order of Rose Croix, Dover, and New Hamp- 
shire Consistory, of Nashua. N. H. He is also president of the Exeter IMa- 
sonic Association, and a nieml)er of the Exeter Club and the Swamscott Club 
of E.xeter. 

Mr. Bell was married October 17. iqu. to (iertrude True, who was born 
in Boston, Mass., a daughter of Philip and Georgiana J. ( Palmer) True, 
who were natives of Derry, N. H. Mr. True died some years ago, but his 
widow is still living and resides in Exeter. They had two children — Wen- 
dell P., and Gertrude, now Mrs. Samuel K. Bell. Mr. and Mrs. Bell attend 
the Phillips church. They are ]>opular members of Exeter society and at 
their pleasant home they not infre<|uently take pleasure in extending an 
unostentatious hosjiitality to their numerous friends. 

h~RED B. COLEMAN", owner and ])r<i])rietor of a well ei|uii)i>ed drug 
store at the corner of Congres^ and X'aughn streets. Portsmouth. X. II.. 
where he has l)een located for the last fortv vears. is a well l<nowii and 



1074 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

popular citizen who has taken an active part in local affairs. He was l)urn 
in this city February 17, 1855, ^ son of Joseph Wiley and Catherine ( Rand) 
Coleman. Both parents were natives of Rockingham County, the father being 
a contractor and builder for many years. He is still living, being now in his 
ninety--first year. He and his wife had five children, of whom the onl\- .sur- 
vivors are Fred B., and Florence, wife of Rev. John Everingham. a Baptist 
minister of Warren, Maine. Mrs. Catherine Coleman is now deceased. 

Fred B. Coleman, after acquiring his education in the common and high 
schools of Portsmouth, entered the drug store of J. H. Thacher where he 
learned the business. June i, 1874. he took charge of his present store, 
which had been established by Mr. Thacher in 1865. On May ist, 1878. he 
bought out the business and has since conducted it very successfully on Ids 
own account. .\ Republican in politics, he takes an active interest in local 
affairs and for two years was a memlier of the common cotmci!. He is a 
Free IMason of high rank, having taken all the degrees in the order including 
the 33d, which he took at Chicago in September of the present year ( 1014)- 

Mr. Coleman was married in 1876 to Mary Griffin, a daughter of Orwin 
and Mary (Locke) Griffin. Her father, a native of Lowell, Mass.. is now 
in the employ of the Rockingham County Light & Power Company. He is 
one of the old and original members of the Independent Order of Odd I"el- 
low's. His wife, Mary Locke Griffin, was a member of the old Locke family 
of Rye. N. H. They were the parents of five children, of whom three are 
now living. Mary, who married Mr. Coleman, died in June. 1913: Mr. and 
Mrs. Coleman were the parents of three children, namely: Florence, who 
married John Horace Peverly and has one child, Donna; Fred \\"., who is 
associated with his father in the drug store, and Ruth Abbott, who is an 
accomplished musician of the Boston Conservatory of Music. Mr Coleman 
and family attend the Christian Church. They have a large accpiaintance 
and stand high among the re]iresentati\'e people of the city. 

.\LMOX L. TRUE, proprietor of a general store and station agent for 
the Boston and Maine Railroad at West Epping, New Hampshire, is a well 
known citizen of the community, where his family has been a prominent one 
for many years. He was born in \\'est Epping, January 2. 1856. and is a 
son of John L. and Harriet A. ( Tilton ) True. 

John L. True was a lifelong resident of West Epping. and was widely 
known throughout fiockingham County. Beginning life as a poor boy. he 
worked his way to the front and becaine a man of affluence. In 1871 he estab- 
li'^l'od a store in West Epping and was the first station agent here, the depot 
ha\ing been built in 1.^68. A ni;ui of industry and great enter])rise he was 
always foremost in promoting the Itest interests of the place and building it 
up to an important business center. He was twice honored with selection by 
the Republicans as party candidate for the State Legislature, but as fortune 
would have it he ran in years of great democratic landslides. He served as 
town treasurer, selectman and at times was delegate to state and county con- 
ventions. He departed this life in March, 1907, much mourned by his sur- 
viving familv and hosts of friends who knew him well. John L. True was 
married to Harriet A. Tilton, who was born at Sandown, New Hampshire, 
and now resides in the old home jilace in W'est Epping. Five children were 
the issue of this union, .\lmon L. being the eldest and only one now living. 

.\t the early age of four years, Almon L. True began attending the public 
schools of his native town, and continued in school until he was sixteen, a 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1075 

part of the time being in attendance in Raymond High School. He then 
completed a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Manchester, 
N. H., in 1875. In the same year he accepted a position as passenger brake- 
man on what was then the old Concord Railroad, continuing in this' employ- 
ment until 1S80. In 1880 he left the railroad as his father required his assist- 
ance in the store at West Epping. He continued in the capacity of clerk and 
assisted in the duties at the station until 1892, when he purchased a one-half 
interest in the business. He has since purchased the remaining interest out- 
standing and in addition is the station agent. His store ranks with the best 
in point of stock and equipment, and his careful handling of the trade has 
resulted in a largely increased patronage. He is a man of public spirit and 
deeply interested in the welfare of the community, but has been too busy to 
accept of public ofifice, although he did serve for a tiine as supervisor. He 
was nominated by the Republican party for the State Legislature, but refused 
to make the race although strongly importuned to do so. 

Xo\ember 2, 1886, Mr. True was married to Miss Flora S. Houghton, a 
daughter of Freeman J. Floughton of Westminster, \'t., and they have one 
son, Edmund C. True, born January 10, 1897. Religiously they are members 
of the Advent Church. Islr. True is a member of the Masonic order, a 
Knights Templar and for two years was master of Sullivan lodge, of Epping. 
Thev have a Ijeautiful home in West Epping among comftjrtalile surround- 
ings. 

WTLLIAM H. BEXSOX, city clerk of Derry, N. H., and one of this 
town's most prominent business citizens, was born in Londonderry, X. H., 
in 1864, a son of .Andrew J. Benson. His father was born in Wintlham, 
X. H., in 183 1. The subject of this sketch acquired his hterary education in 
the schools of Rockingham County and subsequently took a course at the 
Manchester Business College. He then became connected with the shoe man- 
ufacturing industry, being foreman of a factory at Derry for twenty years. 
In January. 1904, he purchased his present business in Derry, namely : Cigars, 
periodicals, etc., the place being known as "W. H. Benson's Cozy Corner." 
which he has since conducted very successfully. He is also a director of the 
Derry Xational Bank and of the Derry Savings Bank. A Democrat in pol- 
itics, he has for some time taken an active interest in public affairs, having 
served on the board of selectmen and as delegate to the last constitutional 
convention. He was also a member of the X'ew Hampshire Legislature in 
191 3 that elected Henry Hollis United States Senator, and as such served as 
a member of the corporation committee. INIr. Benson was the Democratic 
candidate for State Senator in the Twenty-second Xew Hampshire District 
in the fall election of 1914, but was defeated by less than one hundred votes 
in a district which is usually several hundred Republican. He is a Knight 
Templar Mason and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

Mr. Benson was married in 1892 to Miss Fannie i\I. Wilson, a daughter 
of Benjamin F. \\'ilson of Derry, X. IT, but formerly of Chester. Two 
daughters have been liorn of this union, Wilma H. and Barbara Doris. 

ECGEXE WESLEY ROSS, a member of the linn of E. W. Ross & 
Son, milk dealers, of Derry, X. H.. whose farm is located on Crystal Avenue, 
was born in Princeton, Mass., in i860, where he was reared and educated. 
At the age of twenty-tive he went to Boston, Mass.. where he was employed 
in a bottling work-, for a short time, afterwards going to work in Tower's 



1076 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

piano factory, where he remained for four years. His next employment was 
on a farm in Cohasset, Mass., where he spent two years and a half, subse- 
([iiently going to Attleboro, where for six years he drove a milk wagon. He 
then followed the same line of work in Boston, Mass.. for seven years, after 
which. May 6, 1909, he came to Derry and bought out the milk route of 
Clarence Knight, being located on East Broadway for about a year. At the 
end of that time he came to his present farm on Crystal Avenue, known as 
the Folsom farm, which he purchased and where he has since carried on a 
successful business as dairyman, being associated with his son Bert. They 
have ten head of cows, and run two wagons. Thev ha\-e 15 acres in the 
f;irm. 

Mr. Ross was married at the age of t\\enty-one years to Miss Martha 
Haywood of Maiden. .Mass., who died a number of years ago. Of this mar- 
riage there was one child, liert, whom we have mentioned above. Bert Ross 
married Viola May W ilsun of luist Cambridge, Mass., but formerly of Port- 
land. Me. They have two children. Herbert and Raymond. 

JOHX 1'. THCR.S'I'C )X. a well known citizen and veteran of the Civil 
War, residin,g in Derry. was born in Merrimack county, N. H., Oct. 25, 1843, 
a son of John J. and luinice X. (Andrews) Thurston. He was reared in his 
native county and at the age of seventeen enlisteil in Company F. Fourth 
X. H. Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, being mustered into service at Man- 
chester. N. H., in September, 1861. With his regiment he went to Wash- 
ington, where they were armed, and thence proceded to Annapolis. Under 
Sherman they took Port Royal and erected barracks there, remaining about 
three months. They went to Florida, where they took Fernandino, St. 
Augustine and Jacksonville. They were next ordered to Beaufort, S. C, and 
while there took part in an expedition to Pocatalago and took that place. 
Here Mr. Thurston was struck in the groin by a minie ball. Their next 
scene of operations was Foley Island and numerous other islands on the 
coast, which they took, also taking part in the assault of Ft. Wagner and in 
the reduction of Ft. Sumter. They then returned to Beaufort, and thence 
went to Gloucester Point and Bermuda Hundred, where they destroyed the 
railroad. Their next move was to White House Landing, from which point 
they opened up communication with Grant's army at Cold Harbor. Return- 
ing again to Bermuda Hundred, they crossed the river and assisted in taking 
the outer works of Peter.sburg, capturing some prisoners. After manning 
the trenches in front of Petersburg for a while they were sent to Deep Bot- 
ton, where Mr. Thurston was taken ill with fever and ague and taken to the 
hospital, where he was at expiration of his term of service. He was then 
discharged and returned to his home. He served throughout with the rank 
of private and was never wounded but on the occasion above referred tii. 
when he was in the hospital a short time. 

After his return from the war Mr. Thurston found work at the shoe- 
maker's trade. Coming to Derry about 1874, he here worked for Col. Pills- 
bury in his shoe factories from the time the Colonel started business until 
he sold out, since which time he has been practically retired, residing at his 
home in Derry. He is a member of Wesley B. Knight Post. G. A. R., of 
which he is Post Commander. Post Quartermaster and is now Post Chaplain, 
and takes an intelligent interest in the welfare and progress of the community 
in which he lives. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 




OTFS If. WHITTIKK 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1U79 

Mr. Thurston was married about 1874 to Miss Mary I. Stott, of New 
Market, this county, whose grandfather was an Enghsh soldier ser\ iiii; in 
Canada. Mrs. Thurston died in 1891. Slie was the mother of one child, 
Florence M.. wlm is the wife nf .\rthur 1'. Niclnils. of Derry. 

OTIS H. WHITTIER, owner of the hotel Whittier at Hampton, of 
which he was proprietor for aI)out forty-five years, though now living retired, 
was born in Raymond, X. H., .\ugust A. 1835. a son of Edmund and Elmira 
Whittier, the father being a farmer. In his parents' family were five chil- 
dren: Horace G., Aaron, Andrew, Otis H., and Mary Jane. The last men- 
tioned, who is now deceased, was the wife of John Lane of Raymond. 

Otis H. Whittier, after attending the common schools of Raymond, con- 
tinued his education in the academy at Atkinson Falls. He began industrial 
life at Fremont, N. H., working for an uncle who was engaged in the manu- 
facture of shoe boxes there. He first came to Hampton with Addison Beane, 
they being partners in the establishment of a hotel. Subsequently Mr. Whit- 
tier sold out to Mr. Beane and went to Derry. this county, where he con- 
ducted a hotel for two years. At the, end of that time he returned to Hamp- 
ton and with his father-in-law bought out Mr. Beane, conducting the Whit- 
tier Hotel until 191 1, at which time he retired. 

Mr. Whittier was first married to Sarah Beane of Raymond, who died 
after being the mother of two children, Edward and Ardell, both of whom 
are now deceased. 'Sir. Whittier married for his second wife, in 1889, 
Annie Newcomb, who was born in Boston, a daughter of John and F'rances 
Louise (Fawcett) Newcomb, her father being engaged in the oyster business 
in Boston. In her parents' family were six children ; Huntington P. ; Ella 
F., wife of John Keith ; Irving and Ernestine, twins: Daisy, who is now- 
deceased, and Annie, now Mrs. \\'hittier. By his second marriage Mr. Whit- 
tier has a son, Edmund. He and his wife attend the Congregational church, 
she being a member of the missionary society of the church. Mr. Whittier 
is a democrat in politics. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, both he and his wife belonging to Rebekahs. 

HANSON HARRISON, general farmer and dairyman in the town of 
Portsmouth, owning 85 acres of land, was lx)rn in Maccan, Nova Scotia. 
April 15, 1847, ^ SO" of Edward and Mary Jane Harrison. His parents never 
came to the L^nited States. He was educated in the common schools of Nova 
Scotia and then began farm life, which he has followed ever since. The 
other children of his parents' fanuly were Lovell, Henry, Stephen, Thomas, 
Elvira, Hannah and Mary- Jane. Air. Harrison came to this locality in 1892 
and has been prosperous as a farmer. He keeps about fifteen head of cattle, 
including some graded Holsteins. He married Elizabeth Schurman McCallan, 
daughter of John B. and Mary Jane (Schurman) McCallan, her father being 
a farmer. She had seven sisters and one brother, namely: Eunice. Minnie, 
Clara, Elvira, Retta, Sadie. Kate and William C. Mr. and I\Irs. Harrison 
are the parents of three children : Walter Stanley, Lewis Adair, and J. E. 
Ford Harrison. Walter S. Harrison married first Lucy ^^'illey and. secondly, 
Helen Giles. Lewis A. married Margaret X. Beane. The other son, John 
Edward Ford, is connected fraternally with the Red Men and in politics votes 
independently. The fanuly attend Court Street Christian Church. 

GEORGE S. ROLLIXS, a respected citizen of Derry, now living in 
retirement, w-as born in Deerfield, Rockingham Countv, X'. H., .August 10, 



1080 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

1835. His grandfather, Francis Rollins, was one of the early settlers of 
Deerfield and was a soldier of the Revolutionary War. Sewell P. Rollins, 
father of George S., was born in Deerfield, N. H., March 14, 1803, and was 
a life long resident of the town. During his active period he was engaged 
in general farming, and was familiarly known as Capt. Rollins, having served 
as captain of a company in the state militia. He died in September, 1888. 
Capt. Rollins married Sophronia C. Lang, also a native of Rockingham 
county. They had a family of three children, of whom two are now living, 
namely: George S. and Annie E. One son, Francis S., enlisted for service 
in the Civil \\'ar, in 1861, in Company B, nth N. H. Volunteers, and died 
of disease in the South. 

George S. Rollins, our direct subject, was reared on a farm, where he 
remained until he was twenty years of age. He then went to Lowell, Mass., 
and secured a position with Hapgood Wright, a wholesale and retail dealer 
in boots and shoes, and for a number of years was traveling salesman for 
him in New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts territory. Desiring to 
make a permanent home, Mr. Rollins, in 1879, settled at Derry Depot and 
engaged in mercantile business, being thus occupied for many years, retiring 
from active business life only a few years ago. He served at one time as 
postmaster and as agent of the American Express Company, and was also a 
member of the town board of supervisors. In 1899 he represented the town 
of Derry in the legislature. In all these various positions he showed ability 
and fidelity to his trust which won for him in a high degree the confidence 
and respect of his fellow citizens. He'is a member of Echo Lodge, No. 61, 
I. O. O. F. 

Mr. Rollins was married January 1, 1857, to Miss Rosina Haywood, of 
Vermont. 'I'heir only son, George F. Rollins, died at the age of twenty-two 
years, April 18, 1890. 

DONALD .\. Iv.VNDALL, who is engaged in business in Portsmouth, 
N. H., as a contracting painter, paper hanger and decorator, was born in this 
city, December 21, 1878, a son of William M. and Annie (McDonald) Ran- 
dall. The father, a native of Star Island, Isles of Shoals, was a fisherman 
and was also for 20 years employed as a government life saver at Wallis 
Sands. His wife came from Nova Scotia. They were the parents of two 
children: Cora, wife of Chester Marsliall (now deceased), and Donald A., 
the subject of this sketch. 

IJonald A. Randall accpiired his education in the common and high 
schools. He then learned the trade of painter and decorator, subsequently 
establishing his present business, in wliich he has been verv- successful, em- 
ploying on an average about twelve men. He is a member of the Portsmouth 
Board nf Trade and takes a keen interest in everything calculated to promote 
the mural and material development of the city. He is a member of the 
Republican committee of his ward. 

Mr. Randall was married in i8g8 to L. May W'ortlien. who was bom in 
Lowell. ]vlass., a daughter of George E. and Lizzie W. (Nutter) Worthen, 
her father being a native of Lowell, Mass., and her mother of Portsmouth. 
The children of the Worthen family are George E., Jr., Walter E., Julia, 
wife of .Amasa Brown, of Lowell, Mass., Florence, wife of Carl Young, of 
this city, and L. May (Mrs. Randall). ]\Ir. and Mrs. Randall have three 
children : Dorothy \\'ortlien. George William and Anna Grace. His fraternal 
affiliations are with the Masons, Elks, Odd Fellows and Roval Arcanum. 




(;i-:()K(;i-: \v. di.xon 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1083 

The family attend the North Congregational church. They have a pleasant 
residence at No. 56 Marston Avenue. 

D. WILLIS ELA, the owner and operator of a good 200-acre farm, 
situated partly in the town of Derry and partly in Londonderry, was born 
on this farm, which is the old Ela homestead, in 1849, a son of Edward P. 
and Isabella (Gregg) Ela. The father of our subject was also born here 
and followed farming all his life, being one of the prominent citizens of this 
community. 'Jliis land was settled on by the Ela family aljout 1778 and has 
always remained in their possession. 

D. Willis Ela was reared and educated in this locality and has always 
resided on his present farm. He is a prosperous citizen who takes an active 
and intelligent interest in local affairs, and has served two years on the board 
of selectmen. He belongs to the Odd Fellows Lodge at Derry. He was mar- 
ried Feb. 7. 1883, to Miss Martha E. Loyejoy, of Belgrade, Me., of which 
union there have been born three children, Anna Belle, Edward Chester, and 
Dollie Mildred. The last mentioned was educated at Pinkerton Academy, 
graduating in the class of 191 3. On June 29th of the present year (1914) 
she graduated from a business college in Manchester. Mr. Ela and his family 
are representative New England people, energetic, industrious, law-abiding 
and progressive. His mother, Mrs. Isabella G. Ela, who was a native of 
Windham, N. H., helped to start the first loom operated in Manchester, N. H., 
and the younger generation bid fair to reflect credit on the family name. 

GEORGE W. DIXON is a well known resident of the town of Stratham, 
Rockingham County, N. H. He is engaged in farming and dairying, owning 
two farms, one of one hundred acres and the other of twenty-two acres. In 
addition he is engaged in the wood and lumber business, and also represents 
three insurance companies. Mr. Dixon was born on Sea\'ey's Island in the 
State of Maine, Feb. 23, i860, and is a son of Samuel C. and Lucy M. 
( Prior) Dixon. 

Samuel C. Dixon was a native of Maine, the year of his birth being 1820. 
He was a ship carpenter and sawjyer by trade, and followed that line for a 
period of twenty years. Fie then mo\ed to Rockingham C"ounty, N. H., and 
took up farming operations in the town of .Stratham, at which he continued 
until his death. His marriage with Luc)- M. Prior resulted in the following 
issue: GL-orge W. ; Ellen, who was twice married, first to Daniel W. Hodg- 
don and later to Samuel L. Rand; Clifford S. : and Fannie, wife of William 
L. Moss. 

George W. Dixon attended the public schools of Stratham and from his 
boyhood days worked on the home farm with his father, with whom he con- 
tinued until the latter's death. They followed farming and lumbering, and 
after his father's death (leorge W. Dixon bought out the other heirs. He 
does considerable in the line of dairying and ships milk to Lynn, Mass. He 
has built up (|uite an insurance business, representing three very strong com- 
panies, 

September 4, iXSS, Mr. Dixon married Miss Emma F, .-\dams of Massa- 
chusetts, wdio died in 1899. She was a daughter of Nathan J- and Fannie 
(Minard) Adams. In May, 1901, he formed a second union w'ith Miss Car- 
ried L. Pearson of Boston, Mass., a daughter of Joseph Hiram and Adeline 
(Marston) Pearson. Mr. Dixon is a democrat in politics and has filled 
numerous local offices. He was selectman three vears, was auditor a number 



1084 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of terms, and also sen-ed as road agent. Religiously, he and his wife attend 
the Congregational Church. 

CHARLES J. BREWSTER, road commissioner for the town of Strat- 
ham, who is also engaged in general farming on a tract of thirty acres, was 
born in this town, July 3, 1859, son of Charles E. and Phoebe P. (Stock- 
bridge) Brewster. The father was a native of Salmon Ealls, N. H., and the 
mother of Stratham. The former is now deceased but his widow still resides 
here. Their children were: John, Charles J., George, Lilla, who is the wife 
of John S. Scammon, and Frank H. Charles J. Brewster acc|uired his educa- 
tion in the common schools, after which he took up farming, partly on the 
home farm and partly as hired hand, also at times doing carpenter work. He 
subsequently leased his present fann, which he has since carried on success- 
fully. He has served efficiently in public office on several occasions. At 
present he is serving alone as road commissioner, but for six years previously 
was one of the three commissioners. In 1913-14 he represented this town 
in the general court, and he also served as selectman for seven years. In 
politics he is a Democrat. 

Mr. Brewster married Hattie L. Warsaw, who was born in Portsmouth, 
N. H., daughter of Capt. Edward R. Warsaw and Anna (Weeks) Warsaw. 
He and his wife are the parents of two children: Lester R., of Portsmouth, 
and Myrtle H., residing at home, who graduated from the Dover Business 
College. The family attend the Congregational church. 

GR.ANVILLE F. PLUMMER, who is now living retired on the old 
Hardy farm near Derry, N. H., was born and reared in Londonderry, Rock- 
ingham county, N. H., his birth taking place September 11, 1843. ^^^ par- 
ents were John A. and Eliza (Coffin) Plummer. 

Granville F. Plummer was educated in the schools of Londonderry. In 
February, 1865, he enlisted in Company H, Eighteenth N. H. Regiment of 
Volunteer Infantry, being mustered into the service February 14, 1865, at 
Concord, N. H. Embarking on transports at Boston, the regiment went to 
Old Point Comfort and Ft. Monroe, where they were disembarked and pro- 
ceded to the trenches in front of Petersburg, Va., where they lay seven days, 
forming a part of the line on the north side of Ft. Steadman. After the 
ca]3ture of Petersburg they went on towards Appomattox, marching day and 
night, until, when they were within seven miles of that place, they heard that 
Lee had surrendered. After a short time in camp the regiment proceded to 
Washington, where they took part in the Grand Review and were in camp 
and on guard duty for a time. Here Mr. Plummer was taken to Mt. Pleasant 
Hospital, where he remained sick for five weeks, being discharged June 25, 
1865. Five days later he arrixed at his home in Londonderry, and took up 
his residence on a farm, on which he lived until three years ago, when his 
wife died, at which time he came to reside with his niece, Mrs. Frank A. 
Hardy, on the old Hardy Homestead, above referred to. For two years after 
returning home after the war Mr. Plummer was under the doctor's care, being 
treated for muscular rheumatism contracted in the service. 

Mr. Plummer was married in 1874, Thanksgiving Day, to Miss Kate E. 
Hughes, of Windham Junction, N. H. She died February 28. 1911. Mr. 
I'lummer is a member of The Pilgrim Fathers and Wesley B. Knight Post, 
G. A. R., of Derry, N. H., of which he is Past Commander. He attends the 
Presbyterian church of Londonderry. In 1890 he was one of the committee 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1085 

of three to remodel the old church, they raising about $5,000 for that pur- 
pose. 

ADAMS E. DRAKE, who owns a thirty-two acre farm in the town of 
Rye. and is engaged in light and hea\y teaming, was born in this town No- 
vember 4, 1849, son of Joseph J. and Clarissa D. (Knowles) Drake, both 
parents being natives of this town, where the father, a son of Abraham Drake, 
was a farmer. Their children were as follows: Anna, wife of Joseph Gar- 
land; Mary J., now deceased, who was the first wife of Alfred Seavey : Abram 
J. ; John O. ; Clara, who after the death of her sister Mary, became the second 
wife of Alfred Seavey; James B., and Leona, wife of Blake Rand. 

Adams E. Drake was educated in the common schools and at Hampton 
Academy. He then assisted his father on the farm until his marriage, after 
which event he took up his residence on his present place. He also conducted 
a livery and boarding stable at Rye North Beach from 1882 to 191 4 during 
the summer season, with a stage line from the Beach to Portsmouth Station 
six miles up to the time the electric road was built, and never lost a day from 
being at his stable during the thirty-two seasons. 

Mr. Drake married Laura E. Marden, daughter of Samuel and Cecilia 
(Foye) Marden of Rye, N. H., her father being a farmer. There were three 
children in the Marden family: Amanda, wife of John O. Foss; Martha 
Abbie, wife of J. Jenness Rand, and Laura E., who is now Mrs. Drake. Mr. 
and Mrs. Drake have had children as follows : Chester Dwight, who mar- 
ried Ruth Brown and lives in Rye, where he follows the occupations of 
painter and carpenter: Grace Emma, wife of Forest Carjienter; Marcia 
Leonia, wife of Julius Frasier and the mother of three' daughters — Laura 
Ella. Anna Leonia and Jean Cecilia : Annie Louise, a graduate of Portsmouth 
high school, who married Arthur Fritz, they having one son. Keith Adams; 
and Merton Adams, a graduate of Portsmouth high school. The three elder 
children graduated from Smith .\cademy, Portsmouth. The family attend 
the Congregational church. Mr. Drake being a Republican in politics. 

ROBERT S. ELKINS, proprietor of the Fenton House, at Derry. N. H., 
who has been a resident in this vicinity for the last eighteen vears, was born 
in Hampton. Rockingham County, N. H., in 1859, a son of Jonathan and 
Eliza (Lamprey) Elkins. The father, also a native of Hampton, was a 
farmer all his life. The Elkins family has been settled in this locality for a 
number of generations. 

R. S. Elkins when a lad attended the schools of Hampton, and later those 
of Exeter, after his parents moved to that town. \Mien a little older he 
went west and \\as engaged in farming and cattle herding for some time in 
Harrison County. Iowa. " Returning east, he settled for awhile in Pepperill, 
Mass.. working in the paper mills for a year, and later engaging in business 
for himself as meat dealer, later liquor business. Subsequent to this, he went 
to Nashua, N. H., and entered into the hotel business, being proprietor of 
the Elkins House for five or six years. From there he came to Derry eight- 
een years ago. entering into business here for himself as wholesale liquor 
dealer, and so continuing until eight years ago. when he became proprietor 
of the Fenton House, which he has since conducted successfully. 

Mr. Elkins was first married to .Mida Cleveland, of which union there 
was a daughter, Carrie B., who is now the wife of George Pitman of Pep- 
perill. Mass. Mr. Elkins married for his second wife Carrie Guilbauelt. who 



1086 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

died August ii, 1911. He is a member of the Catholic Church at Derry, 
and is a substantial and reliable citizen, who, since coming to Derry, has won 
the respect and goodwill of his neighbors in a high degree. 

HON. EDWARD HA\1':X ADAMS, a prominent citizen of I'orts- 
mouth. N. H., was born in the town of South Eliot, Maine, a son of Levi 
Woodbury and Elizabeth (Staples) Adams. He was educated at the public 
schools of that towni, at the academy at South Berwick, Maine, at the Maine 
W'esleyan Seminary and Woman's College. Kents Hill, Maine, graduating 
in 1890, and at the University of Maine Law School, at Bangor, Maine. He 
was admitted to the New Hampshire Bar in 1897 and has practiced his pro- 
fession in Portsmouth, N. H., since that time. Mr. Adams has filled all the 
important offices in his adopted city, being always elected to them by a very 
large vote.* He was clerk of the council in 1895, alderman in 1902. member 
of the board of instruction from 1895 to 1902, city solicitor in 1895, mayor 
in 1909 and 1910, justice of the District Court from 1893 until the present, 
a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1902. a councilman in 1913. 
He is a member of the Warwick Club, a Knight Templar, a 32° Scottish 
Rite Mason, and a member of Bektash Temple at Concord, N. H. Mr. 
Adams was married in 1898 to Florence E. Sanderson. They have three 
children, one son and two daughters, namely: Woodbury Sanderson, Mar- 
garet and Helen Francis. Mr. .\dams' mother and four sisters are now liv- 
ing, namely: Mrs. Elizabeth .\dams at Portsmouth, N. H., Mrs. George W. 
Shapleigh at Portsmouth, N. H., Mrs. Samuel H. Chauncey at Springfield, 
Mass., Miss Fannie D. Adams at Portsmouth. X. H.. and ?^Irs. Irving Davis 
at .South Eliot, Maine. 

CLINTON C. HENDRY', a general farmer and dairyman, operating 
forty-eight acres of land in the town of North Hampton, was ijorn in 
Peacham, Vt., October 19. 185 1, a son of John and Rachel (Moore) Hendry. 
The father, a Ijlacksmith. was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and the mother 
of Bedford, N. H. In addition to blacksmithing John Hendry was a carriage 
builder, forger, and maker of edge tools. He and his wife had four children: 
John. Jane, Frank and Clinton C. 

Clinton C. Hendry in his boyhood attended the common schools of 
Peacham, \T., and afterwards continued his studies at an academy. He then 
engaged in railroad work, on the Boston & Maine Railroad, finally becoming 
conductor, which position he held from 1872 to February, 1910. He then 
took up farming on his present place and is doing a successful business, keep- 
ing eight head of cattle and shipping his milk to Salem. He has been a resi- 
dent of this town for the last 19 years. His present farm, which he has 
owned for the last four years, is the old Shaw farm and is a good piece of 
agricultural property. Air. Hendry is a Republican in politics and is frater- 
nally connected with the Odd Fellows, the Red Men and the Knights of 
Pythias. 

Mr. Hendry has been three times married ; first to Cora A. Nary, who 
died leaving a son, Frank W. The latter married Bertha Tuttle, and has a 
son, Clinton Eugene. Mr. Hendry subsequently married Carrie B. Marston, 
who also died, leaving a daughter, Carrie M., who is now the wife of Chester 
Sellers. Mr. Hendry's third marriage was to Martha E. Elkins, of which 
union there is one son, Guy Clinton, who is now a student at Middlebury 
College, where he is studying for the Congregational ministry. The family 
belong to the Congregational church. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1089 

BENJAMIN T. BARTLETT, attorney and business man of Derry, N. 
H.. was born in Haverhill, Mass., a son of Thomas Bradbury Bartlett. His 
father, a well known business man, is now deceased. The subject of this 
sketch was educated at Dean Academy, hVanklin, Mass., and at Williams 
College, where he received the degree of A. B. In 1898 he was graduated 
from the law department of Boston University Law School and immediately 
after located at Derry, N. H., for the practice of his profession. Mr. Bart- 
lett is a member of the State Bar Association and practices in all the courts 
of the state and in the L'nited States Court. He is a member of the Derry 
Board of Trade, is clerk and director of the Derry Electric Company and a 
director of the Derry Building Company. In the Masonic order he has 
advanced as far as the Commandery and also belongs to the Shrine. He 
also belongs to the Eagles. His religious aifiliations are with the Cniversalist 
church' of Nottingham. 

Mr. Bartlett was married in 1907 to Miss Lillian Nelson, a daughter of 
Prince Nelson of Maine. He and his wife are the parents of two children, 
Benjamin Thomas, Jr., and Geneva. Mr. Bartlett served as Justice of the 
Derry P'olice Court for a number of years, retiring in July, 1913. He stands 
high in his profession and as a business man is able and far-sighted. 

WARREN B. MOULTON, an enter])rising contractor and builder of 
North Hampton, is one of the best known men in his line in this part of the 
county. He was born in North Hampton, N. H., November i, 1861, son of 
John L. and Sally (Bachelder) Moulton. Both his parents were natives of 
this town, the father being a fisherman, carpenter and builder. In politics he 
was a Democrat and he and his wife were affiliated with the Congregational 
church. Roth are now deceased and are buried in North Hampton. They 
had two children, Fremont P. and Warren B. John L. Moulton was a son 
of Daniel Moulton, and his wife a daughter of Mark Bachelder. 

Warren B. Moulton was educated in the common schools only, wliich he 
attended during the winter months until reaching the age of seventeen years. 
.After leaving school he worked at the carpenter's trade for one year, after 
which he followed the sea for a similar length of time. He then became a 
traveling salesman for the Eclipse Windmill Company of L. H. Wheeler, 
being thus occupied for seven years, covering territory from Maine to Florida. 
Subsequently giving up that line of industry, he returned to his home town 
and engaged in business as contracting carpenter and builder. He has been 
highly successful in this line of work and now keeps from ten to twenty men 
employed. He has erected fine residences, with stables and garages, and also 
built the librarv at North Hampton, regarded by all as an excellent piece of 
work. He is a Democrat in politics and is fraternally connected with the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

Mr. Moulton married Elvira B. Briggs of Marion. Mass.. daughter of 
William and Elvira Briggs, her father being also a carpenter. Her parents 
had three children: William; Matilda, wife of Arthur Thompson, and Elvira. 
Mr. and !\Irs. Moulton have three children, also : Shirley, a fireman on the 
Boston & Maine Railroad: Eunice, and John William. Mr. Moulton and 
family attend the Congregational church, he being a member of the standing 
committee. In politics he is a Democrat. 

GEORGE HENRY TOWLE. Jr.. M. D.. has been engaged in the 
practice of his profession at New Market, N. H., continuously since 1902, 



1090 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and in this time has firmly estabhshed himself as one of the leading men of 
the community. His friends are legion and his practice has been more than 
liberal. 

Dr. Towle was born in Deerfield, New Hampshire, August 7. 1872, and 
he is a son of Dr. George H. and Panthea (Tucker) Towle. The mother is 
now deceased and the father still is engaged in the practice of medicine in 
Deerfield. George Henry Towle, Jr., obtained a thorough schooling, attend- 
ing successively the public schools, Northwood iVcademy, and the seminary at 
Tilton, N. H., being a graduate of the last named. He also attended the 
academic department of Dartmouth College and pursued a medical course in 
Bowdoin College and the University of Vermont, receiving his M. D. degree 
from the latter institution in 1900. Immediately thereafter he started prac- 
tice and in October, 1902, located in New Market, N. H., where he met with 
success from the start. He has always aligned himself with the best interests 
of the place, taking a deep interest in its improvements and advancement. 
With a thorough professional training as a basis and constant study of the 
advancement being made in medical science, he has been able to bring to bear 
more than ordinary skill in the treatment of his cases, and with what results 
his success attests. In 1903 Dr. Towle was joined in marriage with Miss 
Kate Varney of New Market. He is a member of the county and state med- 
ical organizations. 

JAMES GUSHING LYDSTON, a respected citizen of Portsmouth, N. 
H., is a boat builder and a shipwright identified with the navy yard at Kittery, 
Maine. He was born in Eliot, Maine, December 7, 1841, and is a son of 
Daniel and Almira (Freeman) Lydston. 

Daniel Lydston was born in Eliot, Maine, and was also a shipbuilder by 
occupation. He was buried at South Eliot, as was his wife, who was a native 
of ^'ork, Maine. They were parents of the following children : William .\. ; 
Laurence K. ; James C. : and Almira, wife of Albert A. Fernald, of Newbury- 
port. Religiously, they were Methodists. Mr. Lydston was a Democrat in 
politics. 

James C. Lydston attended the public schools until he was seventeen years 
old, and then served an apprenticeship as ship builder, his father binding him 
out to the government for a period of four years. With the exception of 
four years spent in the employ of the Boston and Maine Railroad, he has 
always been employed at the navy yard. 

In January, 1872, Mr. Lydston was united in marriage with Miss Harriet 
Josephine Remick, who was born in South Eliot, Maine, and is a daughter of 
Washington and Sarah (Chase) Dorr Remick. Her mother was twice mar- 
ried, her first union being with Charles Dorr by whom she had a son, Charles 
C. Dorr. Washington Remick was a large land holder. A part of his farm 
consisted of the grants of land taken up by Christian Remick, who emi- 
grated from Remick in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourge in 1651. Mr. W. 
Remick being a direct descendant of C. Remick. these grants became his by 
inheritance, and have been in the Remick name and are now owned by his 
grandson. Mr. Remick gave much money and time for the uplift of religious 
interests. He was three times married. The children of his first union were : 
Mary Ann, wife of Samuel Warren, and Augusta. The following were born 
of the second union : Samuel, Joseph B. and John Wesley. The third union 
resulted in the following offspring: Frances Adelaide. Harriet Josephine 
(Lydston), Sarah Augusta, and Carrie Bell. 




SIDNEY S. TRUEMAN 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1093 

Mr. and Mrs. Lydston have one daughter, May Ella, who married Dr. 
Fred P. Webster of Portland, Maine, and has two children, Eleanor Gushing 
and Eliot Webster. Mr. Lydston is a Republican in politics. Fraternally, he 
is a member of St. John's Lodge, -\. F. and .\. M. ; New Hampshire Lodge, 
No. 17, I. O. O. F. ; and Strawberry Bank Encampment, No. 6, I. O. O. F. 
In religious attachment, they are members of the North Congregational 
Church. 

SIDNEY S. TRUEM.-\N. architect and general contractor of Ports- 
mouth, N. H., is a prominent business citizen and has been active in all that 
pertains to the welfare of the community. He is a member of the Board of 
Trade, and is serving on the board of trustees of the local Y. M. C. A. Mr. 
Trueman was born in Nova Scotia. Oct. i, 1869, and is a son of Albert and 
Caroline (Jollymore) Trueman, native of Nova Scotia, and now residents 
of Portsmouth. Sidney S. is the second of a family of six children, the 
others being: Stanton M. ; Edward A.; Jessie, wife of William St. Onge: 
Frank W. ; and Dora, wife of Clarence Smith. 

Sidney S. Trueman was primarily educated in the public schools of Hali- 
fax, Nova Scotia, and after leaving school learned the trade of carpenter at 
Portsmouth. Imbued with a desire to progress in the world, his ambition led 
him to pursue the study of architecture. He has an established prestige 
throughout this section of the state as an architect and general contractor, 
but his work has been chiefly in Rockingham County. He maintains an 
average force of twenty men. 

Mr. Trueman was in 1893 married to Miss Sella Hubley, a native of 
Nova Scotia and a daughter of .Alexander and Ellen Hubley, and the fol- 
lowing children have blessed their union : Fay, Nina, Norma, .Albert and 
Dora. Religiously the family attends the Episcopal Church. Mr. Trueman 
is a thirty-second degree Mason, and is a member also of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and the 
Royal Arcanum. 

FRED W. LYDSTON, head of the firm of F. W. Lyd,ston & Co., men's 
and boys' outfitters, whose large and well equipped store is located at the 
corner of Congress and Vaughn streets, Portsmouth, N. H., has been engaged 
in his present business since IQ04, and has been very successful, his estaljlish- 
ment being now- one of the largest in the city. He carries a large and fine 
stock of goods and gives employment to some six people. He has gained a 
high standing among Portsmouth business men and is esteemed as a useful 
and enterprising citizen. 

HARRY E. PHILBROOK, one of Portsmouth's successful business men, 
is a member of the firm of H. E. Philbrook & Co., extensive wholesale and 
retail dealers in flour, feed and grain. He also is interested in the Meredith 
Grain Company, which operates at Meredith. N. H. 

Mr. Philbrook was born at East Tilton. N. H., in 1877, and is one of 
five children born to Lester and Anna (Johnson) Philbrook, namely: Olin 
S., Harry E., Percy W., Marie May and Verne H. The father is a native 
of East Tilton, and the mother of Bow, N. H. Lester Philbrook was pro- 
prietor of a livery- prior to becoming high sheriff of Bellknap County, N. H., 
in which official capacity he now serves. 

Harrv E. Philbrook, after a course of study in the common .schools. 



1094 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

entered the employ of J. S. Morrill at Uiconia. X. 11.. where he continued 
for two years. He then engaged in the livery business at Lakeport, N. H., 
for six years, at the end of which lime he jcjinecl with his former employer, 
Mr. Morrill in the purchase of the business of \\\ H. Kilburn & Co. at I'orts- 
mouth. The iirm name was changed to H. E. I'hilbrook & Co. and the con- 
cern has gained rank among the thriving enter])rises of the citv. I-'our men 
and a bookkeeper are employed. 

October lo. 1900, Mr. I'liilbrook married Mi.ss Kvelyn F. Semple. who 
was born in l.aconia, N. II,, and is the only child of John A. and Lizzie 
(Flinkley) vScmple. Her father, tluring his active years, was engaged as a 
tinsmith. This marriage has been blessed with one son, Earle S. Philbrook. 
The family residence is at Xo. 392 W'ibird Street, Portsmouth. Mr. Phil- 
brook has taken advanced work in Masonry, being a member of the Blue 
Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery and Shrine. He is also affiliated with 
the Order of Elks and the Royal .\rcanum. Tn religious attachment, he and 
family are Congregationalists. 

MARVIN I'lSill'.K S.MITII. M. 1)., the oldest practicing physician in 
the town of Hamilton, was bom in Xewbury, N. H., January 28, 1832, a 
son of Moses S. and .Adeline (Adams) Smith, the father being a shoemaker. 
All the members of his parents' family are now deceased except himself. He 
was educated in the common schools of Hockington, N. PL, and in 1869 
began the study of dentistry at Manchester, N. H., where he resided two 
years. Pie then went to Pittsfield, where he practiced dentistry until 1882, 
after which he removed to Epsom, N. PL, coming from that place to Hamp- 
ton, May 5, 1888. Pie studied medicine at Burlington and at Dartmouth 
Medical College, graduating in the class of 1882. Dr. Smith has been physi- 
cian and surgeon of the pension board for twenty years. He has also served 
as coroner of Rockingham County and was formerly medical examiner for 
several insurance companies. In [lolitics he is a Republican and has served 
three times as congressional delegate for the town of Hampton. Dr. Smith 
was married .\ugust t8, T87S, to Miss Mary Ella Randal, a native of Pitts- 
field. X. 11. lie and his wife attend the Congregational church. They are 
the ]>arents of two children Gertrude R.. born in Pittsfield. X. H., Oct. ^, 
1879, and Gerald A., born in I'^psoni, .X. 11.. Jan. _',:;. 18S3. 

WILLIAM .\. I1.\XSC().M, in l..nner years a well known resident of 
Portsmouth, was born in South ik-rwick. .Me., in April. 1840. a son of fothan 
and Sarah (Warren) Planscom. lie was educated in the public schools of 
his native town and after a residence of some time in Portsmouth engaged 
in the hardware business with a brother in Haverhill, Mass., where he passed 
away i''el)ru;iry 7, 1886. The estimation in which he was held may be best 
expressed by ipioting from an obituar\- notice which appeared in a local 
paper : 

"Mr. William .A. Hanscom. who passed to his rest Sundav morning. 
February 7th, was a good type of the highest class of the men who have 
made New England famous. Of great Inisiness integrity, a good son and. a 
devoted and faithful husband, his hand was always ojien to the calls of 
deserving iiovcrty, and in his many charities he obeyed the scriptural injunc- 
tion to the letter, and his right hand knew not what his left hand did. As 
a citizen he felt always a deep interest in public affairs and his views on mat- 
ters of local interest were 'clear and well expressed. In social life he was a 




L. 



GKOR(iK K. 8I-:a\'I0Y 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1097 

warm friend and his loss will be mourned by the entire community in which 
he had been for so many years a prominent citizen. 'An honest man is the 
noblest work of God.' and most assuredly there passed away on that bright 
winter Saljbath niDrnini; a man wIkj in all his dealings merited that |)roud 
appelation." 

EUGENE W. .\RMSTRONG, a successful business man of the town of 
Windham, where he operates a general store, was born in this town, Decem- 
ber 23, 1865, a son of William H. and Elizabeth Armstrong. His father, 
who is a farmer and butcher, is still a resident of this town, and is a son of 
Davidson Armstrong, and a member of one of the old families of this sec- 
tion. 

Eugene W. Amistrong was educated in Windham and reared to manhood 
on his parents' farm, on which he lived until coming of age. He then started 
out in life for himself and for tw'enty-four summers worked for the Mt. 
Washington Railway. Six winters he spent in Florida, working for Ander- 
son & Price at the Ormond Hotel. He engaged in his present business Feb- 
ruary 1st, 1910, and since starting has built up a good trade. He is also 
interested to a considerable extent in real estate in this town. A Democrat 
m politics, he was his party's candidate for representative in 1910 and 1912, 
and although the town is overwhelmingly Republican, he gave his opponents 
a good race and made a creditable showing. He affiliates religiously with 
the Presbyterian church. 

GEORGE E. SE.'WEY, formerly a prominent lumber dealer and saw- 
mill operator, and one of the leading citizens of the town of Windham, Rock- 
ingham County, N. H., was born in Pelham, Hillsborough County, N. H., 
June 20,- 1839. His parents were Benjamin and Sarah (Coburn) Seavey. 
He was a grandson of Joseph Seavey, who in his day was a prominent citizen 
of Pelham. 

Benjamin Seavey, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Pel- 
ham, and early in life learned the wheelwright's trade, which he followed 
for a number of years. Later he engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and, 
removing from Pelham to \\'indham. carried on that business here until his 
death in 1886. 

George E. Seavey was twelve years of age when he acc(jm]iunied his 
parents to Windham. After leaving school he became associated with his 
father in the lumber business, and continued with him until attaining his 
majority, at which time he engaged in the business for himself in the eastern 
part of the county. Later he established himself at Windham Depot, where 
he carried on a flourishing lumber business until his death, which occurred 
.-\ugnst 18, 1910. For thirty years he was a prominent factor in the lum- 
bering manufacturing industry of this section. An active and public spirited 
citizen, he took a prominent part in Ineal ]iolitics. .serving four years as select- 
man, for a number of years as su]ier\i-nr. and representing the town in the 
legislature in 1883-84 and again in 18(13. He was a member of St. Marks 
Lodge. A. F. & A. M.. of Derrv, and was prominent socially, having a large 
acquaintance throughout the county, tn wlmni his death was a source of great 
sorrow. 

Mr. Seavey was married, No\-ember 10. 1868, to Miss Mary Ballou, a 
daughter of Edward and Isabella (McGregor) Ballon, of Derry, N. H. Mrs. 
Seavev's ancestrv can be traced b;u-l< through successive generations of the 



1098 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

McGregors to the first settlers in Rockingham County. Mrs. Seavey sur- 
vives her husband and resides in W'indiiam. where she is widely known and 
highly esteemed. 

SAMUEL F. CAMl'LiELL, chairman of the board of selectmen of the 
town of Windham, X. H., was born in Marlborough. Mass., May 21. 1882. 
a son of Alphonso F. and Eliza M. (Johnson) Campbell. He was reared 
and educated in Windham, where he came with his parents as an infant, and 
was graduated from Pinkerton Academy in 190J, after which he attended 
the New Hampshire State College for two years and a half. His father 
dying in 1904, he returned home and took charge of the^farm, the father, 
although a carpenter by trade, being engaged chiefly in farming and stock 
raising. The son has continued his father's work, and now has thirty head 
of registered Holstein cattle, of which he makes a specialty. His farm is the 
best stocked in the town of Windham. In addition to his work in connection 
with it, he is also interested in lumbering, doing a prosperous business along 
all these various lines. He has long taken an active interest in public affairs, 
and in addition to his service as chairman of the board of selectmen, he is 
also chairman of the school board and a member of the library committee. 
In the Masonic Order he has advanced as far as the Council. He also be- 
longs to the Grange, of which he is master; to the Eastern Star Lodge at 
Derry and the White Shrine, and is a member of the official board of the 
Presbyterian church of Windham. 

CORNELIUS O. PHILBRiCK, a well known citizen of the town of 
Rye. owning al)out four and a half acres of land, and having various busi- 
ness interests, was born in Boston, Mass., February 10, 1854. His parents 
died when he was a child and he was adopted by Oliver B. Philbrick and 
came to the home in which he now lives when two years old. When a young 
man he followed the mason's trade for about Irwo years and then went into 
the hotel business, being connected with it for a number of years. For seven- 
teen years he had charge of Ex-governor Straw's cottage, and subsequently 
for twelve years conducted the Washington Hotel. He is now engaged in 
heavy teaming and contract work, is also a coal dealer, and has charge of 
fourteen places on the beach, for which he does teaming. He served as 
deputy sheriff of this county under Marcus M. Collis for eight years, and 
has been policeman of the town for twenty-eight years; was also truant 
oflicer. was road agent seven years, and survey'or for a number of years. 
In all these various positions he has served faithfully and well and has the 
reputation of a useful and reliable citizen. Mr. Philbrick married Miss May 
Powers of Hampton, a daughter of George W. and Clara (Clements) Powers. 
Her father, a native of Boston, was a machinist and musician; her mother 
was from Hampton, N. H. Mrs. Philbrick was a lady of marked musical 
talent. .She was salaried organist in the Congregational church in Rye for 
21 years, and at one time had thirty-five pupils on the ])iano, pipe organ 
and flute. Her musical education was obtained partly under private tutors 
and at the Boston Conservatory of Music, of which famous institution she 
was a graduate. She died September 19, 1909, at the age of fifty-six years 
and nine months, her loss being greatly mourned by all who knew her. Mr. 
Philbrick is a republican in politics. He is a member of the Junior Order 
American Mechanics. 




WII.IJAM CI.AK'K 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1101 

CHARLES A. DRAKE, now living retired on his fifty acre farm in the 
town of Rye, was born on his present farm in 183J, a son of Cotton W. and 
Martha (Parsons) Drake, his parents being farming people of Rye. Their 
children were: Elizabeth, wife of Oliver P. Jenness; Annie, wife of Hiram 
Fuller; Myria; James, and Abbie, wife of Dudley Littlefield. 

Charles A. Drake was educated in the common schools and at Hampton 
Academy. He then began to assist his father on the latter's farm and 
remained thus associated with him until the father's death, at which time the 
farm became his property. It w as bought by his grandfather and the latter's 
brother in 1799 and has been owned in the Drake name ever since. Jonathan 
Drake, the grandfather, moved here in 1800, since which time the place lias 
been occupied by members of the family. Charles A. Drake married Helen 
W'eeks, a daughter of John Calvin Weeks, and his wife Mary (Greenougii) 
Weeks. Mrs. Drake had two sisters, Abbie and Annie. The following cliil- 
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Drake; Edwin, who married Marcia 
Clark of Rye, and assists his father on the farm (he has a daughter Helen) ; 
Elizabeth, wife of Charles F. Smith, a fanner of North Hampton, and has 
three children, Arnold, Roger and Byron; Catherine, who was the wife of 
Dr. C. F. Patterson, formerly of Rye but now deceased; and Percy. 

Mr. Drake is a repulilican in politics. He served as selectman one year 
and was also representatixe from Rye for one year, serving efiiciently in lioth 
offices. He and liis family attend the Congregational churcii. 

ORIX B. LE.VVITT, a farmer and dairyman of Xorth Hampton, where 
he owns thirty acres of land, was born on his present farm, October 8, 1848. 
a son of James R. and Elizabeth (Marston) Leavitt. Both his parents were 
born in this town and are here buried. The father was a farmer and stage 
driver and established the stage line between North Hampton and Rye Beach. 
He and his wife attended the Congregational church, of wdiich he was a 
deacon. Their children were: James A., Orin B., Abbie E., wife of Frank 
Seavey, and Sarah A., wife of Fred Grant. 

Orin B. Leavitt acquired his education in the common schools and at the 
New Hampton Institute. He then took up his present occupation of farm- 
ing and dairying, in course of time inheriting the farm from his father. He 
ships his milk to Salem, Mass. Mr. Leavitt's paternal grandparents were 
Phillip and Dorothy (Fogg) Leavitt, and his maternal grandfather Jeremiah 
Marston. 

Mr. Leavitt was married October jo, 1888, to Mary O. Drake, who was 
born in North Hampton, daughter of Freeman and Mary (Hobbs) Drake. 
Her father, a farmer, was son of Samuel and Mahitable (Pickering) Drake, 
while her mother, Mary Hobbs, was daughter of John and Lucinda (Dear- 
born) Hobbs. Mr. and Mrs. Leavitt have two children: James F., who 
married Ruth Knowles; and Raelene, who is a student at Smith College, 
Northampton, ]\Iass. Mr. Leavitt is a republican and has been more or less 
active in local affairs. He is cemetery warden and is now serving as super- 
visor of the check list. He is a charter member of the Relief Association of 
North Hampton. He and his family are affiliated with the Congregational 
church. 

WILLIAM CLARK, a widely known and highly esteemed citizen of 
Londonderry, N. H., was bom in this town July 22, 1844, a son of Reed P. 
and Elizabeth ( Perkins) Clark. His paternal grandfather was Ninian Clark, 



1102 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

a native and life-long resident of Hillsborongh County, N. H. A sketch of 
Keed I'. Clark, our subject's father, may be found on another page of this 
volume. 

William Clark, the direct subject of this sketch, after attending the public 
schools, prepared for college at Pinkerton Academy. Instead of entering 
college, however, he enlisted, September 3, 1864, as a private in Company D, 
First New Hampshire Heavy Artillery. On the organization of the com- 
pany he was made a corporal. The regiment was assigned to duty in the 
defense of Washington, and was thus engaged during its period of service. 

After receiving an honorable discharge from the army, Mr. Clark re- 
turned home and engaged in agriculture, working on the farm during the 
summer and teaching school in the winter. He was thus occupied for a num- 
ber of years both in New Hampshire and Michigan. He was intrumental in 
organizing Londonderry Grange, No. 4, which he has served as master, sec- 
retary and trustee, and he also assisted in managing the first grange 'fair held 
in this town. Actively interested in politics, he was a member of the state 
legislature during tw:o terms, and for several years served on the republican 
state committee. From 1S76 to 1886 he was deputy sheriff of Rockingham 
county, and he has also held other offices, serving efficiently in all. He organ- 
ized the Londonderry Soldiers' Monument Association and worked zealously 
in the movement which culminated in the erection of the magnificent soldiers' 
monument in the town. He is past commander of Wesley B. Knight Post, 
G. .\. R., and past master of St. Mark's Lodge, No. 44, A. F. & A. M. 

William Clark was married, August 23, i8/f>, to Alice W. Mclntire, a 
native of Reading, Mass., and daughter of Amos and Mary (Gorman) Mc- 
lntire. They have been the parents of two children, namely : Reed Paige 
Clark, the present receiver general of customs for the Republic of Liberia 
(see separate sketch), and Ralph W. Clark, who is now deceased. 

GEORGE L. BARKEIv, a highly successful agriculturist and a repre- 
sentative citizen of Rockingham County, N. H., resides upon his farm of 190 
acres in the town of Stratham. He was born in that town. May 3, 1864, and 
is a son of Levi and Hannah (Jewell) Barker, and a grandson of George 
and Mary C. (Piper) Barker. 

Levi Barker, father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Stratham 
where his entire active career was spent in farming. He became a man 
of affluence and his death which occurred about 1897 deprived the community 
of one of its most useful citizens. He was united in marriage with Hannah 
Jewell, who also was born in the town of Stratham and is a daughter of 
David and Rachel (Leavitt) Jewell. The following are the issue of this 
union: George L., with whom his mother hves on the home place: Willard: 
Mary, wife of Ellis G. Walden : Frank H. : Ralph; and Edith. 

After completing the prescribed course in the public schools, George L. 
Barker attended Wesleyan .Xcademy two terms. He then returned home 
and continued farming with his father until 1888. In that year he went to 
E.xeter and learned the trade of a machinist, which he followed for five 
years. With the exception of that period his entire life thus far has been 
as a farmer and as a resident of Stratham. He is a man of progressive ideas 
and is deeply interested in the affairs of his home community. He is an 
independent repul)lican in politics, and is serving his third year as treasurer 
of Stratham. He formerly served as selectman and auditor, and is now one 
of the lil)rary trustees. Fraternally, he is a member of the Junior Order 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1103 

United American Meclianics, and of the Patrons of Husbandry. He lias 
been a consistent worker in the Baptist ciuirch. of which his mother also 
is a faithful member, and he served the church organization as clerk, treasurer 
and collector. 

WALLACE \\". COLE, a real estate man and an extensive dealer in pine 
lumber, is one of the foremost citizens of Salem, New Hampshire. He was 
born in Boxford, Mass., November 19, 1855, and is a son of Ephraim and 
Sarah ( Spofford) Cole, and a grandson of Lieutenant Kimball Cole, who was 
born in the same house as the subject of this sketch, in Boxford. 

Ephraim Cole, the father was born in Boxford, July 6, 1809. and fol- 
lowed farming throughout his active business life, dying April 23, 1879. 
His wife was Sarah Spofford and they became parents of the following: 
\\'i!liani Kimball, who was born January 6, 1834, and died in Iowa, October 
23. 1856; George S., who was born July 22, 1836, and was deputy sheriff 
for twenty-five years: John P., who was born January 20. 1841, a soldier in 
the Union Army, being a meml>cr of Company I*"., 3Sth Massachusetts, who 
died in the hospital at Philadelphia, June 14. i8(>4; Charles \V., born April 
3, 1844, also a member of Company F, 35th Regiment of Massachusetts, who 
died at Newport News, Virginia, March 3, 1863 ; Sarah Jane, born March 
3, i84t'>, married M. T. Wadlin: Arthur E., born Septeml>er 30. 1848; 
Joseph F.. born SeptemJjer j8, 185 i : Wallace W. : Roscoe K., born February 
28, i86t ; and Eliza, who died in infancy. 

Wallace \\'. Cole received his educational training in the ])ul)Hc schools 
of Boxford. after which he worked in a carriage shop a short time. Then 
returning to the old home, he followed the trade of carpenter foi five years. 
In li^yy he came to Salem, New Hami)shire, and for a time engaged in the 
butcher trade. He gave up that business to engage in the real estate business. 
He is the most extensive dealer in realty in this vicinity, and also deals in 
pine lumlier on a large scale. He was selectman for se\ en years, was trustee 
of the i)ul)lic librarv, and also served as representative uf his town in the 
New Hampshire Legislature and also as Senator. He J-, the leader of the 
republican partv in Salem and has always lieen foremn^t in working fon 
l>arty success. 

December 24, 1878. .Mr. Cole was united m marriage with Miss Ida D. 
ColI)y, daughter of William C, ( olliy, and ll:eir issue i> as follo.\s: Mabel, 
born' January 26. 1880: Minnie S.. l)orn A])ril 23. 1882: Gertrude C. born 
September 6. 1884: Clarence W.. l)oni January 20, 1888: Edith L., born 
May 21. 1891: Eva M.. l)orn July 3. 1S03: Wilham Al., liorn Septemlier 27. 
1896: and George W., born July (). iS.Si,. I'raternally Mr, Cole is Past 
Master of Spickett Lodge No. 83, A. V . & A. M.: is a nieniber of St. 
George Commandery; Bel! Royal Arch ("hapler No. 13. of I )err\ ; P.ecktasli 
Shrine: and the Pilgrim i'atlier.-,. He also lias been treasurer of the local 
Grange. Patrons of Husbandry. 

SIMEON ALl'.b:R'r SII.\W. who owns and operates a farm of forty- 
five acres in the town of Hampton, and who has been li])rarian of the ])ulilii- 
library for the last 38 years, was born in Hampton. N. H.. .August 2^. 1836, 
son of Simeon and Sarah E. (Lamprey) Shaw. Both his i)arents were 
natives of this town.- the father being a S(jction boss on the railroad. He was 
a republican in politics and served as selectman, and he and bis wile were 
affiliated with the Congregational church. Both are now deceased. 'I'heir 



1104 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

children were : Simeon Albert ; Mary Esther, who married John C. lilake 
and is now deceased; Charles E., now deceased: Martha A., wife of Jotham 
1). Blake; Flora Webster, wife of Albert C. \\'ilbur; Charles Edward and 
Fred M. 

Simeon A. Shaw, after attending the common schools in his boyhood, 
was a jnipil for three years at Hampton Academy, after which he took a 
commercial course in Boston. He then settled down on his present farm 
and has since been engaged in agricultural operations, meeting with good 
success. Politically he is a progressive republican and served efficiently as 
selectman for three years. 

Mr. Shaw married Abbie I. Cole, a daughter of William G. antl Hannah 
(Brooks) Cole, of Eliot, Me., her father being a tanner and currier doing 
business in Portsmouth and Saco. Mr. Cole was twice married. Hannah 
Brooks being his first wife. The other two children, aside from Mrs. Shaw. 
E\erett .S. and Myron W., being now deceased. By a second marriage, to 
.Susal L. Page of Hampton, he had three children: Anna M., who is a 
teacher; Ernest G.. a prominent merchant of Hampton and also postmaster 
here ; and Hattie, deceased. Both Mrs. Shaw's parents are now deceased. 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are as follows: Elroy G., one of the 
selectmen of Hampton, who married Jessie Crosby and has five children; 
Everett S., a graduate of Yale College, who is a mining engineer in Colorado; 
Ethel, wife of Archibald Lantz, and Thelma May, residing at home with 
her parents. The family attend the Congregational church, of which Mr. 
Shaw is clerk. He also belongs to the Grange of which he is P'ast Master. 
He is an enterprising and prosperous citizen and be and his family stand 
high in the community. 

ELLIS G. \\'.\LDEN, a successful business man of Portsmouth, New 
Hampshire, is a dealer in groceries and provisions and has a well estab- 
lished trade. He was Itorn in Portsmouth, May ii, 1875, ^"^ ^^ the only 
child born to Thomas F. and Malvina (Tucker) Walden. Thomas Walden 
was a butcher during his active business career but is now living a retired 
life at Greenland. Both he and his wife were born in Portsmouth. 

Ellis G. Walden attended the common schools, and began his business 
career as clerk in the store of L. D. Duntley at Greenland. After one year, 
he started a l)utcher wagon for himself and through nine years of hard work 
combined with careful management and the ])ractice of economy, accumulated 
enough capital to enaljle him to build a building and establish his present 
store. That was ten years ago and marked progress has been made with 
each succeeding year. He is a man of ability and standing and possesses 
the happy faculty of making friends. 

In Hecember, 1897, Ellis Ci. Walden was married to ^Mary F. Barker of 
-Stralham, New Hampshire. She is a slaughter of Levi and Hannah (Jewell) 
Barker. Her father was a farmer liy occupation. The Barker family con- 
sisted of the following children: George L., Willard, Mary F. I Walden), 
Frank H., Ralph and Edith J. Mr. and Mrs. Walden became parents of 
three: Marjorie F., George R., and Earl B., who died at the age of five and 
a half montlis. Religiously the family holds memliership with the Congrega- 
tinual churcli at Greenland. Mr. Walden is a prnnu'nent Mason, belonging 
t" tlie nine i.ndge. (nuncil. Chapter and Commandery. 

REED P. CL.XRK. wlmse de;itli nn .\])ril 8. 1882. deprived Londonderry, 
N. H.. of one of its most useful and public spirited citizens, was a son of 




REKD P. CLARK 



AND REIM^ESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1107 

Ninian Clark of liillsliurough County, N. H.. bul spent the greater part of 
his life in Londonderry. He was a man of much practical knowledge and 
force of character, and among his other accomplishments was an expert 
penman. As an agriculturist he gained fame by raising nursery stock and 
experimenting on vegetable culture. He was the originator of the celebrated 
Clark's No. i potato, which he produced on the farm now occupied by his son 
William, and gave to the world as propagated by Reed P, Clark and son. 
He was also an efficient horse trainer and a skilled worker in wood. Originally 
a whig in politics and later a republican, he took an active interest in public 
affairs and was largely instrumental in changing Londonderry from a demo- 
cratic to a republican town. He served as selectman, as representative to the 
legislature, and as a member of Governor Goodwm's and Governor Berry's 
councils. For a number of years he was a trustee of the New Hampshire 
State Reform School at Manchester. He married Elizabeth Perkins. A 
sketch of their son William, aliove mentioned, mav be found on another page 
of this volume. 

HON. EDWIN GAMAGE EASTMAN, attorney-general of New Hamp- 
shire from 1892 until February, 1912, ranks high among the leaders of his 
state by reason of his faithful and efficient performance of official duty, his 
notable success in the practice of his profession and his prominence as a 
public spirited citizen. Of New Hampshire birth, education and life-long 
residence, Mr. Eastman has been closely identified with tlie legal and political 
history of his state since early manhood and his name will meet very fre- 
cjuently the eye of any student of Granite State annals for the past three 
decades. 

General Eastman's first American ancestor was Roger Eastman, liorn in 
Wales in 161 1, who came across the water in I'l^S and settled in Salisbur)-, 
Mass. Among his descendants in the seventh generation was Rev. William 
Henry Eastman, for more than half a century a New Hampshire clergy- 
man, who married in Grantham, Pauline Sibley Winter. Their only child, 
the subject of this sketch, was born in Grantham, No\-ember 22, 1847. He 
always has cherished warm affection for his native town, and there. u])on one 
of the state's fine farms, he spends a large part of every year. 

He was educated in the public schools, at Kimball Union Academy, 
Meriden, and at Dartmouth College. 'AVorking his way" through prepara- 
tory school and college. General Eastman earned his education by hard toil 
and in the face of discouraging olistacles. But. as has lieen the case with so 
many others of our leaders, this experience was of the greatest \-alue to him 
in that it formed his character at the same time that it trained his mind and 
brought him to the threshold of his life work a man of determined purpose 
and well-poised judgment as well as of academic learning and culture. 

No Dartmouth class e\'er gave more distinguished lawyers to the world 
than (lid the class of 1874, its roll including, besides General Eastman such 
names as those of Chief Justice Frank N. Parsons of New Hampshire. Chief 
Justice John A. Aiken of Massachusetts, Congressman .Samuel W. McCall. 
former Congressman Samuel L. Powers, General Frank S. Streeter of the 
International Boundary Commission, and many others. It is needless to say 
that General Eastman is proud of his class and his college and that they, in 
turn, are proud of him. 

After leaving college Mr. Eastman read law at Bath with Hon. .\lonzo 
P. Carpenter, afterward justice an<l chief justice of the supreme court of the 



1108 HlSrORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

state, and was admitted to the bar in 1876. The same year witnessed the 
formal opening of both his legal and political careers, for he represented his 
native town of Grantham in the legislature of 1876. On September 22d of 
the same centennial year he took up his residence in Exeter and there began 
the practice of law in the office of the late General Gilman jMarston, one of 
the strongest men in New Hampshire history. General Marston was so w-ell 
pleased with his young associate that in 1878 he entered with him into a 
partnership which continued until the death of the senior member of the firm 
ir. i8go. It vas recognized as one of the ablest combinations at the New 
Hampshire bar and its success was immediate and continuous. 

After the death of General JMarston, Mr. Eastman formed the new- firm 
of Eastman, Young & O'Neill, the second member being Judge John E. Young, 
now of the state supreme bench. This partnership was dissolved in 1898 and 
for several years General Eastman and Henry }•". Hollis, Es(|., of Concord, 
joined in practice as Eastman & Hollis. with offices at Exeter and Concord. 
In irjoj the firm (>\ Eastman. Scammon & Gardner was formed and still 
continues, the partners with (ieneral Eastman being Hon. John Scammon, 
former jjresident of the state senate, and Perley Gardner. Esij. 

I'rom the beginning of his legal career Mr. Eastman's private practice 
had been large and lucrative. His thorough knowledge of the law and native 
good sense, comljined with a wide and deserved reputation for ability and 
integrity have made him the favored counsellor of a large circle of clients. 
Alv ays slow in advising litigation, when once a case has been entered upon 
he devotes to it the careful analysis of his keen and well trained mind. 
Patient and perse\-ering" in establishing the facts and the law bearing upon 
the points at issue, he marshals them logically and impressively, building up 
a case in which his opponent seeks in vain for flaws in method or error in 
authority. From his first ex])erience as an aihocate the sincerity of his 
manner has proved as great an asset for Mr. h'astnian in winning cases as 
the direct simplicity of his style and the cmnincing clearness of his language 
and argument. General Eastman is never at a disadvantage before a New 
Hamp.shire jury. Its members look u]3on him as a man after their own heart 
and believe that he believes in his own case. .\t the same time Mr. Eastman 
has the respect of the judges before whom he practices, having so often 
thoroughly proved the soundness of his theories of the law and the breadth 
and depth of its application. Nor have occasions been lacking when these 
(|ualities of his stood the test nf the apjiea! of cases, in which he has been 
interested, to the highest irilumal. the Supreme Court of the L'nited States 
at Washington. 

I'ecause of the demands which public service has made upon him General 
Eastman has felt constrained to refuse to extend his private practice in certain 
profitalsle directions, a standard which has lieen appreciated bv his fellow 
members of the bar and liy the public in general. 

His first period of such ])ul)lic service was a .solicitor of Rockingham 
county from [88,? to 1888, and it was so marked with successful conduct of 
the office that when .Vttorney-General Daniel Barnard died in 1892 it was 
deemed very natural that Governor Hiram A. Tuttle should place at the head 
of tlie state's legal department Edwin G. Eastman of Exeter. That appoint- 
ment, then well received, has been amply justified in the score of years that 
have elap.scd, during which, by successixe reappointments. Mr. Eastman has 
continued to hold his high office. 

The list of men who have held the high office of attornev-general of 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1109 

New Hampshire is a notable one : Samuel Livermore, Wyseman Claggett, 
John Sullivan. John Prentice, Joshua Atherton, William Gordon, Jeremiah 
Mason, George Sullivan, Samuel Bell, William K Atkinson, Daniel French, 
Charles F. Gove, Lyman B. Walker, John S. Wells, the younger John Sulli- 
van, William C. Clark, Lewis W. Clarke. Mason W. Tappan, Daniel Barnard 
and Edwin G. Eastman, a score in all from 1778 to 191 1, and the last name 
upon the list fully worthy to stand with the others. 

Naturally, during his long service as attorney-general, Mr. Eastman has 
conducted many famous and important cases, the mere mention of which 
would overrun the limits of this article. The perpetrators of many murders 
and other high crimes against the person have been punished justly through 
his instrumentality ; and numerous ci\il cases of the highest importance have 
come within his jurisdiction, including those popularly known as the "oleo- 
margerine" case; the Percy Summer Club case, establishing the rights of 
the people in the public waters of the state: the railroad and express rate 
cases : the railroad tax cases, etc. 

One thing that shows General Eastman's standing in his profession is the 
fact that for twenty years he has been a member, by appointment of the 
Supreme Court, of the State Board of Bar Examiners, having charge of the 
examination and admission of candidates to practice law in New Hampshire. 

General Eastman has given distinguished and valuable public service, 
also, in other capacities than those of an officer of the law. In young man- 
hood he was elected as representative from his native town of Grantham to 
the legislature of 1876. In the e.xceptionably able state senate of 1889 he 
represented with credit the twenty-first district ; and in the convention of 
1902 to propose amendments to the constitution of the state he rendered 
appreciated service as chairman of the committee on future mode of amend- 
ing the constitution. 

As a legislator and political leader Mr. Eastman has shown himself, as in 
his profession, cool, clear-headed and sagacious. There is no trait of the 
demagogue in his make-up. He would no more stoop to "playing politics" 
than to legal trickery. But without seeking popularity he has attained it, 
throughout the state, and respect and esteem as well. His name has been 
frecjuently mentioned in connection with the governorship of his state, and 
with its representation at Washington, the national capital. 

General Eastman is a director and vice president of the Exeter Banking 
Company: a trustee and \ice president of the Union Five Cents .Savings Bank 
of Exeter: a director and president of the Exeter Manufacturing Company: 
and was a trustee of Robinson Seminary, E.xeter, for fourteen years. 

• Mr. Eastman married in Newport, ]\Iarch 14, 1877, Elma E. Dodge, who 
died October 19. 1880. To them was born one daughter, Helen May. .At 
E.xeter, March 16, 1885. he married Morgieanna Follansby. and they have 
two children, Ella Follansby Eastman and Edwin Winter Eastman. 

General Eastman has a beautiful and happy home at Exeter, where, with 
his family and large library he would like to spend more time than his 
public duties allow him for that purpose. A public-spirited citizen, he takes 
much interest in the welfare of that fine old town and can be counted upon 
to support heartily any forward movement there. In religious affiliations he 
is a Congregationalist. 

Mr. Eastman takes much pride, also, in "Grey Ledges," his Grantham 
summer home, which he has created from the farm where he was born and 
which has been in the familv for four generations. Located on a hill 1,200 



1110 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

feet above the sea level, fifteen towns and as many mountain peaks can be 
seen from the house veranda. While the liouse has been gf-adually enlarged 
from the red cottage of 1820, when it was built, until it contains twenty 
rooms, it retains still many of the quaint features of its earliest days; the 
"landscape" painted walls, the great fire-places, with their brick ovens, etc. 
The farm is of 750 acres and is well stocked with Ayrshire cattle and the 
remarkable yield of its carefully kept apple orchards has more than local 
fame. General Eastman is as successful a farmer as he is lawyer and he 
takes real pleasure in not merely managing the estate, but in doing himself 
much of the real work of the place. And that is the keynote of Edwin G. 
Eastman's life and character. He is a worker, a successful worker, an honest 
worker upon right lines for good and great ends. And today, in the full 
maturity of his powers, his record of accomplishment, impressive as it is, is 
far from finished. 

GEORGE ]\I. HALL, a prosperous farmer residing on his estate of sixty 
acres in Stratham. Rockingham County. N. H., makes a specialty of Holstein 
cattle, and ships milk extensively to Boston. He comes of a Vermont family, 
and is a son of Merrill M. Hall, and a grandson of John Hall. He was 
born in Hyde Park, Vermont, October 21, 1866. Merrill M. Hall, father 
of the subject of this sketch, was a farmer and operated a saw mill in Ver- 
mont. He married Martha Moxley and they reared two children : George 
M. ; and Hattie, who is wife of Charles Richardson. 

George M. Hall attended the public schools of Hyde Park, Vt.. and then 
worked in a shoe establishment six years. He next engaged in railroad work, 
and for two years had a run as fireman. .\t the, end of that time he located 
in Stratham, Rockingham County, purchasing his present farm of Charles 
Piper. Mr. Hall was joined in the lionds of matrimony with Miss Nellie 
Dunbar of Portsmouth, N. H., a daughter of George and Mary (Knap) 
Dunbar. She has two brothers. William and Herbert Dunbar. The father 
was a railroad man throughout his active career. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have 
one daughter. Miss Eleanor Hall, who lives with her parents. Politically, 
he is an independent voter, but has upon occasion been called into public 
service. He was selectman of Stratham six years, and served one term as 
representative. He is affiliated with the Patrons of Husbandry. Religiously, 
the family attends the Congregational Church. 

FRANK DANIEL WILSON, who has been successfully engaged in the 
grocery business at Salem Depot, New Hampshire, since 1905, was born 
February 15. 1857. in Salem, N. H. He is a son of A. G. and Abbie (Bailey) 
Wilson, the former, a native of Pelham. N. H.. and the latter of Haverhill. 
They were parents of the following children : George, deceased ; Alonzo G. : 
.\rminta : and Abbie J., who married Edmond V^ittum. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson 
are both deceased, the latter's death occurring July 4, 1912. The grand- 
parents of the subject of this record were David and Sarah ( Young) Wilson 
of Pelham, N. H.' 

Frank Daniel Wilson spent his early years in Salem, N. H., where he 
attended the public schools, and his first position was that of a clerk in a 
store at Salem Centre, where he remained three years. He then clerked in a 
store in Boston, Mass.. until 1883. and subsecjuently came to Salem Depot, 
where lie engaged in the grocery business with F. C. Buxton under the firm 
name of "Buxton & Wilson." Two vears later Mr. Wilson sold his interest 




REED I'AKiE CLAKK 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1113 

in the business and entered the employ of the F. C. Wilson Co. of Haverhill, 
with which firm he continued until March, 1890. He then returned to Salem 
and engaged in farming with his brother A. G. \\'ilson, until June, 1905, 
since which time he has been engaged in his present business at Salem Depot. 

Mr. Wilson was married December 24, 1884. to Miss Etta L. Foster, who 
was born in Salem, N. H., in 1854. To them was born one daughter who 
died in infancy. 

Politically, Mr. Wilson is a republican and takes an active interest in 
;iffairs pertaining to the community in which he resides. He was repre- 
sentative to the legislature two terms in 1895 and 191 1. He served on the 
Republican Town Board of Selectmen for nine years, and was chairman of 
the board for eight years. He is fraternally affiliated with the Spicket Lodge 
Xo. 85, St. George commandery; Bell Royal Arch Chapter; ^It. Nebo council 
and the Becktash Shrine. 

JOHN D. RANDALL, proprietor of one of Portsmouth's largest and 
most complete printing establishments, located at No. 3 Congress street, w-as 
born in this city, January 10, 1856. His parents were William B. and Clara 
(Adams) Randall, of Portsmouth, N. H., the father following the trade ol 
mechanic up to the time of his death in 1883. John D. Randall was educated 
in the common schools of his native town, and when a mere lad began his 
apprenticeship to the trade of printer. He subsequently worked as a jour- 
neyinan in New York and Boston. In 1883 he established his present print- 
ing plant in Portsmouth, which he has since carried on with marked success. 
He employs regularly three compositors and by general consent is regarded 
as the leading printer in this city. In 1871 he joined the Portsmouth fire 
department and subsequently served as chief for fifteen years, his long term 
of service being good evidence of his ability as a fire fighter. He also served 
the city as councilman from \\'ard Two and was a member of the legislature 
in 1905-6. In politics he is a republican. 

Mr. Randall married Ella AI. Wiggin, a daughter of Thomas Wiggin, of 
Portsmouth. They have two children — Frank \\'.. who is now suiierintend- 
ent of an Electric Lighting Co. in New York: and William I., who is an 
electrician. Mr. Randall and family affiliate with the Baptist church. He 
is a member of St. John's Lodge, No. i, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a 
past master; and also belongs to Osgood Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 48. The 
family residence is at Xo. 699 Middle Street. 

REED PAIGE CLARK, son of William and Alice W. ( Mclntire) Clark, 
Avas born in Londonderry, Rockingham County, N. H., August 19, 1878. 
He attended the common schools of Londonderry and Derry, N. H.. and 
then pursued his studies at Pinkerton Academy, Derry, 1890-189^. graduat- 
ing from the classical course in June, 1895. He was a student at Columbian 
College, now the George \\'ashington L^niversity. at Washington, D. C, 
1894-1898, receiving the degree of A. B. in May, 189S. From the Columbian 
Law School, Washington, which he attended from i8g8 to 1901, he received 
the degree of LL. B. in Alay, 1901. In 1900-1901 he attended the Columbian 
Graduate school, Washington, receiving the degree of A. M. from that institu- 
tion in May, 1901. 

^Ir. Clark was assistant (one year) and instructor in French at the 
Columbian Scientific School, 1898-igoi ; instructor in German at National 
Park Seminary, Forest Glen, Md., 1899-1900; instructor in modern languages 



1114 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

(French and German) at Columl:)ian College, 1900-1901 ; tutor at various 
times in Latin. French and German ; private secretary to Hon. Henry E. 
Burnham, United States Senate, and clerk to the Senate Committees on Indus- 
trial Expositions. Cuban Relations, Claims, and Agriculture and Forestry, 
July I, 1901, to November 30, 191 1, general receiver of customs for the 
Republic of Liberia (commissioned) November 18, 191 1. He was admitted 
to the New Hampshire bar, June 29, 1907. 

Mr. Clark's society affiliations are as follows : Epsilon Chapter. Sigma 
Chi, Columbian University; St. Mark's Lodge, No. 44, F. & A. M., Bell 
Royal- Arch Chapter, No. -'3, Mt. Nebo Council, No. 15, and Ransford 
Chapter. No. 3. O. E. S.. all of Derry. N. H. ; Wildey Lodge, No. 45, 
I. O. O. F.. Manchester, N. H. ; The National Geographical Society, Wash- 
ington, D. C. ; Calvary Baptist Church. Washington, D. C. ; The New Hamp- 
shire Bar Association : The Derryfield Cluli. Manchester, N. H. ; and The 
University Club, Washington, D. C. 

Air. Clark was awarded the Staughton Prize for excellence in Latin and the 
F.lton Prize for excellence in Greek, at Columbian College, in May, 1898. He 
was president, senior class. Columbian College. 1898, and vice president, first 
year class, Columbian Law School, 1898-1899. Among his literary activities 
are the following : editor of a college edition of Rostand's "Cyrano de Ber- 
gerac," 1898; thesis on Cyrano de Bergerac for the degree of A. M., 1901 ; 
newspaper articles on Alaska, 1905; editor of an historical pamphlet, pub- 
lished by the District Number Eight Old Home Association, Londonderry, 
1908. and newspaper articles on Mexico, 1910. He traveled in Europe, June 
to September. 1900: in Alaska, June to September, 1905; in Mexico and 
Yucatan. September to November, 1909, and in the Dominican Republic 
and Cuba, December, 191 1. 

DAVID JEWELL is a well known citizen of Stratham. Rockingham 
County. New Hampshire, and is the owner of a farm of forty-four acres. 
He follows general farming and dairying, and raises stock for his own use. 
He was born on his present farm March 30. 1839. and is a son of David 
and Rachel (Leavitt) Jewell, both deceased. 

David Jewell, the father, was a carpenter and followed that trade in 
addition to farming. He was a democrat in politics, while in religious attach- 
ment he and his estimable wife were members of the Christian Church. 
They had the following children: Sarah, wife of Nathan E. Norton: Asa 
Elbridge; Rachel S.. wife of John J. Scammon; Irena, wife of David J. 
French: David: Mary E.. wife of Hezekiah Scammon; Levi; and Hannah 
M., widow of Levi Baker. 

David Jewell, subject of this record, attended the common schools of 
his native town, and continued on the home farm in association with his 
father. Upon the death of the latter, he bought out the other heirs, and has 
been in possession of the farm continuously since. He is a democrat in pol- 
itics and has served as selectman and as a member of the school board. 

Mr. Jewell was joined in marriage with Miss Catherine S. Burley, who 
was born in New Market, N. H.. and is a daughter of Henry and Sarah 
(Alexander) Burley. She is one of a large family of children, of whom 
but one other is living, namely, Abbie, who is the wife of Levi Jewell. 
David Jewell and wife have three daughters: Vesta E. ; Harriet L., who is 
teaching in the public schools in Massachusetts: and Sadie B.. who is em- 
ployed in Boston. Religiously the family attends the Federated Church. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1115 

JOSEPH ARTHUR BROWN, who operates a farm of 60 acres, sit- 
uated on the street car line in the town of Rye, has resided all his life in this 
town, having been born here, March 30, 1856. son of Charles J. and Mary 
L. (Dral<e) Brown. His paternal grandparents were Joseph W. and Emily 
(Parsons) Brown. His mother was a daughter of Cotton \V. and Martha 
(Parsons) Drake. All. as well as our subject's great grandparents, were 
natives of Rye. Charles J. Brown, the father, was a school teacher and a 
very prominent citizen of Rye for a number of years. ■ He and his wife were 
affiliated with the Congregational church. They had four children : Emily, 
wife of Charles M. Remick; Abbie, wife of Dr. Ered D. Parsons: Agnes, 
who is unmarried, and Joseph Arthur. 

Joseph Arthur Brown was educated in the common schools and at Hamp- 
ton Academy. He then took up farm work in which he has since been en- 
gaged. Industrious and enterprising, he has been successful and is now one 
of the substantial and respected citizens of the town. A democrat in politics, 
he has served as selectman, town treasurer and as a memlier of the school 
board, showing ability in handling public business. 

Mr. Brown married Olive A. Goos, a native of Rye and a daughter of 
Otis and Ann ( Locke) Goos, a granddaughter of General Goos. She has a 
sister, Isabella, now living, another sister, Elzada, being deceased. Mr. and 
Mrs. Brown are the parents of five children, namely: Carroll \\'., Bessie 
Marion, Edna O., Arthur Lawrence and William Goos. Carroll W., who 
is a graduate of the Institute of Technology, married Harriett Hoskins of 
Cleveland, O., in which city he is engaged in business as a civil engineer. He 
and his wife ha\-e two children, William H. and ]Mary Drake. Bessie Marion 
resides at home with her parents. She is a graduate of Simmons College 
and from Johns Hopkins University, and is a teacher of chemistry at Sim- 
mons College. Edna O., residing at home, is a graduate of the New Hamp- 
shire College of Agriculture and is also a florist. Arthur Lawrence is assist- 
ant instructor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at Boston, of 
which institution he is a graduate, and where his lirother. William Goos, is 
now a student. The familv are affiliated religioush- w ith the Congregational 
church. 

JOHN A. JANVRIN, luml>er dealer of Hampton, Rockingham County, 
N. H., was born at Hampton Falls, this county September 26. 1876, son of 
Edwin and Anne (Thompson) Janvrin. The father, Edwin Janvrin, also 
a native of Hampton Falls, was engaged in the wholesale and retail lumber 
business. He was a prominent man in his locality and was elected on the 
republican ticket to the legislature. His wife was from Epping, N. H. They 
were members of the Baptist church. Both are now deceased and are buried 
at Hampton Falls. Their children were: Charles; Bertram T. : Mary L., 
who married .\rthur Wakeman, general secretary of the Children's Aid 
Society at Brooklyn, N. Y. ; John A., the subject of this sketch, and Edw'in 
L. By a previous marriage Edwin Jan\rin had two sons, Fred and Frank, 
who were twins. 

John A. Janvrin was educated in the common schools and Kimball Union 
Academy at Meridan, N. H. He also attended Durham Agricultural School 
and later took a commercial course. He then worked for about two years in 
the shoe business and for three years subsequently was salesman for a gents 
furnishing store in Boston. After this he became associated with his father 
in the lumber business and was thus occupied until the latter's death, at which 



1116 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

lime lie came to Hamptmi and started his j^resent business, which is in a 
flourishing condition. 

Mr. Janvrin married Mary Elizabeth Lennon, a native of Boston and 
daughter of Thomas Lennon. a blacksmith. He and his wife have one son, 
Frank Alfred, and a daughter. Katherine Louise. Mr. Janvrin is a repub- 
lican in politics. He belongs to the Elks and to the Junior Order American 
Mechanics. He is affiliated religiously with the Baptist churcli, his wife 
being a Catholic. 

CHARLES 1). GARLAND, owner and proprietor of a general store at 
West R3'e, of which place he is also postmaster, was born in Rye, October i, 
1849, a son of W'illiam C. and Mary (Marden) Garland. His parents were 
members of the Christian church, the father being a farmer. They had 
four children: Fidelia, wife of Charles Seavev; W'illiam H.. Emmons and 
Charles D. 

Charles D. Garland acquired his education in the common schools of Rye. 
When eighteen years old he engaged in the produce business in this town, 
handling all kinds of country produce, potatoes, hay, apples, eggs, etc., in one 
year shipping 15,000 bushels of potatoes and 300 tons of hay. In 1878 he 
started his present business in Rye and has since carried it on successfully, 
dealing in flour and groceries, dry goods, hardware and nicknacks. A dem- 
ocrat in politics, he has served in most of the local offices, and has been post- 
master at West Rye since November 5, 1885. being appointed under Presi- 
dent Cle\eland. He took the civil service examination February 10. 19 14. 

yir. (larland was married in 1869 to Eliza J. Garland, who was also 
born in Rye, being a daughter of Edward L. and Elvira (Dalton) Garland, 
who were farming people here. Their other children were Mary W., wife 
of Samuel Smart, and Nettie. Mr. and Mrs. Garland have had two children : 
Susie E., now deceased, who was the wife of Gilman Walker; and Willie E., 
who married Ethel M. Locke and has two children, Edna and Elizabeth. 
The family attends the Christian church. 

FRED A. BROWN, a general fanner conducting about eighty acres of 
land in the town of North Hampton, was born on his present fami, Novem- 
ber 5, 1857. a son of George D. and Rhoda J. (Fogg) Brown. The parents, 
who were both born in North Hampton, still reside here, and are living with 
their son. the subject of this sketch. The father. George D. Brown, now 
over eighty years old, is also a fanuer. He is a republican politically and he 
and his wife attend the Congregational church. Thev ha\'e two children. 
I'rank. a carpenter, and Fred A. 

Fred A. Brown was educated in the common schools and at Hampton 
Academy. He was then an employee at the Farragut House for three years, 
subsequent to which he returned to the home fann, where he has since re- 
sided. He is a democrat in politics. He was first married to Lucy Young 
of Hampton, daughter of Enoch P. and Lucy Young. She died leaving no 
children, and Mr. Brown subsequently married Elizabeth A. Knowles, of 
Rye. N. H., daughter of Charles N. Knowles. He and his wife are the 
parents of four children, Bessie A.. Oscar. Josephine and Abbott. The 
family attends the Christian church. 

W.\LTER S. CARLISLE, senior meml)er of the firm of Carlisle & Lord, 
box manufacturers. Exeter. N. H.. was born in this city January 26. 1859, a 
son of Jacob and Mary O. fColcord) .Carlisle. 




WALTER 8. CARLlSLi: 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1119 

Jacob Carlisle was born in Parsonsfield, Me. During the latter part of his 
life he was engaged in the lumber business, and also for a while conducted 
a foundry in Exeter, besides doing contracting. He was a very active citizen, 
serving for some time as selectman, also as representative to the legislature 
for the town of Exeter. He was tax collector also and engineer of the fire 
department. In politics he was a republican. With his wife, who was a native 
of Exeter, he attended the Baptist church. Their children were: James W. : 
Josephine A., who married Woodberry Berry, the latter being now deceased; 
George A.; Cora A., wife of Dudley Burpee; Emma, who died at the age 
of twenty 3'ears ; Walter S. : Eveline; Etta yi.. now deceased, who was the 
wife of Charles E. Smith; and Jacob A., Jr. 

\\'alter S. Carlisle was educated in the common schools and at Exeter 
high school. He then engaged in the lumber business, which he has since 
followed with good success. The firm of Carlisle & Lord is a prosperous 
concern, its members ranking well up among the substantial and progressive 
business men of the town. 

Mr. Carlisle was married, October 11, 1897, to Miss Hattie E. Folsom, 
who was born in Bucksford, Me., a daughter of Henry and Ellen M. 
(Folsom) Folsom. Both her parents were natives and life-long residents 
of the state of Maine, the father being a farmer and a veteran of the Civil 
war. They attended the Methodist church. Their children were: Flora F., 
wife of George B. Demarritt; Fannie B., wife of Arthur F. Cooper; Hattie 
E.. wife of the subject of this sketch, and Lottie M., who married Edwin 
S. Kent. To Mr. and Mrs. Carlisle have been born five children, namely : 
Ethel M., Emma J., Walter S., Jr., Daniel F. and Milton. Mr. Carlisle is 
a republican in politics. He is a member of the Exeter Club, and he and his 
family attend the Baptist church. In addition to his connection with the 
box facto^\^ he deals in real estate and lumber in association with John M. 
^Vadleigh, and in real estate with his brother George A. Carlisle. 

EDWARD EVERETT RED^IAN, a prosperous .shoe manufacturer of 
the town of Hampton, head of the Redman Shoe Company, was born in this 
town, on the place where he now lives, in 1865. His parents were Amos 
Tuck and Mary Elizabeth ( Bailey) Redman, farming people. Their chil- 
dren were: Susan, wife of John H. Page of Hampton, a shoemaker; Ed- 
ward E., subject of this sketch, and William L. Amos Redmond was a son 
of Jonathan Redman, his wife being a daughter of David Bailey, of New- 
buryport, Mass. 

Edward Everett Redman accpiired iiis education in the common schools. 
He began to learn the shoe manufacturing business when eighteen years of 
age and has followed it ever since. For nine years he was foreman in a fac- 
tory at Lynn, Mass., after which he came to Hampton and established his 
present business, in November, 1909, being associated with his brother \\\\- 
liam L. Redman. The partnership was continued until October, 1913, when, 
on account of his health, William L. sold out to our subject, the latter being 
now sole proprietor. He manufactures ladies', misses' and children's shoes 
only and gives employment to about forty-five hands. 

Mr. Redman married Lucy M. Clapp of Boston, a daughter of Ozias and 
Lucy (Bouve) Clapp, her father being a dry goods salesman. There were 
two children in the Clapp family, Lucy and John. Mr. and Mrs. Redman 
are the parents of four children, namely : Frank Bouve, who is associated 
with his father in the shoe business ; Amos T.. engaged in the shoe business 



1120 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

at Amesbury, Mass. ; Byron E., also with his father, and Lucy, wife of Lea- 
vitt Brown, a shoemaker. Mr. Rechnan is a repubhcan in politics and he 
and his wife attend the Advent church. 

FREMONT P. MOULTON, a contracting mason of the town of North 
Hampton, employing four hands, was born in this town July 12, 1855, a son 
of John and Sally A. (Bachelder) Moulton. The parents were also natives 
of North Hampton, the father being in early life a fisherman and later a car- 
penter. They attended the Congregational church and in politics he was a 
democrat. Both are now deceased. They had but two children, Warren B. 
and Fremont P. 

Fremont P. was educated in the common schools and at Hampton Acad- 
emy. When eighteen years of age he started to learn the mason's trade, 
which he has since followed with prosperous results. He has also a farm of 
53 acres on which he raises produce for his own use. A democrat, like his 
father, he has served as selectman and takes a good citizen's interest in the 
cause of good government and the prosperity and development of the town. 

Mr. ^Moulton married Amy A. Brown, who was born in North Hampton, 
daughter of Adna and Sally (Marston) Brown, who were farming people. 
In the Brown family were two children, Minnie, who is the wife of Herbert 
J. Tarleton, and Amy, now Mrs. Moulton. Mr. and Mrs. Moulton's chil- 
dren are as follows: Envin B., a mason, and Ada E., who is a teacher in 
the Montgomery Industrial School at Montgoinery, Ala. Erwin B. Moulton 
married Maude Dalton, daughter of George E. and Emma (Jenness) Dalton 
of North Hampton and they have two children, Leavitt Erwin and Lucille 
Ada. Mr. Moulton and family attend the Congregational church. 

MOSES BROWN, owner of a farm of 50 acres in the town of Rye, 
which is operated by his son, was born in this town, March 23, 1835. His 
])areuts were Daniel and Sarah Ann (Garland) Brown, the father a farmer. 
They had two children only, Charles W. and Moses. 

Moses Brown was educated in the common schools of Rye and his life 
since boyhood has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. He is now prac- 
tically retired, his son looking after the farm, as above stated. Mr. Brown 
was married in 1869 to Henrietta G. Garland, who was born in North Hamp- 
ton, Rockingham County, N. H., a daughter of Calvin and Elizabeth (Spead) 
Garland, her father being a native of North Hampton and her mother of 
Durham, N. H. Of their children there are only two now living, Charles 
W., who resides in Oklahoma, and Henrietta, wife of the subject of this 
sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had children as follows: Sarah Alice, 
who married Frank Graves and is now deceased; Martha, w'ife of Frank 
Boyce; Daniel Warren, John Wesley, Charles Thompson and Harrison G. 
Daniel was educated in the high school and Harrison went to Baldwin Col- 
lege in Ohio. 

John Wesley Brown graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- 
nology at Boston, Mass., making such a fine record that that famous institu- 
tion paid his expenses to Germany, where he studied for a time at Heidel- 
berg L^niversity. He is now engaged in the chemical business at Cleveland, 
Ohio. Mr. Brown is a republican in politics and is afliliated religiously with 
the Christian Baptist church. He is one of the old time citizens of Rye and 
it would be hard to find anyone better known or more generally respected. 




KICHAK'I) K. 1 1 ANN A FORI) 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZEN'S 1123 

HO\\'ELL M. LAMPREY, real estate dealer in the town of Hampton, 
where he has served as selectman for the last twelve years, was born in this 
town. October 9, 1861, a son of Charles M. and Catherine (Bachelot) Lam- 
prey. The father, Charles Jvl. Lamprey, who was a son of Uri Lamprey, 
was also a native of Hampton and was an attorney by profession. His wife 
Catharine was a daughter of John Bachelot of the state of Georgia. They 
had three children: Carrie C.. wife of Richard W. Shea, an attorney at 
Boston; Howell AL. subject of this sketch, and Uri, a painter residing in 
Hampton. 

Howell ]\I. Lamprey was educated in the common schools and at Hamp- 
ton Academy. He then went to Boston, where he was employed as clerk in 
a dry goods store, that of T. D. Whitney & Co., linen drapers. He remained 
with them for a number of years, during the last few years being buyer for 
his department. He then returned to Hampton, where he has since been 
engaged in real estate operations, besides acting as justice of the peace and 
auctioneer. Appointed by Governor Bass, he served as trial justice of Hamp- 
ton for some time or until the office was abolished. In 1907 he represented 
the town of Hampton in the legislature, and he has also served efficiently in 
most of the town offices. In politics lie is a republican. 

Mr. Lamprey married Georgia \\'. W'inslow of Fitchburg, IMass., a 
daughter of Thomas and Margaret W'inslow, her father being a civil engi- 
neer. Mrs. Lamprey died in 1910, leaving two children: Marion and 
Helen. 

RICHARD E. HANNAFORD, proprietor of greenhouses at No. 452 
Richard Avenue. Portsmouth, and a well known and prominent resident of 
this city, was born in Devonshire, England. October 29, 1872. His parents 
were Samuel G. and Mary Ann ( Weber) Hannaford, both natives of Eng- 
land, the fomier a gardener by occupation. They emigrated to America about 
1869 and are still living, being residents of Port.smouth. Their children were: 
Elizabeth, wife of Frederick M. Amazeen; Richard E., the subject of this 
sketch: Charles W'.. a physician of Portsmouth, and Gertrude. 

Richard E. Hannaford was but three years old when he accompanied his 
parents to America. He was educated in the grammar and high schools of 
this city, graduating from the latter. While still attending the high school 
he began industrial life by working in a stationary store and was thus occupied 
for about fi\-e years. He then learned the carpenter's trade with W. A. 
Hodgdon and followed it in all for about four years. At the end of that 
time he began to learn the florist's business, spending some time in Boston 
to learn the arts of designing and decorating. After returning to Portsmouth 
he started in business for himself as florist and has been very successful. He 
has about 14,000 feet under glass and gives steady employment to three 
men. finding his market mostly in this city. A republican in politics, he takes 
a keen interest in local affairs, and was formerly a member of the city's fire 
department, serving as a truck fireman five years and as a member of the 
board of engineers of the department. Mr. Hannaford was married in Jan- 
uary, 1 901, to Miss Irene Louise Bancroft, of Merrimac, Mass., a daughter 
of Leaman E. and Sarah (Pray) Bancroft. Her father was a farmer and 
she was the only child of her parents that grew to maturity. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hannaford are the parents of one child, a daughter. Mildred B. 

LANGDON B. PARSONS, author of tiie Historv^ of the Town of Rye, 
published in 1903, and now a resident of that town, was born in the house 



1124 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

in wiiich he li\es, whicli is now 107 years old, seven generations of the family 
luuing oi:cui)ied it in succession. I\Ir. Pearsons is a son of Thomas Jefferson 
and Eliza (Brown) Parsons, and a grandson on the paternal side of Dr. 
John Wilkes Parsons, who in former years was a well known and popular 
physician here, also serving for a number of years as a justice of the peace. 

Thomas J. Parsons, father of Langdon B., was a merchant. About 1826 
or 1827 he went to the West Indies on business, but subsequently returned 
and was occupied with mercantile affairs here for the rest of his life. He 
was a very prominent citizen, serving as lieutenant-colonel in the First Regi- 
ment of Militia under Governor Hill, and also at different times as a member 
of the legislature and the New Hampshire Senate. In politics he was a 
Jacksonian democrat. Both he and his wife Eliza were natives of Rye. 
They had a family of six children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the 
only one now living. 

Langdon B. Parsons, after attending the common schools in his youth. 
continued it at Hampton Academy, Pembroke, and Phillips Andover Acad- 
emy. His father, grandfather and great grandfather had acquired their edu- 
cation in P'hillips Exeter College. After completing his literary education he 
went to Portsmouth, where he became bookkeeper for Henry F. Gerrish. 
After some time spent in this work, he became associated with his father in 
the latter's store. Subsequently he went to New York, where he became a 
partner with his uncle. Major John Parsons, in 1874, and was thus occupied 
for five years. He then took over the business himself, and also later bought 
out his uncle's business in Cedar Key, Florida, selling out his New York 
• interests in 1887, after which he devoted his time to his Florida interests, 
having as partner Mr. F. E. Hale, the style of the firm being Parsons & Hale. 
In 191 1 he closed out the business and has since lived a retired life in his 
pleasant residence at Rye Center. 

Mr. Parsons was married in 1894 to Miss Annie Locke, a daughter of 
Richard L. and Sarah P. (Jenness) Locke. Her parents, who belonged to 
old time families, were both born in this town, the father being a carpenter 
by occupation. On the paternal side Mrs. Parsons is a descendant of John 
Locke, of Locke's Neck, who was killed by Indians in Colonial days. Mr. 
and Mrs. Parsons are the parents of two children, John Langdon and Corinne 
Brown. The former, born in 1895, was a student at Phillips Exeter Acad- 
emy and subsequently at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The 
daughter, Corinne B., born in 1896, is a student at Wheaton College. Mr. 
Parsons and his family attend the Congregational church. He is a man of 
literary tastes and is well informed on local history, in which he takes a 
strong interest. His work on the history of the town above referred to 
showed his mastery of the subject, and was received with favor by all who 
take an interest in local events. 

JONATHAN JENNESS RAND, proprietor of a good fifty-acre farm 
on the Wallis road in the town of Rye, was born on his present farm, Decem- 
ber 14, 1838, a son of Samuel H. and Emily J. (Jenness) Rand. His father 
was born on this farm and followed fanning all his life. In politics he was 
a republican. They had only one child, the subject of this sketch. 

Jonathan J Rand was educated in the schools of Rye, and then took up 
farming, which has been his life occupation. He was married June 11. 1865, 
to Martha A. ]\Iarden, who was born in Rye. N. H., a daughter of Samuel 
and Cecelia (Foye) Marden, her father also being a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. 



AND RKl'RESEXTATIVE CITIZENS 1125 

Marden had three children: Amanda, who is the widow of John O. Foss; 
Martha A., wife of the subject of this sketch; and Emma, who married 
Adams E. Drake. 

Mr. and Mrs. Rand are the parents of two children, Herman O. and 
Edgar J. The former, who hves in Rye, is a mason by trade. He married 
EHzabeth Rand, who, ahhough of the same family name, is in no way related 
to him. Edgar J. married Clinta C. Knowles, and they have two children, 
Martha Josephine, and Charles Edgar. Edgar J- Rand is a farmer and also 
operates a sawmill on his farm. He served as town treasurer for two years, 
and is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics and of the 
Grange. 

Jonathan J. Rand served formerly on the school board, and in 1899 was 
representative in the legislature from the town of Rye. He belongs to the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he, his wife and family are affiliated 
religiously with the Congregational church. They are representative New 
England people, industrious, thrifty, intelligent and law-abiding, and have 
numeror.s friends in this part of the county. 

CHRISTOPHER S. TOPPAX, a prosperous general farmer and dairy- 
man, owning a tract of 200 acres of land in the town of Hampton, was born 
in this town March 21, 1874, a son of Christopher G. and Anna L. (Bean) 
Toppan. His parents were farming people, the father being a native of 
Hampton, this county, and the mother of Deerfield. Both are now deceased 
and are buried in Hampton. They had three children: Abigail M., wife of 
Edgar J. Bachelder: Mary C, and Christopher S.. subject of this sketch. 

Christopher S. Toppan began his education in the common schools, sub- 
sequently attended the high school and still later took a course at Comer's 
Commercial College at Boston, IMass. He then took up agricultural work, 
in which he has since been engaged. He inherited his present farm from his 
father and keeps two hands employed the year round, shipping his milk to 
Gloucester. A republican in politics, he has ser\-ed the town as selectman 
three years and is treasurer of Hampton Academy. He belongs to the 
Grange and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

IMr. Toppan married Jessie M. Merrill of Newbury, daughter of Willie 
E. and Elizabeth (Knapp) Merrill, her father being a hotel man. There 
were three other daughters in the Merrill family, Ida. May and Nellie, but 
no sons. Mr. and Mrs. Toppan have two children, Christopher Grafton and 
Wilma Merrill. The family attend the Orthodox church. They are well 
known and respected throughout the town. Mr. Toppan being one of Hamp- 
ton's most useful and reliable citizens. 

E. PERCY STODDARD, who is engaged in the real estate and insur- 
ance business at No. 16 Market Square, Portsmouth, N. H., having also been 
active in public life, is one of the city's best known men and enjoys a wide 
popularity. He was born in Portsmouth, January 2, 1877, a son of Deren 
Fox and Mary Joy (Pendexter) Stoddard. His mother is still living in 
Portsmouth, but the father is now deceased. 

Mr. Stoddard was educated in the public schools of Portsmouth, includ- 
ing the high school, and at Dartmouth college. For some years thereafter he 
was engaged in newspaper work. As a member of the republican party he 
entered heartily into public life, showing marked ability as an official, l-'rom 
1903 to 1907 he served as chief deputy U. S. marshal for the district of New 



1126 HISTORY OF ROCKI.XGHAM COUNTY 

Hampshire. In 1910 he was an active and useful member of the city govern- 
ment, serving as councihnan at large. Elected to the legislature in igio and 
191 J, he took special interest in the armory bill, giving it persistent attention 
when others interested had despaired of its success. He also serv-ed efficiently 
as a member of the Committee on Insurance, was an active worker on the 
floor, often speaking impressively, and at all times lalx)ring earnestly for the 
public interest. His success as a business man has also been pronounced. 
The insurance agency of which he is proprietor was established in 1863. It 
includes insurance of every description. Mr. Stoddard also furnishes surety 
and excise bonds, and deals in summer estates, both for lease and for sale. 
As a Free ]\Iason ]Mr. Stoddard has advanced to the thirty-second degree; 
he is a Knight Templar and "Shriner," an Elk and a Knight of Pythias. An 
enthusiastic and popular club man, he holds membership in the Warwick, 
Country, Yacht and Athletic Clubs of Portsmouth. Religiously he belongs 
to the Congregational church. As he has yet barely reached the priiue of 
life, doubtless Fortune has much still in store for him, both as to self-ad- 
vancement and service for others. 

MARTIN A. HIGGINS, M. D., who is engaged in medical and surgical 
practice in Portsmouth, N. H., having an office at No. 45 Pleasant Street, 
was born in this state, November 12, 1883. He was the youngest of ten 
children of his parents, who were respectively Andrew and Bridget (Hanni- 
gan) Higgins. He was educated in the public schools at Somersworth, N. 
H., and later attended the Baltimore Medical College, froiu which he was 
graduated in 1907. In October of that year he located in Portsmouth, where 
he has since practiced his profession. A thoroughly competent man in every 
way, he has been successful and has made many friends. He is identified 
with the Portsmouth Medical Society and the Rockingham County Medical 
Society. Fraternally he belongs to the Elks, of which order he is treasurer; 
the Knights of Columbus, of which he is Examining Physician ; the Forrest- 
ers; and the Eagles. He was married on July 13, 1913, to ^liss Kathryn 
Casey and they reside at No. 83 Pleasant Street. He is a member of the 
Roman Catholic Church. 

HON. WILLIAM B. UNDERHILL. county commissioner and a pros- 
perous farmer of Chester, who is president of the school board of this town, 
was born in Chester, N. H., August 19, i860, a son of Lieut. John Underbill. 
His father, who was born in Chester in 1834. was nephew of the late Benjamin 
Chase, a prominent citizen and author of the History of Chester. His mother 
was Molly Chase, a daughter of Benjamin Pike Chase, who was the first 
sheriff here in early days. Lieut. John Underbill was one of Chester's most 
prominent citizens, as serving as sergeant at arms in the state house of 
representatives for many years. He was also one of the prominent shoe 
manufacturers of the state. He enlisted in Capt. Patten's Company, Co. I, 
Eleventh New Hampshire V'olunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war, 
was made sergeant of the company and was severely wounded at Fredericks- 
burg, being for several months in the hospital at Baltimore, Md. \\'hen par- 
tially recovered he returned home, but as soon as he was able to get about 
he, with Capt. William S. Greenough, raised a company, he being made first 
lieutenant, and going to the front, served all through the rest of the war. 
He took part in the Grand Review at A\'ashington and was mustered out 
as captain, but was brevetted colonel. One of the most widely known men 




WILLIAM K. rXDEKHII 




LIKIT. .lolIX INDKKHILL 




i'HAKLi;s sAi;i;r.xr i xdkkiiill, m. d. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1129 

in Rockingham County, he was highly esteemed and at chfferent times held 
all the various offices in the gift of his fellow townsmen, heing representative 
to the legislature in 1S72-73. He died July 18, 1894. 

William B. Underhill was reared and educated in the common schools at 
Chester and early in life entered the shoe factory of his father. Suhse- 
quently he was with Coburn & Fuller and Perkins & Hardy, and indeed has 
been identified with the shoe manufacturing industry of Rockingham County 
from early boyhood until four years ago, when he retired on account of his 
health and has since given his attention to his farm. Some twenty years ago 
he bought the old Bell property, which is now on the line of the Chester and 
Derry Electric Railway. When it came into his possession it was much 
run down, owing to lack of care, but he has since made it one of the most 
attractive homesteads to be found in this section. 

Mr. Underhill has always been an up to date and progressive citizen, 
ever ready to lend his aid and influence to better local conditions, and not local 
conditions merely, but those affecting the county and state. He was repre- 
sentative to the state legislature in 1905, has served on the board of select- 
men, also on the board of education for four years and has just been elected 
for another three years. He is a member of Echo Lodge. I. O. O. F., of 
Derry; past councillor of Burnside Council of the Junior Order of American 
Mechanics, and member of Chester Grange, P. of H. 

Mr. Underhill was married April 30, 1885, to Sarah Ruth, daughter of 
Charles P. R. Sargent and his wife Orissa A. True! Sargent. Mr. and Mrs. 
Underhill have two children: Carrie A., wife of Josiah Richardson of 
Candia. X. H., and Dr. Charles Sargent, of wliom the following is a brief 
record. 

Dr. Charles Sargent Underhill in his boyhood attended the common schools 
of Chester, Pinkerton Academy, Mt. Hermon, and was later graduated from 
Ballon and Hobigan's preparatory school at Boston, Mass. He entered the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons at Boston in the fall of igo8 and was 
graduated M. D., June 12, 1912, as valedictorian of his class. He attended 
clinics at the Boston Hospital, the Boston Dispensary and the Society of the 
Tying-in-Hospital of New York City. On June 17, ic;i2. he passed the 
medical examination of the State Board of Maine, and is now located at 
Franklin, Me., where he has built up an extensive practice. He is a member 
of the county and state medical societies, member of Chester Grange and of 
Adelphi Lodge, F. and A. M. of Boston. Mass. 

Mr. and Mrs. Underhill are affiliated with the Congregational church. 
He was elected on the repulilican ticket as a member of the Board of County 
Commissioners. 

HENR'^' H. DUTTON. a well known merchant of Portsmouth, whole- 
sale dealer in butter, cream, cheese and eggs, at No. 21 High Street, was born 
in Craftsbury, Vt.. June 18. 1854. His parents were Amasa P. and Mary 
(Mason) Dutton, the father a native of Royalton. Vt., and the mother of 
Hanover. N. H. They were residents of Craftsbury from the time of their 
marriage until their death. Amasa P. Dutton being a farmer. Their children 
were: John Mason. Eliza, wife of LeForest Thompson. Henry H., subject 
of this sketch, and Edwin Amasa. The paternal grandfather of our subject 
was Amasa Dutton. 

Henry H. Dutton was educated in the common schools and at Craftsbury 
Academy. He then engaged in farming and was thus occupied for fifteen 



1130 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

years, the first two years with his fatlier and subsequently for himself, own- 
ing his own farm. During the last three years of this period he was engaged 
in the butter business. He then, about twenty-two years ago, came to Ports- 
mouth and purchased his present business from C. H. Clough, who had bought 
it from the original founder, William Conn. He has been successful in this 
enterprise, has a commodious, clean and up-to-date establishment, conven- 
iently located, and gives employment to four men and a bookkeeper. He has 
a good market in Portsmouth and the surrounding towns. 

Mr. Dutton was married in 1876 to Jennie P. Lyon, who was born in 
Craftsbury. Vt., a daughter of William H. and Harriett (Pearson) Lyon, 
the father being a farmer and blacksmith. Their other children were Royal ; 
Harriett, wife of Dr. W. Dustin, and Ida, wife of Dr. A. A. Cheney. Mr. 
and Mrs. Dutton are the parents of children as follows : Leona Eliza, who 
married Percy Davis and has a daughter, Jeanette; Nina M.. wife of John 
Batchelder; Julius M., who is employed by his father in the store, and Har- 
old L.. who will graduate this summer (1914) from the University of Penn- 
sylvania. Mr. Dutton belongs to the Masonic order, in which he has taken 
tiie 32d degree: also to the Odd Fellows. The family attend the Congrega- 
tional church. 

HJSb^l'H W. M.VRDFN. a prosperous contractor and builder of Ports- 
moudi, N. H., was born in Massachusetts, February 10, 1S40, a son of 
George and Sarah (Page) Marden. The father and mother of our subject 
were natives respectively of Portsmouth, N. H.. and Stoughton, Mass. Both 
are now deceased and are l)uried in Stoughton. The father, George Marden, 
was in early life a boot maker and later a railroad man. They were both 
members of the L'niversalist church and were popular in the locality where 
they resided. Their children were: George \V., Sarah Helen, Joseph \V., 
Massena, Charles, Martha Louise, Simeon and Edward L. 

Joseph \V. Marden acquired his education in the common schools and 
subse(|uently served a three years' apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. 
.\fter the breaking out of the Civil war he enli.sted for three years in Com- 
pany I, Twelfth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers, and served twenty- 
one months, being then honorably discharged on account of disability. On 
returning home he resumed work at the carpenter's trade, working for awhile 
as journeyman but later starting business on his own account. He has since 
continued in this line of industry — a period of thirty-three or thirty-four 
years — :md is conducting a prosperous business, giving employment to about 
five men He does considerable business in tar and gravel roofing, being the 
oldest rnnfer in the state. A republican in politics, he takes a good citizen's 
interest in local affairs, and ser\-ed the town four years as assessor. He is a 
meml)er of the Union Veteran Union and of the Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Golden Eagle, 
Junior Order American Mechanics, Pilgrim Fathers, Daughters of Liberty. 
Joy Temple Auxiliary branch of Eagles and Pythian Sisterhood, which he 
attends with his wife. Mr. Marden has been twice married: first to Mary P. 
Hammond of Eliot, Me., w'ho died leaving five children — Carrie C, Paul, 
George, John and Sarah. He married secondly Mrs. Lydia D. Merrill, whose 
maiden name was Lydia D. Watterman, she being the widow of Charles W. 
Merrill. Of this marriage there have been no children. 

ANDREW G. LOCKE, owner and proprietor of a l)lacksniith shop at 
Rve Center, N. H., was born in Portsmouth, N. IL. Tulv 2. 1868. His father. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1131 

James G. Locke, who was born in Rj-e, was agent for the h^ank Jones Brew- 
ing Company and was a democrat. His wife, tlie mother of our subject, was 
from Soutli Berwick. Me. They attended the Eree Baptist church. 

Andrew G. Locke, who was the only child of his parents w-as educated in 
the common schools and at the Lewis E. Smith Business College in Ports- 
mouth. He then learned the blacksmith's trade in Portsmouth, serving a 
three years' apprenticeship and immediately after, in 1889, opened his present 
business at Rye Center, where he has since resided. He has never worked 
as a journeyman, believing it better policy to work for himself. He is a 
democrat in politics, but not a strict party man, reserving the right to vote 
independently upon occasion. He is a nieml^er of Rye (irange and of the 
Junior Order American Mechanics. 

Mr. Locke was married October 20, 1897, to Ella B. Haley, who was 
born in Nova Scotia, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah J. (W'elner) Haley 
of that province. Her mother now resides in Dover. N. H., where Mr. Haley 
was engaged in farming until his death. The children in the Haley family 
are: Phoebe, wife of Nat Brown: Martha, wife of Frank Prescott: Ella B., 
now Mrs. Locke : Harvey Howard, and Minnie, residing at home. Mr. and 
Mrs. Locke have a son, Edson Gardner, who is attending the high school at 
Portsmouth. 

GEORGE L. GARLAND, a general farmer owning forty acres of land 
in North Hampton, was born in South Boston, INIass., September 12. 1852, 
son of Samuel and Sarah T. (Moore) Garland. The father, a native of 
Rye. N. H.. followed the business of teamster in Boston. His wife was from 
North Hampton, this county. Both are now deceased and are buried here, 
Samuel Garland spending his latter years here on the farm now owned by 
our subject. He and his wife attended the Congregational church. 

George L. Garland was nine months old when he came with his parents 
to North Hampton, and he was their only child that attained maturity. He 
was educated in the common schools and has spent his life on his present 
farm, which he inherited from his father. A republican in politics, he served 
as selectman three years, as a member of the school board eight years, and 
was representative to the legislature from North Hampton in 1897. 

Mr. Garland married Isadora Page, who was bom in this town, daughter 
of Simon D. and Judith ( Rollins) Page, among whose four children was 
Calvin, now the Hon. Calvin Page, one of the foremost citizens of Ports- 
mouth, a sketch of whom may be found elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Gar- 
land died in January, 1913, having been the mother of four children, namely: 
Bessie, deceased, who was the wife of Webster Hobbs; Flora, wife of Rev. 
Martin ]\Ievis: Samuel P.. who married Ida Tarr and has two children. Page 
and Ethel: and Georgia E., residing at home. Mr. (larland and family 
attend the Congregational church. He is a prosperous and respected citizen, 
and in addition to general farming, is engaged in dairying, shipping his milk 
to Salem, Mass. 

CH.\RLES \\'. SPEAR, postmaster at Rye Beach, was born in the town 
of Rye, Rockingham County, N. H., May 2^. 1(857, a son of Samuel B. and 
Adeline (Cook) Spear, his parents being both natives of Boston, Mass.. 
where the father followed the trade of painter. Both are deceased and are 
buried at Ouincy. ]\Iass. They attended the Christian church. Their chil- 
dren were: Samuel: Adeline, now deceased, who was the wife of lames \V. 



1132 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Barton of North Hampton, and Charles W. The paternal grandfather was 
George W. Spear. 

Charles W. Spear was edncated in the common schools and then learned 
the painter's trade, which he followed for fifteen years. In 1890 he was 
appointed postmaster here by President Harrison, and has conducted the 
office ever since. He is a republican in politics. He is a member of the 
Masonic order, belonging to St. John's Lodge at Portsmouth and to other 
divisions of the order, including the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the 
Knights of Pythias at North Hampton and to the Junior Order American 
Mechanics. 

Mr. Spear was first married in 1879 to Lizzie S. Remick, of which union 
there were born two daughters: Elverine, wife of Warren B. Scrannage, 
who has a daughter, Mildred; and Mary Frances, who is deceased. Mr. 
Spear married secondly December 17, 1889, Mary L. Marden, a native of 
Rye and daughter of Levi W. and Emma R. (Downs) Marden, her father 
being a son of William Marden and her mother a daughter of Edward 
Downs. Her parents were natives of Rye, her father being a farmer. Their 
children were : Annabelle, wife of Rev. E. R. Phillips, a minister of the 
Christian church at Woodstock, Vt. ; Mary L.. now Mrs. Spear; and ^^'ilber 
L., who is a farmer in Rye. Mrs. Spear is a member of the Daughters of 
the American Revolution, Exeter Chapter, numbering Revolutionary soldiers 
and patriots among her ancestors, and is also a member of the Eastern Star. 

AARON A. WILSON, proprietor of a flourishing sawmill and lumber 
industry in the town of Windham, was born January 3, 1848, in Windham, 
N. H., a son of Samuel and Naomi .\. (Anderson) Wilson. The father, born 
in Windham about 1828, died in this town in 1874. In his younger days 
he was actively connected with the militia, organizing a company, of which 
he was captain, and which he drilled thoroughly. He was ciuite a prominent 
citizen, operating a sawmill, and for a number of years was station agent. 

Aaron A. Wilson was reared and educated in this town and early in life 
engaged in the sawmill and lumber business, with which he has been identified 
ever since he was si.xteen years old. He now owns a portable mill and is 
engaged in cutting up his own timber into lumber. Mr. Wilson was married 
December 9, 1884, to Miss Mary Junier, of New York State. They are the 
parents of two children, Aaron H. and Clarence H., liDtli of whom are resid- 
ing at home. Aaron H. Wilson is a draughtsman in the employ of Stone- 
Webster of Boston, while Clarence is an engineer. Mr. Wilson is one, of the 
enterprising and prosperous citizens of Windham, held in high esteem, and 
having a wide acquaintance in this part of the county. 

CHARLES M. RAND, one of the leading contractors and builders in 
Rockingham County, residing in the town of Rye, at Rye Center, was born 
in this town June zy, 1855, a son of Thomas and .Adeline (Rand) Rand. 
His parents, who were farming people of this town, are both deceased and 
are buried here. Their children were as follows: Allen P., Daniel W., 
David L., Charles M.. James B., Christina S.. wife of William J. Evans, 
Abbie, wife of Ruel G. Shapley. and Martha A., widow of Joseph Garland. 

Charles M. Rand was educated in the schools of Rye. When about 
seventeen years old he learned the trade of carpenter in Boston, where he 
remained three years. Subsequently he worked as a journeyman in Rock- 
ingham County until 1888, when he started in for himself. He has been very 




AARON A. WILSON 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1135 

prosperous and is now doing an excellent business, employing fourteen car- 
penters. He also owns 104 acres of good land in Rye, which he rents out. 
He is a member of Osgood Lodge, I. O. O. E. In politics a republican, he 
has served as selectman for three years. 

Mr. Rand was married to Augusta E. Drake, who was born in Rye. N. 
H., a daughter of Orin and Alary (Odirone) Drake, her father being a 
butcher. Her father's family numbers four children: Sarah, wife of Irvin 
Seavey: Morris, Albert H. and Augusta E. (Rand). Mr. and Mrs. Rand 
attend the Christian church. 

'HERMAN A. CLARK, proprietor of a market in Portsmouth, New 
Hampshire, deals extensively in fish, meats and provisions, both retail and 
wholesale, and is owner of a fleet of fishing boats. He has been a resident 
of this city since birth and is a man of wide acquaintance and high standing. 

Mr. Clark was born in Portsmouth, August 21, 1863, and is a son of 
Daniel and Drucilla (Berry) Clark, both natives of New Hampshire. They 
are now deceased and were buried in Portsmouth. He, too, was a fish mer- 
chant. Their children include: Elmer; Herman A.; Allie; William; Frank 
and Charles. 

Herman A. Clark attended the jjublic schools until he was fifteen vears 
old and then became identified with his father in the fish business, which has 
thus far been his life work. In 1886 he was joined in marriage with Miss 
Carrie R. Miles, who is a native of No\'a Scotia, and thev have one son, 
Arthur H. 

Mr. Clark is a stalwart repulilican in politics and was called upon to rep- 
resent his district in the State Legislature. He has been a member of that 
body during the past ten years, serving five successive terms, and has been 
active in furthering luuch important legislation. He also has been a member 
of the Republican City Committee and is chairman of the ward committee. 
In fraternal aiTiliation he is an Odd Fellow. He and Mrs. Clark attend the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

\\TLMOT L^ M.\CE, owner and proprietor of a general store at Rye, 
N. H.. was bom where he now resides, December 29, 1866, a son of William 
R. and Mary (Downs) Mace. Both his parents were natives of Rye, the 
father being a carpenter by occujiation. They were members of the Christian 
church. Their children were: ^^'illiam H., Horace S., Martha A., now de- 
ceased, who was the wife of P'red L. Smart, and Wilmot V.. the subject of 
this sketch. 

Wilmot L'. Mace was educated in the schools of Rye and began industrial 
life in a shoe factory at Haverhill, Mass., where he was employed for thir- 
teen years and a half. He then worked for two years and a half in a shop 
at Portsmouth, after which, coming back to his home town, he started his 
present business. He deals in grain, groceries, etc.. distributing his produce 
mostly by v^'agon. 

Mr. Mace was married August 3. 1902. to Julia A. Reynolds, of Marion. 
Me., a daughter of ^Villiam P. and Hulda N. (Greenough) Reynolds, who 
were farming people. There were eleven children in the Reynolds family, 
nine of whom are now living. Mr. Mace is a republican in politics but re- 
serves the right to vote independently when he sees good occasion. He 
belongs to the Odd Fellows and to the Junior Order of .American Mechanics, 
and he and his wife attend the Christian church. 



1136 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

NATHAN A. McKENNEY, after many years of business activity at 
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is now living in practical retirement, giving 
his attention only to personal realty investments. He engaged extensively 
in carpentering and contracting for many years, and also for a few years was 
in the lumber business in association with Mr. E. J. F. Littlefield. He is a 
man of ability and substance and has always occupied a position high in the 
regard of his fellow men. 

Mr. McKenney was born in Eliot, Maine, August 4, 1845, and is a son 
of Nathan and Caroline (Spinney) McKenney, both natives of Maine, Mrs. 
McKenney having been born in EHot. Both are deceased. The father was 
lost at sea when Nathan was but six months old. The other children of the 
family are Mary Elizabeth, Anna and Julia A., the two last named being 
twins. 

Nathan A. McKenney received but meager schooling in the public schools, 
as it was necessary for him to start work at the early age of ten years. He 
learned the carpenter's trade with B. F. Webster with whom he continued 
four years. He followed his trade in the navy yard, and for a period of 
twenty-five years was in business for himself, engaged in carpentering and 
contracting. In September, 19 10, with E. J. F. Littlefield as a partner, he 
purchased the Thomas Call and Son Lumber Company. In 19 13 he sold out 
his interest in this company, retiring from active business life. His opera- 
tions have been extensive, and he well merits the success which has been his. 

In 1867, Mr. McKenney was joined in marriage with Rose Powell, who 
died in i88j, leaving the following daughters: Anna Gertrude, Esther 
Maude, Bertha Emiua, and Susan Lillian. In March, 1885, he was married 
to Mary Ellen Burke, who was born in Portsmouth, and is a daughter of 
Da\id and Hannah (Orne) Burke, her father being a native of Nova Scotia 
and her mother of Durham, N. H. Religiously, they attend the Hanover 
Street Advent Church. 

WARREN P. HORNE, a prominent citizen of Derry, N. H., where he 
is engaged in the real estate business, was born in Derry, N. H., in 1843, ^ 
son of Peter J.. Home. The father, a native of Farmington, N. H., settled in 
Derry just before the birth of our subject. He was identified with the lumber 
business all his life. 

Warren P. Home was educated at Pinkerton Academy. At the age of 
eighteen years he enlisted in Company F, Eighth Regiment New Hampshire 
Volunteer Infantry, being mustered into service at Manchester, N. H. The 
regiment was sent to Fort McComb, Boston, then transferred to Ship Island 
and thence was sent to New Orleans. Here he was taken sick with bowel 
complaint, from which he has never fully recovered, and on account of disa- 
bility was discharged from service in 1863. He then returned to Derry and 
was here about two years, going at the end of that time to Farmington, 
where he engaged in fanning. Returning again to Derry, he engaged in the 
lumber business here and followed it until about twelve years ago. Then, 
having, a farm on land that is now included within the limits of the village, 
he decided to enter into the real estate business, platting out his land and 
building a number of dwelling houses and tenement blocks, which he is now 
engaged in looking after. He has also other business interests, being a. 
member of the board of directors of the Derry Electric Light Company and 
a director in the Derry Building Association. 

Mr. Home takes a more or less active interest in politics, being always 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1139 

ready to perform a good citizen's part in promoting good government and 
the general welfare of the community. In igio-ii he was a member of the 
state legislature, serving with efficiency and ever watchful of the interests of 
his constituents. He is commander of Wesley B. Knight Post, G. A. R., 
and also belongs to the Odd b'ellows. Knights of Pythias, Alasonic and several 
other orders. 

Mr. Home was married in 1874 to Miss M. Josephine Ripley, of Wind- 
ham. N. H. Of this union there is one daughter, Edith G., who is the wife 
of Herbert E. Rogers, of Derry, N. H. Mr. Home is past chief patriarch 
of Mystic Encampment, I. O. O. F., and past chancellor of Rockingham 
Lodge, K. of P.. being a member of the uniform rank. H. H. Rose Company. 

Mrs. Home's parents were Nathaniel and Mary (Dustin) Ripley. Her 
father, a native of Duxbury, Mass., settled in Windham in 1835, being sent 
there from the navy yards at Charleston to look after the cutting of timber 
here. His wife, Mary Dustin Ripley, was born in Windham, a daughter of 
Moses Dustin, whose father, Peter Dustin, was one of the most prominent 
citizens of Windham in early days. He was the owner of the first top buggy 
brought to this section of the country. The Dustin line of descent extends 
back to the famous Hannah Dustin of colonial days, whose capture by Indians 
and subsequent self-rescue are familiar to every student of American History. 

Mrs. Home was reared in Windham and was educated in the schools of 
that town and at Pinkerton Academy. She is a cultured and refined lady of 
numerous activities, being identified with a number of societies in which she 
has served as an official. Her society affiliations are as follows : Eastern 
Star, in which she is past grand matron of the Grand Chapter of the state : 
past noble grand of Mizpah Reliecca Lodge; member of the Rebecca .State 
Assembly; past supreme representative of the Pythian Sisterhood of New 
Hampshire; ex-governor of Beaver Colony, L^nited Order of Pilgrim Fathers; 
member of Wesley B. Knight Relief Corps ; member of the Manchester 
Federation of W^ omen's Clubs; member of Minnehaha Council No. 6, 
Daughters of Pocahontas of Manchester; member of Past Noble Grand .Asso- 
ciation of Rebeccas, No. 4. and member and past president of Past Grand 
Matrons and Past Grand Patrons Association of Eastern Star. She was also 
supreme representative to the Spring Temple I'ythias .Sisters' conventiim held 
at San Francisco in 190J. 

CLARENCE I. SHERWOOD, proprietor of the Central Bakery, located 
at No. i6g Congress Street, is one of the substantial citizens of Portsmouth, 
New Hampshire. Through industry and careful management he worked his 
way from the ranks, wholly through his own effijrts. He was born in St. 
John, New Brunswick, March 18, 1872, and is a son of Daniel and Eliza 
(Case) Sherwood. 

Daniel Sherwood was a farmer in New Brunswick, where both he and 
his wife passed their entire lives. They were members of the Baptist Church. 
Their children include: Clarence I.; John; Emma, wife of Wesley Berry;. 
Elizabeth, wife of William Clark; Ada. wife of Frank Downing; Dorcas, 
wife of Albert Randall; Celia, wife of Clinton Frye; Nettie, wife of Edward 
Bryant; Georgia, wife of William Nicks; Alfred; and Bradbury. 

Clarence I. Sherwood attended the public schools until he reached the 
age of fifteen years. He then worked on the fami until he was seventeen, 
when he left the parental roof, coming to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 
Here he followed farming t\\o and a half years prior to taking up the bakery 



1140 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

business. He worked for nine years in tlie employ of George F. Wallis, at 
the end of which time lie bought the bakery in which he worked. Mr. Sher- 
wood has been a resident of Portsmouth about twenty-five years, and his 
bakery was established about thirty-five years ago. He owns the business 
block, located at Nos. 169 to 179 Congress Street, in which his business is 
located. He takes an interest in the welfare of the city, but has never taken 
an active part in politics, being an independent voter. 

October 14, 1905, Clarence I. Sherwood was united in marriage to Miss 
Elva A. Fellows, who was born in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and who prior to 
her marriage taught in the public schools in Massachusetts and New Hamp- 
shire. She is a daughter of Alonzo B. and Henrietta (Wilson) Fellows, 
and was one of the following children : Joseph, Irene, Warren, Elizabeth, 
Reginald and Elva A. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood attend the Congregational 
Church. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masons. 

JOHN E. LOCKE, now living retired in the town of Rye, was born in 
this town August 25, 1835. Both his parents were natives of Rye. The 
father. Elvin Locke, was a farmer and shoemaker. He and his wife, whose 
maiden name was Louise Berry, had eight children, namely: John E.. Mary. 
Oliver E., Charles (deceased), Sarah L. (wife of Clarence Marston), Samuel 
J., Abbie, and Emma, wife of Oliver B. Fogg. 

John E. Locke was educated in the common schools, which he attended 
until he was fourteen years of age. He then began working out on farms 
and was thus occupied for five years, subsequently working for three years 
in the navy yard at Portsmouth. He then went to railroading, which occu- 
pation he followed for forty-eight years, finally retiring from active work 
and taking up his residence on his present homestead, which has been owned 
in the Locke family ever since the time of his great grandfather. 

Mr. Locke is affiliated with the democratic party in politics and for many 
years has been cpiite active in public affairs. He was a member of the con- 
stitutional convention in 1886: alderman from Ward i. Portsmouth, for six 
years ; also rejiresentative to the state legislature for two tennis, and has been 
selectman in the town of Rye two terms. He belongs to St. Andrews Lodge, 
.\. F. & .\. M., and to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

Mr. Locke was first married in 1S62 to Sarah Hayes, a native of Milton, 
N. H. She died in 1877, leaving a son, Charles, now a professor in the 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, at Boston, who married Louise Stew- 
art. ]\rr. Locke married for second wife Laura Hayes, a cousin of his first 
wife, and daughter of Ichabod and Hannah R. ('Jenkins) Hayes. Fler par- 
ents were natives of Milton and were farmers. Their other children were 
George. Hannah. Frances, wife of George Ware, and Charles. Mr. Locke 
and wife attend the Congregational church, with which Mrs. Locke's family 
were also affiliated. 

CHARLES FREDERICK PATTERSON, M. D., who died at Rye, N. 
H., OctobeLii, 1900, after a successful medical practice of some fourteen 
years in that town, was born at Merrimac. N. H.. August 13. 1867. His 
parents were Charles W. and Betsey I. (Bills) Patterson, the father a wheel- 
wright by occupation. They had but two children, John W., who. like the 
subject of this sketch, became a physician, and Charles Frederick. 

Charles F. Patterson acquired a good education, graduating from McGau 
Normal Institute at Reeds Ferry. N. H.. Bryant & Stratton Business College 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1141 

and Dartmouth JNIedical College. Coming to Rye in i8g6, he established an 
office here and it was not long before his abilities were recognized and he 
had become one of the successful and popular physicians of the town. He 
was a member of the Portsmouth Medical Society, the Rockingham County 
Medical and Surgical Societies, the New Hampshire ^Medical Society and the 
American Medical Association. On November 28, 1900, he married Kath- 
erine Drake, who was born in Rye, N. H., December 3, 1866, daughter of 
Charles A. and Helen (Weeks) Drake. Her father, a well known fanner of 
Rye, is still living: her mother is deceased. They had four children: Edwin 
Howard; Elizabeth Martha, who is the wife of Charles F. Smith, a farmer 
of North Hampton: Katherine, widow of Dr. Patterson, and Percy Green- 
ough, a physician. 

Percy Greenough Drake, M. D.. was educated in the town schools of 
Rye and at the Portsmouth high school where he was graduated in 1894. 
After a year during which he was out of school, he entered Dartmouth Col- 
lege in the fall of 1895 and was graduated there in June, 1899. In the fall 
of the same year he entered Harxard ]\Iedical School, being graduated M. D. 
in 1903. He began the practice of his profession at Greenland, N. H., re- 
maining there until October, 1907, when he became a member of the medical 
corps of the U. S. army, and was with the army until February 11, 19 14. 
From December, 1909, to February 14, 191 1. he was in the Philippine Islands 
and was subsequently stationed at Fort McKinley, Maine, until February 11, 
1914, when he resigned from active service. Since then he has been con- 
nected with the Equitable Life Assurance Society as traveling inspector. 

Dr. Patterson was a republican in politics and always took a strong inter- 
est in educational matters, for some time being trustee of the public library. 
He was a member of the Congregational church, as is also Mrs. Patterson. 

COL. GEORGE H. DANA, a retired East India merchant residing in 
Newport, N. H., was born in Boston, Mass., September 2, 1837. Son of the 
late Francis Dana, Jr., M. D., for many years a practicing physician in Bos- 
ton and Cambridge, he comes of old and honored Colonial stock, being a 
member of the Massachusets family of this name that has given to the coun- 
try so many citizens of worth- and distinction. In an article recently pub- 
lished in ]\Iunsey's Magazine it is well stated that "of all .American families 
there are few that can compare, in number of men eminent in various spheres, 
with the Danas.'" Its founder was Richard Dana, who settled at Cambridge, 
Mass., about 1640. Continuing the quotation: "The lives and records of 
those of his progeny who have perpetuated the family name are interwoven 
with the very life of the nation. The)- were soldiers and statesmen: hands 
that helped to lay the corner-stone of the republic : patriots who rallied at 
Bunker Hill, who responded again to the call of freedom in 1812. and who 
in our Civil \\'ar hastened to attest their right to the family name by a dis- 
play of the heroic spirit of their sires." 

Daniel Dana, the fourth son of Richard, owned at one time the greater 
part of Cambridge. This possession was divided among his children. Rich- 
ard, the son of Daniel, was a prominent jurist and patriot. He died in 1772. 
His son, Francis, Sr., was the first chief justice of Massachusetts, and was 
first United States minister to Russia. He married Elizabeth, daughter of 
William Ellery, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He had three 
children — Francis, Edmund, and Richard Henry. The latter was one of the 
founders of the North American Review and author of the "Buccaneer." etc. 



1142 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

The eldest son, Francis, was a merchant, and spent many years in Russia 
and Hamburg. He married Sophia, daughter of President Willard of Har- 
vard College, whose wife was Mary, daughter of Jacob Sheafe of Ports- 
mouth, N. H., and had by her four children — Sophia (afterward wife of 
George Ripley, literary editor of the New York Tribune), Mary Elizabeth, 
Francis, and Joseph. 

Francis Dana, Jr.. tlie father of the Colonel, graduated from Harvard 
College, as did his father before him. He took up the study of medicine at 
the Harvard Medical School, and became a physician of high rank in Boston 
and Cambridge. He married Isabella, daughter of Moses Hazen White, and 
granddaughter of Dr. John Frink, of Rutland, Mass. In religion he was an 
Episcopalian. He lived to the age of 66 years. Of his four children Francis 
and William died young. The others are: Isabella, who resides in Boston, 
and George H. 

Before the war of the Rebellion George H. Dana was engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits in the East Indies. He returned to his native land in 1861 
to join the Northern forces, enlisting in the Thirty-second Massachusetts 
Regiment as second lieutenant. During the war he engaged in twenty-seven 
battles, and was seriously wounded in the arm at the battle of Gettysburg. 
For one year he was on detailed duty, and during a part of that time served 
on the staff of his cousin. General N. J. T. Dana, who was commander of 
the department of West Mississippi. He was made lieutenant-colonel for his 
meritorious conduct and bravery in battle, and his military record is an honor 
to himself and to his noble lineage. At the close of the war he resumed his 
business relations with his partners in the East Indies, and remained there 
until 1870. Returning to the United States, he took up his residence in New- 
port, N. H., spending his summers at Lake Sunapee, where he has large real 
estate interests. 

Colonel Dana was married in 1865 to Frances Matson Burke, daughter 
of Edmund Burke, of Newport. Her father was an eminent lawyer, a mem- 
ber of Congress, and a political writer of national importance. He was com- 
missioner of patents under the administration of President Polk. To Colonel 
and Mrs. Dana one son has been born, the fifth Francis. He is a graduate 
of the Harvard Law School and a member of .the Suffolk County bar. After 
two years spent in the practice of his profession he accepted a professorship 
at St. Paul's School at Concord. He is a man of brilliant literary attain- 
ments, and has already published many well-received stories and poems. His 
first novel, Leonora of the N'awmish. was pulilished in i8()7 by Harper 
Brothers. 

Col. Dana's residence is in Portsmouth for the present, and the fact that 
he is the great great grandson of Jacob Sheafe entitles him to a place in this 
record of Rockingham County. 

J.\ME.S .\. X. RL'GG. a well known wood-worl<er and joiner of Ports- 
mouth. X. H.. is a native of this city and a son of Ivah N. Rugg. His father 
was born in Vermont and was also a wood worker, he and his son. the subject 
of this sketch, being in business together for a number of years. He married 
Olive Ann Brooks of Maine. They were members of Middle Street Baptist 
Church, of whicli he was se.xton for some fifty years. Their children were 
two in numl)er — Ann E.. now deceased, who was the wife of Stephen L. 
Davis, and James A. X. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Elijah 
Ri'gg- 




DAXIKL M. P.OYI) 




MASON BOYD 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1145 

James A. N. Rugg was educated in the common and high schools of 
Portsmouth, after which he learned the trade of joiner and wood-worker 
under his father, with whom he was subsequently in partnership, as above 
narrated. For some time he has done business on his own account and has 
been successful, finding plenty of profitable work in his line. He has taken 
a more or less active part in public affairs, having formerly been a member of 
the city council, and also assessor for a number of years and selectman. 

In 1865 Mr. Rugg married Susan E. Canney, who was born in East Bos- 
ton, a daughter of Benjamin and Emily (Staples) Canney. Her father in 
early life was a stage driver and later a teamster and truckman. There were 
four children in the Canney family — Benjamin F., Susan E., Eliza A. and 
Charles A. Mr. and Mrs. Rugg are the parents of two children — S. Alberta 
and Willis N. The family attend the Christian church, of which Mr. Rugg 
is treasurer. He resides at No. 107 Maplewood Avenue, on which thorough- 
fare he was born and on which he has lived all his life. 

DANIEL M. BOYD, one of the foremost citizens of the town of London- 
derry, was born April 23, 1858, on the farm on which he now resides, a son 
of Mason and Mary Harding (Dodge) Boyd. The Boyd family is an old 
and respected one in this section of the state. William Boyd, grandfather 
of our subject, who died in Londonderry in 1825, at the age of sixty-nine 
years, was born in this section, either in Antrim or Londonderry. He was a 
farmer and well known and respected citizen. He was a member of the 
^Vashington Society and of the Presbyterian church. He married Martha 
Dickey, also of an old family, who was bom in Londonderry in 1780. They 
reared three children, namely : Calvin ; Maria, who married Horace P. 
Watts, and Mason. 

Mason Boyd was born in Londonderry, N. H., August 28. 182 1, and spent 
his life here engaged in farming, stock raising and lumbering. Popular with 
his fellow citizens, he was elected representative to the legislature and also 
served as special appraiser of real estate in Londonderry. He married Mary 
Harding Dodge, a native of Eden, Vt., and of their seven children there are 
now four survivors, namely: Martha J., who is unmarried; Abby E., wife of 
Frank S. Crowell, of Bedford, N. H. ; Daniel M., subject of this sketch, and 
Emma D., who is the widow of Fred A. Young. 

Daniel M. Boyd was reared and educated in Londonderry and has been 
a farmer and dairyman ever since beginning industrial life. He has a fine 
and valuable farm and keeps from 80 to 100 cows, producing on a daily 
average about 100 cans of milk, of eight and a half quarts each, all of which 
he ships to Melrose Highlands, Mass. In addition to this, he carries on 
extensive operations in lumber, buying tracts of timber, which he converts 
into the marketable product. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank 
of Derry. 

Mr. Boyd has served as appraiser of real estate and as representative to the 
legislature. In the last senatorial election, as the republican candidate, he 
had a plurality of over 300 votes over his nearest competitor; but as the law 
required a majority over all, the election went to the legislature and he lost 
by two votes only. Had the law been then as it now is he would have been 
senator. Mr. Boyd is a member of Echo Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of London- 
derry Grange. An enterprising and public spirited citizen, he takes a keen 
interest in whatever is calculated to promote the welfare of the town, and is 
always ready to lend his aid and influence to a worthy cause. On May 7. 



1146 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

1884, Mr. Boyd was united in marriage with Miss Hattie P. MuUins, of 
Londonderry. He and his wife attend the Presbyterian church and are 
popular members of the best society of the town. 

PATRICK W. RIEB, superintendent of the Direct United States Cable 
Company, limited, at Rye Beach, N. H., has been located here for the last 
thirty years, having held his present position for the last two years. He 
was born in Dublin, Ireland, November 5, 1854, a son of John and Mary 
(Byrne) Rieb, the father being a watch maker. 

Patrick \V. Rieb was educated in Dublin by the Christian Brothers. He 
left school at the age of fourteen years and was then employed in a law 
oflice in Dublin for about a year. He then joined the telegraph service, was 
ten years with the government service in Dublin and Bimiingham, during 
which time he edited and published the Telegraph Journal, subsequently 
joining the Direct Cable Company at Chester, England, being clerk in charge 
there for three years. He then came to America to take his present position 
at Rye Beach. 

Mr. Rieb married Annie Smith, who was born at Tipton, England, a 
daughter of Thomas Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Rieb have four children : Wil- 
liam Ernest, an oj^erator in the employ of the Cable Company, Frederick, 
also an operator; George, engaged in the same business: and Florence, wife 
of Alexander J. Yeats, an architect at Boston, Mass. Mr. Rieb is a repul> 
lican in politics, but votes with judgment, occasionally disregarding party 
line. He attends the Congregational church, which he has served as warden 
and treasurer. 

LOUIS M. PACKER, a prominent business man of Derry, N. H., 
proprietor of a plumbing and heating establishment, also a dealer in kitchen 
stoves and tinware, was born in Boston, Mass.. in 1S70. a son of Leander 
and ]\Iarcia (Moss) Packer. He was reared and educated in Boston and 
Lynn, Mass., and after leaving school obtained employment with the Gen- 
eral Electric Company, remaining with that concern for nine years. He 
then engaged in the cigar business in Lynn, and was thus occupied until 1901. 
Coming to Derry in that year, he purchased his present business, which he 
has since carried on successfully. He is also a director in the First National 
Bank of Derry and is interested in other business enterprises. He installed 
the finest plumbing and heating system yet seen in Derry, in the residence 
of J. P. Hardy. Mr. Packer is a member of Echo Lodge, I. O. O. F. ; 
Rockingham Lodge, K. of P., in which he holds the office of keeper of rec- 
ords and seal ; the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and other social 
and fraternal organizations. He was married in 191 1 to Miss Grasa A. 
Wentworth, of I-ynn, Mass.. a daughter of Loren and ]\Iarie Wentworth. 
They have no children. 

HENR^' S. R.\ND. farmer, contractor and builder, owning forty acres 
of land on the \\'allis road in the town of Rye, was born in this town De- 
cember II, 1841, a son of Samuel M. and Dorothy (Closes) Rand. His 
father was a native of this town and a farmer and shoemaker by occupa- 
tion. The mother of our subject was born in Portsmouth. Both are now 
deceased and are buried in Portsmouth. Their children were : .\lbert, 
James M.. William E., Amos, Mary Abbie, wife of Albert B. Trefethen, 
Henrv S.. Charles \V., and Martha, wife of Brackett Green. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1147 

Henry S. Rand was educated in the common schools only and in i860 
started to learn the mason's trade. He worked for other people for awhile 
and then went into partnership with his brother-in-law, Albert B. Trefethen, 
this connection lasting until j\Ir. Trefethen's death, since which time he has 
conducted the business alone. He has given up contracting, ho\ve\er, and 
now gives his attention chiefly to fanning. 

Mr. Rand was first married in 1863 to Mary O. Trefethen. the daughter 
of Joseph P. and Olevia B. Trefethen. Mr. and Mrs. Rand were the parents 
of nine children, namely: Arthur A., who married Elzada A. Odiorne; 
Lizzie A., wife of Herman O. Rand; Harry O.. who married first Lizzie W. 
Rand, and secondly Carrie P'oster; Joseph P., who died in 1874; Estelle AL, 
who also died in 1874: Kate M., who married Orville F. Varrell ; Bert O., 
who died in 1889; E. Justin, who married Beth L. Hoyt: and X. Sherman, 
residing at home. Mrs. Rand passed away in 1892. Ivlr. Rand married for 
his second wife Mary E. Trefethen, the daughter of John I. and Elizabeth 
(Mason) Trefethen. of Newington. X. H. Mr. Rand is a democrat in 
politics and he and his family are affiliated with the Christian church. 

JOSEPH F. HETT, a highly respected citizen of Portsmouth, X'. H., 
is practically living in retirement from business activity, but gives attention 
to his real estate investments and also to the raising of horses. He is a 
native of Germany, the date of his birth being October 16, 1848, and is a 
son of Johanus and Susannah (Boss) Hett. 

Johanus Hett was a carpenter foreman in an establishment in Germany, 
and continued a resident of that country all his life, although he made visits 
to his children in the United States. His wife died about the year i860, and 
he remained unmarried thereafter. Of his children, but one continued to 
live in Germany, that being Anna, who is wife of M. Hett, who bears the 
same name but was of no prior relationship. The other children are : Henry, 
Joseph F., A'alentine, John and August. The two last named are twins. 

Joseph F. Hett attended the common schools in Germany until he was 
fourteen years old, and then learned the framing trade, or as it was called, 
rough carpentering. He continued at that until he was nineteen years old, 
then came to the United States, landing in New York City. He immediately 
came to Newington, Rockingham County, X^ew Hampshire. He worked 
by the month on a farm for about one year, then went into the business of 
caring for other people's horses. This business he started about thirty-five 
years ago and continued it until his retirement about three years ago. A man 
of thrift and industry, he prospered and became a man of substance. 

Mr. Hett was married to Miss Alice Peverly, who was born in Rock- 
ingham County, and is a daughter of Robert and Jane (Sherburn) Peverly. 
Four children are the issue of this marriage: Harold. Ralph. Gertrude and 
Florence (twins), the latter being the wife of Clyde X'orton. Air. Hett 
is a republican in politics and for four years filled the office of street com- 
missioner. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. The family attend the L'niversalist Church. 

A. G. KELLEY, chairman of the board of selectmen of Derrv, X. H., 
was born in this town July 2S. 1866. a son of Patrick and Elizabeth ( White) 
Kelley. Our subject was reared and educated in Derry and for several 
years after leaving school was employed in a shoe factory. He then became 
connected with newspaper v. ork and was thus occupied for four or fi\e vears. 



1148 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Subsequent to this he embarked in the general insurance business and also 
engaged in undertaking, in which occupation he still continues. A democrat 
in politics. Mr. Kelley has long taken an active interest in public affairs. He 
has been five times elected to the board of selectmen, having held that office 
continuously since 1910. He is also judge of the Derry district police courts, 
being appointed to that position by Governor Felker. In 191 1 he was a 
memlier of the New Hampshire legislature. He has also served as chair- 
man of the democratic committee of Derry. His fraternal connections are 
with the Foresters, Red Men, Eagles, Owls, Fraternal Knights of America, 
Sons of Veterans and the Derry Athletic Association, of which last men- 
tioned association he was the main organizer. He is also a member of the 
Board of Trade of Derry and on a number of occasions his aid and influence 
have proved beneficial in advancing the material interests of the town. Mr. 
Kelley was married in 1891 to Miss Lottie M. Cummings, who was born and 
reared in Derry. They have one daughter. Myrtle, wife of William D. Tay- 
lor of Tilton. 

ALBERT F. B. EDWARDS, a Civil war veteran who is connected with 
the mill and lumber interests in the town of Chester, was born in Charlestown. 
Mass., August 23, 1844, son of Samuel W. and Sarah (Underbill) Edwards. 
He was only about eighteen months old when he was brought to Chester by 
his parents, and he was here reared and educated. At the age of eighteen, in 
September. 1862, he enlisted in Company K. Fifteenth N. H. Volunteer 
Infantrv'. being mustered into service at Concord as corporal. Accompanying 
his regiment to New York, they went into camp, where they remained until 
ordered to join Gen. Banks' expedition, when they went direct to New 
Orleans. They took part in the Siege of Port Hudson and were in the 
battles of May 27th and June 14th. After the capture of Port Hudson, 
Corporal Edwards' term of enlistment having expired, he came North to his 
home, but in October, 1864, he re-enlisted in Company D, Eighteenth New 
Hampshire Regiment and was ordered to City Point, Va., where he took 
Dart in the Siege of Petersburg. Later with his regiment, as a part of Grant's 
forces, he took part in the pursuit of Lee as far as Dunwiddie Court House, 
where the Eighteenth New Hampshire was left to guard the south side of the 
railroad. After Lee's surrender, they were ordered to Washington, and were 
there during the trial of Mrs. Surratt for participation in the conspiracy to 
assassinate President Lincoln. After taking part in the Grand Review Mr. 
Edwards was mustered out and returned home. During the following winter 
he worked at shoe making, subsequently engaging in the lumber business, 
with which he has since been identified. Although not an office seeker, he 
takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, and has been supervisor of the 
check list for a number of years and ta.x collector for four years. 

November 21, 1865, Mr. Edwards was first married to Miss Annie E. 
Knights of Chester, who was born in Lowell. Mass. She died October 25. 
1905. having been the mother of four children, namely: Oliver H.. of North 
Weare, N. H. ; Georgiana D., wife of Arthur West of West Lebanon. N. H. ; 
James A., a rural mail carrier residing in Chester, and .Sadie E., wife of 
Arthur Leighton of Chester, N. H. Mr. Edwards married for his second 
wife, on July 10, 1907, Mrs. Hattie M. Rollins of Manchester. N. H. He 
belongs to Bell Post. G. A. R.. of which he is past commander and present 
chaplain, and for the last half century he has been a member of the Methodist 
church at North Chester. 




ALBERT F. B. IOHWARDS 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1151 

WILLIAM M. BALLARD, superintendent of the fire alarm system, 
also inspector of wires, poles and lights for the city of Portsmouth, appointed 
by the council, has served in his present position for the last fifteen years. 
He was born in New Brunswick, September jg, 1862, son of Robert and 
Ann (Carl) Ballard, the father being a lumber dealer. His parents, who 
never came to the States, had three children — Michael. William M. and 
Charles. 

William M. Ballard was educated in the common schools of New Bruns- 
wick. He then took up electrical work with the Western Union Telegraph 
Company and was with them six years. Afterwards he entered the service 
of the Boston & Maine Railroad, in the electrical department, and is still 
employed by them. He has been a resident of Portsmouth for the last thirty 
years and is a widely known and respected citizen. Mr. Ballard married 
Miss Margaret Falvey, a native of Portsmouth and daughter of Jeremiah 
and Ann (McCarthy) Falvey. He and his wife are the parents of a son 
and daughter — Robert J. and Alargaret G., whose record in brief is as fol- 
lows : 

Robert J. Ballard was educated in the public schools of Portsmouth, and 
at the Catholic University of America, at Washington, D. C, where he 
took a four years' course in electricity. To gain further experience he 
traveled for several years, subsecjuently establishing himself in business in 
Portsmouth as electrical contractor and dealer in electrical supplies. He 
married Lena Lakin and they have one daughter, Margaret Lucile. Mar- 
garet G. Ballard was educated in the public schools, and graduated in 1913 
from the high school, in 191 2- 19 13 taking a post-graduate course and is 
now engaged in the study of languages at Smith's College, Northampton. 
Mass. 

Mr. William M. Ballard is a republican in politics. He belongs to the 
Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Foresters, the Ancient Order of 
Hibernians, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He and his 
family are affiliated with tlie Catholic church. 

ELI N. MARCOTTE, a well known business man of Fremont, Rock- 
ingham County, X. H.. where he conducts a livery stable, and also deals 
largely in coal, wood and ice. was born at St. George De Windsor, Province 
of Quebec. Canada. February 5. 1878. He is a son of Leopold and Georgia 
(Benoit) Marcotte. now residents of West Derry, N. H. The subject of this 
sketch was the eldest of seven children. He was given a good education, 
attending the schools of St. George and later Richmond College. Leaving 
Canada in 1890, he located in Manchester, N. H., later going from there to 
Epping, but in 1892 he settled in Fremont. For ten years he was employed 
in cooper shops, during which time he saved a considerable portion of his 
earnings. Having thus accumulated sufficient capital, he engaged in the 
liver)- business here and also established his present business in coal, wood 
and ice. He has been successful and is now regarded as one of the prosperous 
and substantial citizens of the town. On January ist. 1896. he was mar- 
ried to Annie Belle Clemens of Fremont, and three children have been born 
to them, Minnie M.. X'ictor B. and Leslie B. Mr. Marcotte is serving in the 
office of fire warden of Fremont. He is a Catholic in religion, and in all 
things a reliable and enterprising citizen, enjoying a high degree of popu- 
laritv with his fellow townsmen. 



1152 HISTORY OF ROCKIXXxHAM COUNTY 

HERBERT L. TAYLOR, M. D., one of the prominent members of 
the medical profession in Portsmouth, X. H.. was born in this city, June 19, 
1877, being one of a family of three children born to Charles William and 
Dina (Meads) Taylor. He was educated in the public schools of Ports- 
mouth, including the high school, and studied pharmacy, becoming a regis- 
tered pharmacist in N. H., Massachusetts and Maine in 1898; he attended 
one year of lectures at Tufts College Medical School and three years at 
the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Pa., where he was graduated 
in 1902. Immediately after he became connected with the Jewish hospital 
of that city, where he remained for about two years as resident physician 
and surgeon. Then going to Xew York he became assistant house surgeon 
at the New York Lying-in Charity Hospital, remaining there for about 
one year. In 1905 he can-he back to Portsmouth and took up the practice 
of his profession here, where he has since remained. He has been very suc- 
cessful and is highly thought of, both as physician and surgeon. At pres- 
ent he is serving on the staff of the Portsmouth Hospital, and is one of the 
prominent surgeons of the state. He is a member of the Portsmouth Medi- 
cal Association, the Rockingham County Medical Association and the Ameri- 
can Medical Association. His society affiliations are with the Masonic order 
and the Warwick Club. He has served as city physician and was chairman 
of the Board of Health of Portsmouth. Dr. Taylor married Miss Mabel A. 
Grundy, in Boston, June 29, 1907, and they are the parents of a daughter, 
Constance Jeanette, whose birth took place May 26, 1912. In politics he 
is a republican. 

JOHN S. CARLL. who conducts his Ijusiness under the name and style 
of Carll and Company, is engaged in teaming of all kinds and deals in lime, 
cement, sand and gravel for builders. Pie also has a blacksmith and gen- 
eral repair shop. He is a self-made man in every sense of the word, and 
owes his success in business to his energy and thrift, combined with careful 
management. He was born in South \\'aterboro, Maine, May 7. 1875, and 
is a son of John Sayward and Susan A. ( Roberts) Carll, both now deceased. 

John Sayward Carll was born in Waterboro, Maine, as was also his 
wife, and followed farming during his active career, but the last years of 
his life were spent in retirement in Portsmouth, N. H. His family con- 
sisted of the following children: .\da V.. wife of Dr. Walter J. Downs; 
Walter H. and Warren R., twins: Eilward E., Samuel J., Eugene H. and 
John S. 

John S. Carll attended pul.ilic schools in his native town. He followed 
farming with his father until he came to Portsmouth in 1901. Here he 
started teaming, and as his success became assured he added the other 
features of his business. He started with but two horses and a wagon, and 
now he employs an average of twelve men. 

In 1896 Mr. Carll was married to Addie E. Townsend. who also was 
born in South Waterlx)ro, Maine, and is a daughter of John L. and Melissa 
( AX'akefield ) Townsend. Her father was born in Lyman, jNIaine, and her 
mother in Hollis, Maine. He was a farmer and was a soldier in the Union 
Army during the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend had six children, as 
follows: Louis A., Mabel F., LeRoy E., Addie E., W'illie H. and Clarence 
W. To the subject of this record and his w^ife were born two daughters, 
Mildred T. and Ina L., both of whom attend Portsmouth High School. Mr. 
Carll is a republican in politics but is not unswerving in his allegiance to 




ALMAXDHl; ClirKl'IllLL 



AND REPRESEXTATIVE CITIZENS 1155 

that party. He is a member of the Kniglits of Pythias and is now ser\ing 
his third term as captain of the Uniform Rank, K. P. He also is a memlier 
of the Royal Arcanum, the New England order of Protection and the Junior 
Order United American Mechanics. Religiously he and his family attend 
the Baptist Church. 

JOHN S. CORSON, a well known and prosperous business man of 
Hampstead, N. H., where he is now engaged in the insurance business, was 
born in Somersworth, N. H., January 20, 1856. His parents were Avender 
and Laura A. (Wheeler) Corson, and he is a grandson on the paternal side 
of Nathaniel Corson, who resided in Lebanon, Me. 

Avender Corson, father of John S., was born in Lebanon, Me., Feb- 
ruary 13, 1830. He was a farmer and shoemaker by trade, and for a num- 
ber of years was foreman in a factory at Lawrence, Mass. He served in 
the Civil war from 1863 to 1865. His religious affiliations were with the 
Baptist church. By his wife Laura, who was a daughter of Thomas R. and 
Abigail T. (Little) Wheeler, he had five children, namely: Ella V., who 
married Albert Little; John S., subject of this sketch; Flora A., who mar- 
ried James \V. Sanborn; Abbie AL, who married H. W. Tabor, and Fred 
W. The father died in 1892. 

John S. Corson accompanied his parents when they moved to Lawrence, 
Mass., where he remained until 1865. In 1870 he came to Hampstead, 
where, as above stated, he is now engaged in the insurance business. He 
has taken an active part in public affairs, serving as tax collector from 1886 
to 1890, in the latter year being elected town clerk, which position he still 
holds, in addition to that of selectman, having been chairman of the board 
for six consecutive years. For the last twenty years he has been a trustee 
of the public library. He served four years in the New Hampshire Legis- 
lature, 1909-1913. He belongs to St. Marks Lodge, A. F. & A. M. at Derry, 
of which he was master for two years ; to the Knights of P}'thias and Junior 
Order of American Mechanics, and the Grange. In 1875 Mr. Corson mar- 
ried Mary E. Clark, daughter of John H. and Clara A. (Kent) Clark. Their 
children are: Edwin L., born December 7, 1875, and Harold E., born July 
23, 1877. 

ALMANDER CHURCHILL, a well known citizen and real estate 
owner of Exeter, N. H., was for many years one of the prominent merchants 
of the cit}-. He was born in New ■Market, N. H., July 14, 1834, a son of 
Nathaniel Churchill Ijy his wife, Sophia — in maidenhood Sophia K. King. 
The paternal grandparents of our subject were Joseph and Sally (Tash) 
Churchill. 

Nathaniel Churchill was one of the old time merchants of Exeter, start- 
ing business here in 1844, previous to which time he was in partnership with 
his brother Daniel, one conducting a store at New Market and the other at 
Durham. He died in 1897 and was buried at Exeter. In politics he was a 
democrat and his religious affiliations were the Baptist church. His wife, 
who was a daughter of Thomas and Kezia King, was also a member of that 
church. They were married in New Market, which was his native town. 
Their children were : Addison ; Rosina ; Almander ; Nathaniel, Jr. ; Jasper 
Hazen (ist), who died young; Sylvester E. (ist), who died young; Sophia 
(ist\ who also died yoimg; Jasper Hazen (2d); Sophia Helen, and 
Sylvester E. (2d). Of the above mentioned family the subject of this sketch 
is the only one now living. 



1156 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

After leaving the common schools Almander Churchill attended Durham 
Academy and was also graduated from the Exeter high school in the class of 
1852. He then went to Lowell, Mass., where he took a commercial course 
at a business college, at the same time studying languages out of school hours 
with the intention of going to college. He subsequently, however, entered 
business life, at first as clerk for his father, being thus occupied for about 
a year. Leaving here, he again went to Lowell, Where he obtained a position 
as" clerk, and was later clerk at a wholesale dry goods house in Boston. He 
then went to New York as salesman for Bradley & Smith. After one year 
with them as clerk, he became a member of the concern, being thus con- 
nected with them from 1864 to 1870. He then sold out on account of ill 
health and returned to Exeter, doing little for a year except to lead an active 
outdoor life in order to recover his health. Having achieved this object he 
began business in Exeter, in 1871, as a merchant and was thus engaged until 
1890, when he retired from mercantile life, after a successful career. He is 
now engaged chiefly in looking after his own real estate, and is widely recog- 
nized as one of the substantial citizens of the town. Mr. Churchill is a dano- 
crat in politics and takes an interest in public affairs, casting his vote as a 
good citizen, but has never sought office. He belongs to the Masonic order, 
and was made a Master Mason in Sagamore lodge in New York City. 

He was first married July 26. 1855. to Miss Clara French Taylor, who 
died March 29. 1856, leaving a daughter. Clara Sophia. He married secondly, 
July 2, 1857, Miss Catherine C. Packard, who died after many years of 
happy married life December 19, 1897. She was the mother of six children: 
Carrie H., who married Arthur S. French, but is now deceased; Frank A.: 
Fred S. ; James L. (ist), who died yoimg; Kitty B., also deceased, and 
James L. (2d). On July 6, 1899, Mr. Churchill contracted a third marriage, 
to Mrs. Louise I*". Churchill, widow of Addison Churchill, a brother of the 
subject of this sketch. Ten years later she also passed away, dying Octol>er 
6, 1909. Though advanced in years Mr. Churchill is still hale and hearty and 
is spending the evening of life in the enjoyment of an ample competence. 
His surviving children are all worthy and useful and, for the most part, pros- 
perous members of the communities in which they respectively reside, at 
whose homes he is ever a welcome guest. 

CHARLES EDWARD HODGDON is an enterprising citizen of Ports- 
mouth who takes a prominent part in civic affairs, and as an ice dealer car- 
ries on a large and prosperous business. He was born October 2~, 1S48, his 
birthplace being the farm he now owns and occupies. 

Mr. Hodgdon comes of a race of sturdy and prosperous farmers. 

Nicholas Hodgdon, his first ancestor to settle in this country, came from 
Scotland and was granted land March 9, 1636, in Hingham, Mass., after- 
ward living in Newton, Mass. In 1656 he moved to Kittery, Maine, and was 
granted land from the town, October 15, 1656. He married, in 1639, Esther 
\\'ines; they had several children. One son. Jeremiah, born in Hingliam 
1643, married in 1666 Anne Thwaits and settled in Portsmouth, afterwards 
in New Castle, N. H. They had four children. One son. John, born in 
Portsmouth, N: H., was a blacksmith; married Mar\- Hoyt of Newington. 
N. H., and settled in Newington. In 1713 he signed a petition for the set- 
tling of a minister in Newington. They had two children, Jeremiah and 
John, Jr. John Hodgdon, Jr., was born in Newington in 1708; married, 
January 30, 1729, Mary Decker, who was born in 171 1. They lived in 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1157 

Newington, where his wih was written, November 2. 1782. and probated 
July 17, 1793. Of this union was born Benjamin Hodgdon, Sr., the next 
in line of descent. This gentleman added to his agricultural labors the work 
of carpentry. He spent his life in Newington. He signed the Revolutionary 
Test and served in the continental anny from that town. He married a 
Miss Rosamond Coleman of that place. Their son Ephraim. grandfather 
of Charles E. Hodgdon, was of a more adventurous spirit than his prede- 
cessors, and moved from place to place, though always following agricul- 
ture as a means of earning a livelihood. He spent the latter part of his life 
in Portsmouth. His wife was a Newington girl, named Abigail Thomas. 

Benjamin Hodgdon, son of Ephraim, was born in Newington, but passed 
much of his boyhood in Portsmouth. After his marriage he purchased a 
farm, April, 1836, on the west side of Woodbury Avenue, a place at that 
time well adapted to agricultural purposes, but now included within the 
city limits. There he passed his life, and died in his ninetieth year. His 
wife, Hannah Frye, a native of Portsmouth, daughter of Isaac Frye, at- 
tained the age of seventy-six years. Her mother's maiden name was Rebecca 
Foster. Isaac Frye and Rebecca Foster were members of the old families of 
Frye and Foster, of Salem, Mass., where they were married and afterwards 
moved to Portsmouth. j\Ir. and Mrs. Benjamin Hodgdon reared four chil- 
dren — Lizzie H., Lydia F., Henry C. and Charles Edward. Henry C. en- 
listed in 1862 in Company K, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Vol- 
unteer Infantry, and died in the service when only eighteen years of age, at 
Fort Wood, Bedloes Island, New York Harbor. 

Charles Edward Hodgdon, the subject of this sketch, was educated in 
Portsmouth, where for some time he was a student at the Woodburj' school. 
In early boyhood, at the age of eleven years, he left school in April, returning 
to school in December each year for four years, and took an active part 
in farm work, and his practical knowledge of agriculture grew with his 
growth. He succeeded his father as owner of the homestead, and has for 
years been engaged in general farming, displaying much enterprise and in- 
genuity in his methods of raising crops. As a dairyman also he has been 
very successful and had fomierly a fine herd of registered Jerseys. At the 
age of nineteen he started in the ice business, beginning in a small way, 
his trade increased from year to year, so that he now has houses with a 
capacity of twenty-five hundred or more tons. The ice is of a fine quality, 
coming from a pond fed by springs, which is drained in the summer season, 
the ground being cultivated to keep the bed of the pond free from weeds 
and grass. 

January 4, 1876, Mr. Hodgdon was married to Martha Jane Locke, a 
native of Rye, N. H., who died in 1879; and on November 30, 1882, he was 
married to Lillie L. Robertson, who was born in Northfield, N. H., daugh- 
ter of Lewis and Lizzie (Carter) Robertson. (See E. S. Stearn"s Gene- 
alogical Family History of N. H., page 486.) By his second marriage he 
has three children — Cora E., Mildred, and Winifred. Cora E. Hodgdon 
married, July 14, 1904, Albert F. Witham. They have four children: Ed- 
ward Forest, bom 1905; Pearl Eloise, born Sept. 15, 1906; John Hodgdon, 
born May 26, 1908, and ^laurice Howard, born March 28, 1910. 

In politics Mr. Hodgdon is a republican, taking an active interest in the 
welfare of his' native city. He was elected alderman in 1895, and reelected 
in 1896. In 1896 he was elected a member of the school board, which office 
he has held continuously to the present time. In 1909 he was elected as a 



1158 HISTORY OF ROfKIN'GHAM COUNTY 

member of the board of assessors, in which office he has also served accept- 
ably up to the present time. He l>elongs to various social and fraternal 
organizations, including Osgood Lodge, No. 48, I. O. O. F., of which he 
has been a trustee for twenty-eight years ; Strawberry Bank Encampment, 
No. 5; Canton Senter, No. 12, P. M., and Union Rebekah Lodge, No. 3. of 
which his wife also is a member. He is also a member of St. John's Lodge, 
No. I, A. F. & A. M., and is a 32d degree member of N. H. Consistory. He 
and his wife are members of Strawberry Bank Grange, P. of H., and Seventh 
Degree National Grange. He attends the Baptist church, of which his family 
are all members. He has been a warden for several years and treasurer for 
seven years. His residence is at No. 1400 Woodbury Avenue. 

ARTHUR C. H.\LL. treasurer and general manager of John Carter & 
Company, Inc., wholesale paper jobbers of Boston, Mass., is a resident of 
Salem Depot, N. H., where his family has been a prominent one for a num- 
ber of generations. He was born in Salem, Februarj- 28, 1863, and is a son 
of Prescott Coburn and Mary Ann ( Macurdy) Hall, and a grandson of 
Alvah and Nancy (Coburn) Hall. 

Arthur Coburn Hall was educated in the public schools of Boston, and 
completed a course of study in Bryant and Stratton's Commercial College. 
He then engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes with his brother, 
their business being an extensive one founded and built up by his father, 
Prescott C. Hall, a business man par excellence whose activity was a large 
factor in the prosperity enjoyed by Salem. Arthur C. Hall had charge of 
the financial affairs of the concern from 1882 until 1886. At the end of that 
time he started in the wholesale paper business with John Carter and Com- 
pany of Boston as assistant treasurer and general manager. At the death 
of Mr. Carter in 1907 Mr. Hall became treasurer and general manager, 
offices he has filled with marked efficiency. He also is the owner of one of 
the finest farms in Salem. For three vears he ser\'ed as a member of the 
water board of Salem. 

June 14, 1893, Arthur C. Hall was united in marriage with Lucretia 
Esther Ward, who was born in Boston, October 30. 1865, and is a daughter 
of Sylvester L. and Mary Ann (Conant) Ward. They have had two chil- 
dren: Marion, born August 20, 1894; and Ralph Macurdy. who died young. 
Fraternally, Mr. Hall is a member of the local grange. Patrons of Husband- 
ry, of which he was treasurer five years, and for four years was governor of 
the Pilgrim Fathers. 

EDIMUND H. WENTWORTH. a well known and respected resident 
of Exeter. N. H.. was born in this town, September 4. 1869, a son of George 
Albert and Emily Johnson (Hatch) \\'entworth. His paternal grandpar- 
ents were Edmund and Eliza (Lang) Wentworth. and his maternal grand- 
parents. Daniel G. and Mary R. (Hall) Flatch. The father of our subject, 
George A. Wentworth, was a graduate of Harvard College. Class of 1858, 
and for thirty-three years or more was professor of mathematics in Phillips 
Exeter Academy. During the last twelve years of his life, which terminated 
May 24. 1906, he was engaged in banking and in the authorship of mathe- 
matical text books, which were published by the well known firm of Ginn 
& Co. of Boston, famous as the publishers of high grade educational works. 
A republican in politics, he served the town of Exeter in some minor offices. 
He and his wife, who died May i, 1895, were attendants of the First Con- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1159 

gregational church. They had three children: Ehen Lang, George, and 
Edmund H. 

Edmund H. W'entworth began his education in the common schools of 
Exeter, and subsequently attended Phillips Exeter Academy for three years 
as a member of the class of 1890. He then took a business course in Bos- 
ton, subsequent to which he was in the employ of the Boston & Maine Rail- 
road, remaining thus occupied from i8go to 1907. Since then he has been 
secretary to his brother, George W'entworth, who publishes mathematical 
text books and resides in Brookline, Mass. 

Edmund H. Wentworth was married October lo, 1894, to Miss Bessie E. 
Stover, a native of Exeter, N. H., and daughter of the late Nathan E. and 
Eveline R. (Strout) Stover. Her parents were both born in Maine, the 
father being an iron moulder and for a number of years an employe of the 
Navy Yard at Portsmouth. They were Methodists in religion. Their fam- 
ily consisted of three children: Albertina (wife of James Bell), Fred H., 
and Bessie E. Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth are the parents of two children — ■ 
George Spencer and Albert E. Mr. W'entworth is a republican in politics, 
although on occasions exercising the right of private judgment in casting 
his vote. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Arcanum. 
The family attend the First Congregational church, of which Mr. and Mrs. 
W entworth are members. 

CHARLES W. HAM, of Portsmouth, N. H., is proprietor of Ham's 
Restaurant and Cafe on High Street, an establishment which needs no intro- 
duction to the people of this city nor its visitors. The excellence of its serv- 
ice, the quality of food served, the absolute freshness of its vegetables (these 
coming direct from Mr. Ham's own truck garden) have given to it a fore- 
most place among the eating places of this section of New England. 

Mr. Ham was born in Portsmouth, N. H., January 22, 1864, and is a 
son of George H. and Josephine ( Gray) Ham, both of whom were bom and 
lived their lives in Portsmouth. The father was a mason by trade and was 
a good home-loving man. de\oted to his family. The children of this family 
were Charles W'., Addie S., deceased wife of Charles E. W'illey: and Eliza- 
beth, wife of Frank Parsons. 

Charles W'. Ham attended the common schools until he was fourteen 
years old. He made his start learning the restaurant business when sixteen 
and his career since has been interwoven with that of the hotel and restaurant 
business. May 23, 1914, marked his twenty-second year in his cafe on High 
Street. A man of ability and foresight, he early realized that in his business 
quality and good service, combined with careful management, were the at- 
tributes essential to success. His success has been merited. 

Mr. Ham was in 1888 joined in marriage with Cecelia Salmon of Ports- 
mouth, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Carey) Salmon. Her father fol- 
lowed the trade of boiler maker. She was one of seven children : Thomas, 
deceased; James, deceased: Mary, wife of E. S. Vail; Cecelia (Mrs. Ham) ; 
Margaret, widow of J. H. Kirvan: Esther, wife of C. S. Pike; and Kitty, 
wife of Frank Tilton. Mr. and Mrs. Ham ha\-e the following children : 
Wesley, who married Gladys Bruett: Harold, who married Helen L. Shan- 
non; Ceceha; George and Charles. Mr. Ham is a member of the B. P. O. E.. 
the Knights of Pythias, and the P(jrtsmoutli Athletic Club. Religiously, 
the family is Catholic. 

Mr. Ham resides on his country estate of five acres, which is located on 



1160 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Middle Road, Portsmouth, N. H. This farm has been in the Ham family 
over 200 years. Mr. Ham's residence, one of the finest in Portsmouth, is 
an old Colonial homestead, but Mr. Ham completely remodeled it and it is 
now one of the finest and most comfortable in the city. Mr. Ham devotes 
considerable of his time to the farm. He, however, does not slight his cafe, 
but directs the management of the cafe. 

.ALFRED N. DOW, formerly a well known and respected citizen of Sea- 
brook, Rockingham County, N. H., was born in this town. October 25, 1841, 
a son of Newell and Nancy (Walton) Dow. In his youth he acquired a 
practical education in the public schools and subsequently learned the trade 
of shoemaker, which he followed for a time but was principally engaged in 
deep sea fishing. May 14, 1 861, he enlisted in Company D, Third Regiment. 
New Hampshire Volunteers, and served until June 2^. 1862, when he was 
honorably discharged at James Island, South Carolina. He then returned 
home and again took up his residence in Seabrook, being engaged in his 
usual avocations for a number of years. His death occurred August 13, 
1909. He was a member of the Grand Anny of the Republic and the Senior 
Order of American Mechanics, and belonged religiously to the Advent church. 
He was also a member of John .\. Logan Post, No. 21, G. A. R. Officer of 
the day for jo years. In the year 1911 the order of the Sons of Veterans 
was instituted in the town of Seabrook, and in his honor it was named the 
Alfred N. Dow Council, No. 21. This order has since been presented with 
a large flag and also a large portrait of Mr. Dow, by his wife, in appre- 
ciation of the honor paid to Mr. Dow. 

November i, 1862, he married Miss Ellen F. Butler, daughter of Michael 
and Mary (Fretson) Butler. Of this union was born one daughter, Annie 
Newell, on September 12, 1863, who died May i, 1864. Mrs. A. N. Dow 
survives her husband and is one of the well known and highly esteemed resi- 
dents of Sealirook. 

D.ANIEL SANBORN, who for many years was one of the pros])erous 
merchants of Exeter, N. H., but is now deceased, was born in Epping, N. H., 
January 30, 1831. His parents, Jeremiah and Mehitable (Wiggin) Sanborn. 
were born natives of this state, the father being a life-long resident of 
Epping, where he served for years as justice of the peace. They had a large 
family of fourteen children, whose names respectixely were Jacob, Harriett. 
Sally. Jay, Daniel, Laura. Harrison, Jeimie, Mary .\ugusta. Alartha. Lizzie. 
James, Warren and Albert. 

Daniel Sanl)orn ac(]uired his education in the district schools. While still 
a boy his father died and he remained with his mother assisting her ti 1 work 
the farm until he had reached earlv manhood. He then entered into the 
butcher business, which he followed thereafter for several years in that 
locality, and subsequently in E.xeter, coming to this city about 1866. Later he 
gave up that business and entered into the clothing business in Exeter, estab- 
lishing the Daniel Sanborn Company, of which he was proprietor until 
his death on .\pril 15, 1913. In politics he was a republican and was once 
reisresentative to the legislature from this district, though not an active 
politician. 

Mr. Sanborn was married b'ebruary 21. 1860, to Martha Hilton, a native 
of New Market. N. H., and daughter of Josiah and Vlartha ( Haley) Hilton, 
her father being a native of New Market and her mother of Exeter. They 




DANIEL 8AXB0EX 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1163 

were farming people, progressive and prosperous and esteemed by their 
neighb(jrs. Their cliildren were Martha, George and Emma, who is the 
widow of Zebulon Sanborn. Mr. and Mrs. Sanborn are the parents of four 
children, namely: Laura, wife of Charles Rowe; Fannie and Frank, who are 
twins ; and Fred, who is a mail clerk and is the executor of his father's 
estate. Fannie is the wife of Frank Sanborn, of Concord, N. H. The family 
attend the Baptist church. They are up-to-date prosperous people, of sterling 
character, and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances in and around 
Exeter. 

FRANK DALE DAVIS, a well known citizen of Salem Depot, Rock- 
ingham County, N. H., has been resident upon his present farm for more 
than thirty years. He has been identified with the shoe industry for years 
and at present is with Geo. \V. Thorn, contractor. Mr. Davis was born in 
Boston, Mass., May 21, 1859, and is a son of Thomas P. and Sarah F. (At- 
v.ood) Davis, a grandson of Isaac Davis, and great-grandson of Isaac Davis. 
It is a very early family of New England. 

Isaac Davis, the great-grandfather, who saw three years' service during 
the Revolutionary War, was born December 24, 1760. He settled in Han- 
cock. N. H., v\'here he lived until his death on August 17, 1820. His wife in 
maiden life was Rachel Adams, daughter of Asa Adams. 

Isaac Davis, son of Isaac and Rachel (Adams) Davis, was born Feb- 
ruary 18, 1776, and was a farmer by occupation. He first married Hannah 
Sargent, by whom he had one daughter, Harriet. After the death of his 
first wife, he married Mary Piper, and their children were: Isaac: Nahum 
P. : Harriet ; Hiram : Hannah S. : Thomas P. : John G. ; Horace ; Mary E. ; 
Rachel M. : Betsy A. and Hymeneus A. 

Thomas P. Davis, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in west- 
ern Vermont, and when young went to Boston, where for a time he worked 
for Dale Brothers. Later he engaged in trucking. He died April 9, 18S2, 
and was survived many years lay his wife, who died on January 2, 1907. Mrs. 
Davis was Sarah F. Atwood prior to marriage and their children were as 
follows; Charles T., born in March. 1857: Frank D. : Henry: Hattie E. A., 
who was born July 9. 1861, and is the wife of Dr. F. A. SpafTord of Flan- 
dreau. .So. Dak. : and George A. 

Frank Dale Davis attended the old Brimmer School of Boston, and then 
entered the Boston office of the Nashua Iron and Steel Company, where he 
was employed for four and a half years. Owing to ill health he left that 
company and in August, 1882, came to Salem, N. H., and purchased the 
farm which has been his home ever since. He was in the employ of P. C. 
Hall & Son, shoe manufacturers, until 1884 and then continued w^th Grain, 
Hall & Company, successors to the former fimi. He w'as subsequently em- 
ployed by J. E. Farrer & Co. and still later by E. Roswell & Co. in the same 
industry. For three years he was with A. E. Goodwin, a general contractor, 
and then for four and a half years clerked in the grocery of J. C. Carey. 
During nine years he was in the sole leather department of the shoe factory 
of F. P. Woodbury & Co. : at present and for the past seven years he has 
worked for Geo. \V. Thom. contractor. Mr. Davis has Ijeen actively inter- 
ested in the afi^airs of Salem and has filled a number of local offices. He is 
a republican in politics and wdien the Australian ballot w^as first introduced 
was elected moderator. He served as such for eight years and after a lap.se 
of time was again elected in 1906, and is now discharging the duties of that 



1164 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

office. He has served as selectman, member of the school board and clerk 
of the school district. 

In September, 1881, Frank Dale Davis was married to Miss Luella E. 
Welch, of Lowell, and they have two daughters, Sarah Josephine and Marian 
Pauline. The former was graduated from Methuen High School in 1902, 
and in 1906 was married to Prof. John \V. Crowell, civil engineer, of the 
class of 1 901 of Dartmouth College. Marian Pauline Davis was graduated 
from Methuen High School in the class of 1907. In 1892 Mr. Davis united 
with the First Baptist church at Salem Depot and has since been one of its 
most active members. He has filled the offices of choirmaster, church clerk 
and superintendent of the Sunday School. Fraternally he is a member of 
Granite Colony, U. O. P. F., and of Canobia Lodge, N. E.. O. P. 

JOSEPH A. BELLAVANCE, a member of the firm of Trudel & Bel- 
lavance, wholesale and retail dealers in liquors, at Derry, N. H., was born 
in St. Johns, Province of Quebec, Canada, Dec. 14, 1874. His parents were 
Antoine and Virginia Bellavance, the father being a lumber operator by 
occupation. The subject of this sketch resided in his native town until he was 
thirteen years of age. He then canie to New Hampshire, taking up his resi- 
dence in Nashua, where he remained for eight or ten years. He then came 
to Derry and found employment in the shoe factories, being thus occupied 
for about eight years. Subsequent to this he engaged in the restaurant busi- 
ness, also opening a pool room. This combined business he sold out in 
order to fonn his present partnership with E. G. Trudel. In addition to this 
he is interested in real estate, owning a large business block on Broadway, 
Derr3^ in which the firm expects soon to start another business enterprise. 
Mr. Bellavance belongs to several fraternal orders, including the Elks, of 
Manchester, the Eagles, and the New England Order of Protection. He was 
married to Miss Ethel Morse, who was born in Chester, N. H., and was reared 
in Derry. They have one child, Mildred Bellavance, 

CLARENCE N. GARVIN, who has been postmaster of Derry. N. H., 
since 1903, is one of the leading and progressive men of the community. As 
the executive of the affairs of his office he has been most capable, which, to- 
gether with his courteous treatment of all the patrons, has made him a very 
satisfactory public official. Air, Garvin was born in Londonderry, N. H., 
and is a son of Benjamin F. and Nancy M. (Spinney) Garvin. The father 
was born in Litchfield, N. H., and for twenty or more years was station agent 
at Londonderry. The mother was born in Manchester, N. H., but was reared 
in Londonderry, 

After leaving school, C. N. Garvin was for a number of years a book- 
keeper in Manchester, N. H. He then came to Derry and was with the Pills- 
burys in shoe manufacturing until 1903, when he received appointment on 
February ist as postmaster of West Derry. The name of the village was 
changed in July, 1907, to Derry and Mr. Gar\-in received a vacation appoint- 
ment as postmaster, sennng under that commission until Congress convened 
in December of that year, when he was honored with reappointment. 

Mr. Garvin was joined in marriage with Miss Abbie D. Wilson, a daugh- 
ter of John Pinkerton Wilson, who was descended from the old and well 
known Wilson family of Londonderry, his mother being a Pinkerton. Mrs, 
Garvin died in 19 10, and besides her husband is survived by three children, 
namely: Fred E, of Newark, New Jersey, Lillie B. and Chester A,, who is 




JOSEPH A. BELLAVAXCE 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1165 

identified with the rubber shoe business at Beacon Falls, Conn. The Wilsons 
were among the oldest settlers of Londonderry; the old Wilson residence 
still standing is perhaps the oldest residence in Londonderry. The Wilsons 
were prominent in the Colonial period and many were officers in the Ameri- 
can amiy during the Revolutionary War. 

FRED I. MAXWELL, formerly a well known and respected citizen of 
Portsmouth, N. H., was born in East Boston, Mass., October ii, 1873, and 
died at York Hospital, York, Me., June 14, igu. He was a son of Oliver 
and Mary (Fry) Maxwell and was educated in the common schools of Bos- 
ton, finishing his schooling \\ ith a commercial course. He then learned the 
printer's trade, in which he was subsequently engaged, or was connected 
with, for the rest of his life. For four years he had charge of the linotype 
department of a printing house in Gloucester, Mass., and for an ecjual length 
of time was connected with the Portsmouth Chronicle. He then became a 
partner with Alyron Cox in the York Transcript, of York, Me., which they 
conducted together for two years, or until the time of his death. Mr. Max- 
well was a Republican in politics. He was a 32d degree Mason, a member 
of the Eastern Star Lodge, of the Odd Fellows' Lodge at Boston, and the 
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Portsmouth ; he also belonged 
to the Warwick Club. As a citizen he was broad minded and public spirited, 
doing his duty as he saw it, and by his death the county lost a useful and 
worthy citizen. 

Mr. Maxwell was married in 1904 to Alice M. Downs, of Portsmouth, 
N. H., a daughter of the late John O. and Sarah P. (Lear) Downs, the father 
being a native of the Isle of Shoals and the mother of Rye, N. H. From an 
obituary published on the occasion of Mr. Downs' death, which took place 
January 27, 1910, we gather the following facts: John O. Downs, born 
September 10, 1841. was pre-eminently a self-made man. He was given but 
an ordinary common school education, but being intelligent and industrious, 
he improved his opportunities and became a man of ample means. His early 
manhood was devoted to the sea, and for a number of years he had charge 
of fishing vessels. He then entered into business as a fish dealer, having a 
store in Portsmouth, in which city he was both well known and highly es- 
teemed. He was very charitable to the poor, but his charitable acts were 
quietly performed, and few knew of them but himself and the recipients of 
his favors. He was affiliated fraternally with the Odd Fellows in Ports- 
mouth, and in politics was a democrat. He was a man of quiet tastes, never 
courting puljlicity, but de\-oted to his home, his family and his business ; yet 
his good deeds were not unnoticed and when he died all who knew him felt 
that Portsmouth had lost one of its best and noblest citizens. By his wife 
Sarah, who died Februarv 19, 191 1. he was the father of two children: Hat- 
tie, who died at the age of sixteen years, and Mrs. Maxwell. 

LEMUEL C. RING, contractor, builder and lumber dealer of the town 
of Hampton, was born in Haverhill, Mass., October 26, 1854, son of George 
and i\Iargaret (Black) Ring. The father of our subject was from Marble- 
head. Mass., and the mother from Xova Scotia. The former was a sea cap- 
tain in early life but later a contractor. Both are now deceased. They had 
only two children — Lydia, wife of Nelson Britton, and Lemuel C. 

Lemuel C. Ring was educated in the common schools of Haverhill. He 
then learned the carpenter's trade and from 1882 to 1900 conducted a wood- 



1166 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

working plant at Haverhill. He then sold out his business there and came 
to Hampton. He keeps fully employed, finding work all through this sec- 
tion. In politics he is a republican but casts his vote with judgment. He 
is a member of Merrimack Lodge, A. F. and A. M., at Haverhill. Mr. Ring 
married Abigail Allen of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, who, however, was reared 
in Haverhill, Mass. Her parents were David and Lydia (Durkee) Allen, 
the father a farmer. Their cliildren were : Daniel, Benjamin, Edward. 
Abigail, and .\nnie, who is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ring are the par- 
ents of four children: Percy J., Edmond A., Ethelyn M. and Robert B. 
Percy J. married Mabel Welch and has a daughter, Dorothy. He is an em- 
ploye in the navy yard at Charlestown, Mass. Edmond A. married Maud 
Moore of Portland, Me., and they have three children — Myrel L., Wendel C. 
and Lloyd C. Ethelyn is the wife of Byron Redman of the Redman Shoe 
Company at Hampton. Robert married Clara Berry and they have two sons, 
Robert H. and Donald A. Mr. Ring and family attend the Baptist Church. 

GEORGE E- \MGGIN, D. V. S., who has liecn a resident of Exeter 
since IQ05, is well known over Rockingham County, his professional services 
being in constant demand here and in the neighboring towns, his skill being 
very generally recognized. He was born at Boston, Mass., July 10, 1866, 
and' is a son of William P. and Sarah (Stearns) Wiggin. The father was a 
native of New Hampshire but for many years was in the produce com- 
mission business at Boston and there his family w as reared. The mother was 
born in Massachusetts. There were three children i Horace, who is engaged 
in farming: Emily, who is now deceased: and George E.. of Exeter. 

George E Wiggin was afforded exceptional educational advantages, 
studying first at Cambridge, afterward becoming a student in Stone's 
.Academy, a private school in Boston, and later entering Highland Military 
Academy at Wooster. Additionally he took a commercial course. Aledical 
science, however, along the line in which he has become proficient, had always 
attracted him and after completing his liberal literary course of training he 
entered the Ontario Veterinary College, at Toronto, Canada, from which 
world-known institution he was subsequently graduated. For a short time 
he engaged in professional work at Norwood, N. Y., and then removed to 
\\'olfboro, N. H., where he continued in practice for fifteen years, in 1905 
coming from there to Exeter. Dr. Wiggin has seen wonderful progress made 
in veterinary science since he became a practitioner. In e\erv way he keeps 
fully abreast of the advances made and his patrons find in him an able, 
e.xperienced and skillful physician and surgeon. Dr. \\'iggin takes no x'ery 
active part in politics but has always lieen identified with the reiniblican ])arty. 
He attends the Unitarian church. 

,\i'iTHL"R O. GOODWIN, who is partner with Francis L. Hatch in the 
ownership of the Portsmouth Foundry Company, engaged in the general 
jobljing of iron and brass castings, was born in York, Me.. June 12, 1885, 
a son of Orleans and Lorinda (Blaisdell) Goodwin. His parents were both 
natives of Maine, the father being a farmer: both are now deceased. They 
attended the Baptist church and were peo])le well thought of by their neigh- 
bors. Their family consisted of five children: \\'illard : .Mbertina, wife of 
Charles Symonds: Ida, wife of Austin Trefethen : .\rthur O., and Harry. 

Arthur O. Goodwin was educated in the common schools, which he left 
at the age of fifteen years to begin industrial life. He first worked in a shoe 




(iKUKUE E. \VlG(ilN. D. V. .S. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1169 

shop for about nine months, after which he entered the navy yard, where he 
learned the moulder's trade, remaining there about ten years. At the end 
of that time he became associated with Mr. Hatch in his present business, 
which they have since carried on with good success, doing a prosperous busi- 
ness. Mr. Goodwin is a democrat in politics, but casts his vote according to 
his own pri\-ate judgment, not alwavs considering himself bouml l>y party 
lines. 

He married Alice A. Mason, who was born in Kittery, Me., a daughter of 
Albert D. Mason, their marriage taking place in i()04. They are the parents 
of six children, namely: Gladys, June, Pauline. William. Henry and Mil- 
dred. The family attend the Christian church. Mr. Goodwin belongs to 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. A thriving business man and a 
good citizen, he has a wide accpiaintance in Portsmouth and the \icinitv. and 
is alwavs ali\'e to the best interests of his adopted cit\'. 

ELLS\\'(_)l\'rH P)R()\\'X. pruiirietor of the Grangers' Nurseries in Sea- 
brook, which are the largest nurseries in the state, also landscape architect 
and author, was Ijorn in the town of Seabrook, N. H., April ii. 1865, a son 
of Frank Lewis and Nancy M. ( I'rown ) Brown. 

Frank L. Brown, the father (jf our subject, was I)orn in Seabrook in 
1830 and was extensively engaged in farming and cattle dealing. He uas 
a prominent citizen, representing Seabrook in the legislature. His wife, 
Nancy M., was a daughter of Benjamin F. and Abigail Maria Brown. They 
were the parents of six children, namely: Abbie Newell, born February 8, 
1854: Ida Maria, born February 4, \8^f): John L.. born June 2. i860; Ells- 
worth, born April 11. 1865; Newell Franklin, born December 25, 1857, and 
Frank Newell, born September 2t,, 183 i. The name of Newell seems to be 
a favorite one in the family, as it was borne by the paternal grandfather, 
Newell Brown, whose birth took place in Seabrook in 1704 

Ellsworth Brown was educated in the public sch(juls of Seabrook and at 
Dearborn Academv, where he graduated. For a nunilier of years he fol- 
lowed the occupation of salesman, or until the year 1900. when be was made 
chief of police of Hampton. He has taken an active interest' in local poli- 
tics, was moderator of Sealirook. re]>resentative in igog-1910. has been 
president of the Republican Club for the past five years, and was elected 
selectman in 19 14. .\s a landscajie architect he has laid out many fine gardens 
and public grounds, particularly in Massachusetts. He is a man of decided 
literarv talent, being the author of seven different dramas and several copy- 
righted songs, which have met with public favor. He was married in 1S08 
to Miss Emma M. Morrill of Newcastle, New Brunswick. 

JEFFEr<.SON C. UOWF, captain of the Navy Yard police force, at 
Portsmouth, N. H.. was b(^rn in this city, November 21, 1842, a .son of 
Charles H. and Harriett ( Stockell ) Rowe. His parents, both natives of 
Portsmouth, are now deceased. They were members of the l^niversalist 
church. Their children were Charles H., Albert, and Jefferson C. 

Jefferson C. Rowe, after acquiring his education in the common schools, 
found employment with a butcher at $1.50 a week and remained thus occu- 
pied for nine years, receiving an advance in salary from time to time. He 
was then employed in a livery stable until seventeen years of age, after which 
he went to work for what is now the Boston & Maine Railroad Comi)any, 
and was with that road until 1871. On .\ngust 26. 187 1, Mr. Rowe lost his 



1170 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

arm in a very bad accident on the old Eastern Railroad (now the Boston & 
Maine) at Revere, Mass. After his recovery he resinned railroad work, be- 
ing employed for a time in a different capacity — that of messenger — and 
then engaged in the hacking business, in which he was interested for ten 
years. From 1887 to 1895 he was city marshal of Portsmouth, and at the 
end of that time he was appointed to his present position, in which he is 
serving efficiently. A democrat in politics, he has been more or less active 
in public affairs. 

Mr. Rowe was married November 9, 1863, to Miss Sarah Clementine 
Lovering, who was born in Freedom, N. H., a daughter of John T. and 
Esther (Gray) Lovering, the father being a prosperous farmer. The chil- 
dren of the Lovering family were John, Edgar, Thomas, Jane, Charles, Julia 
and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are the parents of two children; Albert J., 
manager of Hotel Bellevue, Boston, who married Alice Grant of Portsmouth ; 
and Horace L., a musician of Portsmouth, who married Pearl Berry. Mr. 
Rowe and family attend the Baptist church. His fraternal affiliations arc 
with the Odd Fellows. 

CHARLES E. GOVE, who owns antl operates the largest fann in the 
town of Seabrook, consisting of 106 acres, and is also proprietor of a sum- 
mer hotel, was born in this town December 23, 1870, a son of Edward L. 
and Anna ( Maxfield) (lOve. His paternal ancestors have been settled in 
New England since early colonial days. Among them was Edward Gove, 
who, in if>83, organized a rebellion against the provincial government and 
was sentenced to be hanged for high treason. He was sent to England by 
order of Charles II, and confined in the tower of London three years, but 
was not executed. The original Gove farm was obtained by grant from King 
George I in 1715. 

On September 15, 1792, was bom Edward Gove in Seabrook. on the 
same farm where his grandson, Charles E. Gove, now lives. He died Sep- 
tember 3, 1877, at the age of nearly eighty-five years. He was one of Sea- 
brook's leading farmers and was a prominent man in the Society of Friends. 
He married Elizabeth Morrill, and their children were: Stephen M., born 
September 5, 1821, and Edward L., born in Seabrook, N. H., March 18, 
1826. The former married Lydia Locke, and had four children, namely: 
Otis M., born May 3, 1851; Henry M., born February 24, 1845; Horas N., 
born March 23, 1849, '^"^ Melvin L., born September 9, i8zj6. 

Edward L. Gove, the date of whose nativity is given above, was one of 
Seabrook's representative men, a successful farmer and selectman of the 
town. He first married Mary Thorndyke, of which union there were two 
children, William H., now a resident of Plymouth, Ind., and Lucy T., who 
married George C. Herbert. The mother of these children died September 
2'j, 1865, and Mr. Gove married for his second wife, Anna !\Iaxfield, daugh- 
ter of Clark Norton Maxfield. Of this second union there were also two 
children, Charles E., subject of this sketch, and Mary A., who is now one 
of the leading teachers in the Boston public scliools. Edward L. Gove died 
March 12, 1891. 

Charles E. Gove was educated in the public schools of Seabrook, the Oak 
Grove Seminary, and the Moses Brown school at Providence, R. I. He sub- 
sequently took up farming on the old homestead and has since followed that 
occupation very successfully, his farm, as above stated, being the largest, and 
one of the finest, in the town. He also does a prosperous business at his 




i;i.\i i:i; i:. i.aki;, \i. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1173 

Slimmer hotel, which is located at Seabrook, X. H. Mr. Gove served as 
selectman for h\e cunsecutive years, rendering efficient service in that posi- 
tion. He is a meml)er of the h'riends' church and belongs to the Junior Order 
of American Mechanics, and the Grange. 

In 1898 he married Miss baoline Kimball, of Kensington, X. H., a daugh- 
ter of Stephen M. and .\!ar}- Kimliall. He and his wife are the parents of 
two children: Edward 1\., born October 22, 1899, ^^^o 's a student at Oak- 
Grove Seminary: and .Mice M., born ( )ctober _'o, Tij04. who is l)eing educated 
in Boston, Mass. 

ELMER ELLSWORTH L.VKl-:. M. D., a pnpular physician and sur- 
geon of Hampstead, was born at East Haverhill. .Mass., December 10, 1863. 
a son of .Mbert and Eunice ( Duff) Lake, -\fter graduating from the high 
school he prepared himself for college l)y studying under a private tutor and by 
home study evenings. Then, in 1887, he entered the university of Vemiont, 
where he was .graduated from the medical department in 1891, being vice 
president of the graduating class. He was also president of the Alpha Delta 
Sigma of the medical department in 1890-91. He began the practice of 
his profession in Hampstead in i8gi, and has remained here since with the 
exception of two years which he spent in Haverhill, ATass., returning to 
Hampstead on account of sickness in his family. In 1912 he took the Massa- 
chusetts state examination, passing with the rank of eighty-seven. 

In May. 1895, Dr. Lake married Mary E. Lake of Sandown, N. H., and 
he and his wife are the parents of four children — Vida .\., Albert C.. Eunice 
and Maurice E. Dr. Lake belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Eellows, 
including the Encampment and the Rebekahs: also to the Knights of Pvthias. 
the Grange, Daughters of .\merica and the Junior Order of .\merican 
Mechanics, and is an honorarv member of G. A. R. Lost Xo. 47 of Llaver- 
hill, Mass. He has served the town of Hamjistead efficientlv as a member of 
the schddl board and tlie board of health. 

JAMES HOWWRD IIROWX, who is engaged in farming in Hamp- 
ton Palls, X. H., and aLu in the insurance business, was born in this town, 
August 25, i8fii, a son of James Drake IVrnvn l)y bis wife Sarah, whose 
maiden name was Sarah LTances Robinson. He is a grandson of Joseph 
C. Brown and a great-grandson of Jacob Brown, the former of whom, a 
native of this town, was killed in 1838 l)y having a r(ick fall on him. 

James Drake Brow'u, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Hampton Falls, May 2. 1835. He was educated in the |juljlic schools, in- 
cluding the high school at Hampton, and when a young man was engaged 
in the oil business in Pennsylvania. He subsequently returned to his native 
state and engaged in the express business, running between Hampton Falls. 
Lynn and Boston for twenty years. Later he engaged in buying produce 
for the Boston market. He was a selectman of the town and was candidate 
for state senator on the Democratic ticket. He belonged to Star in the East 
Lodge, St. Alban Chapter, and Olivet Council, all of Exeter, in the Masonic 
order. Llis wife Sarah was born in Exeter. X. H., September 6, 1838. 
Their children were as follows: Edith S.. bom March 30, 1863; Ada Robin- 
son, born Decemlier 3, r8()(i. who married Dr. F. .\. Lane of Peabody. Afass.. 
and James Howard. The father died April 3. 19 12. 

James Howard Brown was educated in the pulilic schools and in the 
high school at Newburyport, Mass. He was then employed in a shoe shop 



1174 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

f(ir a sliort time. Init sul)seqiiently engaged in farming and the insurance l)nsi- 
ness. lieing still thus employed. He is president of the Rockingham Planners 
Mnlual I-"ire Insurance Company, having heen elected in 1914. and has been 
one (if the directors of the company for the last eight }-ears. He is also 
chairman of the board of selectmen. He was a member of the legislature 
in 1903 and library messenger of sessions 1905 and 1907. He is now chair- 
man of the board of library trustees; a member of Star in the East Lodge, 
A. V. and A. M.. at Exeter; St. Alban Chapter at Exeter; Olivet Council, 
Exeter, and DeW itt Clinton Comiuanderv. K. T.. at Portsmouth. 

EDW'IX B. WESTON, a well known attorney and prominent citizen of 
Derry. N. H., was born in Manchester, this state. He was educated in the 
grammar and high schools of Manchester and at Phillips Andover Academy, 
being graduated from the latter institution in 1889. In 1893 '^^ ^^'is gradu- 
ated from Dartmouth College with the degree of A. ]).. and subse(|uently 
entered Pioston L'niversity, where he was graduated LL.B. in 1897. He then 
began the practice of his profession in ISoston. where he remained until 1903, 
at which time he located in Derry. He is a member of the New Hampshire 
Bar Association and practices in both the state and federal courts. In 1908-09 
Mr. Weston was a member of the legislature and for the last five years he 
has served efficiently on the Derry school board. He is a Knight Templar 
Mason, belonging to Trinity Commandery. He was married in 1907 to 
Miss Lena E. Ellison, of Randolph, Vt. He and his wife have a pleasant 
home in Derry and move in the best society of the town. 

BURTON E. D.WTS. who is successfully engaged in the farming and 
poultry business in Salem, N. H.. is one of the wide-awake and progressive 
men of the community. He was born at Bethel. Vt., December jo, 1873, a 
son of Clark S. and Harriett (Tnwne) Daxis. He is a grandson of Samuel 
and Desire (Chamberlain) Da\is and a great-grandson of Samuel and Sally 
(Coffin) Davis. 

Samuel Davis, the grandfather, born in W'eatherslield, Vt., May 12, i8t2, 
was a millwright and lumberman. He moved to Bethel, Vt.. in 1829 and 
lived there at the time of his death on May i, 1886. September 30, 1839, 
he married Desire Chamberlain, who was born in Stockbridge, May 30. 1800, 
a daughter of Isaac and Azuliia (Bailey) Chamberlain. Their children were 
as follows; Clark S. ; James S.. born in Bethel, August 28, 1845, ^^l""' resides 
in Vassalboro, Me.; and Ahby. who died aged thirteen years. 

Clark S. Davis, the father of Burton E., was born in Bethel July 17, 1840, 
and died January 17. 1904. On April 17th, 1866, he married Harriet M., 
daughter of Enos and Martha (Holden) Town. She was born in Barre, Vt., 
April 21, 1841. They had three children: Willis Clark, born June 10, 1867, 
who died in October. 1907; Fred Lincoln, born May c}, 1871, who died in 
November, 191 1, and Burton Enos, born December 20, 1873. Clark .S. Davis 
was a farmer and stock raiser, making Jersey cows his specialty. He was 
also a large contractor and dealt extensively in wood and lumber and for 
nine years had the contract to saw all the wood for the Central Vermont 
Railroad. He had charge of the roads in his native town for fifteen years. 

Burton E. Davis attended the public schools and remained on the home 
farm until he was twenty-seven years old. He then located at Stillwater, 
where he resided two ;uid a half years. .\t the end of that time he took the 
civil service examination and in 1904 was appointed to the railway mail 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1175 

service. He continued in that occupation until 191 1, when he gave it up to 
settle on his farm in Salem, N. H., where he is now engaged in farming and 
raising poultry. He was a trustee of the public library for three years and 
in 1913 was elected .selectman, being at the present time chairman of the 
board. In 1912-1913 he was master of the Grange. He has charge of build- 
ing the state road in Salem. 

March 5, 1896, Burton E. Davis married Miss Annie Miller, a daughter 
of George M. and Amelia ( Hammond) Miller, and they have two daughters: 
Edna, born April 12, uSf)S; and Grace, born September 22, 1900. Mr. 
Davis and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he 
is one of the trustees. 

FRED FERXALD, M. D., the leading physician and surgeon of the town 
of Xottingham, was born in this tdwn September 17, 1874, a son of John E. 
and Sarah A. (Thompson) P'ernald. His immigrant ancestors came to this 
country from England, settling in Portsmouth, N. H. John E. Femald, the 
doctor's father, was born in Nottingham. N. H., in 1830 and died in 1805. 
He was a well known and respected citizen, and, although not caring for pub- 
lic office, did at one time accept that of selectman and served efficiently. His 
wife Sarah, born December 12, 1833, is still living and resides in Nottingham. 

Fred Fernald was the youngest of the five children l)()rn to bis parents. 
He attended the public sclmols of Xorthwood and was graduated from the 
Seminary in 1895. Then, after two years spent at Bowdoin College, in 1898 
he entered Baltimore Medical College, where he was graduated M. D. in 1900. 
In 1903-4 he took post graduate work at the Johns Hopkins Medical College, 
Baltimore. He then came to Nottingham and opened an office, and has since 
remained here, having built up a large practice. He is a member of the 
County, State and National Medical Societies, and was president of the 
Rockingham County Medical Society in 1913. For the last sixteen years he 
has been a member of the local board of health. He is a close student and 
keejjs well abreast of his profession in its various branches. His professional 
abilit\' and genial manners have made him one ')f the most popular physi- 
cians in the count\'. 

Dr. I'ernald was married, December 29, 1904, to Elizabeth \V., daughter 
<jf Mr. and Mrs. Joseph X. Cilley, of Nottingham, and he and his wife are 
the parents of six children — Elizabeth Cilley, Josephine, Frederick Long- 
fellow, Mary Louise, Joseph Xealley and John Thompson Fernald. The 
three eldest are attending the public schools of Nottingham. Mrs. Fernald is 
a member and was the first regent of the Else Cilley Chapter of Xottingham, 
D. A. R. Dr. b'ernald is a republican in politics and he and his wife and 
familv affiliate with the Cni\ersalist church. 

JOHX E. \\F.BSTl':i\. wild i> serving his thirteenth year as tax cnl- 
lector of Derr-^', X. H., has been a life long resident of this community where 
he has an extended accpiaintance. He was born in Derry, in 184(1. and i> a 
son of James Webster. The latter came to Derry as early as 1813. and fol- 
lowed farming for many years. 

John E. Webster received a common school education, and was a young 
man when in 1864 he entered the Xorthern .\rmy, as a member of the iMrst 
New Hampshire Cavalry. He served during six months of the Civil War, 
after which he received honorable discharge and returned home. He then 
took up farming operations, which he has always followed with much sue- 



1176 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

cess, making ratlier a specialty of dairying. He has been active politically, 
being an ardent republican and at times has been called into public service. 
He has always served his constituents faithfully and well and is highly re- 
garded by his fellowinen as a whole, irrespective of party affiliation. In 1887 
he represented Derry in the legislature and for three years served on the 
board of selectmen. He was a delegate to the last constitutional convention, 
and frequently has been a delegate of his party to the county, state and cnn- 
gressional conventions. He was again elected representative representing 
Town of Derry in State Legislature in fall of 191 4. 

In 1876 Mr. Webster was united in marriage with Miss Cornelia Case of 
Reading, Mass., and they have three children: James S. ; Edward C. of 
South Framingham; and Nellie E., a teacher in the public schools in Derry. 
Mr. Webster is a member of the Masonic Order, Knights of Pythias, and 
Wesley B. Knight Post, G. A. R., of Derry, of which he is quartermaster and 
post commander. He has also been a member of the Westfield Grange. No. 
37, for the past 40 years, having been one of the charter members, of w honi 
he and Mr. and Mrs. Horace A. Hill are the only survivors. 

JOAS JETTE, proprietor of the Star Laundry, a iin^spemus busine.^s 
concern of Exeter, has had many years of experience in this line and largely 
controls the laundry output in this city. He was jjorn in Canada. July 19, 
i860, and is a son of Joseph and Mary ( Messe) Jette, and a grandson of 
Joseph Jette. Both parents passed their entire lives in Canada, where the 
father was a farmer, and both were de\^out members of the Catholic church. 
They had the following children: Joseph, Alexander, Euphrasia (wife of 
Louis Mathieu), Louis, August, John, Philias, Dosithe, Joas and Antoine. 

Joas Jette attended school in Canada in boyhood but in his neighborhood 
only French was spoken and, when, at the age of twenty-three years he came 
to the United States, he had to learn the English tongue. He secured employ- 
ment in the .\merican Screw Factory at Providence, R. I., where he worked 
for two years, and then came to Rockingham County and followed farming 
for eight years and then went into the laundry business, working for .\. C. 
Wingate for three years before emliarking in the same line for himself. He 
attributes his success to industry and ])erse\'erance, a thorough knowledge of 
the business and a settled policy to turn out only the best kind of work. The 
Star Laundry is equipped with modern laundrs- machinery and eighteen hands 
are employed. In addition to owning this plant Mr. Jette has a comfortalile 
residence wliich stands on the corner of Hall Place and Pleasant Street, 
Exeter. 

!n \X/0 Mr. Jette was married to Miss Jessie IVoulx, who was Ijorn in 
Can;ida and is a daughter of Louis and Orelia (Landry) Proulx. The 
lirothers and sisters of Mrs. Jette are: Eugene, Threffe, Emil. Philip, 
Mineglle. Octavia. Rose and Mar\- Lmiise. Air. and Mrs. Jette ha\-e one 
daughter. !'".lnia. who luarried Vertune Duffault and they ha\'e eight children: 
Zenobia. whu is the wife of Emil Denoncourt, Irene, Blanche, Jessie, Edward 
and Louise, twins. Carvel and \\'illiam. The family belongs to the Catholic 
church. He votes with the republican party and maintains fraternal relations 
with the Catholic Order nf h'oresters. The Red Men, the Foresters of America 
and the Canada-. \nierica .\ssociation at Manchester. Mr. Jette is a much 
respected citizen and during liis eighteen years of business under his own 
name has hrnuelu mnrli credit im the same. 




JOAS JETTE 




DAVID W. WHITTIKK 



AND REPRESENTy\TlVE CITIZENS 1179 

DAVID WOODBURY WHITTIER, iiroprietor of a well stocked and 
up-to-date dry goods and furnishing store at Raymond, N. H., was born in 
Deerfield, N. H., July 4, 1864. His father was Aaron George Whittier, born 
at Deerfield Feb. 10, 1835, whose father, Josiah Whittier, was a native of 
Candia, the mother of Aaron G., Hannah Heath, being a daughter of Asa 
Heath, of East Candia. Aaron's grandfather, Daniel Whittier, was a rev- 
olutionary soldier, while his son Josiah fought in the War of 1812, taking 
part in the battle of Plattsburg. Aaron G. Whittier, father of our subject, 
was educated in the academies at Tilton and New London. He was a pros- 
perous and substantial citizen and took an active part in politics, being a 
strong democrat, and was elected representative to the New Hampshire Leg- 
islature from Raymond, being a member of the Legislature in 188 [. His 
death occurred Nov. 6, 1900. He married, Oct. 28, 1855, Amanda Melvina 
Lang, the daughter of David and Sally (Sanborn) Lang, and who was born 
in Candia, May 23, 1837, and died June 8, 1905. They had five children: 
one who died in infancy Feb. 9, i860: Eddy, who died June 5, 1861 ; Byron 
S., who died July 9, 1862; David Woodbury, subject of this sketch; and 
Aaron Byron, born Apr. 10, 1876, who married Mary L. Heath, April 15, 
1912. David W. and Aaron Byron are the only ones now living. 

David W. Whittier was educated in the schools of Raymond, being a 
member of the Burnham class. When seventeen years of age he began work- 
ing in the wood and lumber yard for his father in Manchester, N. H., and 
was thus occupied until 1884, in which year under President Cleveland's ad- 
ministration Aaron G. Whittier was appointed postmaster of Raymond, David 
being made chief clerk and deputy. When the government passed into repub- 
lican hands David entered the employ of the F. M. Hoyt Shoe Company of 
Raymond and worked for them three years. He then went to Manchester 
and for three years was clerk for Weston and Hill in a dry goods store there. 
In April, 1894, he opened his present store in Raymond for the sale of cloth- 
ing and furnishings and has since been a leading merchant in the town, doing 
a prosperous business. Mr. Whittier is a Free Mason and Odd Fellow, being 
a charter member of Tucker Lodge, No. 99, A. F. & A. M., of which he was 
the first secretary and is now serving in that office. Fle has held the office of 
Grand Patriarch of New Hampshire in the latter order (Odd Fellows), which 
is the highest in the gift of the Encamjiment branch of the order, and later he 
served as grand representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge, I. O. O. F., 
at .St. Paul, Minn., in 1908, and also at Denver, Colorado, in 1909. He is 
also a member of the Grange, State and National; of Canton Ridgely, No. 2, 
Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F., of Manchester, and Department Council of 
New Hampshire, Patriarchs Militant I. O. O. F. In politics he is a democrat. 
At the 150th anniversary of the town of Raymond, which was celebrated 
July 4, 1914, Mr. Whittier took part in the grand parade, riding in the same 
chaise that Dr. Gould rode in fifty years before, from Raymond to Deerfield, 
to the home of Aaron G. Whittier when David W. Whittier was born, said 
Gould returning in time to take part in the anniversary exercises and report- 
ing the birth of the new boy. This was when the looth anniversary was 
celebrated, on July 4, 1864. 

On March 21, 1893, ]\Ir. Whittier was married by Rev. J. D. LeGro, of 
Raymond, at Manchester, X. H., to Flora Lizzie, daughter of Amos Ingalls 
and Olive Gile (Severence) Pollard, of Manchester, X. H. They have no 
children. Mrs. Whittier is a past ])resident in the Rebekah Assembly, I. O. 
O. F., of New Hampshire, and also belongs to the Eastern Star. She attends 
the Episcopal church. 



1180 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

W" 1 1, 1. 1 AM BURLINGAME, one of the leading business men of Exeter, 
X. H.. ])resident of the Exeter Co-operative Bank since its organization in 
1892, and interested in other important enterprises, was born in Rhode Island 
in 1838. His parents were James and Lucy B. (Dana) Burhngame. The 
father, a native of Connecticut, was a minister in the Christian church, being 
for over fifty years pastor of the church of that denomination at Coventry, 
R. I., of which state his wife Lucy was a native. Tlieir children were: 
So])hia. i.N'dia, luiiily, [anies !'., Ann FJiza, John K., Lucy, William and 
Mary. 

William Burlingame, after beginning his education in the common schools, 
CDiitinued it at Greenwich Seminary, Rhode Island and at Antioch College, 
^'ellow Springs. Ohio, subsecjuently taking a commercial course. He learned 
the trade of cari)enter and builder, also that of machinist, and then, in 1864, 
came to New Hampshire to take charge of building the "Brayton"' engines 
and boilers for the Swampscot Machine Company at South New Market. 
X. H. When he had completed his work there he came to Exeter and had 
charge of a plant here until 1867. He then constructed new buildings for the 
Exeter Machine Works, of which concern he was the organizer, having a 
large interest therein. He remained connected with this company until 1909. 
at which time, after a long and prosperous career, he sold out his interest and 
has since lived a retired life, except for his connection with the bank above 
mentioned, and the performance of his duties as a director in the Exeter Gas 
Companv and as a member of the board of trustees of Robinson Eemale 
Seminary, which position he has held for thirty years, being, since about 1898, 
president of the l)oard. He is a republican in politics, has served at times in 
local offices, including those of supervisor and member of the police com- 
mission, and was representative to the legislature in 1877-78. He belongs to 
Star of the East Lodge, A. F. & A. M.. and also to the Chapter at Exeter. 

Mr. Burlingame was married in 186 1 to Miss Josephine Shaw, of Provi- 
dence, R. I., who died in 1864, leaving no children. He then married for 
his second wife. Amy Carter, of Exeter, N. H.. who died in 1875, the issue 
of this marriage being two children : William B., who is a teacher in Porto 
Rico, and James C. a contractor. In August, 1877, Mr. Burlingame was 
married to Harriet (irace Boyd, daughter of Colville Boyd of Providence, 
R. I. They are the i)arents of four children, namely: Harold D.. who is 
in the employ of the Standard Steel Car Works at Butler. Pa. ; Amy. a 
graduate of Vassar College. 1906. wife of William J. E. Sander, an attorney 
of Boston. Mass. ; Roljert A., who graduated from Lehigh University in 1908 
and is chief engineer for the Canadian Steel Foundry Company, and Ella, 
who graduated from Simmons College. 1910. and is the wife of Henry Lewis 
of Portland, Me., a member of the banking firm of C. H. Gilman & Co. The 
family attend the Congregational church. 

AVERY M. b'OSTER, M. D., was born in Gray, Me., April 11, 1851, a 
son of Moses B. and Eliza A. (Benson) Foster. His immigrant ancestors 
came to this country from England at an early day, settling first in Massa- 
chusetts, and later going to Maine. Moses B. Foster, the doctor's father, 
was born at (iray. Me., in 1812 and died in 1886. His wife Eliza, a native 
of the same place, was born in i8r6 and passed away in 1892, at the age of 
about seventy-six years. They were the parents of eight children, of whom 
the subject of this sketch was the seventh in order of birth. 

Avery M. I'oster began his education in the village school, and subse- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1181 

quently attended Nichols Latin School at Lewiston, Me., for two years. In 
1872 he entered the State Medical College at Brunswick. Me., from which he 
was graduated June <S, 1873, with the degree of M. D., taking first honors in 
his class. He hegan the practice (jf his profession at Lincolnville, where he 
remained, however, only about a year and a half, at the end of that time 
removing to Belmont, where he stayed si.x years. He then spent three years 
in .Vbbott, from which ])lace he removed to Lewiston, where he remained two 
years. From Lewiston, in July, 1887, he came to Candia, where he has since 
remained, during a period of twenty-seven years, in which time he has built 
up a large practice, having not only Candia, but many of the surrounding 
towns and country districts to supply. He has served as a member of the 
board of health for over twenty-five years, and belongs to the Rockingham 
County Medical Society and the State Medical Association. 

Dr. Foster was first married, December 25, 1876, to Mary A. Drinkwater, 
of Lincolnville, Me. Of this miion was born a daughter, Myra Isabel, who 
was educated in the public schools, at Pinkerton Academy, and at Smith Col- 
lege. .She is unmarried. Mrs. Mary A. Foster died January 5, 1892, and on 
April 29th, 1896. Dr. Foster married for his second wife. Miss Susie .-\. 
Cate, a daughter of John P. Cate, a prominent farmer of Candia. Of the 
doctor's second marriage there are no children. Mrs. Foster, on the maternal 
side, is a descendant of the Meads, who were among the pioneer settlers of 
Connecticut and Vermont. Dr. Foster belongs to the Masonic order, being 
past master of his lodge; also to the Odd Fellows, and the Rebekahs, a branch 
of the Odd Fellows, to which Mrs. Foster also belongs, being past matron, 
and to the Grange. He is a democrat in politics and is affiliated with the 
Congregational church. He is well known and highly respected in this ])art 
of the county as a useful and public spirited citizen. 

JOHN E. RAY, chainnan of the Board of Selectmen of the town of 
Londonderry, where he has resided for the last twenty years, was born in 
Auburn. Rockingham County, N. H., in 1874, a son of James antl Sarah 
(Leavitt) Ray. His father, now deceased, was a brick and stone mason by 
trade and was an old resident of this county. 

John E. Ray was reared and educated in Manchester, N. H., where he 
worked for some time in a shoe factory. Later he followed the same occu- 
pation in Londonderry for a time, after which he engaged in the meat and 
provision business, and still later in the cattle business, doing a wholesale 
trade in the latter. In 19 13 he sold out his meat and cattle business aud 
entered the employ of the .\nnis Grain & Lumber Company, with whom he 
has since remained. He owns considerable real estate in Londonderry and 
is regarded as one of the substantial and reliable citizens of the town. He 
is now serving in his fifth year as chairman of the board of selectmen and 
has .shown efficiency in handling town affairs. Mr. Ray was married in July, 
T894, to Miss .\nna M. Stone, of Londonderry, a daughter of James G. and 
Elizabeth R. (Hicks) Stone. They Irivf three children — J. Harold. Mildrcil 
E. and George C. The familv are aHiliatcd with the Baptist church. 

ARTHLTR H. WTLCOMR. a successful business man of Chester, N. H.. 
of which place he is also iiostmaster. wa^; born in this town December 31, 
t866, a son of Charles S. and Harriet A. (Symonds) Wilcomb. On the 
paternal side he is a grandson of f-'benezer. and a great grand.son of .\aron 
Wilcomb, who was born in Ipswich, Mass. A;iron Wilcomb seems to have 



1182 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

migrated to Chester, as his son Ebenczer was born here about 1797. At the 
age of seventeen years Ebenezer Wilconib enbsted in Capt. Samuel Aikens' 
(Jr.) company, for the defense of Portsmouth. He served sixty days, his 
Ijrother James being corporal in the same company. 

Charles S. Wilcomb, father of the subject of this review, was born in 
Chester in 1822, and died in 1905 at the advanced age of eighty-three years. 
He was one of Chester's prominent citizens. In early life he worked two 
years in a drug store in New York, and he also spent six years at sea and in 
the ^^' est Indies, where he was overseer of a sugar plantation, but aside from 
that, his life was spent in Chester, where as farmer and cooper, also mer- 
chant, he had a successful career. At different times he served in all the 
town ofiices, and was also elected and served as representative in the legisla- 
ture. For a number of years he was engaged in the cooperage business. He 
married Harriett A. Symonds, and they reared a family, of whom four chil- 
dren are now living, as follows: Charles A., a resident of Los Angeles, 
Cal. ; Mary E., wife of Julius F. Washburn, of Putney, Vt. ; Arthur H., 
whose name appears at the head of this sketch: and Chester J., who is pro- 
fessor of languages in Riverside Polytechnic Institute, at Riverside, Cali- 
fornia. 

Arthur H. Wilcomb was educated in Chester Academy and at Phillips 
Exeter Academy. After completing his studies he spent two years in Spring- 
field, where he conducted a school of telegraphy. He then returned to Ches- 
ter and became assistant to his father in the latter's store. Since the father's 
death in 1905 he has continued the business himself very successfully. For 
some time also he was engaged in the evaporated fruit business, until his 
plant was destro3'ed by fire in 1902. He lias \-arious other business interests, 
being a trustee of Derrj^ Savings Bank, manager and treasurer of the Chester 
& Derry Telephone Company, and director, clerk and auditor of the Chester 
& Derry Railroad Company, for which he olitained a charter while a member 
of the legislature. For twenty-one years Mr. \\'ilcomb sensed as postmaster 
of Chester, and he was recently re-appointed to the office. From 1902 to 
1914 he was town treasurer, resigning that position on being appointed post- 
master. He was also tax collector for ten years. He has served as president 
of the Rockingham County Reiiublican Clul), and has been delegate to many 
political conventions. In 1895 he was elected to the legislature, being re- 
elected two years later, b'or many years he has been a justice of the peace 
and notary public. A member of the Congregational church, he has taken a 
useful and active part in its work, and is a trustee of the ministerial fund. 
His society affiliations are with Chester Grange, No. 169. P. of H., in which 
he has filled a number of offices: St. Marks Lodge, No. 44, A. F. & A. M., 
of Derry, N. H. : Bell Chapter, R. A. M., No. 23 jMt. Nebo Council. No. 15. 
R. A. S. M. ; and the Eastern Star. 

Mr. Wilconib was married October 15, 1888, to Sarah M. Bachelder. a 
daughter of David L. and Sarah (Waterman) Bachelder. Her father was 
a prominent citizen of Chester, N. H., ser\ing as postmaster and as repre- 
sentative to the legislature. IMrs. Wilcomb was educated in this town, where 
she and her husband arc popular members of society. 

J(JHN B. l'.\HLS, a substantial business man and well known citizen of 
Portsmouth. New Hampshire, is proprietor of The Model Bakery, which 
commands an extensive patronage throughout the city. Mr. Pahls was born 
in GcniKuiy. October 28. iSf)<\ and is a son of George and Angeline (Hack- 




.TdHX l;. PAHI>>- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1185 

man) Pahls, both of whom died at Cincinnati, Ohio. 'J"he father was a cer- 
penter by trade. The children of the family are four in number : Henry ; 
William; John B., whose name heads this sketch; and Angeline, who is a 
sister in the convent at Oldenburg, Indiana. 

John B. Pahls attended school in Germany and there at an early age 
learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed until he was seventeen 
years of age, when he accompanied his family to the United States. They 
located at Cincinnati, Ohio, where John learned the baking business. He 
was a lad of ambition and was not content to work for others. In time he 
established a bakery of his own in that city, and conducted it for thirteen 
years. In 1904, he removed to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he has 
lived continuously since. The Model Bakery, of wdiich he is proprietor is 
all that its name would imply. It is a model of neatness and its equijiment 
the most modern known to the trade. Two ovens are used and the daily 
output totals some J, 000 loaves of bread, 150 pies, and a large assortment of 
cakes and cookies, h'ive men are employed, and a wagon makes the rounds 
of the streets of Portsmouth. Mr. Pahls is the owner of a fine brick business 
block at the corner of Daniel and I'enhallow Streets, and also is ow'ner of a 
fine residence in Portsmouth. 

In 1893, John B. Pahls was united in marriage with .\ngeline Brunklaus, 
a native of Germany, and thev have three children ; Cecelia. Bernard and 
Francis. Mr. Pahls is independent in politics, but takes a deep interest in 
all that concerns the city and its welfare. He and his family are devout 
Catholics. Fraternally he is a menil)er (if the Benevolent Protecti\e Order 
of Elks. 

ELMER A. SANBORN, chairman of the board of selectmen of the town 
of Chester, was bom in Chester in 1869, on the farm he now owns and 
occupies, a son of Amos and Doruthy i\I. (Lyford) Sanborn. The father, 
now deceased, was a life long resident of this county and was engaged chiefly 
in farming, also doing some cooperage work. His wife was born in Fre- 
mont, N. H. They had three children: S. Vina, wife of Frank Rowe, of 
Fremont; Elmer A., subject of this sketch, and Ella J., who is the wife of 
James Towle of Fremont. Amos Sanlmrn was a son of Ebenczer .Sanborn, 
a native of Fremont. 

Elmer A. Sanborn w-as reared and educated in Chester and since leaving 
school has made farming, dairying and luml>ering his chief occupations. At 
different times he has traveled consideraljh- and has seen a good deal of this 
country. He has long taken an interest in politics, and is now serving in his 
fourth year as a member of the board of selectmen, as above stated, being 
chairman of the board for the present year. He was married in 1900 to Miss 
Mary Annette Morse, who was born and reared in Chester, a daughter of 
Augustus P. Morse, also a resident of this town. Mrs. Sanborn, who grad- 
uated from Pinkerton Academy, was a teacher for five years in the Chester 
schools. She and her husliand have three children : Bernard M.. Edith A., 
and Arthur E. Mrs. Sanborn is a member of the Congregational church. 

FRANK B. PERKINS, M. D.. a successful physician of Derry, N. H., 
was born in Grafton, N. H., April 25, 1856, a son of Orrin H. anrl Hannah 
(Currier) Perkins. His parents were both natives of Merrimack County, 
this state, where the father followed farming until his death in 1912. He 
had been preceded to the grave by his wife. They were worthy people, favor- 
able types of the New England stock. 



1186 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Frank B. Perkins was reared on the farm and acquired his elementary 
education in the schools of his native county. Having resolved on entering 
the medical profession, he found it necessary to teach school at inter\-als in 
order to obtain the funds requisite to secure a medical education, and to bet- 
ter prepare himself, he became a student at Colby Academy, New London. 
N. H. He began the stvidy of medicine in 1874 with Dr. J. P. Elkins of 
Wilmot, N. H. In 1875 he attended a course of lectures at Dartmouth Med- 
ical College, taking a second course at the same institution in 1876. He was 
graduated in June, 1877, and in the following year began the practice of his 
profession at Granthain, Sullivan county, N. H., where he remained four 
years. He then located in Londonderry, from which place in 1894 he came 
to Derry, where he has since remained. He has built up a large practice and 
has made many friends here, being now recognized as one of the prominent 
and substantial citizens of the town. He is a member of the New Hampshire 
State Medical Society, and has served as a member of the council of that 
body. Fraternally he is connected with King Solomon's Lodge, No. 14, A. 
F. & A. M., of New London; Rockingham Lodge. No. 2j. K. P., of Derry, 
and the Improved Order of Red Men of Manchester, N. H. He has served 
as surgeon of the uniformed rank of the First Regiment, N. H. Knights of 
Pythias, as medical examiner of Deerfield Lodge, Xo. 13, .\. O. V. W.. of 
Derry Deijot ; also as assistant surgeon of the First Regiment N. H. N. G, 
with the rank' of captain. Dr. Perkins married Miss Emma J. Flanders, of 
Danbury, X. H., and has one son, Harry M. The family move in the be.st 
society of Derry. the doctor being well known and highly esteemed through- 
out the county. , 

JUSTIN E. DRAKE, a general farmer owning eighty acres of land in 
the town of Xorth Hampton, was born on his present farm. July 8. 1865. 
His parents. Joshua P. and Sarah L. (Leavitt) Drake, were both natives of 
this town, the father being a farmer. He was a son of Samuel Drake. In 
politics he was a republican, and he and his wife belonged to the Orthodox 
church. Both are now deceased and are buried in this town. They had four 
children: Elmer E. ; Justin E. : Annie, wife of George H. Joy of Ports- 
mouth, and Hattie. residing in Marlboro. Mass. 

Justin E. Drake was educated in the common schools and subsequently 
took up farming as his occupation, at first assisting his father. When twenty- 
five years of age he inherited his present farm from his father and has since 
been its proprietor. Lie is a republican in politics and has served with credit 
as road commissioner. In 1893 Mr. Drake married Miss Ethlyn Tobey, who 
was born in Kittery, Me., daughter of Hiram and Esther (Sayward) Tobey, 
her father Ijeing a l>oat Imilder Ijy occupation and a veteran of the Civil war. 
Her parents attended the bVee W')\\ Baptist church. They had four children, 
as follows: I^sther, Joshua V.. Marion T.. and Dorothy M. The family 
attend the Congregational church and Mrs. Drake and her two daughters are 
memljers of the Grange. 

CHARLES E. LEACH, proprietor of a flouri.shing bakery in Ports- 
mouth. X. H.. was born in the ward he now lives in. January 19. 1858. a 
son of Charles E. and Elizabeth (Merrill) Leach. His father and mother 
were natives respectively of Eliot. Me., and Portsmouth. N. H.. and when 
young went to the same school to which our subject's grandchildren now go. 
The father was a carpenter and joiner by trade. Both are now deceased Their 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1187 

children were: Effie. the widow of Erank i^ield of Cambridge. Mass.. and 
Charles E.. whose name appears at the head of this sketch. 

Charles E. Leach ac(|uired his education in the common schools. On 
completing his studies he began to learn the trade of baker at his present loca- 
tion, subsequently buying out the business, which he is now conducting very 
successfully, having a good market for his product in Portsmouth. The ovens 
in the l)aken,- he owns are o\er 125 years old. The buildings are different, 
but there has been a bakery at this stand for 125 years. Mr. Leach employs 
five hands and uses one wagon to tleliver his goods. An independent in pol- 
itics, he has served as alderman and as a member of the cotincil. 

Mr. Leach married Carrie W. Sowerby, a daughter of James and Jose- 
phine (Gowen) Sowerby. her father being a master baker under whom our 
subject learned his trade. Mr. and Mrs. Leach have three children: Bertha, 
who is the wife of Harley (iiles and has two children, both daughters — Edith 
and Arline; Marian, who married Reginald Goldsmith of Portsmotith, a ma- 
chinist at the Portsmouth Navy Yard, and has a son, Kennard ; and James 
S., who is associated with his father in the l)aker>', as also is Mr. Giles, Mr. 
Leach's son-in-law. The famih- attend the Christian Baptist Church. 

JOSEPH W. DIXSMOOR, who is engaged in tiie automobile business 
at Derry, Rockingham Co., X. H., was born in \^'indham, N. H., in i86j, a 
son of Joseph and Cordelia (Bean) Dinsmoor. The father of our subject 
was born in Windham in 1833 and was engaged in farming all his life. His 
father and two previous generations were also bom there, the immigrant 
ancestors of the Dinsmoors settling in that town, which was then known as 
Londonderry. In the town of Windham there stands a tablet erected to his 
memory, on the birthplace of Gov. Samuel Dinsmoor, who was a brother of 
the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch. 

J. W. Dinsmoor, of the present generation, was reared and educated in 
the common schools of Windham and, after his school days were over, took 
up farm work and also engaged in the fruit business, in which he was occu- 
pied for some twenty years, buying and selling many thousands of barrels 
of apples, mostly in Xew Hampshire and Maine. A year ago ( 1913) he sold 
out his place and came to Derry, where he engaged in the automobile busi- 
ness, handling the King and Chevrolet machines. He has made a good start 
in the business, and is now occupying a capacious building on Cr^^stal .\venue, 
which he erected in 1Q14. A man of good business ability, energetic and far- 
sighted, he is bound to achieve success in his new field of effort. That he 
has the confidence of his fellow citizens is shown by the fact that he served 
for eight years on the board of selectmen while a resident of Windham. Mr. 
Dinsmoor was married in 1890 to Miss Maliel X. liean. a daughter of J. W. 
Bean of Derry, X". H. 

\\ ILLIAAI A. HODGDON, of Portsmouth, X. H., architect, contractor 
and builder, was born in this city December 9, 1849, son of Alexander H. 
and Sarah (Walker) Hodgdon. He is of English ancestry and is a descend- 
ant of one of the early settlers of Rockingham county. His grandfather, 
Benjamin Hodgdon, who was a farmer and resided many years in Newing- 
ton, subsec|uently came to Portsmouth, where Alexander H. Hodgdon was 
born. Earming was also Alexander's chief occupation, .\bout a year after 
the birth of his son, William A., in this city he removed to Greenland, Rock- 
ingham County, where he purchased a farm and spent the rest of his life. 



1188 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

William A. Hodgdon was educated in the district school and at Green- 
land Academy. At the age of 17 years he began to learn the carpenter's trade 
under the instruction of Moses Yeaton. Having served an apprenticeship of 
three years and a half, he obtained a position as foreman in New York City. 
While so employed he studied architecture. Under the strain of work and 
study his health gave way, whereupon he resigned his position and returned 
to Portsmouth. A year later he engaged in business as a contractor and 
builder, also dealing in builders' supplies, and has since prosperously con- 
tinued in this occupation, being now one of the leading men in his line in 
the city. He is a member of the Mechanics Fire Association and is a trustee 
of the Public Library. In 1909 he was elected a county commissioner on 
the republican ticket, and served the board as clerk since, being still a member. 

He is a member of St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 56, A. F. & A. M. ; Wash- 
ington Chapter No. 3, R. A. M.; Clinton Commandery, K. T., and of Pisca- 
taqua Lodge, No. 6, I. O. O. F. He is warden of the Middle Street Baptist 
churcli. Mr. Hodgdon was married in 1875 to Miss Carrie Yeaton, of Ports- 
mouth, daughter of Moses Yeaton, his first employer. She died in 1888, 
leaving a daiighter named Ethel. In 1894 he entered into a second marriage, 
by which he was united to Mrs. Clara n'Villiams) Randall. 

JOHN LEAR^', an active business man and successful merchant of 
Portsmouth, deals in grocery provisions and meats. He is one of that vast 
host whose energy and ambitions led from native land to foreign shore 
where greater opportunity for success prevailed. Mr. l>eary was born in 
Ireland. January 24, 1871. and is a son of James and Margaret (McCarthy) 
Leary. His father died in Ireland, where the mother still resides. They are 
of the Catholic religion. There are two children in the family, John and 
Hannah, the latter being the wife of Frank Reardon of Portsmouth. 

John Leary attended the common schools in his native land until he was 
fourteen years old, when he began an apprenticeship in the grocery business, 
as was the custom there. His service lasted three years, and he continued 
six months longer with the same concern. At the age of seventeen he came 
to the L'nited States and immediately located in Portsmouth, New Hamp- 
shire, where he entered the em])loy of the Portsmouth Machine Compan)\ 
.\t the end of four and a half years he left that company and started his 
present business. His start, in the year of 1895, was in a small way as his 
capital was limited, but as his patronage increased under good management 
and service, his store, its stock and ecjuipment grew likewise. He employs 
three clerks and has two wagons busy in making deliveries. Mr. Leary has 
always been interested in the development of the city and upon occasion has 
been called into public service. He is a democrat in politics and served four 
years in the city council. He was clerk of the third ward for two years. 

In 1898, Mr. Leary was united in marriage with Miss Nellie Stack, who 
was born in Ireland and came to the United States when young. Her father 
was James Stack, and neither of her parents ever came to this country. 
Seven children have blessed this union, four of whom are living, namely: 
Mary E., Eleanor, John and James. The family attends the Catholic church. 
Mr. Leary is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Benevolent Protective 
Order of Elks: the Ancient Order of Hibernians; the Forresters and the 
Royal Arcanum. 

BENJ AAIIN C. WOODBLTRY, JR.. M. D., whose ofiice and residence 
is at No. 43 Middle street, Portsmouth, N. H., is a capable physician of the 




.lOHX LKAHV 




GEOEGK H. WILLEY 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1193 

homeopathic school. He was born in Fatten, Me., August 13, 1882, a son 
of Dr. Benjamin C, Sr., and Matilda A. (Knowles) Woodbury. He ac- 
quired his literary education in Patten .\cademy and afterward attended the 
Boston University School of Medicine, where he was graduated in 1906. 
Immediately thereafter he located in Winthrop, Me., where he began the 
practice of his profession, removing later, however, to Lewiston, Me., and 
thence, on March i, 1908, to Portsmouth, where he succeeded the late Dr. 
Frank L. Benedict. Pie has been successful in his profession and as a citizen 
is highly esteemed. He is a member of the Maine and of the New Hamp- 
shire Homeopathic Medical Societies, also of the American Institute of 
Homeopathy, the International Hahnemannian Society and of the Society of 
Homeopathicians. During 191 3 Dr. Woodbury was elected by the faculty 
of Boston University School of Medicine as lecturer on the principles of 
homeopathy. He served during 19 14 as secretary of the Lhiited States Ex- 
amining Surgeons of Rockingham County, N. H. He is a memlaer of the 
Country Club of Portsmouth. The Woodbury family, to which he belongs, 
is one of the old historical families of New England. 

GEORGE HAMLIN WILLEY, a prosperous and substantial business 
citizen of New Market, New Hampshire, is proprietor of the Hotel Willey 
which enjoys an enviable reputation with the traveling public throughout this 
section of the, state. He \vas born on a farm in Middleton, N. H., February 
3, 1863, and is a son of Jonas Durgin and Abbie (Horn) Willey. He is 
descended from Benjamin Willey of Revolutionary fame. The father of the 
subject of this sketch is now deceased and the mother still is a resident of 
Middleton. 

George Hamlin Willey attended public schools until he was seventeen, 
then went to Farmington where for two years he worked in a shoe factory. 
He served tw^o and a half years as mail agent between North Conway and 
Boston under appointment of President Cleveland. Afterward he worked 
first as brakeman and later as conductor on the Boston and Maine Railroad. 
He continued for seven years and then in November, 1894, came to New 
Market where for eight years he operated a local express. In 1902 he bought 
the hotel, now wddely known as the Hotel Willey. He also is proprietor of 
the largest wholesale liquor store in New Market, patronized largely by towns 
throughout the state and the recipient of a large local family trade. Mr. 
Willey has been prominently identified with local affairs and has a large fol- 
lowing of personal friends. He is a democrat in politics and for the last 
six years has been chairman of the water board. In 1892 Mr. Willey was 
elected to the legislature from his native town of Middleton. N. H., by a very 
flattering vote and served for two years. He was also elected from New- 
Market, by a large majority in June, 1912, to the Constitutional Conven- 
tion. He is president of the New Hampshire State Association of Licensees. 

November 29, 1894, Mr. Willey was married to Miss Eva E. Nute, a 
daugliter of Jeremy O. and Martha (Phelps) Nute of Farmington. Her 
father was prominent in public affairs and at one time was a railroad com- 
missioner and also was president of the Senate. This union resulted in the 
birth of one son, George Nute Willey. 

WILLIS F. KIERNAN, who has been engaged in business as a con- 
tractor and builder in Portsmouth for the last fourteen years, was born in 
this city, in October, 1857, a .son of Francis and Armina (Raitt) Kiernan. 



1194 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Both his parents are now deceased. The father, Francis Kiernan, was a 
native of New York and was a contractor and builder. His wife was born 
in Eliot, Me. They were the parents of four children, of whom the subject 
of this sketch was the only one that grew to maturity. 

Willis F. Kiernan acquired his education in the grammar schools of 
Portsmouth. After his school days were over he obtained employment in a 
greenhouse where he worked for one year. He then went to work for his 
father, remaining with him for a year and a half, during which time he 
acquired a fair knowledge of the business. Subsequent to this he was em- 
ployed by the Boston & Albany Railroad for fifteen years as carpenter. Then 
returning to Portsmouth, he started his present business as contractor and 
builder. He has been quite successful and now gives employment steadily 
to five men. .\ republican in politics, he served one year as a member of the 
city council, while his fraternal affiliations are with the Odd Fellows and 
Elks. 

Mr. Kiernan was married in 1882 to Fannie R. Appleton, who was born 
on Seavy's Island, Me., a daughter of Edwin S. and Frances R. (Brown) 
Appleton. Her father, a Mexican war veteran, was a native of Portsmouth, 
her mother of Vermont. They had three children : Anna, now deceased ; 
Fannie R., now Mrs. Kiernan, and Roswell. Mr. and Mrs. Kiernan attend 
the Baptist church. They are good, substantial people, esteemed by their 
neighbors, and favorable representatives of the pojjulation of this city. 

HOMER A. WHITE, funeral director and embalmer, of Derry, N. H., 
successor to Thomas Martin, was born in Marlboro, Cheshire county, N. H., 
July 27, 1864, a son of Asa M. and Mary (Knight) White. He was reared 
and educated in Keene, N. H., where he attended and was graduated from 
the high school. He then began industrial life with the firm of Woodbury 
& Howard, funeral directors, of Keene, N. H.. remaining with them for 
three years. Subsequent to this he engaged with the Stephen Merritt Com- 
pany of New York, in the same line of business, and continued in their em- 
ploy for seven years. He was then with the W. T. Lockhart Compan}' of 
Boston between six and seven years, afterwards spending five years with \\'. 
A. Frink of Somerville, Mass., and two years with F. S. Goward of Brock- 
ton, Mass. He then came to Derry and, as al)o\-e notech. succeeded to the 
business of C. H. Martin as funeral director and embalmer. An up-to-date 
business man, he is one of the leading representatives of his profession in 
this section, being a graduate of the Barnes School of .\natomy of Chicago. 
111. His entire life since leaving school has been devoted to this line of 
work, in which he is is thoroughly proficient. He is a Knight Templar 
Mason and l)elongs also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Religi- 
ously he is affiliated with the Methodist Church. Mr. White was married in 
1887 to Miss Olive Hamilton of New Orleans. He and his wife are the 
parents of two children now living, namely: Maud, who married Arthur 
H. Roberts and resides in Trenton, N. J., and Homer A. Jr.. who is assist- 
ing his father in the undertaking business. 

GEORGE WILLIAM WHENAL.=^^ ownei^and proprietor of a farm of 
eighty acres, situated on Maple .\venue in the town of Greenland, Rocking- 
ham County, N. H., was born in Scotland, March 5, 1865. a son of William 
and Agnes (Dickey) \Mienal. Tlie father, William W'henal. was also born 
in Scotland and was a farmer by occupation. By his first wife Agnes, the 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1195 

mother of our subject, he had two children — Sarah and George W. He mar- 
ried secondly Jane Brown, a native of Scotland, and of this marriage there 
were seven children born, namely: Robert: Agnes, wife of George Durbin: 
Sarah, wife of Frank Cochran: Lydia, wife of Howard Lane; Lewis, Thomas 
and John. Mr. Whenal's first wife was a nati\e of New York City. 

George W. Whenal was about six years old when he came to the United 
States. He acquired his education in the common schools and has since been 
engaged chiefly in farming, meeting with good success. He is an industrious 
enterprising citizen and has served the town as road agent. 

Air. Whenal was married. May 24, 1887, to Grace M. Stewart, who was 
bom in Haverhill, Mass., a daughter of Charles H. and Adeline (Marden) 
Stewart. Her father, who was engaged in the leather business in Haverhill, 
is now retired. He was twice married, Mrs. Whenal being the only child by 
the first union. Her mother, who was a native of Greenland, N. H., died in 
1909. Mr. and Mrs. Whenal are the parents of two children, namely: Flos- 
sie, who is the w-ife of Herbert Dame, station agent at Dover Point, and has 
one child, Herbert, Jr., and Ruth, who resides at home with her parents. 
The family attend the ^Methodist church. Mr. \Mienal is a republican in 
politics. 

JACOB F. DOW, who is employed as shoe freighter for Dodge Bros., 
of Seabrook, and also carries on a farm and operates a grocery store in this 
town, was bom in Seabrook, N. H., February 9, 1856. His parents were 
Albert M. and Keziah (Collins) Dow. The father, a native of Seabrook, 
was in early life a shoemaker and later a shoe freighter. He was also at 
times engaged in deep sea fishing. He and his wife had four children: 
Charles E., George C. Hulda (who married Jacob S. Fowler), and Jacob 
F., the subject of this sketch. 

Jacob F. Dow was educated in the schools of Seabrook. He then worked 
at shoemaking for some time, but for the last twenty-six years has been shoe 
freighter for Dodge Bros. He served the town as road agent for eight 
years and was representative to the general court in 1910. For years he has 
been a member of the Democratic Committee, the Home Mutual, and the 
Lafayette Club. In 1914 he was a delegate to the state convention. August 
28, 1875, Mr. Dow married Miss Abbie V. Eaton, daughter of Caleb and 
Louisa Eaton, llieir children are: George L. and Albert M., the latter 
born November 3, 1880. 

CHARLES BARTLETT, a prosperous druggist and business man of 
Derry, N. H.. holding the office of town treasurer, was born in Derry April 
9, 1859. a son of Greenleaf Cilley and Charlotte J. (Kelly) Bartlett. His 
father, who was a native of Nottingham, this county, was engaged in the 
practice of law in Derry for nearly half a century. Our subject was educated 
in the schools of Derry and at Pinkerton Academy, and engaged in business 
in Derry village in 1876. He has had a successful career and has been treas- 
urer of the town for many years. Besides being proprietor of a well equipped 
drug store, he is vice president of the Chester & Derry Electric Railway, a 
director of the Derry National Bank, and trustee of the Derr}' Savings Bank, 
in all of which positions he has shown good business ability and foresight. 
He is also a director of the Central Congregational Church. His fraternal 
affiliations are with the Rockingham Lodge, K. of P. A republican in pol- 
itics, he has taken an active interest in public affairs, and his aid and advice 



1196 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

have on a number of occasions been fx>tent factors in advancing the welfare 
and accelerating the progress of the village and town. Mr. Bartlett may 
well \x classed as among the more useful and prominent citizens of Rock- 
ingham County. 

JOHN L. SMITH, a representative citizen of Rockingham County, resid- 
ing in North Hampton, owns and cultivates a fine farm of one hundred acres. 
He was born in North Hampton, N. H.. on June 15, 1835, and is a son of 
Christopher and Eliza (Hobbs) Smith. Christopher Smith was also born in 
North Hampton, and in addition to farming followed the trade of a .stone 
mason. He and liis wife were parents of four children: Morris H., John 
L. and Joshua P. (twins), and David C. 

John L. Smith, after a preliminary course in the grade schools, attended 
Nonnal School one year. He then entered upon farm work, which has been 
his principal occupation, although he has also done considerable contract 
work. He was married November 14, i860, to Rebecca P. Marston of North 
Hampton, a daughter of Levi and Sarah (Philbrook) Marston, the father a 
native of North Hampton, and the mother of Hampton. Mrs. Smith was 
one of three children, having a brother, John D., and a sister, Mary A. Mr. 
and Mrs. Smith became the parents of children as follows: George G., 
deceased; Mary E., wife of Oliver S. Hobbs, by whom she has a son, Ray- 
mond O.. a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy; and David C, who also 
is deceased. Mrs. Smith passed from this life August 22, 1905, her death 
being a sad and irreparable loss to her husband and children. Mr. Smith 
is a republican in politics and for ten years served as police supervisor. Fra- 
ternally he is a member of the Canton Encampment at Portsmouth, and in 
religious faith a Congregationalist. 

ALBERT C. L.\NE, postmaster at Stratham, N. H., also proprietor of 
a confectionery store here, was born in this town, June 22, 1853, ^ son of 
Enoch and Mary (Seavey) Lane, the father being a native of Stratham and 
the mother of Rye, N. H. Both are now deceased. They had a large family 
of nine children, as follows: Caroline, wife of Isaac S. Wiggin: Fannie A., 
wife of Albert A. Haven: John T.. William S., Henry S., Albert C, Charles 
S., Susan and Warren L. 

-Vlbert C. Lane was edticated in the common schools and began industrial 
life as a truck gardener. Later he operated a general store in Stratham for 
awhile, and afterwards was occupied in gardening for several years. He 
was appointed postmaster at Stratham eleven years ago and has retained the 
position. The office controls one rural route. Mr. Lane is a republican in 
politics. He was formerly clerk and treasurer of the town for seven years, 
and was also postmaster at Stratham for two years previous to his present 
incumbency of the office. In addition to this he served on the school board 
for nine years. 

Mr. Lane married Mary Elvina Brown of Georgetown, Mass.. daughter of 
Jerry and Mary (Osborn) Brown, whose family included one other child, 
Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Lane are the parents of two daughters: Mildred L., a 
graduate of Exeter .Seminary, who is now a teacher in the public schools, and 
Edith, also a graduate of the Exeter Seminary, who is also a school teacher. 
Mr. Lane belongs to the Junior Order of I'nited American Mechanics and 
to the (irange. He and his family arc memliers of the Congregational church. 
of which he is a deacon. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1199 

WILLIAM E. LANCASTER, son of Thomas Dodge and Mary Maria 
(Pattee) Lancaster, was born in Salem, New Hampshire, April 13, 1870. 
He was educated in the public schools of Salem, Pinkerton Academy of 
Derry, and Norwich University of Northfield, Vermont. He took up civil 
engineering, which line he followed for several years, later engaging in the 
lumber business, where he became associated with the Salem Manufacturing 
Company. He is a member of the Board of Salem Water Commissioners, 
which office he has held for two consecutive terms; on November 3, 1914, 
he was elected a representative to the General Court of New Hampshire. 
He is also a member of Spicket Lodge No. 85, A. F. & A. M., Salem, N. H. ; 
of Royal Bell Arch Chapter, Derry, N. H. ; of Israel Hunt Council; St. 
George Commandery, K. T. Nashua, N. H., and of Bektash Temple, A. A. 
O. N. M. S., of Concord. N. H. 

On September 19, 1905. he was married to Cora A. M. Maeder, of Ma- 
hone Bay, Nova Scotia, and they live in their home on Highland Ave., Salem 
Center. 

Thomas Dodge Lancaster {2d), father of William E., was born in Bos- 
ton, May 12, 1822. He was the youngest son of seven children: Thomas 
Dodge Lancaster (ist), born in Boston Nov. 19, 1819. died May 16, 1821 ; 
John Henry Lancaster, born in Boston, Dec. 19, 1816, died in Salem, N. H., 
June 26, 1900; William Emerson Lancaster, born in Boston. Nov. 22, 1812, 
died August 19, 1848; Eliza Ann Lancaster, born in Boston Sept. 21, 1810, 
died in Salem, N. H., Feb. 7, 1894; Sarah Lancaster, born in Boston, March 
14, 1807, died at Hannibal, Mo., April 6, 1900; Mary Lancaster, born in 
Boston, Dec. 14, 1803, died in Boston, April 16, 1S27. He came to Salem 
when less than a year old and lived on Zion Hill in what is now known as 
the Coburn place. He received his education in the schools of Salem, car- 
ried on the farm for several years, then took to shoemaking, which he fol- 
lowed to within three years of his death, which occurred July 8, 1907. He 
held very few public offices but was always deeply interested in the affairs of 
the town and was honored and respected by all. 

Mary Maria Pattee, wife of Thomas D. Lancaster, was born in Salem, 
N. H., on what is now known as the Kelfy place on the Turnpike. March 20, 
1828. She was the oldest in a family of three children: Richard N., born 
Sept. 7, 1832. died Sept. 19, 1861 ; Charles Thurston, born Nov. 10, 1834, 
died Jan. 30, 1909. She was married in Salem May 8, 1861, and has ever 
since lived there. Richard N. and Charles T. Pattee both served in the Civil 
war, Richard N. dying at Beaufort, N. C. 

William Lancaster, grandfather of William E., born in Salem, X. H., 
April 19, 1771, was the second son in a family of six children: Henry Lan- 
kester, 1768; Jerusha, 1769; William, 1771-1821 ; Thomas, 1773; Polly. 
1779; Sally, 1783 — children of John and Mary Lankester. He was married 
to Mary Brigham of iNIarlboro. Mass.. Feb. 28, 1801. 

John and Mary Lancaster, great-grandparents of William F.. were 
among the earliest settlers of the town, originating from Lancashire. Eng- 
land. Among the few things handed down, which tell of their standing, is 
the English coat of arms of the House n\ Lancaster, now in the possession 
of William E. Lancaster. 

T. GREENLEAF MOULTON. who died at his home in the town of 
Hampton Falls. Rockingham County. X. H., March 10, 1898. was in former 
years one of the well known an<l most highly respected citizens of this town. 



1200 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

where he was bom July 30, 1833. The Moultons are an old family in this 
section, the origin of the family in New England dating back to colonial 
times. Among its most distinguished members was Benjamin Moulton, who 
was made captain-general over his Majesty's J-'rovince of New Hampshire 
by King George H in 1760, and since that time many of its representatives, 
if they have not attained so high a position, have at least been men and 
women of mark and influence in their respective localities, exhibiting strong 
traits of mental and moral force, combined with the religious faith, that was 
so prominent a characteristic of New England's early settlers. 

Joseph Moulton. the father of T. Greenleaf, was also a native of Ham|> 
ton Falls and an acti\'e and influential citizen, who successfully cultivated his 
farm and improved the family homestead. He died in this town in 1888 at 
the advanced age of ninety-two years, respected by all who knew him. He 
married Mary, daughter of William Brown, and they had three children : 
Josei)li W'.. who until his death in recent years made his home on the place 
adjoining the original Moulton homestead; Mar}' E., who became the wife 
of Deacon Daniel Smith of Brentwood, Rockingham County, N. H., and T. 
Greenleaf, of whom we make more particular mention. 

T. Greenleaf Moulton acquired a good practical education and was 
brought up to farm life and labor. His life was passetl ou the old family 
homestead, to the possession of which in due time he succeeded and on which 
he made various improvements. This place has been for seven generations 
in the IMoulton family and name. Like his father. Mr. Moulton was a man 
of influence in the town and took an active part in its government, serving 
as selectman and on the board of education. He was highly esteemed by his 
fellow citizens for his ability, honesty and other sterling traits of character 
and his advice was frequently sought in matters of public importance. He 
married Emily Stearns, a daughter of Marshall and Man,' Ann (Chase) 
Stearns, of Paris, Maine, and they became the parents of three daughters, 
the only surviving one of whom, Jeanette, graduated from Wellesley College 
and is now a teacher in one of the high schools of Boston. Mass. 

S. 1 ILDEX LADD, M. D..* of i'ortsmouth, X. H.. was born in Epping, 
N. H., Februarv' 7. 1877, a son of Samuel I', and Sarah J. (Dodge) Ladd. 
The father, a Xew Hampshire man, was a farmer and machinist by occupa- 
tiiin. He resided in this state until liis death, December 31. 1884. He and 
his wife Sarah were the parents of a large family of fifteen children, of 
whom thirteen now survive. 

The subject of this review, Samuel Tilden Ladd, after attending the pub- 
lic schools, was a student for two years and a half at New Hampshire State 
College. He then entered the Dartmouth Medical School, from which he 
was graduated in 1900, afterward attending the Xew York University, where 
he took a post-graduate course of a year and a half. In July, 1902, he located 
in Portsmouth, where he has since built up a good practice in medicine and 
surgery, being recognized as an able man in h.is profession. He was city 
physician in 1905. He is a member of the Portsmouth Medical .Association, 
the Rockingham Coiuit\- Medical Association, the Xew Hampshire State 
Medical Association, and also the .\nierican .\ssociation and the North 
American Association. .\ Free Mason, he belongs to the Blue Lodge, has 
taken Scottish Rite degrees and is a "Shriner." In politics he is a democrat. 

Xovember [7, 1904, Dr. Ladd married Elizabeth E. Bagbitt. a daughter 
of ixichard Bagbitt of England. This union has l)een blessed with three 




DA.MKL W. (IKAXT 




GKOEGE H. GKANT 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1203 

children. Bradley. Peter and John. The family affiliates with the Episcoy)al 
church. They reside at 579 State Street, the doctor having an office at No. 
75 Congress Street. 

DANIEL \A'. GRANT, who is interested, with his son, George H. Grant, 
in the Grant Greenhouses, located at No. 915 Woodbury Avenue, Portsmouth, 
N. H.. was born at Tuftonboro, Carroll County, N. H., June 17, 1845, ^ son 
of Daniel and Patience (Lord) Grant. The father, Daniel Grant, a native 
of Stratham, N. H., was in early life a carpenter but later engaged in farming, 
which occupation he followed to the close of his life. His wife, the mother 
of our subject, was from Ossipee, N. H. Both have passed away and are 
buried in Tuftonboro. Their family numbered ten children, namely: John: 
Daniel W., whose name appears at the head of this sketch : Henrietta, now 
deceased; Joseph B. ; Betsey J., deceased: Emma M., wife of Frank Joaquin; 
Lydia, wife of William W. McCluskey; Charles M. ; Clara, wife of Fred 
Gillette, and George. 

Daniel W. Grant's literary education was confined to attendance at the 
common schools, which he attendefl only during the winter months, at other 
times and during the vacations being kept busy on his parents" farm. He 
subsequently learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for twenty- 
five years, after which he worked five years in a glove factory as cutter. He 
then engaged in his present business as greenhouse man, in which he has 
been very successful. The business is now actively managed and controlled 
by his son, George H. Grant, although Daniel W. Grant still retains his 
interest in the business. They have about fifteen acres of land, with six 
houses under glass, the principal greenhouse products being tomatoes and 
cucumbers, the most of which are shipped to Boston. Employment is given 
to four hands. In politics Daniel W. Grant is a republican but occasionally 
casts an independent vote in local affairs. His fraternal affiliations are witli 
the Masonic order. 

Mr. Grant was marrie<l in i87_> to funily J. Iloliart. who was born in 
Plymouth, N. H., a daughter of Charles and Martha (Morrison) Hobart, 
both natives of New Hampshire ; her father's occupation was farming. Their 
other children were Abbie A., William C. and Julia. Mr. and Mrs. Grant 
are the parents of three children: Harry W., who married Belle Mitchell, 
and has a son, Ernest; Bertha E. ; and George H., who married Flossie 
Eldredge and has a daughter, Lilah Marie. The family attends the Methodist 
church. 

CASSIUS SAMUEL CAMPBELL, for many years a successful and 
well known educator, now living retired in Derry village, Rockingham County, 
N. H., was born in Windham, \'. H.. November 19, 1845, 'i son of Samuel 
and Lydia (Crowell) Campbell. He is a descendant on the paternal side of 
Henry Campbell, who emigrated to this country from Londonderry. Ireland, 
in 1773, settling in Londonderry, Rockingham county, N. H. 

The subject of this sketch, after acquiring his elementary education in 
the public schools, prepared for college at Pinkerton .Academy, Derry, N. H. 
Finishing at Pinkerton in 1864, he entered Dartmouth College in September 
of the same year and was graduated with honors in 1868. He then went to 
Hastings, ]\Iinn., where he became superintendent of the public schools, re- 
maining ten years. During this time he established and organized a system 
of graded schools, which was pronounced by the state superintendent of 



1204 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

schools to be one of great excellence and the high school to be the best in 
the state. He next became principal of the high school in the city of St. 
Paul. Minn., which position he held for five years, when he resigned and 
returned to New Hampshire to teach in the McCollom Institute at Mt. Ver- 
non. In 1888 he became a member of the faculty of his alma mater, Pinker- 
ton Academy, and here he continued, with the teaching of mathematics and 
physics as his special departments, until his voluntary retirement in 1909. 

On becoming a resident of Derry, Mr. Campbell at once gave evidence ot 
possessing a high practical order of citizenship by publicly advancing ideas 
and suggestions that culminated in some notable civic improvements, such as 
lighting the streets, laying sidewalks, planting trees, etc. He was the first to 
suggest the building of the Chester & Derry Electric Street Railway, was a 
charter member of the organization that took that work in hand, and was 
president of the company for a number of years. He was also a charter 
member of the Derry Water Works Company and for several years was 
superintendent of the works. In every position he has held Mr. Campbell 
has shown marked efficiency, and, as a citizen, his public-spirited efforts in 
the direction of civic improvements will long be remembered and appreciated. 

.\ugust 30. 1869. Mr. Campbell married Miss Lydia Lorane Ashley.' of 
Northampton, Mass., a graduate of Alt. Holyoke College, descended from 
Re\'. Justus Forward of Belchertown and Rev. Noah Merrick, first minister 
of W'illjraham, Mass. He and his wife are the parents of four children — 
George Ashley, Arthur Forward, Francena L. and Percy A., whose records 
in brief are as follows : George Ashley was graduated bachelor of science 
from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, subsequently receiving the 
degrees of A. B., A. M.. and Ph. D. from Harvard University. In addition 
he studied for three years in leading universities in Europe, holding a travel- 
ing scholarship from Har\-ard. He is now holding the position of research 
engineer of the American Telegraph and Telephone Company of New York. 
Arthur F. Campbell was graduated A. B. from Dartmouth in 1895 and is 
now sub-master in a Boston high school. Francena L. Campbell was grad- 
uated A. B. at Mt. Holyoke and later took a post-graduate year at Columbia 
University, N. Y. Percy A. Campbell graduated B. S. at Han-ard. is now 
with the General Electric Conipau}- at Newark. N. J. 

CAPT. LEONARD HOBART PILLSBURY, proprietor of a flourish- 
ing house furnishing company in Derry. N. H.. and a veteran of the Civil 
War. was bom in Dunbarton. N. H.. in 1835. a son of Rev. Stephen and 
Lavinia (Hobart) Pillsbury. His father was a Baptist minister. When only 
one year old Capt. Pillsbury came to Londonderry with his parents in the 
very year that the City of Manchester was founded, there being at that time 
only two houses on its present site. In Londonderry he was reared to man- 
hood, being largely instructed by his parents and an older brother and sister. 
In 1855. being sternly opposed to human slavery, as were both his parents, 
he joined the anti-slavery emigrants who went courageously to the New Ter- 
ritory, as the Poet \\'hittier wrote, 

"To rear a wall of men on Freedom's southern line 
And ])lant beside the cotton tree the rugged northern pine." 

He remained in Kansas three years, pre-empting his quarter section of 
land, and at one time carrying one of Beecher's rifles in those turbulent "Bor- 




e'APT. LEOXAIU) H. I'l I,I,S1!IRY 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1205 

der Ruffian" times. He then returned to his native state and entered the 
Phillips Exeter Academy, from which he was graduated in 1862. In the 
spring of that year he enlisted in Company A. Ninth New Hampshire Infan- 
try, being mustered in as captain of the company August 23, 1862, and was 
ordered south with his company the same month. He joined the Army of 
the Potomac in time to take part in the battles of South Mountain and Antie- 
tani. He also took part in the fighting at Fredericksburg, Vicksburg and 
Jackson, and participated in many smaller engagements. After taking part 
in the battle at Jackson, Mississippi, under Sherman against Johnson, the 
troops returned to Vicksburg, where he had previously witnessed the fall of 
that city. His comi)any, through battles and hardships, being now reduced 
to seven men fit for duty, he was granted leave to return home, but was later 
assigned to special dulv in the revenue service in New York City, where his 
mission was to watch for and seize all goods "Contraband of War." He was 
never seriously wounded, although hit by a piece of shell at Antietam. After 
the war Capt. Pillsbury spent two years as an officer of the customs in New 
York City. In 1866 he located in Manhattan, Kansas, and for two years was 
associated with his brother, Josiah H. Pillsbury, m conducting an independ- 
ent newspaper there named "1 he Manhattan Independent." The next five 
years he spent in stock-raising in Kansas, after which he was appointed dep- 
uty clerk in the L'nited States Court and court commissioner at Memphis, 
Tenn.. where he remained for five years. He then returned tn New Hamp- 
shire and located in Derry. conducting a general mercantile business there for 
ten years. At the end of that time he established his present business in 
which he has ever since been engaged successfully. He has served as a mem- 
ber of the legislature and of the constitutional convention and three years as 
police judge in Derry. He resides on and owns the Elmwood farm, a fine 
property of 60 acres lying on the State Road from Manchester to Lawrence, 
one mile north of D'erry. Capt. Pillsbury was married August 23, 186.^, to 
E\-elyn Sanliorn of Kingston. N. H., his marriage taking place on the same 
day on which he was mustered in as captain of Company A, Ninth New 
Hampshire Volunteers. Only two days later he left for the seat of war. He 
and his wife are the parents of four sons and one daughter, namely: Fred- 
erick S., engaged in the real estate business in Watertown, Mass.; Ambrose 
Burnside, who resides in Derry and is associated with his father in the house 
furnishing business: Edwin S., president and general manager of the Cen- 
tury Electric Co. of St. Louis, Mo.: William S. of East St. Louis. Illinois, 
and Grace L. Crocker, of Belmont, Mass.. wife of Josiah H. Crocker. They 
have ten grandchildren. They celel)rated their golden wedding on the 23d of 
August, 1912, the occasion being quite a notable one and largely attended by 
many friends from distant states. Capt. Pillsbury, who is often adrlressed 
as "Judge Pillsbury." is a member of the Baptist Church of Derry and was 
one of its founders, only a few of whom now sur\ivc. He was lor 23 year^ 
the superintendent of its Sunday School. He is also a member and a ])ast 
commander of the Wesley B. Knight Post of the ( ;. .\. R.: ]iresident of the 
Fxegimental As.sociation of the Ninth Veterans, and ha^ 43 years been an 
active member and one of the vice presidents of the American Peace Society, 
and deeply interested in whatever concerns the happiness, education and ele- 
A'ation of the race. 

EDWTN I. RAND, a well known farmer and stock raiser of the town 
of Nemington, w ho is also serving in the office of selectman, was born in Rye, 



rJ06 HISTORY' Ol-^ ROCKIXCjHAM colxty 

N. H.. September 26, 1884, a son of Henr^- S. and Mary O. (Trefethen) 
Rand. The mother of our subject is now deceased. The father, Henry S. 
Rand, a mason by trade, resides in Rye. He is a Baptist in reHgion, as was 
also his wife. Their Hving children are as follows: Arthur; Elizabeth, wife 
of Herman Rand ( her husband belonging to a different family of this name, 
unconnected by relationship); Harry O. ; Kate M., wife of Orvill Varrel ; 
Sherman, and Edwin J. 

Edwin J. Rand was etlucated in the common schools and began work on 
the home farm at an earl}' age, remaining thus employed until his marriage 
in 1908. He then came to his present location, the property l>eing known as 
the Benton Hoj-l farm. It belongs to his wife's mother, from whom he rents 
it, she making her home with our subject and wife. Mrs. Rand, whose 
maiden name was Beth Hoyt. is a daughter of Benton and Josephine ', Tre- 
fethen ) Hoyt, her father being now deceased. She has a sister, Faye, who 
is the wife of W. A. LeFavour, superintendent of Chase Bros, manufactur- 
ing plant at Boston, Mass. Mr. and Mrs, Rand have two children, Constance 
and Josephine. In addition to general farming Mr. Rand raises registered 
Holstein cattle and is doing a prosperous business. He belongs to the Grange 
and is a democrat in politics. He and his family attend the Unitarian church. 
Mrs. Rand had a brother, Frank, who is now deceased. Mr. Rand has two 
brothers, Joseph and Burt, and one sister, Estella, all being now deceased. 

J. B. BARTLETT, cashier of the Derry National Bank, of Derry, X. H.. 
and a well known business man of this town, was born in Xottingham. Rock- 
ingham County, X. H., in i860. He was educated in the jjublic schools of 
Haverhill, Mass., at a jjrivate school and at Coe's Academy, which he at- 
leuded. one term, subsequent to which he attended the Maine State College, 
lie was then engaged for a time in fanning. In the fall of 1888 he came to 
Derry and entered the Derry Xational Bank, with which he has been con- 
nected e\er since. This l>ank was organized in 1828 as the old Derry State 
luuik- and was thus conducted until 1864. at which time it was reorganized 
a- the Derry Xational Bank. Mr. liartlett is als(_) a trustee of the Derry 
Savings Bank, chartered in 1904, and treasurer and manager of the Derry 
I'llectric Company of Derr\-. I'or ten years he has been town moderator and 
takes a strong intere.st in every project calculated to advance the moral or 
material welfare of the town, in the Masonic order he has taken the ^2<\ 
degree. Mr. Bartlett was married in June. 1S94. to Miss Eleanor E. ^Ic- 
Daniels, of Lee, X. H. They have three children: Richard C. Priscilla. and 
JosLii'i Bradliurv. Jr 

1-'R.\X(IS ROBIXSOX D!>: \K1-: was burn ;it X.-rtli Hampton. X. H., 
Xovemlier 3. 1849, only son of .Xathaniel and .\nne Trefethen (Seavey) 
Drake. His father was i)orn ;ind died on the fami at North Hampton, N. H., 
which had been in the Dr;ike family in an unbroken line of ownership since 
it was granted bv the Colonial (lovernnient. .Mrs. Xathaniel Drake was Iwrn 
in Rve. X. H.. but in her very early life her father moved to Greenland, 
where he i)n,rchased a farm and remained there tlie remainder of his life. 
Mr. and .Mrs. Xathaniel Drake also had one daughter, Clara Br\-ant, who in 
December, 1875, married Oliver S. French of the same town, but later on 
moved to P.oston, Mass. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver S. French had two children: 
J. Russell French of Brookline, Mass., and later of North Ham])ton, N. H., 
and Anne Lemira, who married Herbert Coolidge Davidson of Boston, Mass. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1207 

Francis Roliinson Drake was educated in the common schools and at 
the New Hampton Academy. In early life he evinced an interest and took 
an active part in the religious and general welfare of his native town. He 
was a prominent member of the Congregational church, was elected deacon 
when a young man and for twenty-six years was superintendent of its Sun- 
day school. He was at different times secretary and president of the Rock- 
ingham Sunday School .\ssociation. During nine vears he was chairman of 
the North Hampton school lx)ard. He introduced manv improvements, in- 
cluding the system of graded schools. He was a frecinent speaker at public 
meetings. For years he was a member at the Republican State Committee. 
Few men in this part of the state and cnuntv were better known in the busi- 
ness and religious world. In his own and adjoining towns he was almost 
constantly emplo_\-ed in the settlement of estates and in l)usiness requiring 
tact, experience and practical judgment. 

He was one of the directors of the Piscataqua Savings Bank of Ports- 
mouth. N. H.. and was connected with the real estate interests of the Boston 
& Maine Railroad. Apart from his private business as a bond and mortgage 
broker, which re(|uired semi-yearly trips to Ohio, Chicago and Kansas City, 
he managed his stock farm at North Hampton. ^Ir. Drake died May i8, 
1902. after a brief illness at his home in Xorth Hampton, where he held the 
love and esteem of all his town's people, and mourned l)y all who knew him. 

Mr. Drake was of the ninth generation in male line of direct descent 
from Robert Drake, of Devon, England, who came to America about 1638, 
settling first in Exeter, .\. H.. and afterward in Ham|)ton. of which North 
Hampton was then a part, 

Rol>ert's son, .Kbraham, was granted, in aliDut 1670, a large tract of land 
from the Colonial Government in the northern i)art of the town, designated 
in the old chronicles as "Xorth Division." 'I'here eight generations of Drakes, 
down to and including the sul)ject of this sketch, have owned and occupied 
this farm in an unbroken line. The title cleeds extend back over a period of 
two hundred and fifty years. 

Francis R. Drake was fourth in direct descent from Lieutenant-Colonel 
Abraham Drake. Lieut. Col. Abraham, who was born in 171.5, went to re- 
side on the farm at "Xorth Division," where he built what was then tenned 
a "mansion." He w. as one of the first to take up arms in defense of the 
colonial liberties. He had previously served as captain in the French and 
Indian war. On receiving news of the battle of Lexington he hastened south 
with his regiment and was stationed at \\'inter Hill, near Boston, after the 
evacuation he returned to Xorth Hampton. \\'hen intelligence reached hiin 
of the progress of General Burgoyne, he marched again with his regiment to 
intercept him and was present at General Burgoyne"s surrender. \Miile at 
Winter Hill he was introduced to General George Washington and afterward 
attended several councils called by him to decide on important business. Col. 
Drake died suddenly in his field of apoplexy, .\ugust i, 1781, aged 66 years. 

Lieut. Col. Drake was twice married. His first wife was .\bigail Weare, 
daughter of [udge Nathaniel Weare and sister of Hon. Mesheck \\'eare, 
fir.st president, or governor, of New Hampshire. She died October 2. 1740. 

\\'eare Drake, son of Lieut. Col. and Abigail ( \\'eare) Drake, was born 
December 17, 1739. He lived in a house near his father's home.stead, which, 
on September j8, 1771, he void to his half brother, Abraham Drake, Jr., to- 
gether with all the land he owned at North Hami)ton. (This is the house 
and farm now owned bv Clifford S. Drake.) .\fter the sale of this property 



1208 HISTOkV Ol' l^:()(•KI.\"(iTI.\^[ COL'NTV 

he moved, with his family to land granted to his father, in Etfingham; N. H., 
and from him most of the Drakes in the northern part of the state descended. 

Lieut. Col. Abraham Drake married for his second wife .-Vbigail Dear- 
horn, whose great grandfather, Godfrey Dearborn, came from Exeter, Eng- 
land, in 1O39, and settled in Exeter, N. H. From this second marriage the 
subject of our sketch descended. Four of this Drake family served in the 
Revolutionary war. Lieut. Col. .\braham Drake and his three sons Weare 
Drake, Cornet Abraham Drake, and Jonathan Drake. The latter accompanied 
his father in most of his revolutionary expeditions, and was with him at the 
surrender of Burgoyne. 

I'rancis Robinson Drake was a descendant of Lieut. Col. Drake's son, 
Cornet .\braham Drake's son I'rancis' son Nathaniel. P'rancis Robinson Drake 
married Miss Climena S. Hodsdon September 4, 1875, daughter of Col. 
Joseph and Dorcas (Gowell) Hodsdon of Ossipee, N. H. Her i)arents were 
of English and Scotch origin, they were both born at Berw ick. Maine. Col. 
Hodsdon was prominent in Carroll County in business and political matters, 
was a liberal supporter of the Congregational churci: where he lived, and 
active in its management. He represented his town several times in the 
state legislature and was one of the original promoters of the prohibition law. 
In politics he was a rei)ublican. He went to Ossipee in 1838, where he started 
in the leather business, which business he followed during his active life. 

Mr. and Mrs. Drake had two children, Clifford .Sumner and Nima Hods- 
don. Clifford S. was born at Xorth Hampton, N. H., August 19, 1876, luar- 
ried December 31, 1901, at Boston,, !\Iass. Miss Delania T. Ayres. daughter 
of Rev. and Mrs. Milan C. .Vyres. Mr. Ayres was for many years editor in 
chief of the Boston Daily Advertiser. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Drake \\ere born: Francis Robert, October 18, 1902; 
Milan Nathaniel, September _'i, 1904; Leonard . Vyres, April 8. 1907. 

Nima Hodsdon was born April u, 1881, at North Hampton, N. H. She 
received her education in the public schools of the town, and at the Girl's 
Latin School in Boston, from which school she graduated in 1900 as presi- 
dent of her class. In igoi she entered Smith College and was of the class of 
1904. She married Rev. Arthur Vale Casselman, of Reading, Penn., July 
26, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Casselman, of Reading have one daughter, Louise 
Climena, born January 12, 1908. Clifford S. was educated in the iniblic 
schools of North Haiupton and at the "I\Uman .School" of Newl>uryport, 
Mass. He also took a full business course at Bryant and Stratton's Com- 
mercial College in Boston, Mass. .\fter finishing this business course he was 
emi)loved by the Kennedy estate of Roxbury, Mass., in management of "the 
\\ arren" and their other large real estate holdings. 

In i8c)8 he started in the real estate business for himself with office at 
142 Warren Street, Roxbury. Mass., where he did a successful business, 
handling most of the new aijartment houses in Roxbur}-. In 1902 his father, 
Francis R. Drake died and he returned to North Hani])ton, N. H., to have the 
care of the large farm and c;irrv on his father's business in conjunction with 
his own business in I'.oslon. I'or ten years Mr. Drake remained at Xorth 
Hampton at the ancestral liouse and did much to beautify the surroundings 
of the honiestcail which had sheltered seven generations of the Drake family. 

Mr. Drake was married the second time April 19, 1911, to Miss Ruth M. 
Jones, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elisha \V. Jones of Winstead, Conn. They 
lia\e one daughter Ruth Elizabeth, born June it, 1912. 

In 191 3 Mr. Drake again took up his winter residence in Boston. He 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1209 

has a real estate office at i6 State Street. He is a trustee in several Boston 
real estate trusts, besides continuing liis bond and mortgage business in New 
Hampshire. He still owns the ancestral home at North Hampton and returns 
with his family each year to live there during the summer months. He holds 
citizenship in his native town, which town claims his interest in its general 
and religious welfare. 

FRANK OTIS TILTON, deputy sheriff of Rockingham County, N. H.. 
and a resident of Exeter, was born in Milford, N. H., December i6, 1854. 
His parents, George and Sarah F. (Nay) Tilton, were both natives of this 
state, the father being a shoemaker. He died in 1900. His wife survives 
him and is now a resident of Exeter. They were affiliated religiously with 
the Unitarian church. Their children were four in number: Georgia A., 
who is the widow of Frank B. Drew: Frank Otis, the subject of this review: 
Walter W., who lives in Haverhill, Mass., and Fred, who died at the age of 
seven years from being accidentally shot. 

Frank Otis Tilton acquired his education in the district schools, which he 
attended until reaching the age of fourteen years. He then learned the trade 
of carpenter, which he followed for some years, being also pattern maker at 
the Lane Machine Shop in Exeter for about fifteen years. At one time, tiring 
of the shop, he engaged in trade, opening a store in Exeter, where he handled 
dry goods, boots and shoes, also groceries for a number of years. A repub- 
lican in politics, he has long taken an active interest in public ai^airs and has 
shown marked public spirit in everything connected with the welfare of the 
town. He was appointed to his present position as deputy sheriff in igog. 
He was formerly Ixiilding inspector for a number of years, served three vears 
in the office of selectman, and is now^ a member of the board of health. 

Mr. Tilton was married IMarch 24, 1881, to Miss Lettie B. Hoyt. who was 
born in Portsmouth. N. H., a daughter of Thornton B. and Elizabeth (Clark) 
Hoyt. Both her parents are now deceased, and are buried in Exeter. Tlie 
father was a hotel proprietor in Exeter for a number of years. For about 
twelve years also he ser\-ed as deputy sheriff. Mrs. Tilton was their only 
child. She and her husband attend the First Congregational church in 
Exeter, he being also a member of the Royal Arcanum. 

P. M. CAMPBELL, superintendent of the Derry plant of the .\nnis 
Grain & Lumber Company, was born in Londonderry. N. H., a son of WW- 
liam J- Campbell. The father, a native of Francistown, N. H., was educated 
at Harvard L^niversity. graduated M. D., and practiced medicine in London- 
derry for twenty years, being recognized as an able and successful physician. 

The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Londonderry. .\t 
the age of eighteen he entered the Pillsbury Shoe Manufacturing plant at 
Derry and was in the employ of that concern for the following twenty years. 
He then quit work for a short time on account of ill health, but later went 
to Manchester and was with his present employers for five years, as man- 
ager of their store in that city. He then returned to Derry and was in the 
emjilov of the Pillsburvs until they sold out. at which time he again entered 
the employ of the Annis Grain & Lumber Company, working for two years 
in their Boston store, subsequently coming to Derry to assume the duties of 
his present position, in which he has shown marked efficiency. He is a mem- 
ber of St. Mark's Lodge. No. 44. A. F. & A. M.. and also belongs to the 
Chapter Royal Arch Masons. He affiliates with the Congregational church. 



1210 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Mr. Campbell was married June 1 1, 1902, to Miss Emma B. Abbott, a daugh- 
ter of J. J. Ablxjtt of Manchester, X. H. He and his wife are the parents of 
two children, Abbott Rice and Mary F'hilbrick. 

P. F. O'NEIL, assistant superintendent of the Derry Shoe Company, at 
Derry, N. H., which has the largest factory in Rockingham County, was born 
in Manchester, N. H., July 23. 1870, a son of Michael and Mary O'Neil. He 
was reared and educated in Manchester and on completing his schooling be- 
gan industrial life in the shoe factories, working for some time in the Kim- 
ball factories, as well as in others. Later he became foreman and boss laster 
in the factory of George P. Croft & Co.. at Manchester, remaining there 
about ten years. He then went to Chelsea, Mass., where he entered the em- 
ploy of the Bartell & Thelin Company, being in charge of their last depart- 
ment for four years and eight months. His next employment was with 
Donavan & Co., at Everett, Mass., where he had charge of the lasting and 
making forms for seven years. He then went to the factory of D. D. Le- 
favre, at Salem, Mass., and from there to the A. G. Walton factory, at Chel- 
sea, Mass. In 19 10, on the starting of the Derry Shoe Company, he came to 
this village and entered the employ of said company and has since remained 
with them, now holding the position of assistant superintendent, as above 
stated. That he is a more than usually competent man in his line is proved 
by the fact that for a number of years he has held responsible positions in 
the various factories in which he has been employed. 

Mr. O'Neil was married in 1892 to Margaret Shea, who died in 1897, 
leaving two sons, Robert, who died Oct. 29, 1914, and Harold. Mr. O'Neil 
was married to Alma Demerse. and has six children : Alma, Helen, Mary, 
Jennette, William and Alice. Mr. O'Neil and family are members of the 
Catholic church. 

HARVEY PERLEY HOOD, founder of the firm of H. P. Hood & Sons, 
fourth in size in the dairy business in the United States, also owner and 
founder of one of the finest dairy farms in the state of New Hampshire, 
located in the town of Derry, Rockingham County, and comprising over 
one thousand acres of tilled land and pasturage, was lx>rn in Chelsea. 
Vt., June 6, 1823, a son of Harvey and Rebecca (Smith) Hood. 

Mr. Hood was educated in the schools of his native town and after 
graduating from Randolph Academy returned to the farm, remaining there 
with his father until he was twenty-three years old. In 1845 he went to Bos- 
ton and obtained empkjjnnent in a bakery and it was during this apprentice- 
ship that he became interested in the dairy industry of New England, line 
opportunities in this industry seemed to open so great a future that in 1X4(1 
he left the bakery and founded the business that still bears his name. In 
1856 Mr. Hood found that his Jicalth was better in the country and he there- 
fore gave up his home in Boston and moved to Derry where he continuei! in 
the milk business and brought a carload of milk from Derry to Boston each 
day. Two years later he bought the Redfield farm which he re-named Hood 
Farm and at once began to improve, remodel and enlarge the old buildings 
and erect new ones. He was engaged in this work and in the transporta- 
tion of milk to Boston until his death on June 17. i<)00. The business he 
founded steadily grew until today the firm of H. P. Hood & Sons is known 
throughout the country as one of the largest and most reputable dealers in 
dairy products. Mr. Hood, in the early fifties, founded a grain business 
which has steadily grown in size under the present firm. 




3'^^rbc^ fcrkv ^Uttb 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1213 

Mr. Hood was for many years a director in the National Bank of Derry 
and on two occasions represented the town in the State Legislature. He 
was known among all his friends and business associates as a man of sterling 
integrity and great business ability, while at the same time he took a great 
interest in all benevolent work and in furthering and assisting all plans for 
the benefit of the town and its citizens. Few men have had so successful a 
career or have better deserved the reward from intelligently directed industry. 

In 1850 Mr. Hood married Miss Caroline Laura Corwin, a native of 
Tunbridge, Vt., but whose home had been in Boston several years prior 
to her marriage. Six children were born tu this union, three sons and three 
daughters — Charles H., Edward J., Cilbert H., J.aura ('., Clara R., and 
Nellie F. The sons inherit their father's business ability and are carrying 
on successfully today the great industry which he established and in which he 
took so active a part. 

HENRY P.AUL TAYLOR, who for nearly a quarter of a century has 
been engaged in the grocery business at North Salem, in Rockingham County, 
N. H., is a successful merchant and an influential citizen. He was born in 
North Salem, October 29, 1864, and is a son of Matthew and Ellen (Taylor) 
Taylor. 

Mathew Taylor was for many years one of Salem's most prominent citi- 
zens, and was an important factor in its business and civic life. He was born 
in Derry, N. H., in 1828, and came to Salem in 1846. When about twenty- 
five years old he started in the mercantile business in North Salem, and sev- 
eral years later became a woolen manufacturer as a member of the firm of 
Taylor, Austin & Co., manufacturers of flannels. After the destruction of 
the plant by fire, Mr. Taylor bought the interest of Mr. Austin and pro- 
ceeded to rebuild. He continued the business successfully until October, 
1878, when the mill was again destroyed by fire. He was also a large dealer 
in lumber and wood. In September, 1884, he started a grocery and provi- 
sion store with three of his sons in Lawrence, Mass. He was frequently 
called into public service and was an enthusiastic republican from the time 
the party had its origin in 1854. He served his town as selectman four years, 
being chairman of the board two years. He represented the town in the 
legislature in 1867- 1868, and again in 1878- 1879. In 187 1- 1872 he served 
as state senator and for a period of fifteen years was town moderator. He 
was a member of the school board for eleven years, four years of the time 
being chairman of the board. He lived a long and useful life, his death oc- 
curring in 1908, and was survived two years by his estimable wife. She was 
in maiden life Ellen Taylor, and was born in Lynnfield, Mass., January 20, 
1832. Her father was John Taylor, a woolen manufacturer of Salem and 
a native of England. The latter w as father of the following children : John ; 
James; Richard; Anna, wife of Adam Loomis; Nancy, wife of WilHam 
Taylor; Jane, wife of Nathaniel Paul; Mary, wife of Charles Austin; and 
Ellen, who married Matthew H. Taylor. Matthew and Ellen Taylor became 
parents of the following children ; Ellen Louisa, who was born September 
7, 1854, and married Levi \V. Taylor; John Harvey, born July 20. 1856; 
Thomas Matthew, born September 6, 1857; Mary Ann, bom August 27, 
1859, who married, November 30, 1887, J. S. Crosby; Charles Martin, born 
November 29, i860; George W., bom January 6, 1863, died December 31, 
1898; Henry Paul, subject of this record; Cora Frances, born September 16, 
1866, a teacher in Boston; Laura Etta, born February 3, 1869, who married, 



1214 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

October 22. 1902, George E. Hussey; Eva Belle, born January 3, 1872, who 
ni.-irried. March 10, 1894, H. B. Hamilton; Effie Gertrude, born January 29, 
1875. wiio married. July 5. 1905, Edgar Gilbert; and Fred Lee, born April 
4. 1878. 

Henry P. Taylor received a public school training, after which he began 
his connection with the grocery business. He established his grocery in 
North Salem in 1890, and has been highly successful. He has always taken 
an earnest interest in public affairs, and for three years served as a member 
of the school board. He was road commissioner one year, and for the past 
six years has Ijeen selectman. On August 8, 1900, he was united in marriage 
with ]\Iiss Jennie .\. Palmer of Derry, and they enjoy a comfortable home 
in X(_)rth Salem. 

C. H. ABBOTT, wlm w ith his sons conducts the Abbott Garage at Derry, 
X. H.. is a substantial citizen and business man who won his way to the front 
through his individual efforts. He was born in New Hampshire in 1852. and 
has spent most of the years of his life thus far as a citizen of this state. 

Mr. Abbott was about fifteen years of age when he went west to Traverse 
City, Mich., and there clerked in a store for two years. Returning east he 
engaged in making carpet slippers in Boston, having learned the shoe cutting 
trade in Lynn, Mass., when a boy. In 1874 he came to Derry, N. H., and for 
eight years worked at shoe manufacturing with W. S. Pillsbury. Owing to 
ill health he had to quit the shop, and during the next twenty years we find 
him engaged in the livery business. Starting with a single horse he worked 
hard and as he prospered he added to his equipment until it represented a 
handsome investment. In 190J he sold the livery branch of the business for 
^5,000.00, but retained the teaming and hacking business which had an ad- 
ditional value of $4,000.00. He handled the Standard Oil business here for 
more than twenty years, then turned it over to his son who still tends to it. 
Owing to ill health Mr. Abbott was obliged to retire from all business activ- 
ity, and after a short time in the south, he retired to his fann in Maine, where 
he lived for five years. .\t the end of that i)eriod he, with his sons, started 
the Abbott Garage which enjoys a liberal patron.age. Mr. Abbott has always 
taken an earnest interest in the affairs of the community and of the county. 
He has taken no active part in political aft'airs but for a time served as deputy 
sheriff of Rockingham County. 

In 1873 C. H. .\bbott was united in marriage with Miss Emma A. Davis 
of Warner, N. H., and they have two sons and one daughter, namely: Wal- 
lace W. : Ethel E.. wife of George M. Burdette, and James H. who recently 
graduated from Pinkerton Academy, and is now a student in New Hampton 
State College. 

ED\\'.\RD E. MclXTIKE. who has been a lifelong resident of Ports- 
mouth. X. H., is a man of recognized standing and ability, and frequently 
has l)een called into public service. In 1890 he represented his district in 
the Xew Hampshire Legislature, and during the }'ears 1900 and 1901 he 
served with marked efficiency as mayor of Portsmouth. He holds a jwsition 
at the Portsmouth Navy Yard as foreman coppersmith. 

Mr. Mclntire was bom in Portsmouth, in 1850, and is a son of Jefferson 
and Emma C. (Foss) Mclntire, the father a native of York, Maine, and the 
mother of Dover, N. H. The paternal grandfather, Michael Mclntire, was 
a native of Scotland. Jefferson Mclntire was a machinist by trade, and was 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1215 

one of the first men elected to the Ijoanl of aldermen for the city of Ports- 
mouth. He and his wife were Methodists. They had a family of sixteen 
children, of which number eight grew to maturity. But two of the family 
are now living, Jefferson, Jr.. and the subject of this record. 

Edward E. Mclntire received but little school training, attending the pub- 
lic schools of Portsmouth. .\t the early age of twelve years he started to 
work-in the copper shop in the na\-y yard, the same shop of which he now 
has charge. He learned thoroughly the trades of plumbing and steam fit- 
ting, tinsmith and coppersmith, and at different times worked at each. In 
addition to the public service before mentioned, Mr. Mclntire served two 
terms as alderman, and was the first man elected to be plumbing inspector, 
when that office had its inception. For a period of twenty years he was an 
active member of the fire department, for two years being foreman of the 
Hook and Ladder Company. He also was foreman of the Dearborn Steam 
Fire Engine Company. 

In 1870 Edward E. ^Iclntire married ]\Iiss Harriet Octavia Martin, a 
daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Martin. She died in 1876, leaving to 
survive her two children, Gertrude Emma and Grace Everett. In religious 
attachment the family is Baptist. Mr. Mclntire is a republican in politics. 
He is a Royal Arch Mason, and belongs to the Independent Order of Red- 
men, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. 

HERBERT L. GRIXNELL, JR., attorney at law, of Derry, X. H., 
where he has been located since 1904, was born in Bath, Me., in 188 1, a son 
of Herbert L. and Sarah L. ( Kennerson ) Grinnell. He began his education 
in the schools of Bath, and after attending the high school there, entered 
Bowdoin College, where he was graduated A. B. in 1902. He then spent 
some time in teaching school, afterwards becoming superintendent of the 
Derry Supervisory School District. In 1908 he entered the University of 
Maine and, being graduated LL.B. in 1910, located for the practice of his 
profession in Derry, entering into partnership with G. K. and B. T. P)artlett. 
He practices both in the State and Federal Courts and, although a compara- 
tively recent addition to the bar of Rockingham County, has already shown 
himself to be a lawyer of more than average ability, with flattering prospects 
of a successful career. He is a member of the State Bar Association. .A 
republican in politics, he is chairman of the local committee of his party. 
He has served on the school board for four years and has in other ways 
given evidence of public spirit, taking a keen interest in e\erything calculated 
to advance the moral and material welfare of the community. He is a 
Knight Templar Mason and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Mr. 
Grinnell was married in 1907 to Miss Jennie X. Bartlett, a daughter of 
Thomas Bradbury and Victoria (Cilley) Bartlett, of Xottingham, X. H. 
He and his wife are members of the Congregational church. Thev have 
three children — Victoria, George and Mary. 

COL. HARVEY CLIXTOX TAYLOR, manager of the Gale Shoe Com- 
pany's plant at Portsmouth, X. H., was born in the state of Massachusetts, 
May 15, 1875. He was one of three children born to his parents, who were 
Martin and Laura ( Floyd ) Taylor. He began his education in the public 
schools and was later a student at Harvard College. In 1903 he came to 
Portsmouth to assume the duties of his present position. This factory is 
one of the largest in the state and was formerly operated by the Portsmouth 



1216 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Shoe Company, the latter concern being succeeded in 1903 by the Gale Shoe 
Company. The company has a national reputation for the excellence of their 
product, turning out the finest shoes on the market. Some four hundred 
people are employed here, all of whom are under control of Col. Taylor. 
The company also has another large factorv- in Haverhill. Mass. 

Col. Taylor married Miss Mary Hobson, a rlaughter of John L. Hobson, 
of Haverhill, Mass. They have a pleasant residence at No. 96 Islington 
street. The Colonel is independent in politics. As a citizen he is progressive 
and patriotic, taking a warm interest in everything calculated to promote the 
good of the community in which he resides. 

LEMUEL S. BECKMi\N, a well known and respected citizen of the 
town of Seabrook, was born in this town, September 14, 1866, a son of 
Francis C. and Esther .\. (Dow) Beckman. He is a grandson of William 
Beckman, also a native of Seabrook, who was a fisherman. William mar- 
ried Lydia Know les and their children were : Lydia Ann, Rhoda, Caroline, 
Dolly, Lucinda, William E., George R. and Francis C. 

Francis C. Beckman was born in Seabrook, N. H., May 20. 1840. He 
was educated in the public .schools, and then worked at shoemaking until 
August II, i86j, when he enlisted as a private in Company D, Fourteenth 
N. H. Regiment. In 1863 he was promoted to the rank of corporal and in 
1864 to that of sergeant. Taken prisoner by the enemy, he was confined in 
Libby prison for some time and suffered many hardships. He was honorably 
discharged, July 12, 1865, and, returning home, engaged in shoemaking 
again, being thus occupied until 1872, at which time he engaged in the meat 
business. From 1884 to 1890 he served as tax collector and constable, and 
was supervisor of the tax list for ten years. In 1839 he married Esther A. 
Dow, daughter of Newell and Nancy Dow . Their children were : Frank 
W , Alfred N., Louisa F., Lemuel S.. Laura, Lillian Clara, Leon George and 
Eugene H. 

Lemuel S. Beckman, after accpiiring a [practical education in the public 
schools, engaged in shoemaking, which occupation he has followed for many 
years. He has taken an active part in local affairs, was tax collector for 
seven years and constable, and was representative in 1913 and 1914, faith- 
fully serving the interests of his constituents. September 30, 1885, he mar- 
ried Miss Sally A. Knowles, daughter of Augustus P. and Hannah E. 
(Felch) Knowles. He and his wife have had three children, who died in 
infancy. 

RANDOLPH R. MERRICK, superintendent of the finishing depart- 
ment of the Derry Shoe Company, has been a resident of this town since 1872. 
He was born in Litchfield, N. H., May 2, 1847, '^ *o" ^^ Jonathan L. and 
Nancie C. (Moss) Merrick. \\'hen he was three years old his mother died 
and his father moved to .\tkinson. N. H., where the subject of this sketch 
spent his boyhood days. He was educated in the .Atkinson .Academy and on 
completing his schooling became connected with the shoe manufacturing 
industry and for twenty years was superintendent in the Pillsbury factory at 
Derry. He then retired and for awhile was unoccupied, but, not satisfied to 
lead an idle life, he subsequently accepted his present position with the Derry 
Shoe Company, which he has held for about two years. He is also a trustee 
of the Derni' Savings Bank and is interested in several other business enter- 
prises in this vicinity. He is past master of St. Mark's Lodge, .A. F. & A. M., 




i-:i!\i-:sT <;, ( oi.k 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1219 

and past noble grand of lichoe Lodge, I. O. O. F. Religiously he affiliates 
with the Universalist church. 

Mr. Merrick as a public spirited citizen has taken an active interest in 
the welfare of the town, which he served in the office of moderator for twelve 
years. He was also for four years a representative in the State Legislature. 
He was married, July 4, 1871, to Miss Lottie Copp, of Hampstead, N. H., 
the Copp family being one of the oldest in Rockingham County. He and his 
wife are the parents of two children; Arthur \\'., who is foreman of the 
stock room in the Emerson I'ennington factory, and Mrs. Lottie Derkee, a 
widow who resides with her parents. 

REV. GEORGE EDWIN ERNEST HASLAM, rector of the Church 
of the Transfiguration, the Episcopal Church at Derry, Rockijigham County, 
N. H., was born in Cullinswood House, near Dublin, Ireland, on March 30th, 
1857, a son of John Haslam and Isabella (Greville) Haslam. He was edu- 
cated at home and at private schools, also at Trinity College, Dublin, where 
he obtained honors in logic and English; also a Aloderatorship. He was 
graduated in 1882, the degree of Master of Arts being conferred upon him 
in 1885. In 1883 he came to Canada and in the following year was ordained 
deacon, being ordained priest in 1886. He became curate of St. Stephen's 
Church, Toronto, in 1884, and was Fellow and Lecturer in Natural Science 
at Trinity University, Toronto. He became rector at Lunenburg, Nova 
Scotia, in 1887 and in 1900 was appointed Manager of the Twentieth Cen- 
tury Fund of the Diocese of No\-a Scotia. From 1904 to 1907 he was in 
charge of the church at Rose Blanche, New foundland. His present charge 
comprises both Derry and Peterboro. N. H., and in addition he holds the 
office of District Secretary. 

Mr. Haslam was married in August, 1890. to Mabel Mary, daughter of 
Rev. Canon Brent of Newcastle, Chitario, and sister of Bishop Brent. Of 
this marriage have been born four sons, namely: George .\. Greville, who 
is now a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology'; Maurice 
Brent, a Medical Student in Canada ; C. Edwin Cummings, a student at Har- 
vard University, and Herbert Montfort, at St. Paul's School, Concord, N. H. 

Aside from his parochial duties, Mr. Haslam has done a considerable 
amount of work along educational, literary and scientific lines. For some 
years he was editor and publisher of the Church Review, and was also lecturer 
in Apologetics in King's College, Windsor, N. S., of which he was a Gov- 
ernor. He has published several lectures on scientific subjects, and is the 
inventor of a machine for calculating the rate of evaporation from e.x])osed 
water surfaces. He has now in course of publication a scientific allegory 
entitled "Old Jump Off." Mr. Haslam is a Royal Arch Mason. He resides 
at the Rectory, Derry, .\. H.. and since coming to Derry has made many 
warm friends among the people of the village and town. 

ERNEST G. COLE, a prominent merchant and business man of Hamp- 
ton, who has been postmaster here since 1901, was born in this town, June 
16 ,1869, a son of \\'illiam G. and Susan L. ( Page) Cole The Cole family 
is one of the oldest in this section. William G. Cole, father of our subject, 
was a tanner and currier doing business in Portsmouth, N. H., and Saco, 
Me. He was twice married : first to Hannah Brooks of Eliot, of which union 
there were three children: Everett S.. deceased: Myron W., decea.sed, and 
Abbie Isabelle. who is the wife of S. .-\ll)ert Shaw, of Hampton. By his 



1220 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

second marriage to Susan L. Page of Hampton, lie had three cliildren: Anna 
M., who graduated from Newburyport high school and Mt. Holyoke College 
and who for the last twenty years has followed the profession of teacher 
at Hampton Academy and Berwick Academy; Ernest G. ; and Hattie L., who 
is now" deceased. Both parents of our subject are now deceased. 

Ernest G. Cole after attending the common schools entered Hampton 
Academy in 1887, being a member of the first class to graduate from the 
institution. Subsequently, in 1891, he graduated from New Hampshire Col- 
lege, now at Durham, but then a part of Dartmouth. He then became a part- 
ner in the firm of J. A. Lane & Co., proprietors of a general store at Hamp- 
ton, and was thus occupied for six years. .\t the end of that time he sold 
out to Mr. Lane and bought out the J. W. Mason Co.'s general store, operat- 
ing it under the style of E. G. Cole & Co. In 1909 it was incorporated as the 
E. G. Cole Company, Mr. Cole being president and treasurer. The concern 
does a very large business and operates a branch store at Hampton Beach. 
The other members of the company are William Brown, manager, and ]\Iary 
E. Craig, secretary and bookkeeper. Mr. Cole was appointed postmaster of 
Hampton in 1901 and has two rural routes under his supervision, employing 
three mail clerks. He has been justice of the peace for the last ten years 
and notary public fourteen years. He is also treasurer of the Hamilton 
Water Works Company. .\ reiniljlican in politics he served on the town com- 
mission for years. 

Mr. Cole married Caroline E. Jones of Rochester, N. H., a daughter of 
Charles A. and Myria (Noyes) Jones, and they have one child, Ernestine. 
Mr. Cole belongs to all three branches of the Inclependent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows; also to Star in the East Lodge; A. F. & .\. M. at Exeter, the Chapter 
and Council at Exeter, the Commandery at Portsmouth, the Eastern Star at 
Exeter, the Royal Arcanum at Exeter and the Junior Order of American 
Mechanics. He and his wife are members of the Congregational church. He 
has been superintendent of the Sunday school for the last ten years and clerk 
of the Congregational Society for twenty years. Mrs. Cole belongs to East- 
ern Star Lodge at Exeter. 

CH.VRLES H. GORDON, who, since 1894 has been engaged in the un- 
dertaking business in Derry, and is otherwise interested in the business de- 
velopment of the village, was born in Sandown, this county, September 25, 
1855, a son of James R. and Lucy W'ells Gordon. His parents moving to 
Chester, N. H., when he was a mere child, he grew to maturity in that town, 
receiving his education in the public schools of that place. In 1874 he came 
to Derry, where for a time he worked in a shoe factory, but shortly after- 
ward he purchased a barber shop and for many years conducted this establish- 
ment, in fact, at the time of this writing ( 19 14) he still owns that business, 
which is acknowledged to be one of the finest and best equipped barber shops 
in the state. Mr. Gordon, however, devotes very little of his time to the 
barber shop, as his ever increasing undertaking business takes up most of 
his time. He is also a trustee of the Nuffield Savings Bank and is a member 
of several fraternal societies in Derry. However, Mr. Gordon's name will 
probably be longer remembered for his valuable services in organizing, equip- 
ping and serving as chief of the first real F'ire Department in Derry, practical- 
ly all of the present apparatus and equipment of the Derry Fire Department 
having been purchased while he was chief. The citizens" of Derry. esi>ecially 
the members of the Fire Department, showed their appreciation of Mr. Gor- 




CHAKI.KS 11. i:()i;iM>X 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1221 

don's valuable services by presenting him with a very valuable solid gold 
medal at the time of the Grand I'arade in Derry, October 8, 1891, in cele- 
bration of the opening of the Derry Water Works. 

Mr. Gordon was married June 28, 1880, to Miss Caroline Dearljorn, a 
native of Chester, X. H., and a daughter of Alfred Sargent and Aseneth 
Willey Dearborn. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon had been children friends and com- 
panions and one of their most valuable possessions is an old fashioned, one- 
seated wooden rocking horse, in which as children they passed many a happy 
hour, seated side by side. It is needless to add that this same old rocking- 
horse recalls many happy thoughts to Mr. and Mrs. Gordon's own children, 
and perhaps to their grandchildren as well. 

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have four children living, as follows: Howard D., 
a resident of Chelsea, Mass., who is engaged in the automobile business in 
Brookline, Mass., married Evelyn Dingwell and has four children — Eleanore 
Isabelle, Phylis Viola, Constance and Charles Henry; Annie, the second born 
of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon's children, who is the wife of Dr. L. S. Downing, 
a prominent dental surgeon of Derry, X. H. ; Isabelle May, the third child, 
who is the wife of Fred A. Cardinal, night telegraph operator at Andover, 
and has two children — Louis Gordon and Robert James ; and Lillian Frances, 
the youngest, familiarly known to her friends as Goldie Gordon, who resides 
at home with her parents. Mr. C. H. Gordon's brother, John B. Gordon, has 
been chief of the Haverhill, Mass., Fire Department for the past 25 years or 
more. 

HERBERT A. WHITE, M. D., who has been engaged in the practice of 
medicine and surgery in the town of Rye since 1903, was born in Somen'ille, 
Mass., April 5, 1878, a son of Augustus C. and Alice E. (Lambert) White. 
The father, a native of Massachusetts, was a veteran of the Civil war, in 
which he was wounded. After his return home he spent his time in looking 
after his real estate interests. His wife Alice was a native of Maine. Their 
family consisted of two sons, Ernest L., a farmer of Hampton, and Her- 
bert A. 

Herbert A. White began his education in the grammar schools of .Somer- 
ville, Mass. After attending the high school there, he became a student at 
Harvard L^niversity, where he was graduated in 1899. He was graduated 
M. D. from Dartmouth College in 1900, after taking tiie medical course, and 
after two years spent in the Sacred Heart Hospital at Manchester, began 
practice in Rye, where he has now been established eleven years. He is a 
meniber of the Portsmouth Medical Society. His ability is widely recognized 
and he is one of the most popular physicians in this part of the county. He 
belongs to the Masonic order, attending lodge at Portsm(,)uth. In politics he 
is a republican. 

Dr. White was married December 24, 1903, to Mildred T. Prescott of 
Somerville, Mass., a daughter of Albion M. and Mary T. ( Sturtevant ) Pres- 
cott, her parents being from Somerville, Mass. Their other children were 
Harold S., Alice and Marion. Dr. and Mrs. White have three children: 
Elizabeth Alice. William P. and hlmih' T. Tlie family attend the L'niver- 
salist church. 

CHARLES HALEY, owner and proprietor of the Central Market, deal- 
ing in meats and i)rovisions, Plxeter, X. H., was born in this town, Sept. 5, 
1842. His father, Charles Haley, Sr., who started the ])resent business, was 



1222 HISTORY OF ROCKIXGHAM COUNTY 

I Kirn 1)11 the New Market road in the town of Exeter, and was a son of Ben- 
jjuiiin Haley, a farmer. He was educated in the common schools and worked 
at farming until he established himself in the meat and provision business 
about 75 years ago, when (|uite a young man. He was a progressive and sub- 
stantial citizen and very popular among his fellow townsmen. He first mar- 
ried Sarah J. Lowe, a native of New Hampshire, and they had two children, 
Charles, the subject of this sketch, and Sarah J., who married Moses S. 
Barnard. Charles Haley, Sr., married secondly Sarah Wiggins of Stratham, 
X. H., of which union there were six children, as follows: Olive A., wife 
of Daniel G. Johnson; Alice J., wife of Abbott Williams; Harriett -O., wife 
of William N. Langley; George W. ; Mary Ella, who married George S. 
Hathaway, and Edna M., wife of Ernest Leavett. 

Charles Haley, Jr., was educated in the common and high schools of 
Exeter, graduating from the latter in the class of i86i. He began industrial 
life in his father's store and has continued in mercantile business ever since, 
becoming his father's successor on the latter's death. He was first married 
to Mary Ellen Wiggin, of Canterbury, N. EL, who died leaving two children: 
Charles E.. who is clerk for his father in the store, and Emma B. For his 
second wife Mr. Haley married Priscilla B. Safiford, a native of Exeter, of 
which union there are two children: Florence S.. wife of Lewis P. Damon, 
and J. Gilbert. Mr. Haley is a republican in politics and he and his wife 
attend the .\dventist church. They are energetic and prosperous people and 
ha\ e many friends in this community. 

EVERETT W. CALL, who is engaged in the express and truck busi- 
ness in Portsmouth. N. H., was born at Kittery Point, York County, Me., 
December 13, i860, son of John C. and Abbie (Saywards) Call. Both his 
parents were natives of Maine, the father of Kittery Point and the mother 
of Wells. The former was a sea captain until reaching the age of sixty 
years, after which he followed farming. Their children were John J.. Charles 
W,, Howard M., Everett W., Almond D., Martin L. and Henry C. 

Everett W. Call was educated in the common school at Kittery Point, 
after which he spent six years as an employe of the Boston & Maine Rail- 
road. He then worked twenty years in the express business for Jackson & 
Co., of Portsmouth, after which he started b.is present business, using two 
wagons and being assisted by his son. In politics he is a democrat. Mr. 
Call has been three times married: first to Addie Tobey, of Kittery Point, 
Me., who died, leaving two children, Edward E. and Curtis. He married 
secondly Mamie Danmenburge, of North Kittery, who died leaving one son, 
Raymond C. Mr. Call subsequently married Emma H. Manson of North 
Kittery. They have a son Harold, who married Bessie Jenness and has a 
daughter, Dorothy. Mr. Call and his family attend the Congregational 
church. 

WARREN BROWN, farmer, historian and politician, is one of the best 
known and most respected citizens of the town of Hamilton Falls, where he 
was born in 1836. His parents were John B. and Sarah M. (Leavitt) Brown. 
The father was a son of Jacob Brown, whose family numbered four children, 
namely: Thomas, who with his wife met an untimely death in 1868 by 
assassination: Nathan W., who was a merchant in Xewburyport, married 
Sarah Chase, by whom he had four sons, and died in 1836: Joseph C.. who 
resided in Hampton Falls and was killed by having a rock fall on him : and 
John B., father of the suliject of this sketch. 




w Ai;i;i\ r.i.'dwx 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1223 

John B. Brown was born in 1799 and resided upon the family homestead 
in this town. He died in 1858, at which time he was president of the W'eare 
Bank. His wife Sarah, who was a daughter of Thomas Leavitt, Esq., of this 
town, died in 1896 at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. 

Warren Brown, who was the only child of his parents, acquired a good 
education and in due time succeeded to the parental homestead, where lie has 
always resided. He has made extensi\e improvements on the property, build- 
ing the present commodious residence in 1879. A practical and scientilic 
farmer, he served as president of the New Hampshire State Agricultural 
Society for eleven years, has been treasurer of the New England Agricul- 
tural Society since 1893, and trustee of the State College twenty-four years, 
of which board he was president for four years. Mr. Brown, with Mr. 
Lovell, was active in promoting the Interurban Trolley line. A republican 
in politics, he has for man}^ years taken a strong and active interest in public 
affairs, and he has been chosen by his fellow citizens on various occasions to 
fill responsible offices. He was a member of the state senate in 1872 and 
1873, and of the executive council during Xatt Head's administration from 
1879 to 1881 : was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in [884, 
and served as representati\'e in 1887, in each case showing marked ability 
as a broad minded politician and man of affairs. In 1908 Mr. Brown was 
a presidential elector, casting his vote for Taft. He takes a keen interest in 
local history, on which subject he is one of the best informed men in the 
county, which fact, together \vith a more than ordinary degree of literary 
ability, he demonstrated in i()00. when he published a History of the town of 
Hampton Falls from the time of the first settlement within its borders t(j the 
present. 

Mr. Brown was married in 18(17 to Sarah G.. daughter of Daniel L. and 
Sophia (Osgood) Norris, of Dover. N. H. Their children are as follows: 
Harry B.. now deceased, Ijorn in 1870, resided in Hampton, this count}-, 
and was a contractor in the construction of the Interurban Trolley line; 
.Arthur \\'., bom in 1873, graduated from Cnshing Academy, at .\shburn- 
hani, Mass., in 1890: Gertrude, Ixirn in 1878. was a member of the class of 
1896 at Robinson Seminary. F.xeter, and died just liefore graduation; Mil- 
dred L.. born in 1880, was graduated from Sanborn Seminary. Kingston, in 
1898. Mr. Brown is a thirty-second degree Mason, and a niemlier of the New 
Hampshire Consistory. 

WILLIS DC BOIS PCLVER, a lawyer of well known ability, is one 
of the foremost citizens of Salem Depot, was born in Luzerne. New N'ork. 
June 24, 1 87 1, and is a son of Nathan and Estelle (Du Bois) Pulver. 

Tlie Pulvers are of an old Holland Dutch family which became estal)- 
lished on Manhattan Island in the seventeenth century. Peter Pulver. great- 
grandfather of the su])iect of this record, was for many years owner and 
proprietor of the I'ulver Hotel at Chatham. New \'ork. His son. Henry I'ul- 
ver, was married to Susan I'A-ans. and their children were Peter. Myron, 
Nathan and Mary. 

Nathan Pulver was born in Luzerne, N. Y.. in 1835. and is a civil en- 
gineer by profession. In addition to surveying, he is engaged in lumbering. 
He has held all the town offices and for the past twenty-five years has been 
judge of the local court. He also is town assessor at the present time. I'^ir 
twenty years he has been on the Republican County Committee. He mar- 
ried Estelle Du Bois. who is of French Huguenot stock, an ancestor, Louis 



1224 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Du Bois, having settled at New Paltz. X. Y. in tiie Walikill \'alley, where he 
owned several thousand acres of land whicii he purchased from the Indians. 
Nathan Pulver and his wife became parents of the following children: Wil- 
lis Du Bois; LeRoy M., born September 2. 1873, who is an attorney in 
Luzerne and also supervisor of the town; George, born in 1877, who is mar- 
ried to Celia Cook; John \\'., born 1875, who died in 1906; Frank Dudley, 
born in 1884, who is general manager of the electric light company at Lu- 
zerne; Roscoe, born in 1886, who died in 1896; and Fred N., bom in 1888, 
who is assistant editor of Glens Falls Times. The last named married Julia 
Higgins and has a son Fred N. LeRoy M. Pulver married Julia R. Barrett 
and has three children — Russell, Alortimer and Catherine. Frank Dudley 
P\dver married Edna Wilson and has two children — Lucile and James N. 

Willis Du Bois Pulver attended the public school and worked on his grand- 
father's farm until he was sixteen years old. He then went to Glens trails 
Academy, paying his way by working at the carpenter's trade. He subse- 
quently attended the law department of the University of Baltimore, and was 
graduated with the class of 1898, receiving the degree of LL. B. Going to 
Chicago, he was there employed in a law office for one year, and at the end 
of that period established himself in practice at Holly, Mich. His next move 
was to Nashua, New Hampshire, in 1904, where he practiced two years. In 
1906, he came to Salem Depot, where he was destined to become one of tlie 
community's most active citizens. He has a large clientele and enjoys the 
highest esteem of his fellow citizens in general. He has not been a seeker 
for political preferment, but did serve two years as tax collector. He was 
organizer of the Board of Trade, served the first year as secretary, and dur- 
ing the past seven years has rendered efficient service as president of the 
board. He also is one of the vice-presidents of the New Hampshire State 
Board of Trade. He acted as Tribunal for the trial of local criminal cases 
from 1906 to August, 1913. 

On September 24, igi2, Mr. Pulver was married to Aliss Helen W. 
Emerson, a daughter of Rufus and Grace E. Emerson, of Haverhill. To 
them was born October 18, 1914, a daughter, Marjorie Estelle. Fraternally 
Mr. Pulver is a member of Senat Lodge, No. 456, A. F. & A. M. of Glens 
Falls: Glens Falls Chapter, No. 56; Gedel Council No. 56 of I'richsville. 
Ohio; Washington Conimandery No. 33, K. T., of Saratoga Springs, N. Y. : 
and Bektash Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Concord, N. H., of which he is a 
charter member and is now Oriental Guide. He also is a meml)er of Plaistow 
Grange, West Rockingham Pomona, Pilgrim Fathers of Salem and the New 
England Fat Men's Club. 

EMEr<Y N. EATON, of Seabrook, Rockingham County, X. H., was 
born in Seabrook, January 20, i860, a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Eaton) 
Eaton. He is a representative of a long established and respected family of 
this locality and is a direct descendant of one of the very earliest settlers in 
Rockingham County. The first progenitor here was John Eaton, whose life 
was devoted to reclaiming and cultivating the section of land on which he 
located. His son Jonathan became in turn the father of Jacob Eaton ( ist). 
tiie grandfather of the subject of this sketch. 

Jacob ( r.st), who had his birth in Seabrook, was engaged throughout his 
life in general agricultural pursuits and in car[>entering. He participated in 
the second war with England and in recognition of his loyalty, and of duty 
performed, his children recei\-ed a jjension from the National government. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1225 

He and his wife Alartha were blessed in the birth of six children, namely: 
Samuel. Stephen, Emer}', Jacob, Caroline and Ardesira. 

Jacob Eaton (2d), was also a native of Seabrook. where he was born hi 
1830. He followed shoemaking as his vocation, though for thirty-tive years 
he passed his life on the sea as a fisherman. He was joined in 'matrimony 
with Miss Rebecca Eaton, daughter of True Eaton of Seabrook and their 
imion was fruitful in the birth of six children: Belinda ].. Carolyn. |acob 
L., Emery N.. Caddie J. and Lawrence; only one of these. Emery X..' now 
survives. Air. Jacob Eaton who enjoyed the society of a wide circle of 
friends, passed from this life January 17, 18Q4. 

Emery N. Eaton obtained liis early intellectual preparation fur the duties 
and responsibilities of life in the district schools of his ancestral town. In 
1895 he accepted an appointment by the Boston & Alaine Railroad corpora- 
tion as station agent at State Line station, now Atlantic, a depot on the Port- 
land Division, and in that position he still officiates. 

On July, 1883, Air. Eaton was married to Aliss Alberta L. lanvrin, daugh- 
ter of John S. and Emily .\. Follansbee, fomierly of W'eare, X. H. Into 
their home have come with blessing two children, Caddie J. and Byron J. L. 
by name. Air. Eaton has been frequently elected by his fellow citizens to 
positions of public trust. He has served as selectman of Seabrook twenty-five 
years^ — 1883-84-85-86-87. 1894-95-96-97-98-99, 1900-01-02-03-04-05-06-08- 
09-10-11-12-13 and 14. He has served as chairman of the board for 
twenty-one years. He was a member of the school board in 1882-83-95; 
served five years as treasurer of the school board, was town treasurer three 
years, and town clerk in 1889. He has also filled the position of town audi- 
tor, 1882-88-89-90-91-92, and served as town moderator twelve years He 
has been elected overseer of the poor for twenty-seven years, also as clerk 
of the school district for twenty-three years, and during the last twenty-two 
years has been justice of the peace, having a large practice in the probate 
business. He represented his town in the General Court of Xew Hampshire, 
session of 1891. He has been secretary of the local board of health fourteen 
years. 

Sociallv Air. Eaton is identified with the order of Junior .\merican Me- 
chanics, being a charter member of Passaconoway Council of Seabrook, having 
served as trustee since it was organized in 1890, and as its secretary for twen- 
ty-three years. Air. Eaton is also a charter member of H. AI. A. .S. of Sea- 
brook. having served as its recording secretary since its organization in 1887 
and as treasurer for twenty-one years. He is also a member of Division Xo. 
I, O. R. S. A., of Boston. Alass.. member of tribe of Wehanownonit Red 
Men of Exeter. X. H.. and member of the Rockingham Club of Exeter. 

H.ARRV E. W-ALKEK. principal of the Exeter High school, was born 
at Ellsworth. Alaine, June 8, 1875, and is a son of Austin B. and Harriet E. 
(Eaton) Walker, and a grandson of Xathan Walker. The family is an old 
and representative one of Hancock County. 

Austin B. Walker was born in Orland, Alaine. was a merchant for many 
years at Ellsworth, and died in Xew York City. Jamiary 31. 1896. He mar- 
ried Harriet E. Eaton, also a native of Maine, and they had the following 
children: Harry E. : Burton B.. who is superintendent and i)art owner of the 
Ellsworth Foundry and Alachine Works : and Harriet Sophia. The parent^ 
attended the Unitarian church. 

Harrv E. Walker enjoyed excellent educational advantages from boyhood. 



1226 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

attending first the public schools, in 1893 graduating from the Ellsworth High 
school and subsequently entering Ijowdoin College from which institution he 
was graduated in 1901. I'rior, however, to taking his collegiate course he liad 
been an instructor in the Ellsworth High school for four years, and after 
lea\ing college was principal for one year of the high school at Mechanic 
Falls, Maine, and occupied the same position for four consecutive years at 
Fort Fairfield, in the same state, following which he accepted the call to 
Exeter. The educator of today has to meet and overcome many obstacles 
that were unknown to teachers of an earlier time and which necessitate long 
and careful training and, at the same time, a much wider extent of knowledge 
than is found in the text books. Mr. Walker is well cpialified to meet every 
demand made upon him and is admired and esteemed by his pupils and also 
enjoys the high regard of the community as a citizen. He lends his influence 
to all movements in any way educational and at present is serving as one of 
the trustees of the public library. In politics he is a republican. 

On November 26, 1902, Mr. \\'alker was married to Miss Annie L. Mc- 
b'arland, who was born at Ellsworth, Maine, the only child of Edmund and 
Emma ( rhillips) McFarland, natives also of Maine. Mr. and Mrs Walker 
attend the Unitarian church at Exeter and he is clerk of the parish and also 
superintentlent of the Sunday school. He retains membership and interest in 
his old college societies, the Delta Kappa Epsilon and the F'hi P.eta Kappa, and 
is identified also with the Masonic lodge at Exeter. 

GEORGE W. PICKERIXG* a respected citizen of the town of Xew- 
ington, where he operates a farm of fourteen acres, and is also engaged in 
carpenter work, is one of the town's officials, now serving in his first term as 
selectman. He was born in Newington February 18, 1861, a son of Josei>h 
Ward and. Sarah O. (Foss) Pickering. The father, a native of Portsmouth, 
was a sea-faring man to some extent. He was finely educated and worked as 
accountant for some of the leading business firms of Portsmouth. His wife 
was a native of Rye. N. H. Both are now deceased and are buried in Xew- 
ington. They had three children, Hannah J., George W. and Joseph Ward. 

George \V. Pickering was educated in the common schools. He was only 
six years old when his father died and he l>egan industrial life at the early 
age of nine as a farm boy, recei\ing his board and $1 ])er week. .\t the age 
of eighteen he began to learn the carpenter's trade, wliich he followed for 
about twenty years. During the last fifteen years or so be has been farming 
on his own account, also doing carpenter work as he finds opportunity. A 
republican in politics, he was elected to the oflice of selectman in March. ic)i4. 
and has ser\'ed also as registrar of voters in the town of Newington. He liuilt 
his present residence in 1892. 

Air. Pickering was married in 1892 to Annie E. Cook, who was born in 
New Jersey, a daughter of John and Julia ( Nable) Cook. Her parents never 
came to this section. They had si.x children, namely: Joseph. William. Rich- 
ard, John, Jennie, and .\nnie E. Mr. and Mrs. Pickering have two children. 
Margaret and Josei>h Warren. The fanfily attend the Congregational church. 

W. TI. R.\NNE^'. superintendent of the flood Farm of Derry. New- 
Hampshire, is a .scientist in agricultural pursuits and dair\Mng. and by the 
ap])lication of scientific principles has had wonderful results from his work. 
The Hood i~arm is stocked with 3411 head of cattle and from thirty to forty 
men are required to perform the wurls-. 




W. H. RAXXEV 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1229 

Mr. Ranney is a native of Massachusetts, where he was reared and edu- 
cated. Having decided to follow farming, he determined to make of it a pro- 
fession, not merely an occupation. He entered the ^lassachusetts Agricul- 
tural College, being a member of the Class of 1893. During 1895-96 he was 
foreman of the farm of the Massachusetts Agricultural College. He then 
followed various occupations until the fall of 1904, when he re-entered the 
Massachusetts Agricultural College, taking what is commonly known as the 
"short course," and graduating in 1905. Then for two years he had charge 
of the Alaplewood fann at Danvers, Mass., it now being the Essex .Vgricul- 
tural School. His next position was as superintendent of the Hood Farm, 
which he has tilled since April, 1907. 

On January i, 1900, Mr. Ranney \\a.-, united ni marriage with Susan B. 
Billings, of Amherst, and they have four children: Roland H., (Irace 
Howes, Marian Louise, and Sarah Helen Elizabeth. I'raternally. Mr. Ran- 
ney is a prominent Mason. He is a member of the Council, Order of East- 
ern Star, Patrons of Husbandrj-, and the Bethany White Shrine, of Jeru- 
salem. The last named is the only lodge of the kind east of Pittsburgh, and 
he serves as Watchman of the Shepherd. He is a consistent member of the 
Congregational Church and is one of the official board. 

JOSEPH B. BROW X,'^' one of the selectmen of Hampton, in which office 
he has served interruptedly since 1886, and who is engaged in business here 
as market gardener, was born in Hampton, X. H., July 19, 1862, a son of 
John G. and Mar}' A. (Johnson) Brown. The father, who was born in 
Hampton, was a farmer and for forty years had charge of the Ballard estate, 
which during that time was the pride of this section. He was a man of re- 
tiring disposition and domestic tastes. His wife was a native of Ireland, but 
a Protestant, she and her husband attending the Congregational Church. 
Their children were: John G., Lottie (wife of John Bryant), and Joseph I!., 
the subject of this review. 

Joseph B. Brown was educatetl in the comiuon schools and at Hampton 
Academy. He has resided in Hampton all his life to the present time, working 
as teamster, gardener and farmer. He belongs to the Odd Fellows Lodge at 
Hampton and in politics is a democrat. As above stated, he has been select- 
man a number of times, having served in that office sixteen years in all. His 
paternal grandfather was Sanmel Brown, while his mother was a daughter of 
William Johnson. Mr. Brown lias never married. 

.\RTHUR W. DUDLEY, a prominent citizen of the town of Brentwood, 
who has for years taken a leading part in local affairs, was born in this town, 
July 22. 1846, a son of Winthrop H. and Mary F. f Robinson) Dudley. His 
first American ancestors, who came from England, were among the early 
settlers in Exeter, the Rev. Samuel Dudley being the first minister in that 
town. The great-grandfather of <iur sulnect. Winthrop Dudley, served in tlie 
Revolutionary war as captain of a conii:any from Exeter. 

Arthur \V. Dudley began his education in the schools of Brentwood, later 
attended the Pinkerton Academy at Derry, and subsequently entered Dart- 
mouth College, from which he graduated in 1867. .\fter leaving college he 
took up the profession of civil engineer, which he followed for about eighteen 
years, being engaged in railroad work in the West and South. He finally 
returned to take charge of the home farm, on which he now resides. 

Mr. Dudlev was first married in 18-j to Al;irv T. Lamprey, who liorc him 



1230 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

three children — l->ed L.. Mary F. and John H. Fred L. is superintendent 
of water works at Randolph, Vt., and also state engineer for the Central 
Section of Vermont. He is married and has three children. Mary F. is 
matron at the Pennsylvania State Insane Asylum. Both she antl her brother 
John H. are unmarried. Mrs. Mary I. Dudley died in 1888. and Mr. Dudley 
married for his second wife, Clara F. Hook, of Brentwood, X. H., of which 
union no children have been born. Mr. Dudley is a Republican and has taken 
an active part in public affairs, having served as representative and selectman, 
showing marked ability in these various positions. The Dudley farm has 
interesting historical associations. It forms a part of a large tract originally 
granted by the British crown to Gov. Thomas Dudley, and extending almost 
as far as the eye could see. A portion of it has always been owned by the 
Dudley family. On it was located the old garrison house, used as a defense 
against the Indians in early colonial days and during the Revolutionary period. 
The timbers from the old fort were used in building the present residence. 
Mr. Dudley keeps the property in first class condition. He is esteemed by his 
fellow townsmen as a substantial and public spirited citizen, whose aid and 
council are always valuable in matters of local importance. He and his 
family attend the Congregational church. His only sister. Miss Sophia Dud- 
ley, resides at Annisquam, Mass. 

GEORGE \\'. HE.KTH,* who is engaged in farming in the town of 
Plaistow, Rockingham Count}-, X. H., is a well known citizen and an honored 
veteran of the Civil War. He was liorn in b'rederickton. New Brunswick, 
April 12, 1832, but comes of one of the oldest families of Plaistow. He is a 
son of James Heath of Plaistow, and a grandson of Xathaniel Heath, who 
was born in Plaistow, where he farmed and conducted a feeding mill until 
his death in 1800: and a great-grandson of Matthew Heath, who was born 
in Plaistow and saw service in the Revolutionary War as a drum major. 
.\ brother of the last named was General Enoch Heath of Revolutionary fame. 

James Heath, father of the subject of this sketch, w as born on Sweet Hill, 
in Plaistow. in 1800 and for twenty-five years followed his trade as a ship 
carpenter. He then returned to Plaistow, where he farmed until his death 
in 1880. He married Huldah Kimball and their children were as follows: 
Reuben Peaslee; Loran Hoyt ; Sarah L., wife of William Cragon : Hannah, 
wife of Charles G. Sargent: George W. ; and Julia, who married J. .\. Kane. 

George W. Heath was born in a log house and was reared among condi- 
tions far different from those now existing, .\fter attending the common 
schools for a time, he took up cooking for mill men. and later conducted 
boarding houses. In 1861, he enlisted as a member of the Fourth Regiment, 
Xew Hampshire Volunteers, for service in the Civil War. and saw three and 
a half years of hard service. At the battle of Drur}- Bluff, he was hit by two 
'bullets at the same time and was badly wounded. He was stripped of his 
clothes and was left on the battlefield for dead, .\fter lying there for three 
days it was discovered he was alive. He was taken to Libby Prison, where 
for three months he suffered untold hardships and privations. .At the end of 
that time he was fortunately exchanged, and in 1865 received his honorable 
discharge from the army. He then returned home and successfully conducted 
boarding houses until 1899. In that year he came to Plaistow, where he has 
since engaged in farming. He is representative of the best tyjjc of citizen- 
ship and enjoys many friends throughout this region. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1231 

FRED S. FELLOWES, connected with the stationery business of James 
H. Batchelder, of Exeter, who has also been town clerk of Exeter for the 
last eighteen years, was born in this town, October 1 1, i86j, a son of Ephraim 
and Ann T. (Simpson) Fellowes. The father, w!io was born in Exeter, 
N. H., and was a merchant here for a number of years, died in 1865. His 
wife was born near Bangor, :\le. They had one cliild, Ella, who is now de- 
ceased, and Fred S. After the death of Ephraim Fellowes, his widow mar- 
ried John W. Clement, a grocer of Exeter. Mrs. Clement is still living, being 
now in her eight)--third year. She had no children by her second husband. 

Fred S. Fellowes was graduated from the Exeter high school in 1879 and 
at once entered the employ of Mr. Batchelder. with whom he has since re- 
mained. He was married' in 1895 to Miss Emma J. Heaphy. a native of 
Exeter and daughter of Patrick and Mary J. ( Earley) Heaphy. Her parents, 
who were natives of Ireland, were married in this country, the father being 
connected with the business of the Merrill's and also with the tannery here. 
Their children were: Emma J.. J. Henry. Mary J., Xellie B.. Edward, 
Annie L.. Katherine. wife of James Kennedy. Mary J., the wife of Gail R. 
Osgood, Xellie B., the wife of Edward E. Lewis, and Annie L.. wife of 
Charles E. Heifer. Air. and Mrs. Fellowes have three children : Ella Flor- 
ence, Frederick G., and Robert. Air. Fellowes is a Republican in politics. 
Fraternally he belongs to the Royal Arcanum and to the .Viicient Order of 
United Workmen. His family are old residents of Exeter, his paternal 
grandfather. Ephraim Fellowes. ha\ing been a well known and respected 
citizen of the to\\n manv vears ago. 

DANIEL J. KELLEHER.* station agent for the Boston and Alaine 
Railroad, at Westville, Rockingham County, X. H., and postmaster of that 
village, is also engaged in farming operations. He was born in Plai.stow, 
Rockingham County. September 4. 187 1. and is a son of Timothy and Cath- 
erine (O'Connor) Kelleher. 

Timothy Kelleher was born in Ireland, and came to Xew ti)n Junction in 
1864. He started to work for the Boston and Maine Railroad, and there- 
after continued with that road until his death in 1879. His marriage with 
Catherine O'Connor resulted in the following offspring: Jerry AL. who served 
Plaistow at dift'erent times as selectman, tax collector and chief of police; 
Annie, wife of John Guard: Minnie, wife of Andrew Corwin: Katherine: 
Lizzie, who married Michael Monahan : and Daniel J. 

Daniel J. Kelleher attended the public schools of Plaistow until he was 
fifteen years old. On April i. 1886, he was appointed assistant station agent 
for the Boston and Maine at Westville. He continued as such until his 
brother Terrv M. Kelleher was killed, and then succeeded the latter as station 
agent. He is one of the substantial men of the community, and has made 
many friends. 

In April, 1909. Air. Kelleher was married to Miss Jennie .\. Jones, a 
daughter of John Jones of Kingston, and their children are as follows : Dan- 
iel J.. Jr., born February 4, 1910: Herbert .\.. Irani November i. 191 1 : and 
Hugh Thomas, who was born April 19. 1913. 

THOMAS XEUTCK.* a market gardener and dairyman, owner oi forty 
acres of good land in the town of Newington. was born in England. February 
26, 1845, ^ son of John and Mary (Sinman) -Newick. Both his parents died 



1232 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

in England. Their children were John, Henry, Thomas, .Mary Ann. William 
and Harriet. The father was a farmer by occupation. 

Thomas Newick attended school but a short time in his youth, having to 
labor for his own support at an early age. At the age of _'6 years he came 
to the United States, going first to Syracuse, X. Y., where for thirteen years 
he was employed in a malt house. He then came to Rockingham County, 
N. H., and bought his present farm, on which he has since resided. He is 
engaged mostly in gardening, and keeps cows, selling his milk in Boston. He 
is a Republican in politics and has served the town as supervisor and road 
agent. 

Mr. Newick was married in 1869 to Jane Ann liull, a native of England, 
in which country they were married. Her parents were Harvey and Ann 
(Davly) Bull, the father being a farm hand. The children in the Bull family 
were Jane, Elizabeth, Samuel. Hepsibah and James. Mr. and Mrs. Newick 
are prosperous people and have made many friends since settling in this 
locality. 

WILLIAM I'. B.ARTLETT, (jne of the representative business men of 
Exeter, for the past thirteen years has been engaged here in the grocery and 
provison trade and through enterprising methods and reliable goods has built 
up a large and very satisfactory trade. He is well known over Rockingham 
County, in which section of New Hampshire he has resided for the last thirty 
years. He was Ixjrn at Salisbury, Mass.. March 2. i8'i.v and is a son of 
James P. and Priscilla ( Jewell ) Bartlett. 

James P. Bartlett was born and reared in Massachusetts. For a number 
of )-ears he followed the trade of a shoemaker in his native state, but later in 
life removed to Rockingham County. N. H. He married Priscilla Jewell, 
who was born in Maine, and they had the following children : I'rancis L. ; 
Bessie H., who is the widow of Da\'id M. Ouimby ; .\nnie L. and William P. 
They were members of the Congregational church. They were highly re- 
spected residents of Kensington, where their death and burial took place. 

William P. Bartlett attended the public schools until old enough to become 
self-supporting, when he became a clerk in a grocery and provision store and 
during eighteen years in this connection he learned every necessary detail of 
the business and emliarked in the same for himself understandingly, and 
through buying prudently and selling honestly he has secured public confidence 
and a large degree of ])ros])erity for himself. 

In Xovemher, iKSN, Mr. Itartlett was united in marriage with .Miss -Sarah 
A. Shaw, who i^ a nati\e nf Kensinglon, X. H.. and a daughter of Thomas C. 
and Charlotte Shaw. She has two si.sters : Ella, who is the wife of Philip 
Ouimby,, and Lottie. Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett attend the P)aptist church. \s 
was his father, Mr. Itartlett is a republican in his ]iolitical views. I'dr a 
number of years he has been a member of the Odd Fellows and the Knights 
of T'ythias. 

W "ALTb'-K B.XLDW'IX F.\RMFR.* wlio is engaged in fruit farming in 
the town of Hampton Falls, and also in the poultry business and insurance 
business, was born in .Arlington, Ma.ss., April 5, 1876, a son of Elbridge and 
'Nellie M. ( Baldwin) Farmer. The father, also a native of .Arlington, Mass.. 
was a successful farmer and market gardener, ami was the first man in this 
section to raise cucumbers. Icttuc'e and tomatoes under glass. His wife was a 




OSCAB S. SPRAGUK 



AND kl':PKESEXTATIVE CITIZEiNS 1235 

native of Wenham, Mass. They had twu children: Edwin S.. a farmer, 
who has served his town as selectman antl as representative ; and Walter B. 

Walter B. Farmer was educated in the public schools and in Godard School 
at Barre, Vt., afterwards attending Harvard College. He then went abroad 
for two years and after his return home engaged in the iron business. Later 
he entered into the banking business in Boston and was there until December 
10, 1912. Coming to Hampton Falls in 1913, he bought the large farm he 
now owns, known as the Applecrest farm, which before long will be the 
largest fruit farm in the state, he having set out 10,000 Baldwin, Mackintosh 
and Wealthy apple trees. He is also largely engaged in the hen and turkey 
business. His buildings are of the largest construction and are furnished with 
all modern improvements and it may be safely prophesied that he is on the 
high road to pro.sperity. Air. Farmer was married in June, 1898, to Miss 
Gertrude Saunders Jones of Leominster, Mass.. a daughter of George T. and 
Carrie Jones. They have two children: Beatrice, born March 16, igoi. and 
Gwendolyn, Ixjrn X(jvember 9, 1Q03. 

OSC.\K S. SPR.VGL'E. suijerintendent of the creamery and ice plant 
and grain elevator of The Flood Company of Derry, X. H., was born at St. 
Johns, Xew Brunswick, Canada, in 1882. He was reared and educated in 
Canada and subseciuently traveled through a number of the Western States. 
Aljout 1906 he came to Derry and entered the employ of The Hood Com- 
pany. He is now serving in his third year as superintendent, having shown 
etficiency in every department in which he has been placed. .\ reliable and 
up-to-date citizen, he has made many friends since coming to Derry. He be- 
longs to the Odd b'ellows loilge in this village. Mr. Sprague was married in 
1909 to Miss Margaret Enman of Prince Edward's Island, Canada. 

EBEX H. BLAISDELL,* owner of a grocery on McDonough street. 
Portsmouth, also a member of the city council and for the last four year's 
assessor for Ward i, was born in this city, July 4, 1863, son of Ebenezer and 
Myria .A. (Tucker) I'laisdell. His father, a son of Eben Blaisdell, was a 
native of York. Me., and for some years was employed as blacksmith at the 
navy yard. The mother of <»ur subject was born in Portsmouth. They had 
si.x children, of whom three are now lixing, namely; .\rtluir W. ; ("lertrude. 
wife of Harry Lombard, and Eben H. 

Eben H. i31aisdell ac(|uired his education in the common schools and after 
finishing his studies found work in a shoe factory. Later he learned the 
plumbing and steam fitting business, which he followed for about five years. 
He then became clerk in the city street department under Joseph Hetf, and 
for some time was chairman of the committee on sewers. He bought his 
present business in 1901 and has since conducted it successfully. In politics 
he is a republican, and, in addition to the ofifices above mentioned in which 
he is now serving, he was formerly councilman and alderman, member of the 
board of registration, and representative to the general court from Ward i, 
serving four years. He is a member of St. John's Lodge, .\. !•. & A. .M., and 
also belongs to the Red Men, the Elks and the P. A. C. 

Mr. Blaisdell married Miss Clarinda \\'aterhouse, who was bom in Ports- 
mouth, X. H., daughter of James .\. and Detorah (Davidson) Waterhouse, 
her father being a clerk in "the navy yard. Mrs. Blaisdell was one of two 
children, the other being Clement M. Mr. Blaisdell is an enterprising citizen, 
who has had a good deal to do with local affairs, being also a veteran fireman. 
He and his wife belong to the Methodist church. 



1236 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

JOHN HOWARD GROVER. a prominent real estate dealer of Ports- 
mouth, N. H., handling his own real estate and making a specialty of tenement 
houses, building and selling, was born in this city, April 9, 1855, a son of 
Josiah and Helen A. ( Stackpole) Grover. The father was a native of York, 
Maine, and a son of Joseph Grover. The mother was from Portsmoutli. 
Joseph Grover died when his son Josiah was a mere infant, and the latter, 
when old enough, went to sea with a brother. Later, while still a boy, he 
began to learn the painter's trade, and after acquiring a good knowledge of it, 
went into business for himself in Portsmouth a^s painter and decorator, which 
occupation he followed to the end of his life, dying at the age of about fifty- 
eight years, after acquiring a fair competence. He was well known as a 
master of his craft and as a good citizen, and was also in the best sense a self- 
made man, as he never went to school a day in his life, but acquired a suffi- 
ciently practical education and succeeded in life by means of his own exertions. 
He and his wife were the parents of nine children. Mrs. Josiah Grover is 
still living and resides on State street, Portsmouth. They were members of 
the Christian Baptist church and in politics he was a democrat. 

John Howard Grover, who was the eldest child of his parents, acquired 
his education in the public schools, which he left at the age of about four- 
teen years to assist his father. He worked with the latter for ten years, 
and then started into business for himself as painter and paper-hanger. This 
business he has carried on for twenty-five years, employing at the present 
time from five to eight men, although in recent years he has given his atten- 
tion largely to building and real estate, as above mentioned. He is doing 
a prosperous business and is now regarded as one of the substantial citizens 
of Portsmouth. He belongs to the Blue Lodge of Masons, to the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen, the Red Men, and the Royal Arcanum. 

Mr. Grover married ?\Iary H. Gove, a native of Massachusetts and 
daughter of George W. and Sarah (Lucas) Gove. She was one of a family 
of six children, her father being a locomotive engineer. Two children have 
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Grover, but both are now deceased. Fred H. 
died at the age of thirty-three years, leaving a widow, whose maiden name 
was Myria W. Ayers ; they had a son Harold Everett, who died, aged four 
years and two months ; Bettie, the younger child of our subject, died at 
the age of four days. Mr. and Mrs. Grover attend the Methodist church, 
Mr. Grover being chairman of the building committee of the new church, 
soon to be erected. 

GEORGE M. CROWELL, M. D.,* the leading physician and surgeon 
of .\ulnirn, N. H.. was born in Providence. R. I., August 10, 187J. His 
parents were Otis F. and Emma E. (Bennett) Crowell. His paternal an- 
cestors came to this country from England at an early day and settled on 
the Cape. Most of them were sea captains. Otis E. Crowell. the Doctor's 
father, however, was engaged in the meat business, in which he continued up 
to the time of his death in Providence. When but seventeen years old he 
ran away from home and went to Boston, where he enlisted for service in 
the Civil War. For bravery and good service he was promoted from the 
rank of private to that of corporal. His wife Emma, born in Providence, 
R. I., is still a resident of that city. They had two children: George M., 
the subject of this sketch, and Arthur F., who is a teacher in the public 
schools of Providence. 

George M. Crowell was educated in the public schools of Providence, 




JOHN HC)\\'.\EU (;i!(i\KK 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1237 

graduating Iron] the high schuul at the age of seventeen. In 1890 he en- 
tered Brown University, where he graduated in 1894, witli the degree of 
A. B. During his last year in the University he studied medicine, and dur- 
ing the entire four years he spent there he also studied and taught music. 
In 1895 he entered Harvard Medical College and was graduated M. D. in 
1899. He at once began the practice of his profession in Pawtucket, R. I., 
remaining there four years. He then went to Canaan, X. H., where also 
he stayed four years, after which he spent five vears in Providence, R. I., 
conung from there to Auburn, N. H., in June, 1913. Although a compara- 
ti^vely recent addition to the ranks of the medical profession in Rockingham 
County, he has proved his ability and has laid the foundations of a good 
practice. He is a member of the Rockingham County Medical Societ_\-, the 
New Hampshire Medical Society, the Rhode Island Medical Society and 
the American Medical Association. He is now serving on the Board of 
Health of the town of Auburn. 

Dr. Crowell was married in 190J to Emma C. Cutler, of West Acton, 
Mass., who was educated in the schools of Acton, at the Concord High 
School, where she graduated, and at the Boston Normal School of G\-mnas- 
tics. Dr. and Mrs. Crowell have been the parents of two children: Sylvia, 
who died at the age of live months, and Margaret C. born May 17, 1906' who 
survives. In politics Dr. Crowell is independent. He and his wife are affil- 
iated with the L'niversalist church. 

LEVI WOODBURY comes of a prominent old family of Salem. X. H . 
where he now resides, although his business activities have been large!}- in 
other parts of the country. He was one time proprietor of the St. James 
Hotel in Washington. D. C. made famous by him. and for many years he 
has been president of the Xorfolk and Washington Steamboat Companv. 
He was born in Boston. Massachusetts. October 17, 1834, and is a son of 
Israel and Eliza (Graham) Woodbury, and a grandson of Israel Woodbury. 

Israel Woodbury, the grandfather, was born December 10, 1759. and 
lived to the good old age of ninety-nine years and ten months. When the 
colonies rebelled against England, he enlisted and was stationed in X'orthern 
New York. Falling prisoner he was taken by the Indians to Canada and 
there detained for a long time. Finally through the aid of a half-breed he 
effected his escape. Crossing the St. Lawrence River in a canoe, he proceeded 
to walk through the wilderness to his home in Salem, X. H. .\mong others 
of his family who saw service in the Revolutionary Arm\-. were Daniel Wood- 
bury, Israel \^'oodInlry. Flisha Woodbury and his son Flislia. Jr.. and Jona- 
than Woodbury. 

Israel \\'oodbury, father of the subject of this record, was liorn in .Salem. 
N. H., in 1805. and for more than thirty years was a contractor and builder 
in Boston, Mass. He was an enthusiastic democrat in his political affiliation, 
and was the leader of the party in Salem. He married Eliza Graham who 
was born in 1809, and they had the following children: Levi; Charles O. 
of W'ashington. D. C. : Milton G. who lives in Massachusetts: and ^Jrs. Alibie 
C. Forster. who lives with her brother. Levi. 

Levi \\'oodburv was reared on a farm in Salem, and his educational train- 
ing was obtained in the New England pulilic schools. .\t the age of nine- 
teen years he started life work in a shoe factory, and continued that occupa- 
tion for seven years. In 1860 he entered railroad service as station agent 
on the Boston and Concord Railroad, and during this ])eriod of six years 



1238 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

learned the Morse Code and became master of the key. At the same time 
he was engaged in the lumber business at Windham, N. H. From rail- 
roading he turned to hotel keeping, his hrst venture being at Chelsea, Mass. 
Here he built up a profitable business, which he sold to advantage in 1867. 
He then went to Washington, D. C. as steward of the St. James Hotel, and a 
year or two later established the St. George Cafe under the old Masonic 
Temple. A few years later he leased the St. James Hotel and gave it a pres- 
tige throughout the country during the many years he held it. He saw the 
advantage to be derised from good steamboat service down the I'otomac to 
the cities at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, and was the moving spirit in the 
formation of the Norfolk and Washington Steamboat Company, of which he 
has served as president for many years. 

Mr. Woodbury was united in marriage with Miss Nancy J. Wheeler. Fra- 
ternally he is prominent in Masonic Circles. He is a Knight Templar, a mem- 
ber of the Mystic Shrine, and has taken the Scottish Rite degree. He also 
belongs to the Board of Trade, the Chamber of Commerce, the Commercial 
Club and the Columbia Golf Club. 

HON. JOHN M. WEBSTER, one of the leading business men of the 
town of Chester, and also representative from this town in the legislature, 
was born in Chester, N. H., November (>, 1859. His parents were Moses and 
Martha W. (Gibson) Webster, and he is a grandson on the paternal side of 
Stephen Webster, who settled in Rockingham County at an early day, and 
was for many years a w-ell known and respected citizen here. 

Moses Webster, father of our subject, was born in Hampstead, this county, 
and removed to Chester when about eight years of age with his parents. Here 
he was reared and educated and when old enough to begin industrial life en- 
gaged in farming. He was active in town affairs, ser\-ing efficiently on the 
board of selectmen. His wife was a native of Tremont. 

John M. Webster was reared in the town of Chester and in his youth at- 
tended the local schools, supplementing his education bv a business course in 
1880. Then reiurning to Chester he found employment for a year in Dale 
Bros." store, .sul;sequently going to Hampstead, where he was similarly em- 
ployed for awhile. He then went to Cherry I'oint, 111., where he s])ent a year 
engaged in merra'itile work, after which he returned to (_^hester and opened 
a store of his o>v '. dealing general merchandise, ihis he still operates, the 
present style of ihc firm being Webster Bros. He has been very successful 
and is now recognized as one of the prosperous and substantial citizens of the 
town. .\ member of the democratic party, he has long taken an active interest 
in politics. He was first elected to the state legislature in November. 1900. 
and was reelected in 1912, in each case serving efficiently and with a watch- 
ful eye for the interests of his constituents. He has long served as a mem- 
ber of the school board and as town treasurer, w hich latter office he is holding 
at the present time. Enterprising and public spirited and of excellent busi- 
ness abilitv, he is a man of influence in the communitv and is very pfjpular 
with his fellow citizens. 

Mr. Webster was married in 18S8 to Miss Lucy M. Marsters of Chester, 
a daughter of Woodbury and Keziah ( Felch) Marsters. He and his wife are 
the parents of one child, a daughter, Marion, who. after a ])reparatory course 
at Pinkerton Academy, where she was valedictorian of her class, entered Smith 
College, from which she graduated. She was one of the thirty members of 
her class belonging to the Phi Beta Kappa. .She >^ubse(|uently taught school 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1239 

for three years at Xorth Hampton, and last year (iyi3) went to Simmons 
College and is now secretary to Prof. Masking at tlie Harvard Graduate 
School. She is a young lady of exceptional ability and gives promise of a 
bright future. 

ARIHLR \\ . BATES,* ice dealer, and the owner of some valuable 
land within the city limits of Portsmouth, X. H., is a native of England, born 
October 15, 1861. His parents were William and Sarah (Harriman) Bates, 
both of English birth, who came to the United States a number of years ago, 
the father, a stocking weaver by trade, bringing with him some fancy stock- 
ing looms. They are both living and reside in Portsmouth with their son, 
the subject of this sketch. Their children were: George R. : .\ner, wife of 
George Young; Florence, wife of George Kemp, and Arthur W.. who was 
the second born. 

.\rthur W. Bates acquired his education in the cuninion schools, after 
which he worked for some years in the cotton mills. He then moved onto a 
farm of 30 acres within the limits of Portsmouth, which he bought and one 
half of which he has since sold in lots, having left about fifteen acres, which 
tract is situated on a street car line on Middle Road. Air. Bates is unmarried. 
In politics he votes independently, using his judgment as to the (lualifications 
of candidates for office. He belongs to the Knights of the Golden Eagle and 
attends the Episcopal church. 

LINCOLN L. BROW'X,* proprietor of a general store in the town of 
Seabrook, who has also been prominent in public affairs for a number of years, 
was born in this town October 3, 1867. He is a son of Sylvester L. and; 
Martha D. (Clough) Brown, and a grandson on the paternal side of Newell 
Brown. The father, Sylvester, was born in Seabrook. N. H.. December ij. 
1832, and became a prominent citizen of the town, serving for a number of 
years as selectman and as member of the school lioard. He was a veteran of 
the Civil war. having enlisted at Eastport, Ale., and lieen mustered in as second 
lieutenant. He was made first lieutenant July 25. 1865. His wife Alartha 
was a daughter of Stephen B. Clough. They had two children: Grace T.. 
who married William Evans, and Lincoln L. Sylvester L. Brown died Decem- 
ber 17. 1885, hax'ing sur\-ived his wife, who passed away January i, 187-I. 

Lincoln L. Brown was educated in the public schools and at Dearborn 
Academy. He then worked in a shoe factory for twenty years as inspector, 
and afterwards for five years was in the employ of the electric railroad as 
motorman and conductor. He then returned to the shoe factory and remained 
there until September 2'/. 1913. at which time he started his present store in 
Seabrook. He is doing a prosperous business, having an up-to-date store and 
a good trade. Air. Brown served as a member of the .school board from 1895 
to 1898: as tax collector from 1896 to 1898, and deputy sheriff. 1894 to 1808. 
He is a charter member of Governor Weare Council. Xo. 15, (). I'. .\. Al.. in 
which he has filled all the offites. He was admitted to the state council in 
1907, and was state council in ion. He was elected national re))resentative 
to Gettysburg, .August 23, 1912. and was also representative to the council 
at Boston in 1913 and at Muncie. Indiana, in u)!^. In 101.1 he aj.so served 
on the national president's committee and is now ajJiKjinted committee on 
appeals for 1915. He is also president of the Building .\ssociation : a mem- 
ber of Xewburvport Lodge. Xo. 30. K. of I'.: charter meml)er of .\lfred AL 
Dow Camp, Sons of Veterans, which was organized July 13. T911. and is 
past commander. 



1240 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

ANDREW J. BENSON, a well known resident of Derry, now retired 
from active business life, was born in Hookset, N. H., Jan. 9, 1832. When 
he was only seven or eight years old his parents, Joseph C. and Judith Davis 
Benson, moved to Londonderry, Rockingham county, where he was reared 
and educated. He subsequently worked at the shoe trade and at fanning. In 
1864 he enlisted in Company D, Heavy Artillery, and went direct to Wash- 
ington, D. C, where his regiment was distributed among the forts around 
Washington. After remaining there a few months they were ordered to the 
front, but when they had reached Alexandria the order was cancelled and they 
returned to the forts at Washington, where Mr. Benson remained until his 
honorable discharge in 1865. 

After returning home he found work at the shoe trade and at farming 
and so continued until aijout twenty-five years ago, when he came to Derry- 
and engaged here in the meat, fish and grocery business. About 1906 he re- 
tired. He is past commander of Wesley B. Knight Post, G. A. R. Although 
not deeply interested in politics, he served as selectman in Londonderry for 
four years and was representative to the legislature two years, serving efii- 
ciently in both offices. 

Mr. Benson was married in 185 1 to Miss Kuth J. Paige of Londonderry, 
who died at the age of forty-fi\'e years. They had twelve children, of whom 
nine are now living, namely: Charles O., of Derry, N. H. ; Ella, now Mrs. 
John Conner of Boston, Jvlass. ; Frank A. of Lynn, Mass. ; Hon. William 
H. Benson of Derry; Oscar, now a resident of South Africa: George W. of 
Derry: Fred of Nashau, N. H. ; Alice, now Mrs. Bert Kimball of Haverhill, 
Mass. ; and Harry Benson of Derry. 

Five years after his first wife's death Air. Benson married for his second 
wife Eliza Rowell, who died in March, 191 1. He is one of the most highly 
respected citizens in this community and his friends in and around Derry are 
numbered by the score. 

WOODBURY J. BROWN, prosperous citizen of Salem Depot, New 
Hampshire, is a member of the firm of Cole and Brown and is engaged in the 
lumber and wood business. He was born in Candia. N. H., October 28, 1876, 
and is a son of Josiah A. and Luella (Batchler) Brown. Josiah A. Brown 
was born in Dearfield. New Hampshire, in 1845. He was a shoemaker by 
trade and in his later years followed farming. For more than forty years 
he was road surveyor in his district. His marriage with Luella Batchler re- 
sulted in the following offspring : Oscar, deceased : Dexter, deceased : Carrie, 
who married H. A. Brown; Jennie, who married M. H. Taylor: Mabel; 
Emma; Hattie; and Woodbury J. 

Woodbury J. Brown was educated in the public schools and at the age of 
eighteen years went to work for the Candia (Grocery Company as clerk. After 
one year he came to Salem Depot to work in Mr. Buxton's grocery store, 
and one year later bought out the business. He conducted the grocery suc- 
cessfullv for years, at the end of which time he sold out to advantage. He 
then engaged in the hay and grain and the lumber business, which he finally 
sold out to join forces with Mr. Cole, lender the firm name of Cole and 
Brown they have dealt in lumber and wood and have established a good pay- 
ing business. He is a member of the Board of Trade, and also of the County 
Republican Club December 19, 1909. Mr. Brown was united in marriage with 
Miss Laura May Ladd. a daughter of L. B. and Laura .\nn ( Graham) Ladd. 
They enjoy a comfortable home in Salem. 



^•'W ^^fei' 




AXPRKW .1. BEXSOX 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1243 

ARTHUR C. COX,* owner and proprietor of the concern known as 
Daniel N. Cox & Co., painters, decorators and paper-hangers, Portsmouth, 
N. H., was born in this city in 1885, a son of Daniel N. and Emma F. 
(Eraser) Cox. His parents were both natives of this city. The father, a 
painter all his life, established the present business in 1887. in partnership 
with Horace Pettigrew, the hmi being kncjwu at first as Pettigrew & Cox. 
To him and his wife were born five children: (leorge E,, Frank T.. Jennie 
L., wife of Clifford Ramsdell. Arthur C., and Martha, who is the wife of 
Edward M. Ward. 

Arthur C. Cox, after graduating from the common schools, attended 
the high school for three years. He then took up the painting business, at 
first being associated with his father. In 1909 he bought out the business and 
has since carried it on alone very successfully, employing four men. In 1913 
he was a member of the council from Ward Four. He belongs to the Knights 
of Pythias, and is also a member of Kearsarge Engine Company No. 3, of the 
Portsmouth Fire Department. 

Mr. Cox has been twice married: first to Margaret E. David.son, who 
died leaving a daughter, Mary Esther. He married for his second wife 
Mabel .\. Hodgdon, daughter of George Hodgdon, a carjjenter, whose only 
other child was a son, Frank. Of this second marriage there have been no 
offspring. Mr. Cox and his family attend the Methodist church. They are 
well known and prosperous people, thoroughly representative of the best New 
England citizensliip. 

JOHN M. WWDLEIGH. a substantial and progressive citizen of E.xeter. 
N. H., who is now living a partially retired life, is one of this town's native 
sons, having been born here July 6, 1846. His parents were William and 
Emily (Dearborn) Wadleigh, both natives of this coimty, where the father 
carried on business as a farmer and stock dealer. The latter's parents were 
Enoch and Anna (Mirrill) Wadleigh. \\'illiam Wadleigh at one time served 
the town of Exeter as representative to the legislature, being a republican in 
politics. Both parents of our subject are now deceased. Their children 
\\ere : George W.. John M., Emma Josephine, wife of Harry Raybold. 
Margaret .\.. Frank H.. and Minnie C, wife of George Pollard. The mother. 
Mrs. Emily .A. Dearljorn \\'adleigh, was a daughter of .Nathan and Lydia 
(Godfrey) Dearborn of North Hampton. 

John M. Wadleigh was educated in the common an<l high schools of 
Exeter, graduating from the latter in the class of 1864. He then took up farm 
work on the parental homestead and for twenty years devoted himself ex- 
clusively to that occupation. He then became interested to some extent in 
lumbering, entering into that business by degrees and gradually increasing 
his operations, although without relin(pu'shing his agricultural interests, ex- 
cept that he gave up active work on the farm in 1Q08. he still remaining its 
owner. He also owns the Hotel S(|uamscott at Exeter. His time now is 
chiefly spent in looking after his lumber interests, which are somewhat exten- 
sive. ' .At different times he has served the town of Exeter in various offices. 
He was representative to the legislature for one term and has been .selectman 
a number of terms, on the last occasion servine for twelve years, after which 
he declined further election. Few citi/cn-; of the town, if any. are more pop- 
ular, or have a larger number of friends. l-"or the last -^even years Mr. Wad- 
leigh has resided in the village of Exeter. 



1244 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

WILLIAM I. RHODES,* a prosperous farmer of the town of Brent- 
wood. Rockingham County, N. H., was born in tliis town February 2, 1858. 
His father was William M. Rhodes, a native of Chelsea, Vt., who died Novem- 
ber 15, 1912. The mother, whose maiden name was Mary E. Rowell, was 
born in Brentwood. They had three children: Nellie C, who married a Mr. 
Osgood; William I., the subject of this sketch; and Mary, who was married, 
and died leaving two children, Ruth and Clarence. 

William 1. Rhodes was educated in the common and high schools of 
Exeter, and at the age of fourteen years began to learn the trade of butcher, 
receiving at first fifty cents per day. He continued to be thus occupied until 
he was 25 years old, at which time he gave up the l)usiness and returned to 
the farm in Brentwood, where he has since remained, engaged in agriculture. 
He is in prosperous circumstances and is regarded as one of the reliable and 
substantial citizens of the town. He is a democrat in politics and has run for 
local ofiice on a number of occasions, but as the county is strongly republi- 
can, has hitherto been unsuccessful. 

Mr. Rhodes married Miss Mary C. Fuller, (jf l-"remont, X. H., and they 
are the parents of two daughters. Nellie M. and Lillian A., the latter being 
unmarried. Both were educated in the public schools of Brentwood. Nellie 
also graduating from Sanborn Seminary. Nellie M. married .Mfred Mclbray 
and has three children, h'lorence. Marjoric and Norman. 

JOSEPH ¥. BERRY,* retired merchant and one of Portsmouth's promi- 
nent citizens. i$ one of five children born to his parents, who were respectively 
Joseph H. and Judith A. ( Knowlton ) Berry. The father followed the trade 
of a blacksmith. Joseph F. Berry was born December 25. 1841. He was 
educated in the pul)lic schools and w hen a young man Isegan industrial life as 
clerk in a hardware business, in which he continued for a number of years. 
He then enil)arke(l in the hat business for himself, in I'ortsniouth, which he 
carried on with unqualified success until his retirement in March. 1912. 
Mr. Berry belongs to the Odd I'ellows and the Royal .\rcanuni and is ;i mem- 
ber of the \\'arwick Club. In politics he is a republican. 

He married ^liss fieorgia .\dams. and the union was blessed with one 
daughter. Maude L.. who married Edward T. Kimball, son of the late F.. I'. 
Kimball, formerly president of the First National Bank of Portsmouth. Mr. 
and Mrs. Kimball reside at Brookline. .Ma^s. .Mr. Berry and family are mem- 
bers of the Congregational church. He lias a pleasant residence at 401 Isling- 
t(jn street. 

1-'R.\NK L. WHIDDEN.* the owner of forty-five acres of land in the 
town of New ington. who is also a ])ul)lic official, was born in this town. Jan- 
uary 17. 1857. a son of Joseph W. Whitlden. The father was a native of 
Portsmouth and in early life was an ice dealer, delivering ice to Portsmouth. 
The latter part of his life was sjient in farnung. He married Elizalieth .\bi- 
gail Berry, of Rye. N. H.. and their children were Ch.arlcs (i.. Mary Olivia. 
Dora .\., Joseph W.. Frank L., Carrie E.. Ira \\'. and Edith M Both parents 
are now deceased and are buried in Newington. They were worthy people, 
well liked bv their neighl)ors, and attended the Congre.gational church. 

F'rank L. Whidden accjuired his education in the common schools. He 
assisted his father on the latter's farm until he was 26 or 27 years old. and 
then went to Portsmouth, where he found employment with H. A. Yeaton 
& Son. grain dealers. He remained with them for about twenty years and 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1245 

afterwards worked six years for two other lirnis in the same hue of business. 
Then, about two years ago, he took up his residence on his present property. 
He does a httle farming and is employed as night watchman on the Dover 
Point toll bridge. A republican in politics, he served the town as selectman 
for two years. 

Mr. U'hidden was married, June 24. 1S81, to Marion C. Alarden. who 
was born in Lewiston, Me. M'rs. Whidden's parents died when she was 
about six years old and she was reared by an uncle, Israel Marden. She has 
a sister, Grace Swazey. The family attend the Congregational church and 
Mr. Whidden is a 3d degree Alason, attending lodge at Portsmouth. Air. 
Whidden has spent his entire life up to date in the town of Xewington and is 
one of its reliable and representative citizens. 

LEWIS F. SUL'LE. M. D., is actively engaged in the practice of medi- 
cine at Salem Depot, N. H., is proprietor of a drug store, and also owns and 
conducts the plant of the Salem Box Co., manufacturing window and door 
frames. He was born in Phillips. Maine, Sept. 4. 1869. and is a son of Sam- 
uel W. and Caroline (Sweetser) Soule. Samuel W. Soule was born at South 
Freeport, Maine, and during his active career engaged in farming and in 
the manufacture of shoes. His wife. Caroline Sweetser. was born at Yar- 
mouth. They had the following children: Daniel H. : Charles A., deceased; 
Fannie I.; Fred W. : William H. ; Lewis F. : and Carrie H. 

Lewis F. Soule was educated in the public schools of Phillips, Maine. 
\\'estbrook Seminary, and Bowdoin College, graduating from the last named 
institution in 1895. ^^ then entered the medical department of Bowtloin 
and in 1898 was graduated w ith the degree of M. D. He also spent one term 
in attendance at Harvard L'niversity. In 1898, Dr. Soule came to Salem 
Depot, Xew Hampshire, where he soon became established in a well paying 
practice. In addition to the various undertakings Ijefore enumerated, he has 
alwavs been active in promoting the best interests of the community. He 
was selectman for two years, was on the tnwn Ixiard of health eight years, 
and was on the republican town committee three years. Fraternally he is a 
member of the Masons, and of the Xew England Order of Protection. 

ARTHUR W. HORTOX is the well known proprietor of the Sinclair 
Inn, located at the corner of Richards Axenue and Middle Street, PortsuKiuth. 
and also of the Sinclair Garage. He maintains a high class machine shop 
in connection with the garage, carries a comiilete line of automobile acces- 
sories and supplies of all kinds, and is prejjared to let cars by the hour or day. 
He has built up an extensive business, and enjoys the patrona,ge of the leading 
citizens of Portsmouth and vicinity. 

Mr. Horton was born in Portsmouth, X. H.. .\]iril jj. 1878, and is a son 
of Frank and Carrie (Rand) Horton. His father was a dealer in horses in 
Portsmouth for many years. 

.\rthur W. Horton received liis educational training in Haven school in 
Portsmouth, after which he worked as a mechanic at the navy yard. Xoveni- 
ber 27, 191 I. he became proprietor of the Sinclair Inn, and as such has made 
a distinct success. His red lirick garage, with all that is latest and best in 
equipment, is well known to the motorists who touch Portsmouth. Mr. Hor- 
ton was united in marriage with Jean Shaw of Prince Edward Island, and' 
thev have two children, .\lden R. and Mildred. Fraternally, he is a mem- 
berof the Roval .\rcanum. Masons. Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and 
the P. A. C ' 



1246 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

JAY R. HEAD, V. S., now engaged in practicing his profession in Derry, 
N. H., was born in Tioga County, i'a., March lo, 1886, a son of John M. and 
Fannie (Francis) Head. The branch of the Head family to which he belongs 
has been settled in Pennsylvania for many years. They are a hardy, long- 
lived stock, as may be gathered from the fact that his grandparents have 
just celebrated the sixty-tifth anniversary of their marriage. 

Jay R. Head was reared and educated in Tioga County, Pa. He then 
began the study of veterinary science in the Ontario Veterinary College, at 
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, from which he was graduated in the class of 
1907. He first practiced his profession at Addison, Steuben County, X. Y., 
where he remained four years, at the end of that time coming to Derry, 
N. H., whese he has been since located. He is doing a very successful busi- 
ness and is held in high esteem by the people of the village and town. Ht 
is a member of the Ontario Alumni Veterinary's Association of New York. 
Socially he is affiliated with the Grange and the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. Besides attending to the duties of his profession he is interested 
to some extent in farming. 

CHARLES M. REAHCK,* general farmer iind milk dealer, owning 100 
acres of land on the Brackett road in the town of Rye, was born on his present 
farm in 1857, a son of John F. and Mary Frances (Seavey) Remick, the 
father, a farmer, being a native of Maine and the mother of Rye, N. H. Both 
are now deceased. Their children were John A.. Etta Y., Elizabeth, ncjw de- 
ceased, who was the wife of Charles Spear; and Charles M. 

Charles M. Remick was educated in the common schools and the high 
school at Rye Center. He then began assisting his father on the latter's farm 
and so continued until the father's death, after which he bought out the other 
heirs and has since operated the farm alone. He does general farming and 
in summer operates a milk route to the beach. .\ democrat in politics, he has 
served efficiently as selectman, town treasurer and highway agent, and is a 
trustee of the public library. 

Mr. Renfick married Emily B. Brown, wln) was burn in Rye, tlaugbter of 
Charles J. and Mary L. (Drake) Brown, whose fannly consisted of the fol- 
lowing children: Abbie B., wife of Fred B. Parsons; .Agnes; J. Arthur, and 
Emily B., now Mrs. Renfick. Mr. and Mrs. Renfick are the ])arents of four 
children: Mary, wife of Edmund Watson; John Harold; Charlotte Ber- 
nice, and Francis E. Mr. Renfick anil fanfily attend the Congregational 
church, in which he is a deacon, being also church treasurer. He is an ener- 
getic and prosperous citizen and is highly res])ected in the town. 

WILLIAM P. C^.RAY was born in Denver, Colo.. I'ebruary 6. 187;. the 
son of John and Mary Gray. His parents still live in the West, where his 
father is engaged in business as a contractor. Two clfildrcn have graced their 
union. William P.. the subject of this review, and a daughter. 

William P. Gray has spent by far the greater part of his life in tlie West. 
having come East only in recent years. He has since resided in this part of 
the country. Mr. Gray, following the completion of a high school education, 
gained pronfinence as a professional race track jockey. He next launched 
forth on a wide field of athletics, especially in the^managing of professional 
baselmll and basketball teams. While in St. Johnsbnry. Vt.. in the winter 
of 1907-190S, his professional basketball team was rated as the best in the 
game. About seven years ago, Mr. Gray became associated with Mr. John 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1249 

C. McDonough in the moving picture business, and they have since met with 
continuous success. Their theatres include the Premier Scenic Temple, Ports- 
mouth; the Mystic, Lewiston, IMe., and the Colonial, Augusta, Ale. Iheir new 
theatre, now in the process of construction, in Portsmouth, will be one of the 
finest of its kind in New England when tinished. In June, 1901, Mr. Gray 
married Mary E. Engen, of Portsmouth, the daughter of Peter and Sophia 
Engen. One child, Mary Monita, has been laorn to them. 

DR. C. E. NEWELL, a well known member of the medical profession 
of Rockingham County, New Hampshire, has been engaged in practice in 
Derry since 1907. He was born in Goffstown, N. H., and is a son of Dr. 
Henry E. and Emma Erances (Stowell) Newell. The father, was a graduate 
of Long Island Sound Medical College, and became a very prominent physi- 
cian and surgeon in the vicinity of Derry, where he practiced from 1881 until 
his death in 1903, when aged but fifty-two years. He was of the hustling 
type of man and took a leading interest in the progressive movements of the 
community. His marriage to Miss Emma Erances Stowell, who survives 
him, resulted in the birth of three sons. The eldest. H. W. Newell, M. D., now 
a practitioner at Port Orchard, Washington, received the A. B. degree from 
Dartmouth College in 1895, and in 1900 received his degree in medicine from 
the Medical Department of the L'niversity of Maryland at Baltimore, Md. 
The youngest son, Arthur H. Newell was educated in Pinkerton Academy and 
now is a resident of Hammond, Indiana. 

C. E. Newell, subject of this record and the second child born to his parents, 
attended St. Johnsburg Academy and later Dartmouth College for three years. 
In 1906 he was graduated from the Medical Dei)artment of the Cni\'ersity 
of Maryland w ith the degree of M. D. During the last year in college he had 
one year of hospital work as interne. He, in 1906 located in Bedford, N. H., 
and in 1907 located in Derry, where he has since maintained the prestige the 
Newell name has enjoyed in medical practice for many years. He is affiliated 
with tile American Medical Association, the New Hampshire State Medical 
Society and the Rockingham and Hillsboro County Medical Societies. 

In 1907 Dr. Newell was united in marriage with Aliss Harriet L. Chase, 
only daughter of the late Benjamin Chase, and they have four children: 
Henry C. Benjamin C, Edward C. and Louise T. Eraternally, the Doctor 
is a Mason, and also is a member of the Chapter, R. A. M. He and his family 
attend the Central Congregational Church. 

JOHN FRANK G^'NAN,* a well known resident .if Hampton Falls, 
who has been acti\e in public affairs, wa.s born in this town August -'7. 1881, 
a son of John Frank and Mary L. (Brown) Gynan. His paternal grand- 
father was Nicholas Gynan, who came to the States from Nova Scotia in the 
first half of the last century, and served in the Civil war. John Frank Gy- 
nan, Sr., father of our subject, was burn in Seabrook. N. II. He was a 
shoemaker by occupation. His wife Alary was a daughter of Chester and 
Suvira Brown. Mr. Gynan, Sr., died in i8()5 antl his wife is also now 
deceased. 

John Frank Gvnan, the subject of this sketch, and the second of the name, 
was educated in the public schools and then worked at shoemaking until [902. 
at which time he entered the employ of the electric railway company as con- 
ductor, a position he still holds. lie was a member of the school board for 
four years and a half in Seabrook and for the last four years has been super- 



1250 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

visor of the check list in Hampton Falls. He is also school treasurer here 
and is a candidate for representative the present year (1914). His society 
affiliations are with the lodge of Red Men at Exeter: the E H. & A. Street 
Railway Relief Association; the Junior Order of I'nited American Me- 
chanics, of which he is secretary and treasurer; the Sons of Veterans, and 
the Home Mutual Aid Association of Seabrook. 

In 1900 Mr. Gynan married Miss Caddie J. Eaton, ilaughter of Emery 
Eaton. Of this marriage there was one daughter, .\ilene .\. L.. born March 
31. igoi. The mother died June 7, 1908, and Mr. (lynan married Idr hi^ 
second wife, in 1909 Miss Frances W. S;inl)iirn. daughter of Josei)h and 
Eliza Sanborn. 

jA.MI-:S M.\RCELLO, well known in the city of I'ortsmnuth a< a gen- 
eral contractor, was born in Italy, .April 18, i86j, a .son (jf William Marcello, 
who never came to this country. James Marcello came to the United States 
when fourteen years old, at first residing in New ^'ork f(jr about two years. 
From there he drifted to different places until he reached Boston, where he 
obtained employment as foreman for a construction company. Subsequently 
coming to Portsmouth, he started his present business, in which he has l^een 
eminently successful. During the thirteen years in which he has resided here 
he has built a number of the large and important buildings in the city, and !•; 
now engaged in putting in pipe for the Kittery Water Company. East vear 
(1913) he laid nine miles of pipe, his cimtract fur this year calling for three 
miles. He now has thirty-five men in his emplny, last year having as many 
as one hundred. Mr. Marcello has been twice married, having two children 
by his first wife, Emelio and Carrie, and four by his second, namely James 
\V., .\llen William, John and Helen. Air. Marcello owns a fine residence on 
School street, in which he resides; also another residence on School street 
and two l>usuu>-> blocks on Market street. He belong.-, to the Foresters and 
the Roval Arcuium. is independent in ))olitics, and is a member of the Cath- 
olic church, it would l)e hard lo find a better representative of Portsmouth's 
enterprising and successful citizens of foreign birth. 

K( )^■ i\. R()L1.IXS," owner and projjrietor of a general store is also 
town clerk for the town of Xortb llaiiii;lon. .\. II. He was liorn in North 
Hampton, October J3, 1870, and is a son of Jonathan ;md Francis ( Marston ) 
Rollins, the father a native of Xorlh Ibnuiilon and the mother of Greenland. 

lonathan Rollins was a leading citizen here and was actively identified 
with low 11 affairs. He eslablished a genera! store about the year 1880, and 
conlinued it until bis death. He served efficiently at different times in tha 
offices of town clerk and treasurer, ilis marriage to Francis Marston re- 
snlted in the foUowmg issue: Mary .\rabell, wife of Thomas P.. Shaw ; b'an- 
nie. wife of Herman Marston. station agent at Greenland; and Roy R. 

Rov R. Rollins attended the grade and high schools of Xfwlmryport and 
su])plemenled this training with a course in Bryant and Stratton's Business 
College of Boston, of which he is a graduate. Returning home he started 
as clerk for his father in the store and since the latter's death has carried on 
the business himself. He served for a time as town treasurer, and for a period 
of thirteen vears has been clerk of the town of North Hampton. He is a 
democrat in politics and has always worked actively for tht success of his 
])artv ;md its principles. Religiously he attends the Congregational Church. 




KHMdXH C. TKl'UKL 



AND KEI'RESEN'TATIVE CITIZENS 1253 

ARIHL'K AI. EAIERSUX. a well known Inisiness man ut Derry, treas- 
urer of the A. Al. Emerson Company, shoe manufacturers, was born in Hamp- 
stead, Rockingham County, X. H., in [869. His father, William .\. Emerson, 
a native of this state, was the founder of the shoe manufacturing business in 
Hampstead, being head of the concern known as W. A. luuerson's Sons. 

The subject of this sketch was educated in his native ti)wn of Hampstead. 
At an early age he entered into the shoe business, in which he has since con- 
tinued as a manufacturer — a period of twenty years. Ihe A. Al. ICmerson 
Company was incorporated in October, igi-', with John W. Snuth of Derry, 
president, Arthur AI. Emerson, treasurer, and Harold Snuth, secretap)-. They 
have a floor space of aljout 7,000 scjuare feet with eighty-five employees en- 
gaged in manufacturing the self-flexible shoe, of which they are the patentees. 
The output is about 600 pairs per day. Air. Emerson is also trustee of the 
Derry Savings Bank and secretar}- and treasurer of the Governor's Island 
Company. A Alason of high degree, he belongs to the Blue Lodge and Coun- 
cil in Derry, the Commandery at Portsmouth and the Consistorv at Xashau. 

Air. Emerson was married in 1887 t(j Aliss Alav Kenwdcjil, of l-'astpnrt. 
Ale. She died June 25, 1889, leaving two children, .Mice Al. and Ella AI. 
In 1801 .Mr. lunerson was married secondly to Aliss .\lice Al. Hamlin, of 
Ha\erhill, Aia'~>. Of this union there is one son, Clifliord D., who was edu- 
cated in the schools of Hampstead and ?t a business college in Alanchester, 
and is now in the factor}'. The two daughters were also educated in Hani]> 
stead, subsequently taking business courses at Haverhill. Alass. Aliss Alice 
is in the oflice of the A. AI. Emerson Company. Ella was married nn lune 
TO. ioi_i. to Air. I)a\id I'", (jriftiths, residing at Derrv. 

.\Ll*"kED LA b'R.AXCE,* projirietor of a flourishing grocery an<l meat 
market, in Xew Alarket, X. H., was born in the Province of Ouebec, Canada. 
Alarch ig, 1875. His parents, Ephriiu and Louise ( Loearel) La France, are 
still living in Canada. 

-Alfred LaFrance resided in his native place until iNiji. ;it which time he 
left home, and coming to Xew Alarl<et. X. H.. found work in-the mill iiere. 
He remained thus employed until Februar\- i. 1003. when he purchased the 
grocerv and meat market of Air. Frechett and entered into business for him- 
self. He has since enlarged his store and has l)uilt up a good trade, numlicr- 
ing among his patrons many of the leading people in the town. 

Mr. LaFrance was married ATay 2G. 1902. to Alary Aluller, a dau.ghler 
of Lewis and Alarv ( Brusso ) Aluller of Xew Alarket. He and his wife have 
comfortable apartments (.)ver their store, which is located on Central \\-enue. 
Thev have no children. Air. L;il<"rance i-~ a member of tin- Cathnhc Order of 
Fore.sters, the .American Order of h'oresters, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 
the Lafayette Club, and the Canadian Society of St. Jean Ba])tiste of .America, 
of which last mentioned society he is a very prominejit member. He and his 
wife are excellent representatives of the French-Canadian i)o])ulation of the 
countv. being indu.strious, cheerful, law-abiding and prosjierous. They hold 
a prominent place among their own race and are pnpiflar members of the coiu- 
munitv .generallw 

EDAIOXI) G. TRCDEL. a memlier of the firm of Trudel & Bellavancc. 
wholesale and retail dealers in li(piors at Derry. X. IL. was born in St. 
Alenique, Canada, in 186?). son of Ediuond G. and Philomine Trudel. In 
his vouth he learned the black-mith trade under his father and at the age of 



1254 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

twenty started out for himself, going first to Vermont, in wliicii state he fol- 
lowed his trade for two years. Subsequently he followed it elsewhere, going 
from place to place until he located in Exeter, N. H., where he conducted a 
shop of his own for three years. About tifteen years ago he came to Derry 
and worked at his trade here and occasionally at other occupations until 1908, 
when the firm of Trudel & Bellavance was formed, which now does a whole- 
sale and retail business of considerable magnitude, being the only wholesale 
house in Derry. As a business man Mr. Trudel takes an intelligent interest 
in politics, without, however, aspiring to public oftice. He belongs to the 
fraternal orders of Elks and Eagles and also to several French societies, 
being president of the St. John Baptiste Society. 

He married first Miss Rosa Bouque, who died in March. 1909. having 
been the mother of four children, namely: William F., of Springfield. Mass., 
Altha, Abilena and Lura. Mr. Trudel subsecjuently married Miss Emma 
Landry, of Derry, N. H. They are members of the Catholic church aiul have 
many friends and ac(|uaintances in and around Derry. 

ALBERT C. THOMPSON,* who is carrying on a prosperous grocery 
business in Newfields, N. H., was born in this town December 29, i<S92, a son 
of George K. and Mary E. (Butler) Thompson. He was educated in the 
schools of this town and when a boy was employed for some time in the bot- 
tling works of George To.wey. remaining with him until he was 21 years old. 
at which time he purchased his present store from Ernst S. Neal. He has 
since enlarged the business and is now enjoying an excellent trade. In tin- 
present year ( 1914) he was elected town clerk and also acts as justice of the 
peace. Thrifty and enterprising, he has excellent future prospects of suc- 
cess. Mr. Thompson is unmarried. His father, (ieorge K. Thompson, has 
been the town barl)er for 25 years and is uni\ersally known and very popular. 

FRANK M. STEARNS, head of the firm of Frank M. Stearns & Co., 
manufacturers of and dealers in finished timber, of Derry, N. H., was born 
in Deerfield, Rockingham county, X. H.. May 5, 1858. a son of John and 
Clara E. (Rand) Stearns. The father, John Stearns, was born in W'ilmot. 
N. H., and removed to Deerfield when six years of age. He was a farmer for 
many years at Deerfield and was later superintendent of the Pierce farms at 
Greenland, N. H., for seven years. His death took place in Derry in i88fi. 
His wife was a nati\e of Deerfield. N. H., and daughter of Edmund and Julia 
Rand. 

I'^rank M, Stearns acipiired Iiis education in the schools of Greenland 
and at the age of twenty-one years came to Derry. He was emjiloyed in a 
shoe shop and in a store for some ten or twelve years, after which he learned 
the trades of carpenter and cabinet-maker, subsequently buying and operating 
what is now known as the Greenough wood-working plant. This he later 
sold to Mr. (Ireenough and built his present plant on Franklin street, where 
he has built up an excellent business. He handles chiefly the better grades 
of wood, such as mahogany and cypress, catering chiefly to cabinet and screen 
work. 

Mr. Stearns was married in 1891 to Miss Ethel L. Fowler, of Pembroke, 
N. H., a daughter of Albert and Kate Fowler. They are the parents of one 
child, Edmund R. The latter was educated in the public schook of Derry, 
later attended Pinkerton Academy, where he was graduated in 191 1, and is 
now a student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, where he 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1255 

is studying civil engineering. Mr. Stearns is a member of Ihe Knights of 
Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Eellows. 

LEWIS D. ADAMS,* proprietor of a general store at Deertield Center, 
of which place he is postmaster, was born at West Amesbury, Mass., January 
lo, i860, a son of George and Anna M. (Osgood) Adams. On both sides 
his ancestors came from England, those on the paternal side settling in Exe- 
ter, N. H., and the maternal ancestors in Massachusetts. They were quiet, 
peaceable people, and, so far as is known, there is no military record in the 
family. George Adams, the father of our subject, was born at Exeter, N. H., 
December 20, 1827. He was a carriage manufacturer by occupation. His 
wife Anna was born at South Hampton, this county, August 1 1, 1839. Both 
are still living and reside with their son Lewis in Deertield. 

Lewis D. Adams attended the public schools until seventeen years of age, 
during his vacations working as clerk in a grocery store. Later he entered his 
father's carriage factory, where he learne<l carriage trimming, which occupa- 
tion he followed for about ten years. He then Ijought a grocery store in 
Bradford and conducted it two years, when he sold out, and in July. 1900, 
came to Deerfield and bought the store which he is now operating, it being 
the only general store in Deerfield Center. ( )n July 10, 19 14, he was ap- 
pointed postmaster here. Mr. Adams has Ijeen twice married : first to Ida 
L. Dunton, of Milford, Mass., who died leaving no children. On November 
6, igo2, Mr. Adams married for his second wife, Liljian V., daughter of Sam- 
uel Hill, of Deerfield. Of this marriage there have been t\\ u children ; Rachel, 
who is now deceased, and Mildred K.. born March 20, 1910. By a previous 
marriage Mrs. .\dams had a daughter. I'auHiie E.. Ixjrn July 3, 1883. who was 
educated in the Deerfield schools. 

Mr, Adams is a democrat in politics and has served the town as treas- 
urer, but although repeatedly urged to accept \arious other offices, has always 
declined. He and his wife are af^filiated with the L'niversalist church. Mrs. 
Adams is an active member of the Rebekahs. the Relief Corps, and Grange 
and has held all the chairs. 

CHARLES B. CH.A.SE, assistant manager of the Benjamin Chase Com- 
pany, manufacturers of specialties in wood, at Derry, X. H., was born in 
Chester. N. H.. ]u]y ti, 1867, a son of Charles and Amanda ( Cnderhill ) 
Chase. He was educated in the public schools of Chester, at Chester Academy, 
and in a business college at Manchester, N. H, With the exception of two 
years, which he spent in North Carolina after leaving school, he has been 
employed in the factory of the Benjamin Chase Company and has grown 
up in the business. He'is also interested to some extent in other business en- 
terprises, which are prosperous and from which he derives pecuniary advan- 
tage. He is a member and past master of St. Mark's Lodge, -\. F. & .A. M. : 
high priest of Bell Chapter. R. A. M., member of Trinity Commandery, K. T., 
of Manchester, N. H.. and of the Bektash Temple. Mystic Shrine. He at- 
tends and contributes to the support of the Central Congregational church. 

Mr. Chase was married in September. 191 1. to Miss S. Russell MacMur- 
phy. daughter of Rev. Jesse Gibson MacMurphy. of Derry village. Mrs. 
Chase was educated at the Conservatory of Music, Boston, Mass.. and also 
spent a year of study in Germany. She is a lady of culture and refincmei^t 
and she "and her husband are members of the best society in Derry and the 
vicinit}'. 



1256 HISTORY OJ^ ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

CHARLES VV. ROGERS,* electrical contractor, late owner of the variety 
store at Exeter, who was manager of the Exeter & Hampton Electric Com- 
pany for eleven years, was born in Rochester, N. H., August ii, 1865, son 
of Calvin and Mary A. (Harriman) Rogers. Both his parents were natives 
of New Hampshire. The father, who was employed in the post office at Bos- 
ton, Mass., for a number of years, was a veteran of the Civil war, and was 
taken prisoner and confined three months in Libby prison. He and his wife 
are now deceased and are buried in New ]\Iarket. He was the son of Charles 
and Mary (Hurd) Rogers, and his wife a daughter of David and Hannah 
(Goodwin) Harriman. They had two children: Charles W., and Florence, 
who married Charles \V. Chapman, now deceased. 

Charles W. Rogers was educated in the common and high schools of New 
Market, N. H., and then started in the electric supply and contracting busi- 
ness, in which he has since been engaged. He was married, June 22, 1889, 
to Miss Emma J. Learnard, a native of Vermont and daughter of Lewis and 
Martha Learnard, her father being a prosperous farmer. The other chil- 
dren in the Learnard family were Albert, Owen, Jeanette and Nellie. Mr. 
and Mrs. Rogers have a son, Charles H., who is superintendent of the Manual 
Training City School at Franklin, N. H. Mr. Rogers belongs to the Knights 
of Pythias, the Red Men, Royal Arcanum, the Sons of Veterans and the New 
England (Jrder of Protection. He and his family attend the Baptist church. 

MICHAEL J. GRIFFIN,* who has been a resident of Portsmouth, N. H., 
fur nearly half a century, is senior member of the firm of M. J. Grifiin & Son, 
which acts as caretaker for eleven different cemeteries of Portsmouth. He 
is well known and is recognized as a progressive and public spirited citizen, 
having frequently been called into civic service. Mr. Griffin was born in Cork. 
Ireland, in 1853 and is a son of Timothy G. and Nora (Sheridan) Gritfin, 
both of whom lived in Ireland throughout their lives. All of their offspring, 
however, came to the United States, their names being respectively; Thomas 
S., Michael J., Mary and James. 

Michael J. Grififin was thirteen years old when he emigrated to the United 
States, and was for one year a resident of Foxburg, Mass., before locating 
at Portsmouth, N. H. Here he attended night school for a time and when 
eighteen years of age began, in a small way, his present line of business, at 
which he has continued ever since. Tlie firm of which he is head serves as 
caretaker for three Catholic and eight I'rutestant cemeteries. Mr. Griftin 
has four different times served terms on the board of Alderman, and is now 
chairman of the police commission. He was in the street commission in 
1906, and also served on the park commission. In 1886 he was elected to 
represent his district in the State Legislature. He is a democrat in politics. 

In 1874 iVIichael J. Griffin was joined in marriage with Mary Connery, a 
native of Massachusetts and a daughter of John and Ellen (Daniel) Connery 
of Ireland. She was one of two children, having a brother, Michael. Our 
.subject and his wife reared the following children: Michael J. Jr., James P.. 
William T., Dr. Samuel F., and Charles H., who died at the age of twenty- 
one years. In religious attachment the family is C^atholic. Mr. Grifiin is a 
member of the order of Foresters. 

BERTR.XM T. I.\N\T\IN, residing in Hampton IvtIIs. who is extensively 
engaged in the lumber Inisiness, was born in this tow n. July 20. i86<^. a son of 
Edwin Tan\Tin. He is a descendant of jubn janxrin of the Isle m' Jer'^ev 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1257 

in tlie English Channel, who flourished in the latter part of the seventeenth 
century. This early ancestor of our subject married Elizabeth. Le Cousteur. 
Their son John came to Portsmouth, N. H., in 1696 as captain of his own 
ship, "Four Friends."" He married, September 12, 1706, Elizabeth Knight, 
who was born July 8, 1689, a daughter of John and Bridget (Stoper) Knight. 
She joined the First Church in Portsmouth, October 2, 1709; died February 
10, 1759. Their children were: John (2d in the American line of descent), 
born at Portsmouth, N. H., July 8, 1707; George, baptized in 1713, who mar- 
ried Abigail (Pickerin) Patterson, who died in 1789, aged seventy-seven 
years; and Mary, who joined the church at Xewington, November 5', 1738, 
and married Thomas Pickrin, May 9, 1743. 

John (2d), above mentioned, graduated from Harvard College in 1728; 
joined the church in Newington, Nov. 5, 1738; married, October 9, 1751, 
Elizabeth, daughter of Captain Moses Stickney. She was admitted to the 
church at Newington, June 19, 1727. Their children were: John. born. 1754, 
died Nov. 2. 1837 ; James, born in Seabrook, January 22. 175S, married Mary, 
daughter of Dr. Joshua and Ann (Sett) Chase, died in Hampton Falls. Nov. 
6. 1822; William, born 1760, died Feb. 3. 1839; George, born March 6, 1762. 
died Sept. 21, 184 1. and Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Judkin of East King- 
stem. 

The children of James, above mentioned, who married Alary Chase, were : 
Mendom, born June 5, 1786; Mary, born Dec. 12, 1787, died Sept. 5, 1871 ; 
Dorothy, born Jan. 27, 1790, died Oct. 28, 1817; Nancy, born Oct. 6, 1792, 
died March 20, 1857: and David, born May 20, 1795, died March 31. 1873. 

Edwin Janvrin. father of the subject of this sketch, was born February 
21, 1836, and died November 22, 19 13. He was one of Hampton Falls' rep- 
resentative business men. In early life he was a shoemaker, but later engaged 
in the cattle and butchering business, shipping beef to Boston. He then en- 
gaged in the lumber business, both wholesale and retail, winch he conducted 
on a large scale up to the time of his death. He served as representative from 
his town in 1883. He first married Nellie C. Smith, .\pril 30. 1865. of which 
union there were two sons, Fred and Frank. The mother died in 1866 and Mr. 
Janvrin subsequently married Mrs. Sally .-\nn ( Thompson ) Titcomb, daugh- 
ter of Levi and Climena B. (Rundlett) Thompson. Of this latter union the 
following children were born: Charles Edwin, February 22, 1868. who is 
now assistant librarian of the University of Illinois: Bertram Thompson, 
July 20, 1869; Mary Lucy, June 2^. 1874, who married. June 10, 1903. .\. E. 
Wakeman : John .\Ifred, September 26. 1876. and Edwin Levi, October 19, 
1879, who married June 10. U)02. Lillian S. daughter of John and Emma 
(Tuttle) Hamilton. 

Bertram T. Tanvrin was educated in the public schools, at Putnam High 
School, Newburyport. Mass., and at a commercial school in Boston He 
then became associated with his father in the wholesale and retail lumber bu.~i- 
ness, and continued with him until the latter"s death, at which time he becam.e 
sole proprietor. He is doing an extensive business, having three mills in 
Maine, and in Tune of the present year he shipped one million feet of lumber. 
He is also a director in the Portsmouth Trust and Guarantee Company. His 
society affiliations are with the Masons and the Grange, in the former order 
belonging to the Blue Lodge. Chapter and Council. He has served the town 
of Hampton Falls as selectman ami as representative, holding the latter office 
in 1911 and 19 i-- 

September 28. 1802. he niarrieil Miss Mary F. Brown. dau'.dncr of 



1258 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Charles T. Brown. They have three children, namely : Everett B., born 
June 19, 1894; Louis B., born June 5, 1899, and Richard M., born January 
30, 1901. 

JOHN P. P. KELLY,* whose death on January 10th, 1894, deprived the 
city of Exeter of one of its prominent merchants and most reliable citizens, 
was born in Northwood, N. H., January 3, 1820, a son of John and Betsy 
(Tilton) Kelly, the former of whom was an attorney of Exeter. The family 
of which our subject was a member included Mrs. William F. Davis, Susan, 
wife of Capt. Charles Emory, and Charlotte M. 

John P. P. Kelly, after completing his grammar school studies, attended 
Phillips Exeter Academy for a short time. He then became clerk in the 
general store of George Gardner, in Exeter. Subsequently Mr. Gardner sold 
out to his son John, who formed a partnership with Mr. Kelly, this associa- 
tion lasting a number of years until the death of the younger Gardner. Mr. 
Kelly then became partner with a Mr. Hilliard and the new firm had a long 
and prosperous career, dealing in groceries, meats, hardware, farm implements, 
and all the usual articles carried in a first class general store. Mr. Kelly was 
a Mason of high degree, but his spare time, aside from that devoted to his 
business, w as mainly spent at home, as he was a man of quiet domestic tastes. 
Pie took little interest in politics, but was always ready to lend his aid and 
influence to any worthy cause, whether for the moral or material betterment 
of the community. He was a member of Phillips Church and active in its 
good work. 

He was married, January 10, 1861, to Miss Harriett N. Saft'ord, of Con- 
cord, N. H.. a daughter of William B. and Dolly N. (Bott) Safford. Mr. 
and Mrs. Safford were members of the Unitarian church in this city, of w hich 
the former was a native, while Mrs. Safford came from Salem. Mass. Mr. 
Safford was engaged in mercantile business in Rockingham County for a num- 
ber of years and was a well known and respected citizen. Their family in- 
cluded the following children: Margaret E,, Harriet N.. Priscilla B., Sarah 
F., William -\., Georgianna, Ella B., Clara H.. Mary L.. Henry Kirk. Ida F.. 
and Charles E. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly were the parents of one daughter, Ellen 
R., who married William W. Gale, of Exeter, who now resides in Worcester. 
Mass., where Mr. Gale holds a position as a private tutor. He was formerly 
a teacher in a boys' school at Washington, D. C. and was also engaged in 
similar educational work in St. Louis for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gale have a daughter, Eleanor E., who will graduate this year 1 1914) from 
Bryn Mawr College. 

ELBERT A. LANDM.'VN, M. D., is a prominent iihysician and surgeon 
of Plaistow, New Hampshire, where he also has various business interests. 
He was born in Londonderry. Vermont. November 2_i. r86-. and is a son 
of John and Martha (Aiken) Landman, and is a grandson of Luke Land- 
man, who was one of the first settlers of Jamaica, Vermont. 

Tohn Landman, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Brattle- 
boro, Vermont, in 1837. He was a farmer by occupation, and was a man 
of literary attainments. He achieved considerable distinction as a poet and 
■wrote for numerous publications. He married Martha -\iken, a daughter of 
James .'Mken, and they became parents of five children : Elbert A. : Emma. 
who married Edward Young; Fred: Carrie, deceased: and Nina. 

Doctor Landman attended the public schools and later Lelaud and Grey 




i:i.i!i:i;i' a. l.wdmax, m. \>. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1261 

Seminary. He then entered Dartmouth College, and was graduated from 
the medical department with the Class of 1899, receiving the degree of AI. D. 
He then went to Danville, New Hampshire, where he established his first 
practice. He continued there four years and in 1904 came to Plaistow. 
Here his skill as a practitioner won him a large well paying practice. He is a 
member of the State Medical Society, and in 1910 was president of the Rock- 
ingham County JNIedical Society. He is president of the t'laistow Electric 
Light and Power Company an enterprise he organized and put on a firm pay- 
ing l)asis. He is medical examiner of numerous life insurance companies. 

In igoo. Doctor Landman was joined in marriage with Aliss Pearl Bar- 
nard, a daughter of George \\'. Barnard, of Winhall. Vermont, and they 
became parents of four children: Kelsie H., born Sept. 15, 1901 ; Vivian I., 
born April 24, 1903; Clara Lucile, born June 13, 1904; anir Lois E., born 
in 1909, and died February 11. 19 14. Fraternally the Doctor is a member of 
the Knights of I'ythias, and the Junior Order United .American Mechanics. 

WTLLI.A.M J. FR.\SER, of Portsmouth, X. H.. formerly engaged in 
business here as a mason, but now retired, was born at Port Mouton, Nova 
Scotia. February _>. 1836. He is of Scotch extraction, his father being a sea- 
faring man. The parents came to Portsmouth with two children in Julv, 185 r. 
They had one child born in Portsmouth. 

"\\'illiam J. Fraser was the eldest of his parents' three children In .\pril, 
1850, he shipped on board a fishing vessel commanded by John Fisher and 
owned by Xol)le P)rothers of Portsmouth. He sailed for the firm three sum- 
mers, going to school in the winter, .\fter being engaged in this kind of 
work for three years, he gave it up and applied himself to learn tlie mason's 
trade under Luther A. Hurd, in due time becoming an expert workman. 
Later, in i860, he entered into partnership with Otis Green, with whom, under 
the firm name of Fraser & Green, he carried on a profitable business for ten 
years. After separating from ?^Ir. Green he conducted the business alone until 
1897, when he retired. Industrious and enterprising, and possessing an ex- 
cellent reputation for good work, Mr. Fraser could seldom l)e found without 
orders ahead. In addition to masonry he e.xecuted stucco and other orna- 
mental work with taste and despatch, employing from ten to fifteen men. 

Mr. Eraser first married Miss Mary F. Pratt, by whom he had one son, 
Clarence \\'., who for thirteen years was treasurer of the Piscataqua Sav- 
ings Bank. For his second wife Mr. Fraser married Miss Alartha J. Otis, 
daughter of Harri.son G. Otis of Portsmouth. He and his wife attend the 
Methodist Episcopal church of Portsmouth. In politics Mr. Fraser i^ a 
democrat and served on the board of assessors and in the city council for a 
number of years respectively. He is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Osgood 
Lodge, No. 48, Strawberry Bank Encampment, and Canton Senter, and is a 
member of the Mechanic .Association. He has a comfortable residence at No. 
ri Floward Street, where he is passing the evening of life in comfort and" 
ease. 

GEORGE A. TRAFTON is a well known citizen of Portsmouth, N. H., 
where his entire life thus far has been spent. His establishment at 118 Mar- 
ket Street was started by his father as early as 1850. and for a period of thirty- 
five years he has been owner and proijrietor. Autogenous welding of cast 
iron grapples, general blacksmithing and honse shoeing, and shop work, are 
the lines along which the activity of his shop is centered. .\ reputation long 
sustained brings a large volume of business and three men are kept employed. 



1262 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

George A. Trafton was born on Market Street, l^ortsmouth, December 3, 
1856, and is a son of Alfred S. and Francis A. (Seward) Trafton, tbe father 
a native of York, Maine, and the mother of Maine. Both were buried in 
Portsmouth. They had four sons and three daughters, George A. being the 
second in order of birth. 

George A. Trafton attended the pubhc sciiools and at an early age learned 
the trade of a blacksmith with his father. He has followed this line of busi- 
ness for a period of forty years. He was elected to the city council under the 
old charter, and has always been much interested in the improvement and de- 
velopment of the city. He was first married in 1881 to J^Iabel F. Watkins, 
who died leaving the following children — Lizzie, Thomas, Florence, and 
Charles W. His second marriage was with Mary M. Staples, by whom he 
has two sons, Edwin F. and Arthur G. Mr. Trafton belongs to the Knights 
of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Rebekahs and the Masonic 
orders, being a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Commandery. Council 
and the Mystic Shrine. Religiously the family is L'niversalist. 

ENOCH BUCKLEY.* of Exeter, N. H., who for the last seven years 
has been care taker for the Isabella J. Gale property, was born in England, 
January 30, 1853, and came to America at the age of thirteen \'ears. His 
father. Phillip Buckley, was twice married ; first to Martha Bottomby, who 
died in England, leaving four children — James, Thomas, Seth and Enoch. 
Mr. Buckley later married his second wife, Rachel Shancross, who accom- 
panied him to this country in 1867, the faiuily landing at Portland, Me., on 
April gth. They came directly to Exeter, where the father, a cotton spinner 
by trade, found employment in the plant of the Exeter Manufacturing Com- 
pany. He and his second wife both died in this city and are here buried. 
Born of his second marriage were two daughters: Elizabeth, wife of brank 
Durbin, and Sarah Jane, wife of Fred Ham. 

Enoch Buckley went to school only in his nati\e England, l)ut in^proved 
his education by night study after coming to tliis country. He went to work 
in the cotton factory as soon as he arrived here and was thus employed for 
twenty-five years. He then worked nine years in a .shoe factory, after 
which he accepted his present position. Mr. Buckley was married in 1878 
to Miss Annie McNulty, who was born in Ireland and came to .-Vmerica 
when twelve years old Her parents were Hugh and Sarah (Clark) Mc- 
Nulty. The father, a laborer by occupation, died in Ireland and his widow 
subsequently married a man named Jones, who was killed in a sawmill the 
day after their marriage. The doubly-bereaved mother of Mrs. Buckley 
afterward became the wife of Joseph Perkins. Her children were all by her 
first husband, namely: Annie. Kate. John, James, and Edward. Air. and 
Mrs. Buckley have a daughter. Ida May, who is secretary in the Robinson 
Female Seminary. The family attend the Episcopal church, and in politics 
Mr. Buckley is a republican. 

J.\.MES T- SCULLY.* sexton for the Immaculate Conception Church of 
Portsmouth since 1891, and the owner of considerable real estate in this city, 
was born in Cork, Ireland. October 26. 1861.. son of John and Kate (Sulli- 
van) Scully. Both his parents died in their native land, where the father 
was a contractor by occupation. They had four children: Bridget, wife of 
Jeremiah Donahue: Michael; James J., and Mary. 

James J. Scully came to the United States in 1888. locating first in New 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1263 

York. From there he went to Boston, where he resided for a year, after- 
wards coming to Portsmouth to take his present position, the duties of which 
he has performed efiiciently and to the general satisfaction of the church 
aiithorities and the congregation. He was married in 1889 to Miss Dora 
O'Neil, who was born in IreL^nd. a daughter of John and Alary (Sullivan) 
O'Xeil. .Mrs. Scully has two sisters; Mattie. wife of John M'onahan, and 
Bridget, wife of John Xoble. To Mr. and Mrs. Scullv"have been born Hve 
children, namely: John, Alary, James, Paul and Edward. 

Mr. Scully is a democrat in politics, although reserving the right to vote 
independently on occasion. He belongs to the Ancient Order of Hibernians 
and he and his family attend the Catholic church. Since coming to America 
he has prospered and is now widely recognized as a substantial and reliable 
citizen. 

HARLAX MEIA'ILLE BISBEE. principal of Robinson Seminary, 
Exeter, X. H., was born at \\'est Sumner. Me.. January i, 1875. His father, 
Charles M. Bisbee, a son of Daniel and Philinda ( Teague ) Bisbee, is a phy- 
sician, now engaged in practice at Rumford Falls, Me. Dr. Charles M. Bisbee 
was born in Canton, Me., and first married Ella Remember Tucker, of Peru, 
that state, of which union there were two children, Harlan Melville and Ches- 
ter Garfield, the latter being now engaged in the insurance business in W'avne, 
Maine. Mrs. Ella R. Bisbee died in 1892 and Dr. Bisbee subsequentlv mar- 
ried Ella C. Abbott, also of Sumner. Me. Of this second marriage there ha\e 
been no children. 

Harlan M. Bisbee began his education in the common schools of Sumner 
and continued it at Hebron .Academy, Hebron. Ale., where he was graduated 
in the class of 1894. He then entered Bowdoin College, from which he re- 
ceived his degree of .A. B., graduating in the class of 1898. Deciding to enter 
the educational field, he secured a position as teacher in the high school at 
Rumford Falls, where he remained one year. That he had shown abilitv mav 
be inferred from the fact that he received a call to become principal of the 
high school at Brewer, Me., which position he held for fi\-e years, performing 
its duties with marked efficiency. He then went to Harvard I'niversity to 
obtain his master's degree, which he received in June, 1905. In the fall of 
that year he came to Exeter to assume the duties of his present position as 
principal of Robinson Seminary. In the nine years that have since elapsed 
he has given much additional evidence of his ability as an educator, having 
brought this noted institution up to the highest degree of efficiency it has yet 
attained. The Seminary has 316 pupils registered for the present year ( 1914), 
and its successful management, together with the high degree of scholarship 
attained by its graduates, have rendered it one of the most popular institutions 
of its kind in this part of X'ew England, mucli of the credit for which belongs 
to Mr. Bisbee, 

By speaking at Teachers' Institutes throughout the State for several years 
he has become conversant with the newer ideas in educational pedagog\' and 
psychology and has introduced many of them into the work of the Seminary. 

Air. Bisbee was married in 1900 to Aiiss Alaude Arlie Wells, who was born 
in L\Tm, Alass., a daughter of Enos and .Annette f Alorse) U'ells, her father 
being a prosperous shoe merchant of Lynn. Mrs. Bisbee is one of a family of 
four children, one son and three daughters, the other members of her parents' 
family being: Arvesta. who is the wife of George Alann, of lone. Cal. : 
Fred Enos, who resides in Syracuse, N. Y., and Etta, who is the wife of 



1264 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

George Poole of Lynn. Mr. and Mrs. Bisbee have one child; Harlan Mel- 
ville, Jr., who was born January ii, 1913. Mr. Bisbee and wife are members 
of the First Congregational Church of Exeter. He is a republican in politics. 
His society affiliations include membership in the Blue Lodge.. A. F. & .V. M.. 
at Exeter, the Chapter, R. A. M., at Rumford, Me., and the Delta Kappa! 
Epsilon fraternity. He has served as president of the New Hampshire State 
Teachers' Association, of the Rockingham County Teachers' Association, and 
of the Bowdoin Club of Boston. He is also a member of the National Edu- 
cational Association, of the New England Association of Colleges and Pre- 
paratory Schools, of the American Institute of Instruction, of the Classical 
Association of New England and of the Educational Council of New Hamp- 
shire. 

J. MERTON BUS\\'ELL,* one of the owners and proprietors of the New 
Method Laundry Company, has been a resident of Portsmouth, N. H., only 
since January, 191 2, but in this short time has become firmly established in 
the good will of the people. The business in which he is interested gives em- 
ployment to twelve people and is liberally patronized. 

Mr. Buswell was born in Salisbury, Mass., April 9, 1884, and is a son of 
George W. and Anna (Cilley) Buswell. who still reside in Massachusetts, the 
father being a farmer and lumberman There are but two children in the 
family, Elsie and J. Merton. 

After lea\-ing the grade schools, J. Merton P)us\\ell took a commercial 
course in Newburyport High School. His first work was as hoisting engineer, 
which he followed three years. He learned the plumbing trade and followed 
it for six years. He holds Massachusetts license both as engineer and plumber. 
Since coming to Portsmouth he has been identified with the laundry business. 
He is a republican in politics. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Junior 
Order Lnited .\merican Mechanics and the Patrons of Husljandr}-. His 
family attends the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

JED S. BACKM.VN. interior decorator and painter, residing on the Lake- 
side farm at Derry, situate<l on the banks of Beaver Lake, Rockingham 
County, N. H., was born in Xova Scotia, -September 29, 1852. He resided 
in his native land until twelve years of age, at which time he went to Boston, 
Mass., and thence, after a short residence, to Detroit, where he found em- 
ployment in the Michigan Car Company's Works, and subsequently in the 
carriage works. He then went to Chicago, where he was at the time of the 
Great Fire in October. 1871. After the fire he returned east, settling in New 
Haven, where he found employment as carriage painter, being thus occu])ied 
for five years. I'rom there he went to Brooklyn, N. ^'., where he remained for 
seventeen years, engaged in decorating and painting. He then went to Boston, 
where he continued work at his trade. He was with the Boston & Bangor 
Company several years and then engaged in business in Maiden, Mass.. a 
suburb of Boston. In 191 t, on account of the poor health of his son, he came 
to Derry and took up his residence on his present farm, which he is carrying 
on very successfully. 

Mr. Backman was married in Bridge])orl, Conn., to Miss Louise C. O'Con- 
ner, a representative of an old family, connected with the Boughton and W'il- 
liams families of New York state. Mr. and Mrs. Backman have been the 
parents of eight children, as follows : Charles C, a resident of Maiden. Alass. ; 
Frank Eugene, of Maiden; Grace May, wife of H. E. Fowler, superintendent 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1265 

of schools at Shelton, Conn.; Nina Lowell, a graduate of the New Haven 

Normal School and a teacher; and Dorothy Irene, a student at Pinkerton 
Academy, Derry; Edward S., who died Decemher ji. 1(^13, at Hillings, Mont., 
and two others, hVederick and 1 )e Wilt, who died in mfaiicv. Edward S. 
Backman, the son who is nead, was i)a,<;e ol tiic .\ia>sacluisetts House of 
Representatives for eight years, during live years of that time being the 
Speaker's page. Later he was a memljer of the city council of Maiden. While 
living in Brooklyn, .\. \'., Mr. jed S. Backman took an active interest in 
politics. He is a memher of Lnion A\enue IJajjlist Church, at Brooklyn, .\. V. 

S.VML'EL D(JD(tE.* j(_)urnalisl and tire insurance man. of I 'urtsniouth, 
N. H., was liorn in this city, Au^nist <;, 1S44. son of Samuel |. and Mary E. 
(Laighton) Dodge. The lather of our suhject was a navy agent grocer and 
custom house clerk and at various times held political oflice, l)eing actively 
interested in town affairs. He was a native of Portsmouth, as was also his 
wife. They had five children, all sons, <if whom the sul)iect of this sketch 
is now the oiil_\- sur\i\iir. The jiarents were afliHatL'(l with the Lniversalist 
church. 

Samuel Dodge was educated in the grammar and higii schools of Ports- 
mouth. He has lieen connected with newsi)aper work" for tlie last fortv-tlve 
years as corres]>ondent for various pa])ers, ])rinci]ialh' in ISoston and \Vasli- 
ington : also to s(jme extent for local journals. He has L'itel\- given u]) some 
of this work, liowever, and is partial])- retired, lie is a repuhlican in politics 
and is affiliated fraternall)- \\ itli the Knights of 1 loiior, the (i(j!den Cross and 
the Pilgrim Fathers. 

Mr. Dodge was married in iSSo to i'dorence .\. liowles, wiio was Ijorn in 
Portsmouth, X. PL, a daughter of James W. and .Susan W. ( Rowe) Bowles, 
also of this cit\'. Her ])arents were Episcopalians in religious belief and were 
connected with the church of that denomination. Her fatlier was superin- 
tendent of painters at the Xa\-y ^'ard. They had two children, Ijotli daugh- 
ters. Mr, and Mrs. Dodge attend the L'nix'crsalist church They are ])eo]ile 
of local prominence and have many friends in Portsmouth and the vicinity, 

EVERETT E. GRIFI-dX, who is ]irominently engaged in the real estate 
and insurance l)usiness at Derrw X, I!,, lias long been known in this \iciniiv, 
where he was formerh' identilied with the hardware trade. He was Ijorn in 
Lawrence, Ahiss,, ami was educated in IJie scIuhL of Derry ;md in Pinkerton 
-Academy, h'arlv in h fe he was for six or se\eii years with the I'illshury 
Hardware Companv, and in 1000 he went to Waterloo, .Mass., and started a 
hardware firm under the name of V. S. Pillsl)ury X Company. In looj he 
disposed of his interest to his partner. Mr, I'illsliury, and located ;it Dauvers. 
Mass,, wliere he worked in the hardx' are st(jre of .Mr, l\oss for one year, 1 le 
then went to Seattle, Washington, and assumed charge of ihe hardware de- 
partment store. In the sjiring of \()iK[ he returned e:ist ;uid engaged in the 
iiardware hiisiiiess in Derry until 101 1, w lien he -old out to the iiell Hardware 
Com]ianv, Since that time he ha- lieeu eiv.;aged in the real e-late and insur- 
ance business with gratifying result^. 

In 1908 Everett E. Griffin was married to Miss Blanclie C, Proctor, a 
daughter of .\, I. Proctor of Derry. She was reared in Derry, and was edu- 
cated in the local schooK, in the Bo.ston High School and at Bowdoin College. 
She is a woman of accoin])lishment and refinement and has many friends, 
Mr. Griffin is a member of Echo Lodge, I, O. D, F,, and of the Patrons of 



1266 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Husbandry. Religiously he is a Baptist and is a member uf the ot^cial church 
board, serving as treasurer. 

RALPH E. AIERAS, treasurer and general manager of the Ralph E. 
Meras Company of Exeter, dealers in house furnishings, was born in Dover, 
Me., February 26, 1877, son of Fernando and Margaret Ellen (Planning) 
Meras. The father, a native of Spain, was well known as a merchant and 
real estate owner, and was also engaged in farming during his latter years. 
His wife, of old New England stock, was born in Hope, Me. Both are now 
deceased and are buried at Dover, Me. Their children were : Florence J. ; 
Remona, wife of John H. Green; Emma O., wife of Eben Merchant; Leonor, 
wife of Leonard Wilkinson; and Ralph E. 

Ralph E. Meras began his education in the common schools of Dover, 
Me., subsequently attended the high school, and later Foxcroft Academy, 
Camden, Me., High School, Hebron Academy (Me.), and the Phillips Exeter 
Academy. While attending the Phillips Academy, he started his present busi- 
ness which is an incorporated concern, with Charles C. Smith, of Boston, 
president, and Walter Clyde Spaulding, of Exeter, secretary. He has been 
very successful and this concern is now one of the largest business houses in 
Exeter. 

Mrs. Aleras was Ada L. Frye. of Camden, Me., daughter of Fred P. Frye, 
whose wife was in maidenhood Sarah Clara Waters Carleton Smiley, grand- 
daughter of Maj. Moses Carleton. Mr. and Mrs. Meras have three children: 
Norman E., Halford Frye. and Margaret L. Mr. Meras is best known as a 
prohibitionist, and his family attend the Christian Science Churcli. 

FRED CLARENCE BUXTON, of Salem Depot. N. H.. is a man of 
substance and of varied business interests. W hether in puljlic .--ervice or in 
private venture he has given the same energy and capable management to the 
affairs at hand and the success he has met with is traceable solely to his in- 
dividual efforts. 

Mr. Buxton was born in Salem, N. H., June 12, 185Q. and is a son of 
Joseph and Rhoda Ann ( Kimball) Buxton, both of whom are now decea.sed. 
They had two other sons: .\rthur, now deceased, and John \\'illiam. The 
father came to Salem at an early date, and for eighteen years followed the 
undertaking business. He was also for fifteen years engineer in the shoe 
factory of B. R. Wheeler. 

Fred Clarence Buxton was educated in the public schools of .Salem, in 
Pinkerton .\cademy at Derry and in Atkinson .\cadeniy. .After working for 
a time at shoemaking. he, in 1880, engaged in the mercantile business, starting 
as a clerk in a grocery store at Salem Depot. After one year he formed a 
partnership with Frank D. \\'ilson, under the firm name of Buxton and Wil- 
son, and carried on a general store business. In a short time Mr. Buxton 
bought out his partner's interest in the firm. For many years he carried on 
the business alone, finally selling out. Some time after he engaged in business 
again and now has the leading periodical and stationery store in Salem. Tn 
1892 he opened a liverv stable, which he conducted successfully until igoo. 
when he sold out. He bought and sold carriages and harness for a number 
of vears and also dealt in all kinds of grains. Realizing the need of a drug 
store in Salem,, he fitted up a store and rented it for a time and then sold it. 
In 1880 he was appointed postmaster and, with the exception of the time 
covered by the two Cleveland administrations, has since discharged the duties 




O' 4i<i'?3::V* tjC:L. _ LJ^^::? '.Ol. *r 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1269 

of that office. He has been express agent during the past twenty years. Air. 
Buxton is one of the three proprietors of the Rockingham Hotel; he was a 
director of the Salem Light, Heat and Power Company, and was treasurer 
of the Salem Water Works Company. He is a republican in politics and at 
dif¥erent times has served one year each as selectman, tax collector and town 
treasurer. 

November 2-/, 1887, Fred C. Buxton was married to Miss Etta S. Tilton, 
who was born in Raymond, N. H., a daughter of Rufus A. and jMehitable P. 
(Towle) Tilton. Fraternally he is a member of S. Pickett Lodge, No. 85, 
F. & A. M., of Salem Center: J^Ionadnock Lodge, No. 143. I. O. O. F., of 
Lawrence; Graniet Colony, No. 11, United Order of Pilgrim Fathers, of 
Salem Depot, and Enterprise Grange, No. 281, Patrons of Husbandry, of 
Salem Center. 

GEORGE C. CLARKE, a prosperous farmer of Derry. was born in Low- 
ell, Mass., April 22, 1867, a son of Robert H. and Frances (Choate) Clarke. 
The father, born on the old Clarke homestead in Derry, November 8, 1842, 
was a fanner and carpenter, and one of the prominent citizens of this town, 
serving as selectman in 18S7, 1888, i88q and 1893: in the se\enties he ser\-ed 
as town treasurer, and in 1895 as representative to the legislature. He was 
a son of Samuel Clarke, who was born December 27, 1798, in Rockingham 
Coimty, N. H., on the English Range. Samuel also was a farmer all his life, 
and a man looked up to by his fellow citizens, serving as selectman and as 
representative to the legislature, so it would almost seem as thoueh the capac- 
ity for dealing with public affairs was inherent in the Clarke family, which is 
one of the oldest in this section, the first Clarke coming here in 1719. 

The mother of our subject, Mrs. Frances (Choate) Clarke, was born 
in Lowell, Mass., March 21, 1847. She is a representative of the old Choate 
family of Essex. Her paternal grandmother. James Choate, was one of the 
sturdy patriots who crossed the Delaware with Washington and participated 
in the attack on the Hessian post at Trenton. N. J., on Christmas night, 1776. 
After the war was over and the cause of American liberty had triumphed, he 
purchased a farm in Rockingham County, N. H., and spent the rest of his 
days in this locality, no doubt telling many an interesting story of the great 
struggle to his children and descendants. Robt. H. Clarke died Dec. 12. 
1906. He and his wife had five children, namely: George C. : Lillian May, 
wife of Albert E. Colcord : Emily Bertha, a school teacher for over twenty 
years: Edith L. : Emma Josephine, wife of Ernest L. Davis, who has two 
children, Kenneth W. and Lillian. They reside in Manchester. 

George C. Clarke was reared in this locality and in his youth attended 
Pinkerton Academy. He was afterwards for four years in the wholesale 
grocery business at Manchester, N. H. Subsequently, like his ancestors, he 
took up farming, in which occupation he has since been engaged successfully. 
He is one of the well known citizens of this town, having a wide acquaintance, 
and universally esteemed, having those steady characteristics that have made 
New England" people famous the world oyer. In politics he is a Republican, 
taking a warm interest in the development of the community in which he 
resides, both along moral and material lines. 

JOHN C. 2\IcDONOUGH. a man of business activity and a well known 
citizen of Portsmouth, N. H.. is joint owner, with William P. Gray, of The 
Scenic Temple. In addition to this theatre and hall, this firm conducts a line 



1270 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

of moving picture theatres throughout the state of Maine. Mr. McDonough 
is a nati\e of Portsmouth, the date of his birth being March lo, 1868, and is 
a son of Ricliard and Frances ( Eagan) McDonough, natives of Ireland. 

Richard McDonough was a carriage painter by trade and for many years 
was foreman in a factory in Portsmouth. He died in this city, where his 
widow still resides. They were married in Manchester, N. H., and became 
parents of the following children : Mary Frances, mother superior in the 
convent at Lebanon, N. H. ; Hugh, deceased; John C, whose name heads this 
record: Katherine; Elizabeth E., a teacher in the Portsmouth schools; Annie 
B., also a teacher in the local schools; Richard D., who is night editor of the 
Portsmouth Chronicle and is also truant officer rmd juvenile justice of the 
police court; Charles, who died at the age of twenty-two years; and Williaiu 
H., who is a carriage painter. 

John C. McDonough attended the public schools only until he reached the 
age of thirteen years. He clerked in a gentlemen's furnishings store, and 
later for a time in a shoe store. He was then vari(lu^l\■ employed, working 
for a time at carriage painting, the trade of plumber, and at ship liuikling 
He then embarked in the theatrical line — about the year iSqq. He leased a 
hall which he rented out for various purposes and meetings, and met with 
such success that he ventured into his present business about seven years ago. 
He has taken an interest in civic affairs and for two years served as clerk for 
the street commissioners, and a like jjeriod as clerk of the board of assessors. 

In August, 1899, Mr. McDonough married Frances Katherine Mahoney. 
who was born in Greenland, X. H., and is a daughter of Thomas ]\Iahoney. 
One child was born of this union, Jocelyn E. In religious faith, the family is 
Catholic. Mr. McDonough affiliates with the Order of Elks. Royal Arcanum, 
tlie Portsmouth Athletic Cluli, the Portsmouth Country Clul), and the Board 
of Trade. 

THOMAS F.. IK)\\'ARD,* a pnjniinent business man of Derry. N. H., 
is a manufacturer of paper and wooden l)Oxes and has a well established 
business. He is a native of Boston, ^Tass., and has been a resident of Derry 
for a quarter of a century. 

Mr. Howard was reared and educated in Boston, where he lived until 
after reaching his majority. He has traveled consideralih- and represented 
various lines of business. About twenty-five years ago he located in Derry, 
N. H., and engaged in shoe manufacturing, .\bout 1909 he Iiought out the 
A. j. Greenough box factory, which he has since operated with unvarying 
success. Mr. F. M. Gilreast is foreman of the paper box branch of the ])lant, 
and Mr. Everett Hearn is in charge of the wood department, there being 
some thirty employees in the two departments, .\bout one million feet of 
lumber are annually cut up and made into lioxes, while the number of jiaper 
boxes manufactured apiiroximates thirteen th(iusand. 

In i8<)7 Mr Howard was married to ?\[iss Myrtie F. (iage of Derry, 
X. II., a n,-iti\e of Salem, Mass. They ba\e ;i cl.-uighter. Louise Howard. He 
is a niember of the Masonic Order anil also belongs to the Kniglits of Pythias. 

EDW.\RD !.. PATERSOX,- contractor and builder of Port.smouth, 
X. H., is a man of good business standing and is highly successful in his line. 
He is a Canadian by birth, having been born in Xova Scotia, October 26, 1869. 
Mr. Paterson is a son of .\ndrew and Melinda (Rynes) Paterson. His father 
is deceased and his mother still resides in Halifax county. X^ova Scotia. The 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1271 

children of the family consisted of the folloumg : Robert, Alexander, Charles, 
Edward L., Alary Jane (deceased wife of Walter J. Andrews), and Letitia. 

Edward L. Paterson attended the local schools of his nati\e place until 
he was about sixteen years of age, and thereafter assisted his father on the 
farm for a short time. At the age of nineteen he crossed the line into the 
United States, locating directly in Portsmouth, X. H.. where he entered upon 
an apprenticeship to the carpentering trade. He has followed carpentering 
for a period of twenty-five years, and during the last ten years has engaged 
in contracting. His ability and integrity are recognized and success has at- 
tended his efforts. 

In 1897 Air. Paterson was joined in marriage with Charlotte .May Durgin 
of Greenland, Rockingham county, a daughter of Frank Durgin, who still 
resides in Greenland and follows his trade as carpenter in association with 
the subject of this sketch. Mrs. Durgin is decea.sed. The children of the 
family are: Howard; Percy. Nellie, wife of J. Pettigrew ; Grace, wife of 
William Swinnerton; Cora, wife of Edgar Dart; and Charlotte May, wife of 
Edward S. Paterson. Mr. and Mrs. Paterson have one son, Frank, who 
attends Portsmouth High School. Politically, our subject is an independent 
voter, giving preference to the man he deems l)est fitted for the office. He is 
a member of Blue Lodge, A. F. & A. M. ; the Inilependent Order of Odd 
Fellows; Knights of Pythias, Royal Arcanum. Patrons of Husbandry, and tlie 
Young Men's Christian Association. Religiously the family is Baptist. 

PRESTOX M. GOODRICH, a well knuwn and esteemed citizen of Derrv. 
X. H.. a veteran of the Civil War. was born in Xewton. X. H.. in 1840. a 
son of Evander and Emily B. (Carter) Goodrich. The father was Ijorn in 
Pultney, Vt., but came to Rockingham county, X. H., when a boy. He was a 
shoemaker by trade. He ser\'ed three years in the Civil war as a member of 
Company C, Sixth Xew Hampshire \'olunteer Infantry, his eldest son. Thomas 
P. Goodrich, being a member of the same company. The latter, who was 
in eighteen of the principal battles, for the last twenty years has been employed 
in the Xew York office of the Provident Life & Trust Company. The subject 
of this sketch has two other brothers and a sister, namely : Daniel A., residing 
in Danvers. Alass. ; \\'arren T.. of Xew York City, and Mary E. Freze. of 
Lowell, Alass. 

At the time of the breaking out of the war Preston M. Goodrich was. 
working as clerk in a store in Haverhill. Mass. In June, 1864 — being then 
under fifteen years of age, as his Ijirthdav did not come until September — he 
enlisted in Company D. Thirty-ninth Kentucky Mounted Volunteer Infantry 
and was sent on detached senice in Virginia and Kentucky, engaged in break- 
ing up the guerrilla w arfare. He was honorably discharged at Louisville. Ky.. 
in September. 1865. Although having had many narrow escapes, lie was 
never, wounded. 

After returning home Mr. Guudrich went 10 Manchester, where he learned 
the painter's trade, at which he worked for six or se\en years. The next 
twelve or thirteen years of his life were spent in traveling over the Xew 
England States in the interests of Odd Fellows' insurance. During the most 
of die time other than that mentioned above lie has 1)een engaged in shoe- 
making. He is a member of Wesley B. Knight Po.st. G. A. R. ; is past noble 
grand 'and past chief patriarch in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
belonging to the Lodge, the EncamiMiient auf! tlie Rebekahs. and is also a 
member of St. Mark's Lodsre. A. F. & A. M. 



1272 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

Mr. Goodrich was married in 1806 to Miss Sarah L. Pierce, of Candia, 
N. H., who died in 1904, leaving four children, namely: Lizzie S., wife of 
James A. Lyford of Kingston, N. H. ; Emily J. Green, of Chester, N. H.; 
Preston E., of Chester, N. H., and Frank P., of Derry. Mr. Goodrich mar- 
ried secondly, in 1905, Mrs. Lizzie E. (Adams) Hardy, who was reared in 
Ouincy, Mass., and is a daughter of William A. Adams, a Civil War veteran, 
who served three years in the Sixteenth Light Battery of Massachusetts. 
Mrs. Goodrich belongs to the Rebekah Lodge of Odd Fellows and the 
Woman's Relief Corps, and is a member of the South Christian Church at 
Haverhill. 

ROBERT R LEAR,* owner and proprietor of a flourishing grocery and 
provision store at No. 95 Mechanic street, Portsmouth. N. H., and also one 
of the port wardens, was born in this city September 5, 1866. a son of William 
H. and Mary E. Lear. The father was a stevedore by occupation. He and 
his wife are now both deceased. They had a large family of twelve children, 
nine of whom are still living. 

The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schuols. which he 
attended until seventeen years of age. He then found employment as clerk 
in a dry goods store, subsecpient to which he worked in a shoe factory for 
seventeen years. He then started his present business, in which he has been 
successful. In addition to groceries and provisions, of which he keeps a large 
and well selected stock, he deals in gasoline and yacht supplies, and also has a 
branch store at Little Boar's Head, North Hampton. In his Portsmouth 
store he employs two men. Mr. Lear is a member of the republican party 
and takes an active part in local politics, being now a member of the city, 
state, county and ward committees of his party. He belongs to the Ports- 
mouth Yacht Clul), the Country Club, and the Benevolent and Protective Order 
of Elks ; also to the Masonic order, in which he has taken nine degrees. He 
married Anna L. Marr. daughter of Holnian P. Marr, a shipwright of Kit- 
tery. Me. They attend the North Congregational church. 

NEWELL S. TILTON, of Exeter, N. H., owner of forty acres of land, 
and who also ow^^s a share of sixty acres of the Tilton estate, is engaged in 
general farming. He was born in the town of Exeter, July 26. 1851, a son 
of Joseph and Martha J. (Smith) Tilton. both of Stratham. The father 
was a carpenter and farmer, following agriculture during his latter years. 
In politics he was a republican and he and his wife were affiliated with the 
Methodist church. He was one of nine men who organized the First ]\Ietho- 
dist Church of South Boston, Mass.. he going to Boston in 1834. He sub- 
sequently returned to Exeter, however, and spent his latter years here. He 
and his wife are both deceased. 

Newell S. Tilton was educated in the common schools and subsequently 
learned the carpenter's trade with Lemuel Bunker at Rye. N. H. After having 
followed it for six years he engaged in lumliering and farming and was thus 
occupied until he became road agent, in which office he served for seventeen 
consecutive years. He is a republican in politics. He belongs to the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, which he joined January 26, 1875, and is 
past grand of his lodge, of which only three of the original members are now 
living. 

Mr. Tilton was married .\pril 13. 1893, to Miss Nellie A. Favor, a native 
of Weare, N. H., and daughter of Hiram and Mary (Proctor) Favor. Her 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1273 

father was connected with the saw-mill industry. The children in tlie Favor 
family were Sidney, Eva (now deceased, who was wife of Charles Lund), 
Nellie A., now Mrs. Tilton, and Burt. Mr. and Mrs. Tilton attend the Phil- 
lips Congregational church. 

WESLEY W. PAYNE, employed in the shoe factories at Derry, N. H., 
who has also taken a prominent part in public life, was born in Londonderry, 
N. H., October i8, 1858, a son of Samuel N. and Nancy D. Page Payne. His 
father, a native of Chester, this county, was a carpenter by trade. He served 
in the Civil War, being one of the first to go to the front in 1861. The 
mother of our subject was born in Haverhill, Mass. 

\\'esley \V. Payne was reared and educated in Londonderry and in early 
life became connected with the shoe industry in that place. In' 1880 he came 
to Derry, of which town he has since remained a resident. For a number of 
years he was shoe sorter in the factory of Col. W, S. Pillslniry, and later 
worked in the Hardy factory. 

Mr. Payne was married in 1889 to Mabelle L. Sefton, daughter of James 
Sefton, commander of Upton Post, G. A. R., at Derry, N. H. 

Mr. Payne is interested in a number of different enterprises, especially in 
all those concerned with the good of the general community. He was repre- 
sentative in the state legislature in 1907-8, serving on the committee of incor- 
porations; was re-elected in 1909-10 and served on Committees of Incorpora- 
tions and Liquor Laws. At this writing his name is before the republican 
primaries as candidate for state senator, and in view of his public record, 
there can be no doubt but that he would serve with credit in the upper house. 
He attends the Baptist church and has affiliated fraternally with the Red Men. 
the I. O. O. F., the K. (if P., the Sons of Veterans and th'e N. E. O. P. 

GEORGE R. P-KLl-'REY,* a thriving merchant and well known citizen 
of Portsmouth, N. H.. having a well stocked grocery and provision store at 
the corner of Maplewooil avenue and Dennett street, was born in Portsmouth. 
September 30, 1869, a son of \\'illiam W. and Ida ( Rynes) Palfrey. His 
father and mother were natives of Boston, Mass., and Portsmouth. N. H.. 
resiiectivelv. Both are deceased and were buried in Portsmouth. The father. 
William W. Palfrv, was a civil engineer and was clerk in the Navy Yard for 
a number of years. He was a repul)lican politically and he and his wife at- 
tended the L'nitarian church. Their children were: George R., Harry B.. 
William H., Robert R. and I. Miller. 

George R. Palfrey attended the common schools until reaching the age of 
seventeen years. He began industrial life in a printing ofhcc. where he was 
employed for two years, subsequently becoming clerk in a clothing store in 
Portsmouth, remaining with the concern for seven years. He then spent a 
year in Boston in the same line of business, at the end of which time he re- 
turned and took charge of his ])resent store, which was previously owned by 
his father-in-law. He gives employment to two hands and is doing a pros- 
perous business. He is also the owner of some good real estate in Ports- 
mouth. A republican in politics, he served two years as a member of the city 
government, has been selectman from his ward, a member of the fire depart- 
ment twenty-five years, and now holds the office of inspector of jictroleum. 
Fraternallv'he belongs to the Masons and Elks. 

Mr. Palfrey wa.s" married in January. 1807. to Mary P.. Hoyt. who was 
born in Newington. N. H.. a daughter of Hans^on and Marv Frnncc-~ ( Down- 
ing) Hoyt. Mrs. Palfrey's father was a merchant nf Port^monlh : her mother 



1274 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

came from Newington. They were well known and respected residents ot 
this city and she was their only child. With her husband she attends the 
Unitarian church. They are people of wide acquaintance and have many 
warm friends in Portsmouth and the vicinity. 

CHARLES H. MERRILL,* a respected citizen of Exeter, N. H., who 
is now living a retired life in this city, was born here in 1862, a son of Joseph 
VV. and Enieline (Shute) Merrill. Joseph W. Merrill was born in Exeter, a 
son of Abner Merrill, who came here from Newburyport, Mass. He was 
educated in the common schools of Exeter and subsequently engaged in the 
wool business here, being associated therein with his brothers. They had a 
successful career and accumulated an ample competence. Though not active 
in politics, Joseph \V. Merrill once served in the legislature, being elected on 
the republican ticket. He and his wife Emeline, who was also a native of this 
city, were the parents of two children : Emma, who died when eight years 
old, and Charles H., the subject of this sketch. 

Charles H. Merrill acquired his education in the common schools of Exeter, 
including the high school, and at Phillips Exeter Academy, where he grad- 
uated in 1883. He has never adopted an active business career, but has served 
at times in local office, his political affiliations being with the republican party. 
He was married in 1904 to Miss Louise Miller, of Philadelphia, Pa., a daugh- 
ter of Albert Miller. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal church. 
They are people of culture and refinement and move in the best society of the 
town, taking a keen interest in all matters pertaining to its welfare. 

CHARLES I. ALEXANDER, one of the leading citizens of the town 
of Windham, of which he has been town treasurer for the last eight years, 
was born on the old Nesmith homestead, at Windham Junction, N. H., June 
10. 1854. His parents were Gilbert and Hannah C. ( Nichols) Alexander. 
The father, born in Londonderry, this county, was in early years engaged in 
getting out ship timber, the latter part of his life being spent on his farm at 
Windham Junction. His wife Hannah was born and reared in Windham, 
both coming of old families in this section. 

Charles 1. .Alexander was reared in Windham and was educated here and 
at Hudson, X. H. Early in life he learned the carpenter's trade, being con- 
nected with it from 1876 to 1884. He then entered the employ of the Edison 
Electric Illumination Company, of Lawrence. Mass., and in 1888 was made 
superintendent for the company. He remained with them until 1891, at which 
time he engaged in electrical contracting for himself. About two years later, 
in 1893, he formed a partnership in the Lawrence Electric Supply and Con- 
struction Company, and was connected with that company for fifteen years. 
In 1909 he withdrew from the company and formed the comi)any of C. I. 
.Mexander & Sons, with offices in the Bay State Piuilding at Lawrence. Mass.. 
the company dealing in electrical supplies and construction work. 

Mr. .Alexander resided in Lawrence from 1876 to 1896, in which latter 
}-ear he Iniilt his fine residence on the banks of Canobie Lake, where he has 
since lived. In 1904 he bought the old Smith farm of 140 acres, on the bank 
of Corbett I'ond. where there is a fine summer resort and about twenty cot- 
tages, two of which he owns. Since becoming a resident of this county he 
has taken an active interest in local affairs and. as above stated, has served 
eight \-ears as town treasurer. 

Mr. Alexander was married in 1877 to Miss Mary A. Huni])lirey, who was 



AND REPRKSENTATIVE CITIZENS 1275 

born in Derry, X. H., a- daughter of William C. and Balinda Humphrey. He 
and his wife have two sons living, .Varon O. and Charles I., Jr., both being 
associated with their father in the electrical supply and construction work. 
Mr. Alexander is affiliated fraternally with the Red Men. belonging to a lodge 
of that order in Lawrence. He and his family are highly esteemed in Wind- 
ham, wliere they ha\e made many warm friends. 

.\R1HLR \\ . SCHURAI.\X.='^ who is a prosperous Inisiness man of 
Portsmouth, X. H., is proprietor of a seed and implement store. He has been 
a life long resident of this city and enjoys an extended aci|uaintance among 
the citizens of Rockingham County. 

Mr. Schurman was born in I'ortsmouth. and is a son of Solomon A. and 
Clara ( Mason ) Schurman, natives of Nova Scotia but now residents of Ports- 
mouth. Solomon A. Schurman is a farmer liy occupation and was founder 
of the business now conducted by the subject of this record. He is a repub- 
lican in politics, and with his family attends the Methodist Church. He and 
Mrs. Schurman became parents of the following children: Joseph 1,.. lames 
Albert. Willis S., Blake T.. Arthur W., Walter S., and Milton G. 

Arthur W. Schurman attended the grade and high schools of Portsmouth, 
after which he pursued a commercial course of study. He worked with his 
father on the farm some four years, then engaged in the milk Inisiness for a 
period of three years. He next became identified with the seed and imple- 
ment house established in Portsmouth b}- his father in 1804. He purchased 
the latter's business in 1903. and has since conducted the -tore in a highly 
successful manner, enjoying a wide |)atronage over the county. He now has 
four men in his employ. He is unmarried and makes his home with his 
parents on the Sherbourn road. He al-o is a republican, and is a loyal niemlier 
of the Order of Elks. 

WILLIAM H. SEWARD, one of the proprietors of the Weeks and 
Seward drug firm, of Exeter, was born at Fall River, Mass., July _'4, 1K73. a 
son of Henr}' and Catherine (Pomfret) Seward. His parents, both natives 
of England, settled in Exeter about 1875, the father obtaining a position as 
boss of the weave room in the cotton mill of the Exeter Manufacturing Com- 
pany. He died in August. i88g. His wife is still li\ing and resides in Ports- 
mouth. Thev were E])iscopalians in religious faith. Their children were: 
William H. : and Elizabeth A., wife of Joseph .\. Eaton, a pattern maker in 
the navy \"ard at Portsmouth. 

William H. Seward was educated in the common and high schools of 
Exeter. In June. 1888, he entered the emplo\- of Cram & .\nderson. drug- 
gists, of Exeter. Later he took the junior course in pharmacy in the Mas.sa- 
chusetts College of Pharmacy, passing the state board examination in 1895. 
In March of that vear he and his partner. Mr. Weeks, purchased the business, 
which they have since carried on successfully. They kee]) an ample stock of 
pure drugs and their store is fa\ored by a large patronage. Mr. Seward 
affiliates politically with the republican party. He is a Free Mason, lielonging 
to the Blue Lodge. Chapter and Council at Exeter, and to the Commandery 
at Portsmouth. He also belongs to the Knights of IMhias lodge in Exeter. 

He was married in September. 1901, to Miss Ethel M. Maxwell, a native 
of Exeter and daughter of Jefferson and Eunice (Stover) Maxwell, whose 
other children were Fred K" and .\lbert. Mr. and Mrs. Seward have two 
children. Gertrude and Grace Eaton. They attend the Congregational church 
and are well known and highly esteemed residents of Exeter. 



1276 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

ROBERT CAPSTICK,* proprietor of a green house on Roger street, 
Portsmouth, N. H., is a successful business man and has many friends and 
acquaintances in the city. The progress he has made is the resuh of hard 
work and persistent etTort, combined with careful management, and retlounds 
to his credit. 

Mr. Capstick was born in England, October 6, 1861, and is a son of Wil- 
liam and Sarah Jane (Lill) Capstick. The parents were natives of England 
and always lived in that country. They were members of the Church of 
England. Their children were : Sarah Jane, William, Alargaret, Richard, 
Elizabeth, Robert and Anne, wife of Thomas McTurk. Air. Capstick was a 
farmer, butcher and merchant at different periods, and was a substantial man. 

Robert Capstick attended the common schools only until he was ten years 
old, when his career in business began. He worked at general farm work for 
a period of eight years and then turned his hand to gardening. When ha 
reached the age of twenty-one, he emigrated to the United States, locating 
first at Bay View, where he was employed in a green house for two years. 
He then continued in that line at Boston for a time, after which he located 
in Portsmouth, N. H. His first work here was as gardener for H. Fisher 
Eldridge, with whom he remained two and a half years. Following this he 
was for nine years manager for M. E. Hutchinson and Company. He next 
bought his present place, which he has conducted with uninterrupted success. 
He has one thousand square feet under glass and has four men employed. He 
is engaged in the retail trade, finding a ready market for his products in 
Portsmouth. 

Mr. Capstick was married in 1898 to Mary A. Ouinlan, who was born in 
Portsmouth, a daughter of Luke Ouinlan. After a happy association of but 
one year, Mr. Capstick was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife by 
death. In religious attachment they were Catholic. He is a member of the 
Foresters, Knights of Columbus, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and 
the Patrons of Husbandry. 

FRANK M. McGRECOR, who is connected with the Walton Shoe Com- 
pany of Derry, N. H., of which town he is a well known and popular citizen, 
was born in Londonderry, this county, September i, 1864. His parents were 
David and Mary (Nesmith) McGregor. The father David was born in 
what is now Derry in 18 17 and was a farmer and carpenter by occupation. 
He died in 1891. The original ancestor of the McGregor family in this 
country was Rev. James McGregor, who emigrated from Ireland, and in 17 19 
came to Nutfield, now Derry, accompanied by nineteen families, all immi- 
grants. They took possession of a tract of land, and on the day of their 
arrival attended religious service, the sermon being preached by Rev. James 
McGregor. This semion was delivered by him while standing on an oak 
tree, which stood on the east side of Beaver Lake. 

Frank M. McGregor was reared and educated in this locality and began 
industrial life in the shoe factory of the W. S. Pillsbury Company, where he 
worked for some time, afterwards working in other factories until he entered 
the employ of the Walton Shoe Factory, where he now has charge of the 
sorting of the upper leather department. He is a well known and popular 
citizen, taking an active interest in public affairs. He has served on the board 
of selectmen of the town, was representative in the state legislature one term 
and has served as a member of the board of auditors. He is fraternally 
af^liated with the Knights of Pythias, Red Men and Knights of the Macca- 







^^v^,?^/ c^s^^^-tX'^x. ^ y^-rc^^^-^'^ 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1279 

bees, being a past officer in all of them. He also belongs to the Grand J odc^e 
both of the Red Men and Knights of Pythias. "^ 

Mr. McGregor was married July 14, 1887, to Miss Alice A. Waugh of 
Winthrop, Me. He and his wife have been the parents of five children 
namely: Donald R., who is now in California; Carl P.. Edith Lillian and 
Dorothy. 

JOHN AUGUST HETT,* who has been engaged in teaming and truck- 
ing in Portsmouth, N. H., for a period of thirty years, is well known in the 
city where he has many friends. He was born in Germany, November 30, 
1856, and is a son of Johanus and Susannah (Boss) Hett. Johanus Hett 
was a lifelong resident of Germany, although he did make a visit to the 
United States. His wife died about the year i860. Their children were as 
follows: Anna, wife of M. Hett, she being the only child in the family who 
did not come to the United States to live; Henry; Joseph P.; Valentine; and 
John August. 

John August Hett attended grammar school in Germanv after which he 
learned the trade of a mason. He came to the United States when twenty- 
two years of age, landing in New York City, where for one year he worked 
for his brother, Henry, as blacksmith and wheelwright. He then came to 
Portsmouth, N. H., to accept work as a mason on Christ Church. He worked 
at his trade here for a year and a half, and then worked on the cotton mill at 
Fall River. Returning to Portsmouth, he worked one year for his brother, 
after which he started his present line of business for himself. 

Mr. Hett \\as first married to Miss Mary Bennett, a native of New York 
and daughter of Henry and Catherine Bennett. She died February 21. 1905. 
and was buried in Portsmouth. They reared the following children : .A,nnie, 
wife of Frank Leary; Alice; Clara (Wiseman) ; Bertha, wife of Wade Jen- 
kins: Gladys; and Nettie. Mr. Hett was married November 17, 1908, to Mrs. 
Mabel ( Marks) Bemas, a widow, and a daughter of Frank Marks, who came 
to Portsmouth from Maine during the Civil \\'ar. She was one of three 
children : Harry B., Bernice, and Mabel. Mr. Hett is a republican in politics 
and served two years as councilman. He also represented his district in the 
State Legislature three terms, namely in 1907. 1909 and 191 1. Fraternally 
he is a thirty-second degree Mason; also a member of the Odd Fellows; 
Knights of Pythias, and Benevolent Protecti\e Order of Elks. Religioush'- 
they are members of Christ Church. 

BENJAMIN ADAMS, in former years one of the iiest known and most 
highly esteemed citizens of the town of Derry, was born in Salem, N. II., 
June 10, 1824. a son of Edmund and Elizabeth ( Karr) .Xdams. His early 
paternal ancestors were residents of Massachusetts. His uncle, Jacob .Adams, 
who died in 1823, gave $800 to the ])arish for the purchase of a bell and left 
a fund for the establishment in Derry. N. H., of the Adams Female Semi- 
nary, which was the first incorporated academy for young ladies in the state. 
It was put under the charge of Miss Z. P. Grant, and afterwards the dis- 
tinguished Mary Lyon, and for many years enjoyed a prosperous and useful 
existence, but has since been discontinued. 

Edmund Adams, father of Benjamin, was born in Massachusetts. He 
was at the garrison at Portsmouth during the \Var of 1812-15. He resided 
at Salem, N. H., until 1830, when he removed with his family to Derry, 
where he bought the farm now owned by his grandson. He also engaged in 



1280 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

lumbering, erecting a saw-mill near his home. In politics he was a Democrat. 
He died in 1856. His wife, Elizabeth Karr Adams, before her marriage 
was a resident of Derry, having been born here. 

Benjamin Adams was educated in the district schools and at I'inkerton 
Academy, outside of school hours making himself useful on his father's farm 
and in the saw-mill. When the father dieil. he and his brother, Edmund, 
Jr., took charge of the business, conducting it successfully under the firm 
name of Adams Bros., their association being continued until the death of 
Edmund Adams Jr., in July, 1892. Benjamin Adams died in March, igoi. 
He had acquired wealth in the lumber business and was a widely known and 
respected citizen. Although a prominent Democrat, he never aspired to 
public office. 

On December 15, 1884, Benjamin .\danis married Katlierine J. booster, 
of Cheshire County, N. H., a daughter of Henry 1'. iHJster. a native of the 
same count)', who ser\ed in the War of r8[j-T5. Mrs. -\danis' maternal 
grandfather. Daniel Marsh, served in the Revolutionary war as a soldier 
in the .\merican armv. Mr. and Mrs. .\danis had one son, Benjamin booster, 
a sketch of whom may be found in this volume. 

BENJAMIN FOSTER ADAMS, a wealthy resident and highly 
esteemed citizen of Derry, N. H., was born on the old family homestead in 
this town, Septenilier 0, 1888, a son of Benjanun and Katherine J. ( Foster) 
Adams. The father, Benjamin Adams, was born in Salem, N. H., and when 
a small boy settled with his father Edmund on this homestead. His entire 
active career was spent in the lumfier and milling Inisiness, in which he was 
pre-eminently successful, becoming a verv wealthy man. .\t his death, which 
occurred in March. 1001, be left a sum of $10,000 for the erection of a 
library building in Derry, and the result of that donation is the fine .\dams 
Memorial Building, in which the citizens take much pride and which attracts 
the attention of every visitor. It contains a fine stuck of well selected books 
and is an important factor in the educali(jnal life (it the village and town. 
His wife, Mrs. Katherine J. .\danis, is ^till lixiuL; and i^ a highly respected 
resident of Derry. 

Benjamin Foster .\dams ac(piired bis early educatii<n under" a pri\'ate 
tutor. He subsequently graduated from the Newton High School and. in 
IQ12. fmni Dartmouth College, receiving the degree of A. B. His time has 
since been occupied in looking after the jiarental estate. .Aside from this, 
he has some important ])usiness interests, being a stocklmlder in several Bos- 
ton corporations. 

Mr. .\dams wa^ married. December 27. n)i.v t" Miss Josephine C. Clark. 
of Cambridge. Mass. He and his wife attend the b'irst Church at East 
Derry. His society .affiliations include membership in flie K. K. I\. of 
Dartmouth. 

.ALBION E. H.W'ES. Slv., proprietor, with his brother Warner, of a 
flourishing drug store on Front street, Exeter, N. H., w ho is also a Mason of 
high degree, was born in Lowell, Mass., January 3, 1877, a son of Joseph L. 
and Violette (Berry) Hayes. The father, born in Nottingham, N. H., who 
was a farmer by occupation, died in 1889. His wife is still living and resides 
in Exeter. Their children were : Clara, who married Clarence Hoitt : .Albion 
E., Warner, .Abbie E. and Harry L. 

Albion E. Hayes, after graduating from the Exeter High School in 1802, 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1281 

entered the drug sture of A. S. Wetherell, with whom he learned the drug 
trade, passing the state examination at Concord. His brother Warner, vvlio 
graduated from the high school in the class of 1897, also applied himself to 
learn the trade, becoming a fellow clerk with the subject of this sketch. This 
store had been started by Mr. Wetherell in 1898, and, after remaining in his 
employ for twenty-one years, our subject, in partnership with his brother, 
purchased the business on October 15, 1913. They carry a large stock of fresh 
and pure goods and are enjoying an excellent patronage. 

Albion E. Hayes was married February 10, 19 10, to Miss Grace L. Rock, 
a native of Brentwood, N. H., and daughter of Joseph and Helen ( Dudley j 
Rock, her father being a carpenter. Of this union ha\'e been born six chil- 
dren — Rodney, Benjamin, Fred, Ralph, Leonard and Stella. Mr. Hayes 
gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, b'raternally he is a 
member of the Royal Arcanum at Exeter, while he and his family attend the 
Baptist church. 

Since May, 1913, Mr. Hayes has been grand lecturer of the b'irst Masonic 
District of New Hampshire and an oificer of the Grand Chapter. He is past 
master of Star in the East Lodge, A. V. & A. M.: past high priest of St. 
Alban's Chapter, at Exeter, a memljer of the Commander)- at I'ortsmouth, 
and of the Shrine at Concord, N. H. 

JAMES \V. SCHURMAN,* representative uf Ward Three in the council 
of the city of Portsmouth, X. LL, is a well known citizen and liusiness man. 
He is engaged in supplying ice in the city, running two teams, and has a well 
established business. 

Mr. Schurman was born in Cumberland County. Xov;i Scotia, in 1S48, 
and is a son of Isaac and Miriam ( Lowe) Schurman. The mother died w bile 
they were on a visit to Portsmouth, and Mr. Schurman returned to Nova. 
Scotia, wliore he remained until his death. He was an agriculturist. The 
mother was of the Ba]>tist faith, her father having been a Baptist minister, 
while the Schurmans are Methodists. They reared a family of eleven children, 
of whom eight are living. 

James W. Schurman was reared in his native county, where he attended 
school until he was sixteen years old. He was engaged in various kinds of 
work until he came to the United States about the year 1878. He located 
immediately in Portsmouth, N. H., and for a period of four years was em- 
ployed by H. .\. Yeaton in the grain business. He next rented and conducted 
a farm for two years and at the end of that time embarked in the ice business, 
which he has carried on >ince with uninterrupted success. 

In 1879 Mr. Schurman was married to Miss Katie McCauley, who was 
born on Prince Rdward Island. They have had tlie follow ing children : 
Miriam; Anna, wife of .\. D. lM)stcr. bookkeeper for the electric company at 
Dover, N. H. ; and James Maxwell, who died at the age of nine ycars._ The 
subject of this record is a rejiulilican in jiolitics. He is a memlier of Blue 
Lodge, A. F. & A. M.. and of Osgood Lodge, I. O. O. F. Religiously the 
family attends the Metliodist l^jiiscoiial Church. 

JOHN D. H.\RT, a well known business man of Derry, N. H.. dealer in 
wood and coal, has lieen a resident of this town for the last forty-five years. 
He was born on Prince Edwards Island in 1857, a son of William and Jane 
(Banks) Hart, and was about ten years old when he came to New Hamp- 
shire with bis parents, .\fter .acciuiring liis education in the common schools 



1282 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

he followed farming for a while, but later became connected with the Gage & 
Jones Company, of Lawrence, Mass., lumber dealers, and was with them for 
twenty-three years, making his home in Derry. In 1902 he severed his rela- 
tions with that firm and entered into the lumber and wood business for him- 
self, also dealing in coal, in w'hich line of business he has since been engaged 
successfully. He buys tracts of timber, which he manufactures into lumber, 
finding a ready market for his product. He has two yards, one operated by 
himself and the other by his son, William. 

Mr. Hart was married in 1902 to Etta Currier, of Hampstead, N. H., the 
only issue of this marriage being the son above mentioned. Mr. Hart is one 
of the leading citizens of Derry, highly respected by all who know him for 
his genial disposition, his stpiare dealing as a business man, and his public 
spirit, which leads him to take a useful interest in whatever makes for t!'he 
moral or material betterment of the community in which he lives. His career 
and personal character give ample evidence, were such needed, that men of 
foreign birth can vie with the native stock in all the attributes of good Amer- 
ican citizenship. 

FRANK E. AVERY, representative in 1912-13 to the state legislature 
from the. town of Londonderry, Rockingham County, N. H., was born in 
Londonderry, this rounty, in November, 1867. His father, J. Mason Avery 
was also a native of Londonderry, where he resided most of his life, being 
one of the town's best known citizens. He married Julia Lpton, and they 
had five children, of whom three are now living, namely : ^lark, who is a 
resident of Lowell, Mass. : Alice, wife of William Sanborn, of Nashua, N. H., 
and Frank E., subject of this sketch. 

Frank E. Avery was educated in the schools of this locality and at Pinker- 
ton Academy, and since coming to man's estate has been engaged in farming. 
In connection with his father he had charge of the Londonderry Spring Water 
Company, and for the last fifteen years has had personal charge of this con- 
cern. He has also been engaged in the lumber business, buying timber and 
having it converted into lumber for the market. He operates a large farm 
and has been very successful in this line of enterprise. He has taken a prom- 
inent part in public affairs, having served on the board of selectmen four 
years, and the school board three years. He is the first democrat to be elected 
to the state legislature from the town of Londonderry in the last fifty years, 
which speaks well for his popularity. 

Mr. Avery belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows: also to the 
Grange at Londonderry, of which he was overseer three years. 

He was married in 1889 to Miss Florence Putnam, of Hudson, who is 
a descendant of General Israel Putnam of Revolutionary War fame. He and 
his wife are the parents of two children: Lena M., a graduate of Nashua 
higii school, and Roy P., residing at home with his parents. Mr. Avery is a 
member of the Presbyterian church, which he is serving in the office of deacon. 

HERMAN A. BRACKETT,* an extensive dealer in cattle, horses and 
sheep, is also engaged in butchering on his home place and finds a market 
mainly in Portsmouth. He takes standing among the substantial men of the 
city and has a wide acquaintance. 

Mr. Brackett was born in Portsmouth. X. H., May 20, 1S61, and is a son 
of Charles E. and Martha E. (Tucker) Brackett, being an only child. His 
parents were both born in Portsmouth. His maternal grandfather was John 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1283 

Tucker. Charles E. Brackett followed the butchering business throughout 
his active career, and continued to reside in his native city until his death in 
November, 1894. He was a democrat in politics and for a time served in the 
city council. His parents, Tiiomas and Jane { W'aldron ) Brackett, were early 
residents in Rockingham County. 

Herman .\. Brackett attended the public schools until he was sixteen years 
old, and early in life embarked in the meat business with his father. This 
has been his one line of work and he knows it from every angle. He con- 
tinued with his father until the latter's death, and then established himself in 
the business. He has always taken an earnest interest in ci\ic affairs, and has 
served both on the council and as alderman. 

Mr. Brackett was married February 20, 1884, to Miss Virginia V. Shan- 
non, who was born in Portsmouth. N. H., and is a daughter of Charles W. 
and Julia ( W'hitehouse) Shannon, both natives of Portsmouth. Her father 
was a sparmaker, and was a policeman for some years. He and his wife had 
the following offspring: Flora, wife of Gilman Randall; Gasper Shannon: 
Virginia V. (Brackett) ; Guy S. Shannon; and Lydia, wife of Charles Hum- 
phries. Herman A. and Virginia Brackett had the following children : Ches- 
ter A., who married Martha Paige, by whom he has two children, Helen V. 
and Herman C. ; Guy H. ; Violet M.. wife of Charles S. Prescott; and Charles 
E. Brackett. The family attends the Congregational Church. 

M. .A. McCOY, a member of the firm of McCoy & Horton, proprietors of 
the Scenic Theatre at Derry, X. H.. was born in Westboro. Mass. He was 
reared antl educated in his native town, and began industrial life as an em- 
ploye in a shoe factory, being thus occupied for four or five years. He then 
followed the trade of painter and paper-hanger for awhile, after which he 
went to work for F. J. Howard in repairing and setting up moving picture 
machines, .\bout six years ago. with his present partner, he bought 'out the 
business and. removing to their present location, constructed what is now- 
known as the Scenic Theatre. It has a seating capacity of 520 people, and is 
kept in steady operation, all the leading and favorite pictures being shown as 
they come out. The theatre is a popular place of amusement and instruction 
and the enterprise is flourishing and in a prosperous condition. Mr. McCoy 
belongs to the Knights of Columbus. He was married in 1909 to Miss .Annie 
Nedeau. of Lewiston, Me., aiifl he and his wife are the parents of two sons. 
John and Francis. The famil}- belong to the Catholic church. 

BENJAMIN ST.\CKHOUSE. a well known and respected resident of 
Derry, to which town he came fifteen years ago. was born in St. Johns. New 
Brunswick. October 19. 1856. and was there reared and educated. He came 
to the United States twenty-five years ago. locating at first in Salem, this 
county, and was engineer for the Boston Artificial Leather Company, with 
wdiom he remained ten years. Then coming to Derry. he found em])loynient 
as engineer for the Derry Electric Light Company, holding that position for 
eleven years, since which time he has been engaged partly in home work and 
as an employe of the Derry Shoe Company. He is a member of the Cnited 
Order of Pilgrim Fathers. He has always taken an interest in politics, but 
has ne\"er sought office. This year, however, he is one of the democratic candi- 
dates for representative from Derry to the state legislature. 

Mr. Stackhouse was first married in 1879. in Chelsea. Mass.. to .Miss 
Maggie A. Williams of St. John. New Brunswick. She died seventeen years 



1284 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

ago, having been the mother of several children, of whom there are three now 
living, namely: Grace May and Blanch Kyle (twins), residing in Derry, and 
Ruth Evylin, who is the wife of Arthur E. Weed of Lynn, Mass. Mr. Stack- 
house married for his second wife Miss Mary Bradbury of Methuen, Mass., 
of which union there are no children. 

FREDERICK W. REVXULDS,* owner and operator uf a good farm in 
East Derry, Rockingham County, N. H., was born in 1856, a son of Stephen 
and Sarah (Sergeant) Reynolds. The father, born on the old Reynolds 
homestead in i8jo, was a carpenter and farmer, and in politics a republican. 
His wife Sarah was a native of Candia. N. H. They were the parents of 
five children, only two of whom are now- living, Frederick \\'., the subject of 
this sketch, and Walter. Tracing the Reynolds ancestry farther back, we find 
that the grandfather of our subject, on the paternal side, was also named 
.Stephen. He was born in Derry in 1768 and was a farmer and carpenter. 
He died in 1848. His father was Daniel Reynolds, a Revolutionary soldier, 
with the rank of colonel, who served under General Stark at the Battle of 
Bennington. Thus we see that for at least four generations the Reynolds 
family has been located in this section, and its members generally have been 
patriotic, industrious and law-abiding citizens, useful and respected in their 
day and generation. 

Frederick W. Reynolds was reared and educated in the town of Derry. 
attending the common schools and Pinkerton Academy. He has made farm- 
ing his life business, and, inheriting the steady and industrious qualities of 
his ancestors, has achieved a comfortable degree of pros]jerity. He is a public 
spirited citizen, taking an interest in e\'erything calculated to promote the 
development of the town in which he resides, and his aid and intluence can 
alwavs be counted on in behalf of any worthy cause. 

H/VRR^' W. TILESTOX is superintendent of Hie Derry Shoe Company 
of Derry. X. H., the largest manufacturing concern along this line in Rock- 
ingham county. The product of this plant has an extensive sale throughout 
the United States, and a well established reputation. The luagnitude of this 
company's operations is shown by the fact that the factory has a floor sjiace 
of 131,000 square feet, eleven hundred ])ersons are employed and the output 
totals eleven thousand pairs of shoes per da}-. 

Mr. Tileston was born a"nd rearefl in Dorchester. Mass., and in Boston. 
When eighteen years of age he entered the em]>Ioy of the M. C. Dizer Com- 
pany, shoe n-ianufacturers, and remained with that firm four \-ears. He then 
engaged in the n-ianufacture of shoes at Boston, and later moved to Randolph. 
Mass., where he was similarly engaged for six years. In iqoi, he entered 
the employ of .\. G. ^^'alton & Co., at I^ynn and Chelsea, and from there came 
to Derry and began his connection with the Derry Shoe Company. He knows 
the business thoroughly from e\-ery angle and is regarded as a man whose 
services are well nigh invaluable. In October, 191 3. ^Ir. Tileston was mar- 
ried to Miss Grace Knajip of Tilton. X. H. Fraternally he is a member of the 
Benevolent Protecti\-e (^r<ler of F.Iks. 

HOX. TRl'F L. XORRIS. a member of Gcwcrnor Smith's council from 
the First District, was born in Manchester, X. H. He was educated in the 
public schools of Xew- Hampshire and Massachu.setts, and fitted for Harvard 
College, but the call of his country echoed the voice of duty, and he forsook 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1285 

a college course to enter the army and saw service with the Fifth Massachu- 
setts Volunteers. At the conclusion of his military service the youthful soldier 
took up the law as a student in the office of his father, Col. A. F. L. Norris, in 
Boston, and was admitted to the bar on the day that he attained his majorUy. 
Several years of practice followed, until the allurements of a newspaper career 
drew him away from the law to follow a more zealous mistress, journalism. 
With the zest of a born journalist. Colonel Norris entered upon his work. Fur 
several years he was stationed at Concord, where he represented the .Xew 
York Herald, the Boston Clolie, and the .Manchester I niun. His corre- 
spondence for these papers during the }ears of his service ranks among the 
most brilliant of newspaper productions. The vears co\ered bv C(.)l<jnel .Xorris 
at Concord were exciting in politics and crowded with important events. In 
holding up a daily mirror to this panorama, Colonel Xorris displayed a ver- 
satility, a piquant originality, and a correctness and minuteness of description 
that called attention to his work as among the best of its kind. 

In 1887 Col. Charles A. Sinclair bought the Daily Evening Time^. and 
Weekly States and Union, and Mr. Norris at once assumed the position of 
editor and manager of both papers, thereupon transferring his residence to 
Portsmouth. As an editor he sustained the reputation he had made as a cor- 
respondent; and as a manager he has develo]ied business (jualities ecjual to his 
journalistic skill. .\s a result of this rare comliination Colonel Xorris has the 
satisfaction of presiding over a bright paper that m point of circulation and 
influence is second to none. 

HARRY P. MOWE,* one of the proprietors of the .\rcade Bowling 
Alleys, is a well known citizen of Portsmouth, N. H.. where he has resided 
many years. He was born in Rye, New Hampshire, July 23. 1868, and is a 
son of John S. and Flora A. ( Rendel) Mowe. 

John S. Mowe was a waresman in his early }-ears, selling groceries from 
a wagon, but during the last ten years of his life was engaged as shii)])er in 
the Tones Brewery in Portsmouth. He is survived by Mrs. Mowe, who lives 
.in Portsmouth. There are two children in the fannly : .\rlie. w ife of William 
Lessor ; and Harry P. 

Harry P. Mowe attended the pul)lic schools until he was lilteen years okl. 
when he entered the ])usiness world. He was variously engaged for many 
years, for a period of .seventeen years being employed in shoe factories. He 
started a billiard hall in the Fraiiklin Block, where he continued ,vith much 
success for ten years. He then moved to his present location and established 
regulation bowd'ing alleys. In addition to the alleys. The .\rcade conducts a 
pool room with five tables. They have a well patronized business as a result 
of their thoroughly modern ecpiipment and the manner in which they care foF 
their patrons. Mr. Mowe is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and of the 
Benevolent Protective Order of F.Iks. 

T^Rb^D S. W FI'.STI'.K. ])roprii'tor oi' ;ui up-lo-date livery stable in Wind- 
ham, Rockingham Countv. X. 11., who is .also representative to the legisla- 
ture'from this town, was born in Methuen, Mass.. July i-'. uSjf.. a son of 
Charles O. and Dencie L. Webster. He was reared and educated m his native 
place in the High School and Cannon Commercial College and about fifteen 
vears' ago came to Canobie Lake, ^^'indham, having previously l)een engaged 
in the hardware business for a time in Lawrence, Mass. .\fter coming here 
he cn-a^ed in the liverv business, and has al<o dealt more or ]e<< in real estate. 



1286 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

being successful in both lines uf industry. He was appointed postmaster at 
Canobie Lake April 15, 1910, and is still serving. He has also served effi- 
ciently on the board of health, and as selectman, holding the latter office for 
three years. He was elected representative from the town of Windham in 
1913 and is still serving with credit in that position. In politics he is a re- 
publican. Mr. Webster is a member of the Alasonic Lodge at Salem, this 
county, and also belongs to the Odd Fellows' Lodge at Methuen, Mass. Since 
coming here he has taken an active and beneticial interest in public atlairs 
and proved himself a useful and enterprising citizen. He was married in 
1899 to Miss Lura Dow, a granddaughter of Abel Dow of Windham. He 
and his wife are the parents of three children: Mabel, who is attending Pink- 
erton Academy, being now in her second year; George K. and Fred S.. Jr. 

B. F. \\ ILSOX,* a prosperous resident of Derry, N. H., who at the age 
of seventy-four years- is still actively engaged in the lumber business, was 
born in Chester, Rockingham County, N. H., in 1840, a son of Benjamin 
Wilson. The father, a nati\'e of I'elham, this county, was a farmer and lum- 
berman. 

The subject of this sketch was reared in Chester and resided there until 
thirty-seven years of age. Early in life he engaged in the lumber and saw- 
mill business, having a portable mill which he inoved from one tract of tim- 
ber to another, manufacturing his lumber on the spot. Li connection with 
this industry he also operated a farm. His mill is now located at Chester, 
N. H., and he is still personally operating it. He is one of the older residents 
of this community whose ancestors date back to the time of the Pilgrims. 

Mr. Wilson was married forty-seven years ago to Miss Abbie A. Rowe, 
of Nottingham, X. H. He and his wife have been the parents of five chil- 
dren, namely: Ivinnie M., wife of W^illiam H. Benson; Rosa B., who resides 
in Derry; Hattie M., wife of John Moncrieff. proprietor of the Hotel Brad- 
ford; Ira F., of Derry, and Arthur L.. who also resides in Derry. All the 
members of Mr. Wilson's family are worthy and useful members of the com- 
munity in which they reside and show the value of good training and sound 
heredity. Mr. Wilson is still hale and hearty and capable of doing a good 
day's work. 

JOHN CARROLL CHASE, president and treasurer of The Benjamin 
Chase Company, of Derry, N. H., manufacturers of various specialties in 
wood, chief among which are loom reed ribs and harness shafts, labels and 
stakes for nurserymen and florists, was born in Chester. Rockingham County, 
N. H., July 26, 1849. His parents were Charles and Caroline ( Chase ) Cliase, 
the mother being a daughter of Benjamin Chase. autlKir of the History of 
Chester, N. H. 

John H. Chase spent his boyhood days on the farm, beginning his educa- 
tion in the district schools. Later he graduated from Pinkerton Academy, 
Derry. X. H.. and then continued his education in the Massachusetts Insti- 
tute of Technology. He began the real work of life as a teacher in the schools 
of the Bay State. Deciding to adopt civil engineering as his profession, he 
made his start with Joseph B. Sawyer of Manchester. X. H. During the 
construction of the Manchester Water Works system he was assistant engi- 
neer for about four years. Subsequent to this he was engaged professionally 
upon the Boston Water Works and the Elevated Railway Systems of Xew 
York City. L'nder the Civil Service regulations he entered the Xew York 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1287 

custom house, but after two years, in 1881, he resigned the assistant cashier- 
ship HI the naval office to accept the position of superintendent and engineer 
of the Clarendon Water Works Company of Wilmington, X. C, where he re- 
mained until 1897, during that time acting as city surveyor of Wilmington 
for several years, consulting engineer for the Atlantic Coast Line and doing 
a general engineering business. He was also a member of the state board of 
health of North Carolina from 1893 to 1897. While in the Old North State 
he became a member of the Royal Arch Chapter of Masons, of which he w^as 
High Priest; with the Commandery of Knights Templar of the same order, 
of which he was Eminent Commander and Dei)uty Grand Commander; and 
with the Royal Arcanum, being Regent in the sanie. He is also a past mas- 
ter of Mt. Nebo Council Royal and Select J.Iasters of Derry. 

In 1897 Air. Chase returned to his native state and settled in Derry, be- 
coming associated with his uncle, Mr. Benjamin Chase, in a manufacturing 
business founded by the uncle in 1867 and with which he is now connected. 
On the incorporation of the business in 1907 he became treasurer and gen- 
eral manager of the concern and on the death of Mr. Benjamin Chase in 
19 1 2 succeeded him as president. He is a member and secretary of the board 
of trustees of Pinkerton Academy; a trustee and treasurer of the Taylor 
Library of Derry; a member of the New England Historic Genealogical 
Society and vice president from X. H. American Society of Civil Engineers, 
American Public Health Association, Boston Society of Civil Engineers, 
the New Hampshire Historical Society, the New England Water Works As- 
sociation and other kindred associations. He is a trustee and president of the 
Nuffield Savings Bank of Derry. He is also a member of the Technology 
and Boston Cit}' Clubs of Boston. Since November, 1872, he has been a 
member of Hillsborough Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F., of Manchester, X. H. 

Mr. Chase married Miss Mary L. Durgin, of West Xewbury, Mass., in' 
whom he has two daughters, Carolyn Louise and Alice Durgin, both of whom 
are graduates of Pinkerton Academy and Wellesley College. The first- 
named is the wife of Dr. RafYaele Lorini of Coronado, Calif., and the last 
named the wife of Prof. Samuel C. Prescott of the Massachusetts Institute 
of Technology and director of the Boston Bio-Chemical Laboratory. 

ARTHUR H. S.\WVER. proprietor of the largest dry goods store at 
Exeter, has been in the mercantile business in this city for the past si.xteen 
years and is well and favorably known as a business man all over Rocking- 
ham County. He was born at Worcester. Mass., in June, 1873, and is a son 
of Romaine A. and Xellie (Goodwin) Sawyer. The father was born in Ver- 
mont and was a machinist during active life: the mother was a native oi 
Massachusetts. Both are now deceased. They had two children: Arthur H. 
and Bessie, who is the wife of Clyde Hunt, a butter manufacturer of .Stock- 
bridge, Vt. The paternal grandfather was Samuel Sawyer, who was well 
known in early days in Vermont. 

Arthur H." Sawyer was educated in the public schools of Vermont and 
was graduated from the high school in the class of 1889. He began mercan- 
tile life in a general store at Barry, Mass., and was employed as clerk for ten 
years — a long enough experience to justify him embarking in business for 
himself, which he subsecjuently did. coming to Exeter in 1897. He first 
purchased the store of William H. C. Follansbee. then located at Xo. 168 
Water Street, but under his enterprising methods the business was so ex- 
panded that new <|uarters became necessary and in February. i<)i4. he re- 



1288 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

moved to his present commodious place at No. 59 Water Street, in the new 
Masonic block. Here he carries a large and carefully selected stock of dry 
goods and ladies' furnishings and has no reason to complain of lack of pat- 
ronage, being kept busy himself and requiring three young ladies as clerks 
to attend to customers. His policy has always been to supply the demands 
of trade with the very best quality of goods obtainable and to treat customers 
not only honestly but with every mark of courtesy and he has found that this 
admirable policy has been appreciated. 

In 1896 Air. Sawyer was married to Aliss Alice Follansby, who was born 
at Tilton, N. H., a daughter of Charles H. and Mary (Mazuvoa) Follansby. 
The mother of Mrs. Sawyer is deceased. The father is a banker of Barry, 
Mass., and Mrs. Sawyer is an only child. Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer have one 
son, Charles Follansby, who is a student in the Exeter High school. The 
family attends the Unitarian church, in which Mr. Sawyer was reared and 
at present he is a church trustee. Nominally he is a republican in political 
affiliation but is not party bound, using his own judgment in casting his vote. 
His membership in the Masonic fraternity covers many years and he belongs 
to Blue lodge and Chapter at E.xeter, the Commandery at Portsmouth and 
the Mystic Shrine at Concord. 

ARTHUR GREEXOUGH.* head of the .Vrthur Greenough Company, 
of Derry, N. H., manufacturers of lumber, box stock, etc.. which concern he 
established here about thirteen years ago, was born in Chester, Rockingham 
county, N. H., December 20, 1856, a son of William and Harriett (Parker) 
Greenough. The father of our subject was born in Chester, Pa., where his 
active years were spent in conducting a general store. He was the son of 
Smith Greenough, who was a farmer and died at the age of thirty-one years. 
The latter also was a native of Chester. 

Mrs. Harriett Parker Greenough was a daughter of Nathaniel Parker, 
who was the first deacon of the Derry village Congregational church, and 
brother of the Rev. Edward Parker, pastor for many years of the Congrega- 
tional church of East Derry. the Parkers being one of the old settled families 
in this section. 

Mr. and Mrs. William Greenough reared a family of five sons and one 
daughter, namely: William S.. Lucy Parker. Augustus O. Charles X., 
George A. and Arthur. William .S. (^ireenough raised a company for serx'ice 
in the Civil war ami went to the front with it. doing good service as a .soldier. 
During his latter years he was engaged in business in Boston. Mass. He died 
at Wakefield, Alass., in 1913. Lucy P. Greenough died in 1901. .\ugustus 
O. Greenough is engaged in farming at Southboro, Mass. Charles N. Green- 
ough is a retired lumljerman residing in Derry, N. H. George -\ Greenough 
is paymaster at the .-\moskeag Mills. Manchester, N. H. 

.\rthur Greenough resided in Chester, N. H., until he was seventeen years 
old. He then went to California, where he was engaged in the cattle business 
and farming for five years. .\t the end of that time he returned to Wake- 
field, Mass., and engaged in the grocery business, in which occupation he con- 
tinued for twenty-two years. In ii)o_' he came to Derry and built his pres- 
ent large lumber plant, which he has since operated very successfully. He 
also operates a portable saw-mill in the woods, buying tracts of timber and 
turnmg it into lumber on the ground where the trees are felled. He owns a 
considerable amount of real estate in Derry. including business blocks and 
residences which he built. .\ public spirited citizen, he has served on the 
board of selectmen (two vcars) and was chairman of the board. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1289 

Mr. Greenough was married in 1897 to Miss Julia L. Hopkins, a daughter 
of Sumner E. Hopkins, of Wakefield, Mass., a farmer. Mr. Greenough is 
a cousin of Chief Justice I'arsons, of the Supreme Court of New Hampshiie, 
the latter's mother being a Parker. He affiliates with the Central Congrega- 
tional church of Derry village. 

G. k. BARTLETT,* a lawyer and banker doing business in Boston, 
Mass., is one of the leading citizens of Derry, Rockingham County, N. li. 
He was born in Derry. X. H., a son of J. C. Bartlett. He was educated 
in the schools of Derry and at Pinkerton Academy, where he graduated in 
the class of 1873. He then began the study of law in the oflke of his father, 
who has practiced in Derry for a number of years, and in 1878, was admitted 
to the bar. He first located for the practice of law in New Market, this 
county, remaining there one year, at the end of which time, on account of his 
father's illness, he retired for a while. Later he again took up his profes- 
sion, being associated with Samuel W". Emery of Portsmouth. He still re- 
tains an interest in the firm of Bartlett, Bartlett & Grinnell. He is a mem- 
ber of the state bar associations of both New Hampshire and Massachusetts. 
Mr. Bartlett has also important business interests aside from the law. being 
a director in several corporations, both in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. 
He is also president of the Derry Electric Railway, and the Chester & Derry 
Electric Railway: vice president of the Derry National Bank; a trustee of 
Pinkerton Academy: director of H. \\ Hood & Sons, and ijresident and 
director of the Boston Insulated Wire & Cable Company. In the Masonic 
order he has advanced to the 3Jd degree. Mr. Bartlett was married in U)Oj 
to Miss Clara R. Hood, a daughter of H. P. Hood. Mrs. Bartlett died in 
i()i 1. lea\ing an adopted daughter. Katherine Bartlett. 

JAMES A. -McCARTHW* a member of the Cottle & McCardiy Heat- 
ing & Plumbing Compan\^ located on Chestnut .Street, Portsmouth. N. H., 
was Ijorn in Boston. Mass.. Deceml)er 7. 1863. His parents were Warner D. 
and Ellen (Pickett) McCarthy. The father was born in England, while his 
parents were abroad on a business trip, but he was reared and educated in 
America, and was afterwards engaged in business a^ a bunt and shoe manu- 
facturer. His wife, the iiKither (if uur subject, was a native of Virginia. 
Both aTe now deceased and are buried in Camljridge. Mass. They had three 
children: Mary, wife of John 1'. Kelley: Elenore, wife of C. b'rank Belk- 
nap, and James .\. The parents were Catholics in religion. 

lames A. McCarth_\- was educated in the gramiuar and high schools of 
Cambridge. Mass. l'"or two years after graduating from the high school he 
traxeled in \arious ])arts of the Cnited States, chiefly fcjr pleasure. He then 
began to learn the heating and ventilating business with tiie lirm of I,el'.os(piet 
Bros., of Eloston, Mass.. who were pioneers in this business. After remain- 
ing with them for fifteen years as a journeyman on the road and ^uperin^ 
tenclent. he came U< Piirt>ni(iutli. a> foreman for W". 1*", i'anl. with wlinni 
he reiuained for ten vears. b'or eight years subseipiently he had charge of 
the heating department of the Portsmouth Heating and Pluml)ing Company, 
after which, on October 1. lo'.v be started his ])re.sent business, being asso- 
ciated therein with Mr. Cottle. Although a newly established llriu. they are 
already doing a good Inisiness. and their prospects are bright for a success- 
ful future. 

Mr. McCarthy is a republican in politics and takes an active interest in 



1290 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

local affairs. He has served the city as a member of the council, and was 
clerk of his ward for three years. He is past grand in the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, esteemed leading knight in the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks, and a member of the Royal Arcanum. In October. 1889, he 
was married to Julia F. Sullivan, a native of Cambridge, Mass. They have 
four children, namely : Ralph G., a graduate of the Portsmouth High School, 
who spent three and a half years at Harvard and is now engaged in learning 
the manufacture of boots and shoes; James A., Jr., a graduate of the high 
school, who is engaged in the forestry business in New York; Agnes M., a 
student at the Portsmouth Training School, and H. b'rancis. The family 
are members of the Catholic church. 

JAMES P. COMEAU, proprietor of the po])ular summer resort at Beaver 
Lake, Rockingham County, N. H., with which he has been connected since 
1904, was bom in Nova Scotia, March 17, 1878, a son of Wallace and Annie 
Comeau. In his earlier youth he followed a sea-faring life, at the age of 
fourteen making a trip to the West Indies, on the three-masted schooner, 
"Bess." Later he made three trips to Europe on Cunard freighters, two on 
the Corinthia and one on the Sylvania, and subse(|uently snent three months 
on the fishing sloop, "Fair Play," which was engaged in fishing on the Grand 
Banks, of¥ Newfoundland. At last, tiring of the sea, he went to Haverhill, 
Mass., where he worked in a shoe factory for awhile. About 1902 he came 
to Derry, finding employment in the Bradford Hotel. After remaining there 
for two years he took charge ofthe Beaver Lakes resort, with which he has 
since been connected, with the exception of two winters spent at the Royal 
Poncianna Hotel, Palm Beach, Pla. Mr. Comeau is chieflv concerned with 
the active management of the Beaver Lake resort and since becoming con- 
nected with it has made many valuable im])rovenients. When he first came 
here there were only four cottages, while at the present time there are about 
seventy-five. These improvements and the consequent financial gain have 
been chiefly accomplished by strenuous hustling, accompanied by constant 
and judicious advertising, in all of which Mr. Comeau is an adept. A fine 
bathing beach has been constructed and many other attractions added. The 
outlet has been screened and the lake has been stocked with lake trout, which 
will give fishing advantages to sportsmen, an additional attraction. This work 
was completed in the fall of 1914, October 22. On Nov. 10. 1914, Mr. 
Comeau opened a fine lunch and dining room in the Broadway Theatre Build- 
ing, Derry. As a good citizen, Mr. Comeau takes a keen interest in good 
government and for that reason takes an active part in politics. He is a 
charter member of Derry Aerie of Eagles. 

Mr. Comeau was married June 10, 191 1, to ]\Iiss Julia A. Sullivan, of 
Manchester, N. H., and has one son, James ?>ederick. He and his family 
are members of the Catholic church. As a wide-awake, ut>-to-date, hustling 
business man, Mr. Comeau has established a record in this vicinity that is 
hard to beat. 

FRED L. LE.\CH,* owner and proprietor of the Portsmouth Heatiiig 
and Plumbing Company, was born in this city November 17, 187 J. His 
parents were Leonard and Fannie M. f Sawyer) Leach, the father being now 
a resident of Portsmouth. The mother of our subject died in 1879. They 
had but two children: Mabel, wife of Frank A. Moulton and Fred L. 

Fred L. Leach was educated in the grammar and high .schools of this city, 




JAMKS 1'. I'OMKAi; 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1293 

graduating from the latter in 1890. He began industrial life as clerk and 
bookkeeper in his present line of work and was eniployetl successi\ely by sev- 
eral different firms until the present company was organized in 1904. It was 
established as a corporation and still remains so, although the other original 
members, C. H. Paul and Geo. D. Richardson, are no longer connected with 
it. Mr. Leach is doing a prosperous business and is widely known as a pro- 
gressive and substantial citizen. He is a republican in politics and a mem- 
ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Royal Arcanum. 
He was married in 1895 to Grace A. Lord, who was born in Portsmouth. 
a daughter of Norman \V. and Mary (Townsend) Lord, the former of whom 
was a liquor dealer of this city. Both parents of Mrs. Leach are deceased. 
They had but two children, their other child being a son, Nomian. Mr. and 
Mrs. Leach are the parents of a daughter. Ethel M. The family attend the 
Episcopal chuch. 

JAMES E. CHICKERING,* contracting mason and manufacturer of 
concrete blocks, having a shop at No. 225 Union street, Portsmouth. N. H., 
was born in this city, December 12, 1873, ^ ^o" oi John and :\Iargaret ( Flynn) 
Chickering. The father of our subject, John W. Chickering, was a native of 
Kittery, Me., and by occupation a laboring man, l>eing janitor of the main 
office of the Navy Yard for a number of years. His wife Margaret was born 
in England and came to this country when a child. She is now deceased. 

James E. Chickering. who was the only child of his parents, was educated 
in the common schools of Portsmouth. He began industrial life as driver of a 
grocery team for Albert E. Rand, for whom he worked nine months. He then 
learned the mason's trade, which he has since followed, at first as a journey- 
man, and in recent years as a contractor. He now employs about twelve men 
and is doing a successful Inisiness. He is independent in politics and has 
served on the council. He is a Blue Lodge INIason and Knight of Pxlhias. 

Mr. Chickering was married. July 19, 1900, to Miss Morgie B. Smart, 
who was born in Portsmouth, N. H., a daughter of William W. and Mary 
(Brackett) Smart. Her father, who was a i^utcher, is deceased, but her 
mother is still living in Portsmouth. Mr. and Mrs. Chickering are the parents 
of four children — Ella, Cora, Irvin W. and Leon W. The family are affil- 
iated religiously with St. John's Episcopal Church. They have a pleasant 
and tasteful residence at No. 325 W'ibird Street. Portsmouth. 

ROSECRANS W. PILLSBL'RV, attorney at law, nt Derry. N. H., is 
a man of exceptional ability and is, moreover, one of the best known men 
in the political life of the state. He was born in Londonderry. N. H., Sep- 
tember — , 1863, a son of Col. W. S. and Martha (Crowell) Pillsbury. His 
father, founder of the famous Pillsbury shoe factories, was one of the most 
prominent business men in Rockingham County. 

The subject of this sketch ac(|uired his elementary education in the ])ul)lic 
schools. subse(|uent!y attended Pinkerton .\cademy. and then entered, Dart- 
mouth College as a member of the Class of 1885. After working in his 
father's shoe factory for awhile, also being engaged in other enterprises, he 
entered the law office of Drury & Peaslee. at Manchester. N. H.. where he 
began the study of his profession, later continuing it at Boston I'niversity. 
He was admitted to the bar in 1890. 

Air. Pillsbury has ever taken an active interest in public affairs, and has 
made a careful studv of ])olitics. He is a prominent member of the republi- 



1294 HISTOm- OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

can party, has serveil uii the Republican State Central Conmiittee. also four 
terms in the legislature; in 1889 he was the youngest member of the Consti- 
tutional Convention, and also served in the Constitutional Convention of 1901 
and 191 1. He was offered by Cjo\ernor Smith the position of judge advocate" 
on his personal staff, but declined the honor. In the present year (1914J he 
was a prominent candidate for the republican nomination for Governor. A 
man of wide knowledge, broad views on pulilic cjuestions, with a sympathetic 
understanding of the wants and needs of the various classes of the popula- 
tion, he has all the essential qualifications for an ideal public official, and doubt- 
less the future has still much in store for him. 

K.\RL A. FIXK.* assistant iirew master for the Portsmouth Brewing 
Company, at Portsmouth. X. H., was born in Baden. Germany, December 
8, 1864, son of F^rank and Carolina (Griarl Fink. The father was a l)utcher 
and stock buyer, and he and his wife had a family of six chiklren. The suli- 
ject of this sketch was the only one of the family to come to America. 

Karl A. F^ink in his youth attended the common and high schools in his 
native land. He then learned the brewing business and also the cooper's trade. 
Coming to .\merica at the age of nineteen years, he landed in Nova Scotia, 
whence he went to Xew York, where he found employment in a brewery, 
remaining there four years. Later he worked in breweries in Chicago, 111. 
and Pittsburg, Pa., coming to Portsmouth in 1898. Mr. Fink is an expert 
man at his trade and has given full satisfaction in the responsible position 
he now holds. He married Carrie Thomas of Pittslnirg, Pa., a daughter of 
George Thomas. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church. Flis 
society affiliations are with the B. P. O. F... and the Portsmouth Yacht Club. 
In ])olitics lie is independent. 

RIEXZI RID(iF,* owner and proprietor of the old Foye farm of thirty- 
five acres in the town of Rye, was born in Kennebunk, Me., May 3, 1857. 
His father, Charles .\. Ridge, a native of England, was a shoemaker. The 
mother of our subject was born in Maine. Both are now deceased. They 
were members of St. John's church. They had six children, all sons, namely : 
Thomas, Charles, Henry, Stover, Rienzi and John. 

Rienzi Ridge acc(uired his education in the common schools. He then 
learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed for about ten years after 
which he was associated with his brothers in the butchering business for six 
years. Elected street commissioner for the city of Portsmouth, he served in 
that position for twelve years. He also became a contractor, constructing 
roads and doing grading for several years. This business he still continues, 
being now engaged in building two and a half miles of road for the state. He 
is a republican in politics, and served as deputy sheriff for two years; he also 
served two terms as representative to the legislature. 

Mr. Ridge married Emma Oliva Adams, who was born in Portsmouth, 
N. H., a daughter of Oliver and Jane (Eoss) Adams, her father being a ship 
caulker by occupation. Both her parents are now dead. Their children 
were George, Rufus, Oliver, Joseph, Ella, May (deceased), Ena (deceased), 
and Emma O. Mr. and Mrs. Ridge are the parents of five children, namely ; 
Florence (wife of Archie L. Emory and who has a son, Calvin), Ethel. Evelvn, 
Rienzi, Jr.. and Charles. Mr Ridge and his family attend St. John's church. 
He is a member of the Benevolent Order of Elks and of the P. A. C. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1295 

GEORGE C. DOW',* who has charge of a shoe shop at Seabrook \ H 
\yas born in this town. October js. 1867, a son of Albert M. and Keziah ( Col- 
lins) Dow. The father of our subject was a native of Seai^rook and was in 
early lite a shoemaker and later a shoefreighter. He was also at one time 
eiigaged m deep sea fishing. He and his wife had four children namely 
Charles E.. George C. Hulda. wiio marrie.l Tacb S iMnvler, and Joseph F 
who resides in Seabrook. 

George C. Dow was educated in the public schools and then learned the 
trade of shoemaker with Dodge Bros, of Seabrook, being subsequently pro- 
moted tp his present position as foreman. He has been active and useful in 
town affairs, served as tax collector for six years, was supervisor six years 
and school treasurer six years, a member of the school board three years, and 
representative in 190J-3 He married Miss Alberta Bragg, daughter of Dan- 
iel Bragg of Seabrook. X. H. Their children are George Ellworth and Ger- 
trude Emma. 

KIMBALL M. McLACGHLIX. a prominent farmer and lumber dealer 
of the town of Salem. Rockingham County. X. H.. was bom in this town in 
1863, son of John and Susan T. (Kimball) McLaughlin. The father, [ohn 
McLaughlin, was born in Belfast. Ireland, where he acquired a good education. 
When eighteen years of age he came to .\merica, settling in Providence. R I., 
where he learned the tailor's trade. Subse(iuently he worked at his trade in 
Lowell. Mass.. and later in Methuen. Mass.. coming to .Salem, X'. H., in 1838. 
Here he engaged in business for himself, but after awhile went to Wolfboro. 
where for some time he carried on a large business. He finally returned to 
Salem, however, and devoted the rest/ of his life to farming. In politics 
he was a democrat, and he was widely recognized as a useful and ])ublic spir- 
ited citi^n. His wife Susan was horn in Salem. X. H. They had seven 
children, namely: James B., who married Carrie Batchelder and has three 
sons and a daughter: Maria J., who married J. H. Lancaster: John D. ; Mar\- 
Elizabeth, who married L. O. X'orris: Clement A.. Kimball M. and Loren B. 

Kimball M. McLaughlin was educated in the public schools of Salem anrl 
at Derry, N^. H. He subseipiently took up farming as his chief occupation and 
is now operating a large farm successfully, besides dealing to a considerable 
extent in lumber. One of Salem's substantial business men, he is strongly 
interested in the welfare of the town. 

Mr. McLaughlin married Miss Margaret Crowell. daughter of William G. 
and IMalinda I. Crowell. her father being a native of Salem and her mother 
of Haverhill, Mass. 

XEWELL P. M-ARDEX^,* a carpenter owning thirty acres of land in 
the town of Rye. was born in this town on his present farm, which has been 
owned in the i\Iarden family for the last 100 years, on January 30. 1880. 
His parents were John and Fannie f Brown) Marden. both natives of Rye. 
the father having been born in the same house as the subject of this sketch. 
John Marden died January 2 190J : his wife surviving him. is still a resident 
of Rye. The former was a carpenter. They had three children : Fred. 
Florence and Newell P. 

X^ewell P. Marden was educated in the common schools of this town only. 
For five years he was employed in the life saving service as substitute. When 
a boy of sixteen he started to learn the carpenter's trade under his father and 
has followed it ever since, doing but little farming. He was married June 



1296 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

i6, 1909, to Ruth Berry, who was born in Rye, a daugliter of Joseph W. 
Berry, who was a carpenter of this town. He and his wife have one child, 
a son, Robert. Mr. Marden is a repubhcan in pohtics but not a strict party 
man, reserving the right to vote outside of party hne upon fitting occasion. 
He is now serving as selectman ; also as town moderator and school moderator. 
He has taken an interest in public affairs and held office ever since he was 
twenty-three years old. Fraternally he belongs to the Grange and to the Junior 
Order of American Mechanics. He and his family attend the Congregational 
church. 

JOHN FRED EMERY,''' is one of the best known residents of the town 
of Stratham, where he is engaged in fanning, and truck gardening. He has 
been active in the affairs of the community and in 1907 served as state rep- 
resentative. He is a native of Rockingham County, N. H., having been bom 
in the town of Stratham. .\ugust 19. 1869. a son of John and Mary (Brew- 
ster) Emery. 

John Emery, the father, is still living on the home place, and although past 
eighty-one years of age is still active and takes an interest in the working of 
the farm, his son being in partnership with him. He is the pioneer truck 
gardener of this section, and remembers w hen he took strawberries to market 
at Portsmouth and sold them for seventy-five cents per box. He is a repub- 
lican in politics. His marriage with Mary Brewster resulted in the birth of 
but one child, John l^^red. Her death occurred February 6, 1896. 

John Fred Emery attended the public schools of his native town, and 
high school at Exeter, having graduated from the latter in the class of 1S86. 
He then returned to the home farm and has since been in partnership with his 
father. He was tax collector four years, and also served a like jieriod as 
selectman, being chairman of the board. When serving as rei>resentative he. 
together with Thomas Sheey of Newfields, fathered the bill, whereby the toll 
bridge between the two townships was enabled to be made a free bridge. The 
county assumed the ownership and the two townships took over the indebt- 
edness. The Emery farm consists of eighty acres, is impro\-ed with good 
substantial building, and is under a high state of cultivation. 

Mr. Emery was united in marriage with Miss Frances L. Stoddard, of 
Portsmouth, a daughter of George L. and Frances (Tate) Stoddard. Her 
father was a farmer. She is one of the following children : ]\Irs. Henry 
Jewett, Mrs. Walter Rand, Mrs. John Smith, Mrs. Fred O. Green, Grace. Mrs. 
Edward P. Tracy, Frances L. (Emery), and Herbert. Mr. and Mrs. Emery 
have two children: John Lamson and' Mary Louise. Religiously, they attend 
the Congregational Church. Mr. Emery is one of the most prominent mem- 
bers of the Improved Order of Red Alen in the State of New Hampshire. 
He was Great Sachem of the order in the state, and four times has been re])- 
resentative to the Great Council, of the United States, and expects to go 
again at the Council to be held in Portland in the fall of 19 14. 

LEVI D. COLLINS.* a well known and highly esteemed citizen of the 
town of Seabrook. N. H., was born in this town. May 27. 1881. son of Robert 
F. and Emily A. (Fowler) Collins. He was one of seven children, having 
one brother. Robert W.. and five sisters. Of the latter. Hannah married 
Frank B. Eaton (deceased) : Lottie M. married Frank Lawrence Chase (de- 
ceased), and Clara A. married William O. Eaton, a brother of Frank B. 
Eaton. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1297- 

Levi D. Collins was educated in the grammar school and at Putnam High 
School, Newburyport, Mass., where he spent one year. He is now serving 
his seventh term as a member of the board of selectmen of the town of Sea- 
brook. He belongs to the Junior Order of American Mechanics, being a mem- 
ber of Passaconaway Council, No. 7, and has held all the offices in the Council. 
He has attended several state meetings of the State Council, and is now serv- 
ing in his third year as financial secretary. He also belongs to Alfred N. Dow 
Camp, No. 42, Division of New Hampshire, Sons of Veterans, held all its 
offices, and was its first secretary and treasurer. He has been representative 
to the State Division and has been on the Camp Council of the State Division. 
He is a member of the Home Mutual Aid Society of Seabrook and is a past 
president of the Society. He attended the last senatorial convention held in 
the district at Exeter, voting for Hon. John X. Sanborn of Hampton b'alls 
for senator. 

Mr. Collins married Grace M. Randall of Sealirook May 31, 1901. a 
daughter of Arthur and Betsey Randall. He and his wife have been the 
parents of four children, as follows: Madeline R. and Marion L. (twins, of 
whom the former is now living and the latter died .when six weeks old) ; 
Frank W. and Arthur W'., both of whom are living. 

FRED RECKENDORF,''' owner and proprietor of a thriving black- 
smith shop in Portsmouth, was born in Boston, Mass., May 6, 1880, a son 
of Jacob Reckendorf, Besides the subject of this sketch there were three 
other children in the Reckendorf family — Amelia, .\nna. who was adopted by 
people of the name of Washburn, and Peter. 

Fred Reckendorf lost his parents when he was only three years old. Pie 
attended the common schools in boyhood and until he was eighteen years 
of age, in the meanwhile, however, beginning to learn the blacksmith's trade. 
After leaving school he continued to work at blacksmithing, in the dull season 
being connected with the fish business. After working at his trade in various 
places in New England, spending three months in Dover, he came to Ports- 
mouth from that city in September, 1012. and established his present busi- 
ness. Mr. Reckendorf married Margaret Huntley, a native of North Cutler, 
Me. She died November 18, I911, leaving one child, a daughter, Leona. 
Mr. Reckendorf is independent in politics. 

GEORGE J\I. AUSTIN, who comes of an old and respected family of 
Salem, N. H.. is engaged in the insurance Imsiness at Lawrence, Mass. He 
was born in North Salem, N. H.. October 17. 1878. and is a son of John 
Austin, and a grandson of John W. Austin. 

John Austin, father of the subject of this record, was born in Salem, and 
in his younger days worked in a grocery store. He was for some time with 
John Wheeier in the manufacture of woolen goods at North Salem, and dur- 
ing the last thirty years of his life engaged in the lumber business. His death 
occurred in lOci ' He married Josephine .\. Duston. who came of an historic 
old -Colonial family. 

The Dustons trace their genealogy back to the liardy old pioneer Thomas 
Duston for Dustin), whose wife was Hannah Duston, in who.se memory 
a life sized statue holding a tomahawk in an attitude of defense is standing 
in the park at Haverhill, Mass. Their grandson, Thomas Duston, was founder 
of the New Hampshire branch of the family. He purchased 300 acres of 
land in North Salem on which he settled his three sons — Thomas, Obadiah 



1298 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

and Caleb. Obadiah Duston was born December 5, i8ob, and lived al home 
until he was twenty-five years old, assisting his father on the farm. He 
attended the academy at Atkinson where he was a schoolmate of Rev. Jesse 
Page and Dr. Coggswell. He was married in 1H31 to Anne \\ hittaker of 
Haverhill and they had six children : Hannah, wife of John Hollowell ; Ruth ; 
Harriet, who married John M. Hunt and had four children: Thomas, who 
was the only boy in the family ; Elizabeth and Lorin. Mr. Duston"s rirst 
business was that of caring for the town poor and teaching school. He then 
took up work on the farm on which he spent the remainder of his active days. 
He also engaged in the manufacture of lumber. He served hve years as a 
selectinan, and for more than forty years was justice of the peace. When 
nineteen years of age, in 1825, he was made captain of the artillery of the 
state militia. His first wife died February 10, 1870. and he later married 
Fidelia Cook, widow of Edward Cook. Her death occurred August 24, 1876. 
John and Josephine A (Duston) Austin became parents of the following 
children : Anna, John, and George M. Austin. 

John Austin, brother of the subject of this sketch, was born in Salem, 
N. H., August 10, 1868. and is engaged in the real estate business there. He 
married Hattie C. Kelly, who died leaving him one son, Millard Kelly, born 
June 28, 1894. He formed a second union with Eliza A. Pike, and they have 
a son, John D., born in April, 191 1. 

George M. .\ustin was educated in the public schools at Methuen and after 
leaving school was engaged as a bookkeeper for two years. He then went to 
Dedham. where he was in the meat and produce business for one year, after 
which he returned to Methuen. Two years later he came to Lawrence, Mass., 
and worked one year in a grocery store. In February. 1900, he bought out 
the insurance business of A. M. Fay, which he has since conducted. He is a 
man of energy and ability, with a well developed faculty for making friends, 
and his success had been continuous. He married Miss Angle Crepan, now 
deceased. His second marriage was with Miss Harriet G. Dodson, daughter 
of Richard and Ann Dodson, and they have one daughter, Shirley E., born 
November 15, 1909. 

.\LFRED J. E\0,* president, general manager and sole owner of a large 
and thriving l)rick manufacturing industry at E.xeter. N. H., conducted under 
the style of .\lfred J. Eno & Co., has been a resident of Exeter for the last 
twenty years, and is" a .son of Peter and Maline (La Tour) Eno. 

Peter Eno, the father of our subject, was born in St. Guillaume d' Upton, 
Canada, a son of Joseph Eno. and died at Exeter, N. H., December 12, 1907. 
He was educated in the common schools of Canada and when a boy learned 
the brick making business, which he followed all his subsequent life, or for a 
period of about forty-five years. For awhile he was engaged in the brick 
business at Kingston. N. H.. but in 1901 came to Exeter and established the 
business now carried on by his son .Mfred J. He married ^laline La Tour, 
a native of St. John's, Canada, and they liad children as follows: Henry, 
who is a barber" at Hampton, X. H. : Alfred J., the subject of this sketch; 
George, a printer residing in Exeter: L. J., treasurer for Alfred J. Eno & Co., 
who also carries on a jewelry business at Haverhill, Mass. : Eludia, who is the 
wife of Dr. C. \\'. Lacaillar'd, a dentist at Lawrence. Mass., and .Adrian, who 
is in the shoe business at Haverhill. 

Alfred L Eno was educated in the common schools of New Hampshire 
and Massachusetts, .\fter his school days were over he was variously em- 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1299 

ployed for a time, but hnally went into the brick business with his lather and 
for the last twenty years has been located at Exeter. The product manu- 
factured by Alfred J. Eno & Co. is known as water-struck brick, and the 
concern is a prosperous une, giving employment tu twenty-two men. The 
plant is located on a tract of about thirty-fcnir acres, about one mile north 
of Exeter. 

In June, 1899, Mr. Eno was married to .Miss Theatise Marcotte, of Ha- 
verhill, Mass., a daughter of Edward and Celiana Marcotte, her parents 
having three other children. Mr. and Mrs. Eno have two children— Ernest 
Alfred and Eldora Emma. Although not bound to any political party, Mr. 
Eno usually votes the republican ticket and he is now in jjublic service as an 
extra policeman. With his family he belongs to the Catholic church. His 
fraternal affiliations are widi the Red Men. the Royal .\rcanum and the 
Foresters. Mr. Eno is recognized as one of the diligent and enterprising 
business men of Exeter. 

GEORGE EDWARD RENDER. M. D.,* having an office at No. 4 
Market Street, Portsmouth. N. H., was born in this city. September 24. 1872. 
His parents were Col. John and Ellen S. (Rand ) Pender, the former of whom, 
of Scottish descent, is a son of Plugh and Marguerite Eenox Patton Pender. 
Col. John Pender was born June 7, 1843, his parents coming to Portsmouth 
in 1840. He served the city of Portsmouth as mayor in 190J aiul at differ- 
ent times filled other official positions, showing abilit}' and honesty in all of 
them. He also served the United States government and is now engaged in 
the insurance business in Portsmouth. At one time he was proprietor of the 
"Evening Post" of this city. As a republican he has always taken an active 
part in politics. He received his military title of colonel from having l)een 
a member of Governor Hale's staff. 

George E. Pender after attending the public schools of Portsmouth be- 
came a student at Dartmouth College, where he was graduated in 1893. I" 
1897 he graduated from New York I'niversity with the title of M D. He 
then took a post graduate course, after which he traveled extensively in 
Europe, visiting various famous hospitals. He spent two years in one of the 
New York hospitals, and then, in December. 1901, settled in Portsmouth, 
where he has since had a very successful career as physician and surgeon. He 
was city physician five years and was for four years connected with the board 
of health. He is a member of the Portsmouth Medical Society, also the 
county and state Medical societies, and the American and New York Medical 
Associations. Aside from his ability in his profession, which is of a high 
grade, he is a graduated civil engineer. A Free Mason, he belongs to St. 
Andrew's Lodge and the Mystic Shrine, and is also a member of the Country 
Club. In politics he is independent. The Doctor has a residence at No. 85 
Mechanic Street. .-\s a good citizen he takes a keen interest in evervthing 
that concerns the welfare of the city and of the county generally. 

WILLIAM D. INGLIS, D. V. S..* of Portsmouth. N. 11.. was born in 
Scotland, March 29, 1872, a son of ihomas and Marguerite ( Wagral) Inglis. 
The father, Thomas Inglis. also a native of Scotland, where he still resides, 
is a fanner by occupation. The subject of this sketch was educated in the 
public schools of his native land, and "later entered the Royal Dick Veterinary 
College of Edinburgh, where he was graduated in i8()5. He then practiced 
his profession for ten vears in SccUland and England, coming to the I'nited 



1300 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

States in 1905 and settling at once in Tortsmouth, where he has since remained. 
He is a member of the Royal Institute of PuIjIic Health, London, and holds 
several important offices, including the following: nieat inspector for I'(jrts- 
mouth; cattle inspector for State Board of Health. N. H. ; inspector Board of 
Cattle Commissioners of New Hampshire; inspector commissioner of agri- 
culture, Massachusetts and inspector live stock sanitary commissioner. Maine. 
In politics he is independent. He is a member of the iMasonic Order, the 
Royal iVrcanum, the order of Moose, the Grange. Red Men and Foresters. 
As a veterinary surgeon Dr. Inglis stands in the front rank of his profession, 
his ability being widely recognized, as is fully evidenced by the responsible 
positions he holds in three different states, as detailed above. During the nine 
years he has spent as a resident of Portsmouth, he has -made many warm 
friends. As a good citizen he takes an intelligent interest in local affairs and 
is ever ready to wield such influence as he possesses in behalf of good gov- 
ernment and for the moral and material betterment of the community. Dr. 
Inglis married Marguerite Stewart, a daughter of John Stewart of Scotland. 
This union has been blessed with three children — Marguerite, John S. and 
Williamaia. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the 
Doctor's office and residence Ijeing at No. 767 State Street. 

CHAUNCEY D. KENISTON,* a well known and popular citizen of 
New Market, where he is engaged in business as painter and decorator was 
born in this town, October 19, 1869, a son of Charles and Elizabeth (Thomp- 
son) Keniston. Both his parents are now deceased. Mr. Keniston was edu- 
catedin the pulilic schools of New Market, and subsequently learned the trade 
of painter and decorator, at which he became very e.xpert, and which he has 
since followed as his regular business, having been engaged in it. including 
the period of his ai)prenticeship, since he was fourteen years of age. He has 
an extensive patronage and many fine specimens of his work may be seen in 
and around New Market. Mr. Keniston is unmarried. He resides in the old 
parental homestead, in which he was born, and of which he is the owner. His 
society affiliations are with the Sons of Veterans, as his father served gal- 
lantly in the Civil War. 

DR. ALBERT J. FIERRICK, D. \'. S..* who has been located in Torts- 
mouth, N. H., since 1910, was born in Brooklin, Me., .\pril 24. 1850, a son 
of Mar.x D. and Mary (Richardson) Herrick The father was a well-known 
contractor of Brooklin, of which place he was a native. Albert J. Herrick 
was educated in the public schools and the college at Portland, Me. Subse- 
quently going to England, he entered the Royal Veterinary College,- where 
he was graduated in 1870. He then returned to .\merica and in 1872 opened 
a veterinary hospital in Boston. Mass.. conducting it until the great fire in 
Boston in November of that year. He then w'ent to ^Minnesota, but subse- 
quently removed to River Falls, Wis. From there he went to Ogdensburg, 
N. Y., where he practiced his profession for awhile His next move was to 
Woodstock. Vt., in which place he was again l)urnt out. He now went to the 
Pacific slope, locating in Los .A.ngeles, Cali., but later returned east and located 
again in Boston, where, however, he remained but a short time, proceeding 
thence to Clairmont, N. H., where he remained during one winter. His next 
move was to Somerville, Mass., where he opened a veterinary hospital which 
he conducted for two years. At the end of that time he made another removal, 
this time to Manchester, N. H., where he established the Palace Veterinary 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1301 

Hospital which he .subsetiueiuly sold out. He then located in Eppnio- \ H 
where he reniamed two years, going from there to Exeter, N. H , in which 
place he practiced his profession for seven years and a half. Locating then 
in Keene, N. H., he stayed there for two years and a half, coming from that 
town to Portsmouth in 1910, as above narrated. Since coming here he has 
established a high reputation as a master of veterinary surgery and is reco"-- 
nized also as a progressive and high minded citizen. ' " 

Dr. Herrick belongs to the Odd Eellows, of which order he has been a 
member for over thirty years. He married Miss Bessie E. Hoffman, daughter 
of Michael Hoffman, of the U. S. army. They have two daughters. ' Dr. Her- 
rick is a democrat in politics. He and his 'wife are lx.th members of the 
Grange. They have a pleasant summer home in Epping. 

FRANK N. COLBY,* tax collector for the town of Londonderry, and a 
well known and respected citizen, was born in this town fifty-seven years ago, 
just across the road from where he now lives. His father. Washington Colbyi 
was born in Amesbury, Mass., and was engaged in the shoe manufacturing 
business most of his life. He took an active part in jxilitics, serving as county 
commissioner and representative from Londonderry^ to the state legislature, 
and also served several terms on the board of selectmen of his town. Hi.s 
wife, the mother of our subject, was in maidenhood, Arvilla Nesmith. 

Frank N. Colby was educated in the schools of Londonderry, the high 
school at Nashua, N. H., and Pinkerton Academy, Derry, also attending a 
business college in Manchester. He subsequently obtained" employment in the 
shoe factory of Col. W. S. Pillsbury, where he worked for about twenty 
years, being most of the time in the packing department. The next five year's 
were spent on a farm, after which, in the fall of 1913, he entered the packing 
room of the Derry Shoe Company as insi>ector. w hich position he still retains. 
Like his father he has taken an active interest in politics and is now serving 
in his third term as tax collector. 

Mr. Colby was married in 1904 tu .Miss .Viinie G. iiompas, of liury. I'rtn- 
ince of Quebec. Canada. He and his wife are the parents of one child. Ar- 
villa N. Mr. Colby is one of the progressive citizens of Londonderry, taking 
an interest in everything calculated to promote the good of the tow n. 

HON. FRANK JONES, born in Barrington. Septemljer 15. iSjj. died at 
Portsmouth. October 2. 1902. The name of Frank Jones, for a third of a 
century, has been a familiar one in the state of New Hampshire, and has been 
synonymous with pluck, energy, and success. The fifth of seven children of 
Thomas Jones, a thrifty farmer of Barrington. himself the son of a \\'elsh 
immigrant — Capt. Peletiah Jone.s — he started out for himself early in life, 
leaving home on foot for Portsmouth at seventeen years of age. with his 
clothing in a bundle, and his hopes running high. He entered the service of 
his brother. Hiram, who was then engaged in tlie tin and stove business, and 
after three years, during most of which time he was on the road as a peddler, 
became a partner in the business, and a year later, when he was twcnly-onc 
years of age. his brother disposed of his interest to him on account of ill health, 
and he became sole proprietor, conducting the business w-ith success until 1861. 
when he sold out so as to he able to devote his entire energies to the manage- 
ment of a brewery in which he had purchased an interest three years before 
and which had finally come into his possession. Putting all his great energies 
into the work, the business developed with wonderful rapidity and became a 



vm HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

source of great profit, the plant being rebuilt and greatly enlarged from time 
to time. He also acquired, later, an extensive interest in the same line in 
South Boston, which was managed with similar profit, until, finally, some ten 
years ago or more, his entire brewing property was disposed of to an English 
syndicate, he retaining a large share in the stock and directing the management. 

Meanwhile he had acquired large interests in various business enterprises, 
particularly in railroads. He was a moving spirit in the construction of the 
Portsmouth & Dover road, of which he was president. He also became inter- 
ested in the old Eastern, and finally very largely in the Boston & Maine, with 
which that was consolidated, being for some time president of the latter, and 
a leader in the contest which resulted in the practical absorption of the Con- 
cord & Montreal by the latter. He was also the proprietor of the famous 
Rockii^.gham House at IVjrtsmouth. and of the Wentworth at Newcastle, which 
he built, and had large interests in many business enterprises in difl^erent parts 
of the state and country. 

Mr. Jones was the prime mover in the adoption of the "valued policy" 
law, as api)lied to insurance matters in this state, and was also largely instru- 
mental in the organization of home insurance companies, when the foreign 
companies in resentment left the state. He was president of the Granite State 
Company of Portsmouth, from its organization, and largely interested in 
other companies. 

Mr. Jones was active in politics, as a democrat, all through his active life. 
He served two years as mayor of Portsmouth, represented the First district in 
the forty-fourth and forty-fifth congresses: was subsequently his party's can- 
didate for governor, served as a member of the democratic national committee, 
and as a delegate from New Hampshire in several national conventions of 
that party — the last in 1896, when, dissatisfied with the action of the majority, 
he bolted the convention and soon allied himself with the republicans, who 
made him one of their own delegates in 1900. 

Mr. Jones had a large farm at "Gravelly Ridge," two or three miles out 
from Portsmouth — one of the largest and best in New England, where he 
generally made his home, and for pastime carried on extensive operations. 
His racing stable and his greenhouses were specially noted. 

Mr. Jones was united in marriage September 15, 1861, with the widow of 
his brother, Hiram Jones, who bad died in July of the year previous, leaving a 
daughter, Emma L. Jones, whom he cared for as his own. and who subse- 
quently became the wife of the late Col. Charles A. Sinclair. Mrs. Jones, who 
was originally Martha S. Leavitt. daughter of William B. Leavitt of Spring- 
field, Mass., is now deceased. 

ABBOTT WILLIAMS of Exeter, N. H., who owns five acres of land on 
which he does a little farming but is otherwise practically retired, was lx)rn 
in Boston. Mass., April 29, 185 1, a son of George F. and Mary P. (Tilton) 
Williams. The father was a native of Boston, where he was engaged in 
business as a wholesale flour and shipping merchant; his wife came from 
Newburyport, Mass. Her father was Stephen Tilton, Esq. Both are now 
deceased and are buried in Boston. Their children were: Clara. George 
F. Jr.. Arthur H. and .\bbott. .After the death of his first wife Mary, the 
father married her cousin, Martha A. Tilton, by whom he had two children-— 
Elijah and Armstrong Tilton. The paternal grandfather was Elijah WW- 
liams, who was buried in the family tomb on Boston Common. The grand- 
mother was Rebecca Amistrong. daughter of John .Armstrong of Dorchester. 



AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 1303 

™;n "^-'m ''''T °' ^"'""'' '^'- ^^'■■"^^'■«"§-' ="ayor of Boston and actnig 
governor ot Massachusetts. *= 

Abbott Williams was educated iii the public schools of Boston and the 
Boston Latin School. He then went to work for his father in the latter's 
office, being thus occupied for some years. Later he became connected with 
the leather business in Boston and so continued until 1870 when he came 
to Exeter where he has since remained. He was married in 187^ to Miss 
Alice J. Haley a native of Exeter and daughter of Charles and Sarah (Wig- 
gin) Haley Her lather, who was a native of Exeter, N. H., was son of 
Benjamin Haley, a larmer. Charles married first Sarah J. Lowe, by whom 
he had two children— Charles Jr. and Sarah J., who married Moses S Bar- 
nard. By his second wife, Sarah, who was from Stratham, N. H (directly 
descended trom Gen. Thomas Wiggin), he had six children, namely: Olive 
A., who married Daniel G. Johnson; Alice J., wife of Abbott Williams- Har- 
riet O., wife of William N. Langley; George W. ; Mary Ella, who married 
George S. Hathaway, and Edna M., wife of Ernest Leavett. Charles Haley 
Sr., about 75 years ago, established a meat and pro\-ision business in Exeter 
which IS now carried on by his son, Charles Jr., proprietor of the Central 
Market, Exeter. This market is a very successful concern and enjovs a large 
patronage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Abbott Williams have a son, Abbott Haley Williams, who 
is engaged in the nursery business in Exeter. He married Mary Youno- 
and Mrs. Williams attends the Advent church. ' ° 

GEORGE A. JANVRIN, a farmer and dairyman, owning 65 acres of 
land in Exeter, N. H.. was born in this town Oct. 22. 1847, son of George 
W. ami Hannah E. (Greenleaf) Janvrin. The father, a native of Exeter, 
was engaged in the meat business here. He was twice married : first to Han- 
nah E. Greenleaf of Effingham, and secondly to her sister, Eunice J. Of his 
first union two children were born — George A., subject of this sketch, and 
Frank, who is now dead. The children of the second marriage were: Ida E. ; 
Dora J., wife of Alonzo \\aldrick; Fred E. ; Harry E. ; Hattie M. (wife of 
Stewart IMelleck), and Joseph A. 

George A. Janvrin was educated in the common schools of Exeter. He 
learned the butcher's trade under his father and followed it until about 1904. 
for six or seven years having a shop in Exeter, and also spent some fifteen 
years in Wisconsin, engaged in the butcher business. Since 1904 he has 
been farming. Mr. Janvrin was married, January ir. 1870, to Miss Emma 
E. Sinclair, a native of Exeter and daughter of John J. and Minerva Sinclair. 
Her father, who was from Stratham, N. H., was a carpenter. Iler mother 
was from East Dixficld, Me. Their children were : John A. : Emma E. : and 
Ida M. The last mentioned, who is now deceased, was the wife of Dana 
B. Cram. 

Mr. and Mrs. Janvrin's children are: Mary W.. wife of C. Edward Haley, 
whose children are Charles Janvrin. Harold Edward, i\fary Ellen and Richard 
Sinclair; and Grace E.. who married Forest F. Brown and died in 1904. 
being buried at Hampton Falls. She had a son. Georgd J. Mr. Janvrin is 
independent in politics. He belongs to the IModern Woodmen and he and 
his wife attend the Baptist church. 

FRANK M. CILLEY. engaged in the insurance business in Exeter. N. TI.. 
who has also for twentv vcars been a justice of the peace and notary public. 



1304 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

.was born in Exeter in 1866, son of Bradbury L. and Amanda AI. (Morris) 
Cilley. The father, who died in 1899, was professor of Greek in Philhps 
Exeter Academy for forty-one years, and was a man prominently identifred 
with educational movements in which he took a great interest. He was a 
graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and of Harvard College, and came to 
Exeter soon after finishing his education, remaining here for the rest of his 
life. He was an influential and prominent citizen. His wife still resides in 
Exeter, and is a member of Phillips church, to which he also belonged. 

Frank M. Cilley was graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1886. 
He spent five years in Chicago engaged in the railroad business, and then, 
returning to Exeter, started his present business in 1893. He has been suc- 
cessful and is a well known and prominent citizen of Exeter. In politics he 
is a republican. He is a member of the library committee. His social affilia- 
tions include membership in the I. O. O. F. Sagamore Lodge of Exeter; the 
K. of P., Swamscot Lodge, Exeter; the Country Club, Swamscot Club, Derry- 
field Club of Manchester, and the B. P. O. E. at Portsmouth. He is now 
grand warden of the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows of the state of New 
Hampshire. 

j\lr. Cilley was married in 1903 to ]\Iiss Alice Grafton Healy of Stratham, 
daughter of Charles X. and Sarah (Toppan) Healy. He and his wife attend 
the Phillips church. 

RICHARD SHEPARD, born in New Hampshire December 6. 1826, 
was son of Samuel Smith and Lavina (Marsten) Shepard. His parents were 
both New Hampshire people, the father being a farmer and carpenter, who 
died at sea, having engaged on board a vessel as ship carpenter. Their chil- 
dren were Richard, George F. and Caroline, the last mentioned of whom 
married Jacob Adams. 

Richard Shepard was educated in the common schools and was reared 
a farmer. He worked for some time as clerk in a mercantile business, and 
was also a grocery merchant at Lynn, Mass. He was a man of quiet domestic 
tastes and took no active interest in politics, beyond that taken by every loyal 
citizen in the maintenance of good government. Religiously he was affiliated 
with the Episcopal church. On November 15, 1849, he married Ruth C. 
Smith, who was born in New Hampton, N. H.. daughter of Ebenezer and 
Abiah f Stevens) Smith. Her father, born January 7. 1782, died December 
30, 1846. Her mother was born October 4, 1792 and died December 13, 1872. 
They were both New Hampshire people. The father spent his life in farm- 
ing, except in his vounger days, when for some time he followed the occupa- 
tion of school teacher. He was of a studious disposition and much given to 
reading. He resided on one farm all his life and was a very well known and 
respected citizen. He and his wife were affiliated with the Free Will Baptist 
church. Their children were: Betsey, wife of Daniel Veasey; Relief R., who 
married Noah Woodman ; George ; Mary, who married Ira Taylor ; Ruth C. 
and Simeon D. 

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Shepard were the parents of one child only. Ella 
F.. who resides at home with her mother. She was educated in the common 
schools and at Robinson Seminary. She belongs to the Daughters of the 
American Revolution, being eligible through the record of her great grand- 
father. Peter Stevens, who served in the war for independence. Mrs. Shep- 
ard and her daughter attend the Episcopal church. They are among the well 
known and respected residents of Exeter. 



AND REPRESEx\TTATIVE CITIZENS 1305 

JOSEPH G. MORRISON, superintendent in the Charles S. liates shoe 
factory at Exeter, N. H., for the last two years, which concern is engaged 
in the manufacture of misses' and children's shoes, was born in Braintree, 
Alass., son of Robert Elmer and Sarah Reynolds (Gregg) Morrison, his 
parents bemg natives of Massachusetts. The fatlier was a cotton yarn manu- 
facturer at Braintree. He and his wife (both now deceased) attended the 
Congregational church. Their children were Mabel, who married James D. 
Ellsworth; Elizabeth, wife of Henry M. Faxon; Alva, and Joseph G. 

Joseph G. Morrison's education was begun in the common schools of 
Bramtree, Mass. He then attended the Thayer Academy in that city and 
afterwards entered Harvard University, where he was 'graduated in the 
Class of 1909. In July of that year he" came to Exeter and became an em- 
ploye of the shoe factory, beginning as a cutter. He has worked at every 
operation in the manufacture of shoes, including also clerical work and is a 
thorough master of the trade. He was married, June 4, 1912, to Mary Bates, 
daughter of Charles S. and Sarah (Merrill) Bates, who had two children- 
Mary and Helen, the latter being the wife of F. Everett Winslow. Mr. 
Morrison is a republican in politics. He and his wife attend the Congre- 
gational church. 

JCDGE CHARLES W. RHILLIPS, a well known and respected resi- 
dent of East Candia, N. H.. was born in Ellsworth. N. H.. September 16. 
1879. a son of Charles \\'. and Lucy (Ellsworth) Phillips. His early ances- 
tors in this country came from England, those on the paternal side' settling 
in New York and the maternal ancestors in Exeter, N. H. Bartlett Ells- 
worth, maternal grandfather of our subject, served with credit in the Civil 
War as a member of the Eleventh N. H. Regiment. He died at Fredericks- 
burg. Charles W. Phillips, father of Judge Phillips, was born in IManches- 
ter, N. H.. August 28. 1846, and is now a resident of Wentworth, N. H. His 
wife Lucy died when her son. Charles \\'. Jr., was but four years old. 

Charles ^^^ Phillips, the subject of this review, was the only child of his 
parents. He attended the public schools of Wentworth until he was fifteen 
years of age, and then entered New Hampshire College, which, however, he 
attended but one year. Beginning industrial life at the age of fourteen years, 
he has made a creditable record without the aid of money or influential 
friends. When twenty-one years old he entered the employ of Sanborn 
Bros, at Deerfield and for eight years was manager of their creamery. In 
October, 1909, he came to East Candia and purchased the general store of 
Dearborn & Gage, and in 1910 was appointed postmaster. He was apjiointed 
on July 19. 1913, by Gov. Samuel D. Felker. special justice of the Police 
Court for the District of Candia, in which office he .has shown marked effi- 
ciency. He also holds the office of moderator and is a member of the school 
board of Candia. A Free Mason, he is past master of Rockingham Lodge. 
No. 72, of Candia. a member of St. Alban Royal Arch Chapter, No. 15. of 
Exeter, and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the 
Grange. In politics he is a democrat. 

Jiidge Phillips was married October 16. 1007. to Helen Proctor Holt, 
daughter of John .\. Holt, of East Candia. and to them a daughter, Marion 
Lucv, was born March 12. 191 1. Judge Phillips and wife are affiliated with 
the Methodist church. They are representative New England people and have 
many friends in this part of the county. 

THO]\L\S B. SH.\^^^ a prosperous farmer and gardener, is a well known 
resident of North Hampton. N. H. He was born in Hampton. December 4, 



1306 HISTORY OF ROCKINGHAM COUNTY 

1850. and is a son of Edward and Sarah J. (Towie) Shaw, both natives of 
Rockingham County. The family has long been established in this county 
and has an enviable record. Edward Shaw and wife were parents of chil- 
dren as follows: Roger; Horace; Elmira, now deceased, who was wife of 
John P. Thompson; Thomas B., whose name heads this review; Zipporah, 
wife of Albert Jenness; Amos P.; Mary A., wife of John Robinson, and 
Lydia, wife of Charles Young. 

Thomas B. Shaw received but a common school education and then went 
to w'ork on his father's farm. He continued several years thus employed, 
after which he started out for himself at his present location. He has an 
excellent farm and truck garden, covering fifteen acres, and has been suc- 
cessful. In 19 10 he was called upon to represent his district in the state 
assembly and accpiitted himself with' credit. 

Mr. Shaw was united in marriage with Mary Arabella Rollins, a daugh- 
ter of Jonathan and Frances (Marston) Rollins. Her father was a native 
of North Hampton, where he was for many years engaged in the grocery 
business. Religiousl_\- Air. and Mrs. Shaw attend the Congregational church. 

JOHN TEMPLETON is well known in Exeter and the vicinity as 
proprietor of the Exeter "News Letter." The lirst newspaper was printed in 
Exeter, N. H., in 1776, by Robert Fowle and was called the New Hampshire 
Gazette or Exeter Morning Chronicle, but the first permanent publication 
was on May 31st. 183 1, when John S. Sleeper published the first copy of 
the Exeter News Letter. About two years later, John C. Gerrish, with John 
Kellv, a lawyer, as partner, assumed control. Mr. Kelly possessed much 
literarv ability and acted as editor. The paper afterwards passed into the 
hands of 2\Iessrs. Smith, Hall & Clarke and Rev. L. W. Leonard. Later a 
Mr. Charles Marseilles, a New York journalist, a man of letters, took control. 
L'nder his direction the paper was enlarged in size and improved in regard to 
type. After him came \\"illiam B. Morrill, who controlled the paper until 
his death in 1888, when John Templeton, the present owner, took control. In 
1896 the News Letter built a new building on the comer of Water and Center 
streets and took possession of it. and here the plant is still located. The paper 
retains the high standard of journalism that it set in its infancy and has made 
many improvements in the mechanical department. It is widely known 
throughout the New England States and is recognized as one of the best 
papers for the home. 



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